Agriculture Minister chairs seminar to promote Surin black jasmine rice

SURIN, 27 November 2015 (NNT) – Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya has presided over a seminar to disseminate knowledge concerning the cultivation of Surin black jasmine rice.

The seminar was organized by the Rice Department at the Surin Rice Research Center in Mueang district of Surin. While chairing the event, Gen Chatchai stated that the Rice Department is ready to certify Surin black jasmine rice in 2016. Therefore, the seminar was held with a view to transferring related production technologies to farmers and increasing their knowledge about this new rice strain so as to minimize production costs and raise their competitiveness.

The Agriculture Minister also advised farmers to form networks as a way to improve management and bring in more income.

Surin black jasmine rice has undergone study by the Surin Rice Research Center since 2005. When cooked, it has a soft texture and a nice fragrance. It is abundant in antioxidants and essential nutrients.


-- NNT 2015-11-27

Police Allege Radical Redshirt Cell Behind Foiled Terror, Assassination Plot
By Teeranai Charuvastra
Staff Reporter


Nattapol Nawanle is led through police headquarters in Bangkok today. He is accused of being part of a radical Redshirt cell plotting to disrupt the country and possibly assassinate junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha.

BANGKOK — Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha said he’s received reports of a possible attempt on his life, as police said Redshirt activists behind a disrupted terror plot are linked to an alleged radical Redshirt cell in Khon Kaen province accused last year of inciting insurrection.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874008-thai-police-allege-radical-redshirt-cell-behind-foiled-terror-assassination-plot/

Say Goodbye to Bangkok’s Famous Tha Prachan Amulet Market
By Sasiwan Mokkhasen
Staff Reporter


The Tha Prachan amulet market in a 2009 photo. Photo: Vasenka Photography / Flickr

BANGKOK — A world famous amulet market featured in just about every Bangkok travel guide will cease to exist this weekend.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874009-say-goodbye-to-bangkoks-famous-tha-prachan-amulet-market/

Fireworks Shop Raided After Two Students Die
By Teeranai Charuvastra
Staff Reporter


Ping-pong bombs were among illegal fireworks confiscated today from a Nonthaburi fireworks shop after two students were killed Wednesday night while transporting them home by motorcycle.

BANGKOK — Military and police officers raided a firework shop in the Bangkok today after two college students were killed last night by homemade explosives reportedly bought there.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874010-fireworks-shop-raided-after-two-students-die/

Walk This Way: Animals Invade Krabi Crosswalks
By Chayanit Itthipongmaetee
Staff Reporter



KRABI — Cuteness warning: Be careful crossing these junctions or speeding slaughter cars hit you.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874012-walk-this-way-animals-invade-krabi-crosswalks/

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT
Locksmiths chomping at the bit to unlock mysterious old vault
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THE CONTENTS of a 100-year-old bank vault in the compound of the Thung Song Railway Junction in Nakhon Si Thammarat will have to remain a mystery for a while longer, said Songchai Wongwatcharadamrong, mayor of Thung Song Municipality.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874013-locksmiths-chomping-at-the-bit-to-unlock-mysterious-old-vault-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

UPDATE:

PLOT TO ATTACK
Hunt for 7 more
THE NATION



PM denies security threat cooked up to divert public attention from army men's role in the Rajabhakti Park scandal

BANGKOK: -- AFTER THE arrest of two people suspected of involvement in an alleged plot to create unrest and attack government figures, police are hunting for seven more suspects, the national police chief said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874008-thai-police-allege-radical-redshirt-cell-behind-foiled-terror-assassination-plot/?p=10124786#entry10124786

LESE MAJESTE
US ambassador expresses concern over law

BANGKOK: -- THE UNITED STATES' envoy to Thailand on Wednesday expressed concern about the "unprecedented" prison terms handed down under the Kingdom's royal-defamation law, saying no one should be jailed for peacefully expressing his or her opinion.

Recently appointed US Ambassador Glyn Davies made the comments at a talk at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand in Bangkok as lese-majeste prosecutions skyrocket under the ruling military junta.

"We're also concerned by the lengthy and unprecedented prison sentences handed down by Thai military courts against civilians for violating the lese-majeste law," Davies told a packed audience after expressing worries about the way criminal-defamation laws are being more widely used to stifle public debate. Davies, who has only been in his role for about nine weeks, stressed the admiration the US held for the Thai monarch before asserting his point on the right to express opinions freely.

"We believe no one should be jailed for peacefully expressing their views," he said.

Since last year's coup, the military has stepped up its patrol of alleged lese-majeste offences, especially on social media, which analysts say is being used to dole out harsher prison sentences. Under the legislation, anyone can launch a complaint and the police are duty-bound to investigate, with critics of the law saying it is often used to pursue political opponents of the country's military and royalist elite.

Thailand is a long-time ally of the US but the relationship between the two nations has been strained since last year's coup, which Washington strongly condemned. Maintaining these ties has posed a delicate balancing act for the US, which is reluctant to isolate its old friend in the region.

Davies reiterated the US call for a return to democracy in Thailand, but stressed that he did not want to "come across as wagging a finger".

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/US-ambassador-expresses-concern-over-law-30273809.html

-- The Nation 2015-11-27

LESE MAJESTE
AMLO freezes assets of suspects
PIYANUCH THAMNUKASETCHAI,
JESSADA JANTARAK
THE NATION

Investigators believe accused violated anti-graft laws

BANGKOK: -- THE Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has frozen more than Bt44 million worth of assets belonging to several suspects linked to the ongoing high-profile lese-majeste case.

The case involves fortune-teller Suriyan "Mor Yong" Sujaritpolwong and Major Prakrom Warunprapa, both of whom died in custody, as well as Jirawong Wattanathewasilp, Suriyan's secretary, Kachachart Boondee, who was stripped of his colonel rank this week, and various other people in their close circle.

"We have grounds to believe these suspects violated anti-graft laws and anti-money-laundering laws," Pol Colonel Seehanat Prayoonrat, AMLO's secretary-general, said yesterday.

He said the transaction committee, therefore, resolved on Tuesday to freeze 11 items of assets related to the suspects.

"The freeze will remain effective until February 21," Seehanat said.

Among the frozen assets are Kachachart's several bank accounts, which have more than Bt10 million in cash, and bills of exchange worth about Bt20 million.

Also frozen are Suriyan's bank account, his condominium, his relative's bank account, Jirawong's bank account and his condominium.

Jirawong, Suriyan, Prakrom and Kachachart were charged with several crimes in relation to falsely citing the Royal Family for personal gain in the course of collecting donations and sponsorship.

Before his arrest, Suriyan had served as an adviser to a subcommittee responsible for holding public relations activities for the "Bike for Mom" cycling event on August 16, as well as the "Bike for Dad" event scheduled for December 11.

At present, Jirawong is the only suspect currently in detention.

Prakrom, who previously worked at the Technology Crime Suppression Division, reportedly committed suicide while in custody. Suriyan died |of a blood disorder, according to |the Corrections Department.

Kachachart stopped turning up for work at the Third Army Area once Suriyan's gang was exposed last month.

Many sources suggested Kachachart had fled overseas.

A source said AMLO had not found any assets in Prakrom's name but it was trying to determine whether he put his properties in the names of other people.

"Once the links are established, more asset-freezing orders will be issued," Seehanat said.

In a related development, Pol Maj-General Chayapol Chatchaidej - an investigator handling the lese-majeste case - yesterday confirmed that the Bangkok Military Court and the Bangkok South Criminal Court had approved arrest warrants for six more suspects on Wednesday.

"One is a major-general. Many were former police officers attached to the Central Investigation Bureau," he said.

Asked whether more suspects would be identified, Chayapol said the authorities would proceed based on the evidence.
Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/AMLO-freezes-assets-of-suspects-30273806.html

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/AMLO-freezes-assets-of-suspects-30273806.html


-- The Nation 2015-11-27

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF THAILAND
Somyot to stand for chief post
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Former national police chief Somyot Poompunmuang is set to make a shock move to stand in the Football Association of Thailand's re-arranged presidential election, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874014-football-association-of-thailand-former-police-chief-somyot-to-stand-for-chief-post/

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
Bt180-bn deals for mega-projects to be signed soon
Erich Parpart
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong said yesterday that contracts worth about Bt180 billion for six infrastructure mega-projects would be signed before the end of this year, with about Bt130 billion to Bt140 billion of that entering the economic system next year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874015-bt180-bn-deals-for-mega-projects-to-be-signed-soon/

GDP
Consumer confidence, hike in investments to spur Thai economy in Q4
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Thai economy is expected to see consistent expansion this quarter in light of increasing consumer confidence after the sharp rise in the government's domestic public investment, Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) director-general Krisda Chinavicharana said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874016-consumer-confidence-hike-in-investments-to-spur-thai-economy-in-q4/

BILATERAL TRADE
Thailand, Iran target bilateral trade of $1.2 bn within 3 years
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Iran are aiming at boosting two-way trade to US$1.2 billion in three years, up from $300 million in 2014, after the Thai government sent its first mission there to form closer economic ties now that trade sanctions on that country have been lifted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874017-thailand-iran-target-bilateral-trade-of-12-bn-within-3-years/

USTR
Govt aims to shore up trade with US
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Suvit

BANGKOK: -- The government is attempting to protect Thailand's trade benefits with the United States after the US Trade Representative announced it would investigate labour practices in the Kingdom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874019-thai-govt-aims-to-shore-up-trade-with-us/

NLA debates drafts to regulate beggars
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The National Legislative Assembly yesterday debated on its own version of a draft law to regulate beggars.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874020-thailands-nla-debates-drafts-to-regulate-beggars/

Universal healthcare system considered a 'model worth following'
VISARUT SANKHAM
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND'S universal health coverage scheme looks set to become a model for other developing nations to follow, it has been revealed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874023-thailands-healthcare-system-considered-a-model-worth-following/

Education staff sinking in debt seek a lifeline
VISARUT SANKHAM,
KETKARN BOONPEN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- DESPITE HIS Bt46,000 salary, each month 50-year-old schoolteacher Chai (not his real name) has only Bt3,000 left to cover personal expenses after all his debts are paid.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874024-thai-education-staff-sinking-in-debt-seek-a-lifeline/

BURNING ISSUE
NCPO's idea of 'active citizenship' worth considering
PIYAPORN WONGRUANG

BANGKOK: -- THE National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has made a controversial move at a time when the new Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) is grappling with the drafting of the new charter.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874025-ncpos-idea-of-active-citizenship-worth-considering/

NEW CONSTITUTION
CDC's 'crisis mechanisms' questioned
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN,
PRAPAN LERTUDOMDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- SOME KEY political figures have voiced concerns about the "deadlock-breaking mechanisms" that are being considered for the new constitution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874026-new-thai-constitution-cdcs-crisis-mechanisms-questioned/

EDITORIAL
More shameful conduct in the deep South
The Nation

It's hard to imagine what justification the military could offer for sampling the DNA of an infant in Pattani

BANGKOK: -- Rights groups and civic organisations are understandably up in arms following the publication in the media of photos showing an Army officer taking a DNA sample from a five-month-old baby in Pattani. The child's father stands accused of being among the separatist militants behind a March 2012 bombing in Hat Yai.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874027-thai-editorial-more-shameful-conduct-in-the-deep-south/

Jealous Boyfriend slashes throat of Girlfriend outside of Pattaya Massage Parlor



PATTAYA: -- A 42-year-old Thai man was arrested by Police on Wednesday in connection with a serious assault which took place at the front of a Massage Parlor, whereby the female victim was attacked with a knife leading to her throat being cut.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874028-jealous-boyfriend-slashes-throat-of-girlfriend-outside-of-pattaya-massage-parlor/

Pattaya GoGo Bar Indian Incident 'cleared'



PATTAYA: -- Following a meeting held at Pattaya Police Station on Wednesday Night with all parties concerned in the recent alleged assault of an Indian Tourist outside of a GoGo Bar on Walking Street, it was decided that no further legal action would be taken.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874030-pattaya-gogo-bar-indian-incident-cleared/

Awesome Australian expat cleans up Pattaya beach after everyone
By Coconuts Bangkok



PATTAYA: -- Mark, an Australian expat who lives on Amat Beach in Pattaya, has become a favourite of local residents for his kind actions in cleaning garbage from the beach.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874031-awesome-australian-expat-cleans-up-pattaya-beach-after-everyone/

Megafan duped out of THB8 million for star's "medical bills"
By Coconuts


ABOVE: Aum says she had no idea about a scammer using her name to con a victim out of money.

BANGKOK: -- A megafan and possibly not the sharpest tool in the shed says she was conned out of THB8 million by a friend of her favourite actress.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874032-megafan-duped-out-of-8-million-baht-for-stars-medical-bills/

Loy Krathong thief in viral video tracked down by police and apologizes
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- The bold dude who was filmed raiding people’s krathong to steal cash right in front of them at Phayo Lake was tracked down by local police for questioning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874034-loy-krathong-thief-in-viral-video-tracked-down-by-police-and-apologizes/

China Says It Has Detained 2 Dissidents Sent Back by Thailand
By CHRIS BUCKLEY
The New York Times

BEIJING — The Chinese government confirmed that it has repatriated and detained two dissidents who were living in Thailand and had won United Nations recognition as refugees, a state-run newspaper reported on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874035-china-says-it-has-detained-2-dissidents-sent-back-by-thailand/

Foreign sunbathers get boot from Phuket park
Phuket Gazette


Those wanting to soak up the sun are advised to do so at the beach. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- Phuket City Police forced three bikini-clad sunbathers soaking up the sun at Saphin Hin to re-dress themselves yesterday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874036-foreign-sunbathers-get-boot-from-phuket-park/

Mandatory travel insurance tabled in Phuket
Phuket Gazette


New Zealander Sean Kenzie is just one of thousands of tourists who struggled with hospital bills following an unfortunate incident in Phuket. Photo: Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Governor vowed to raise tourist travel insurance issues to those capable of making changes to national legislation following the honorary consul meeting yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874037-mandatory-travel-insurance-tabled-in-phuket/

Abhisit denies Bangkok governor was sacked but admits working problem



BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva denied that the party had sacked Bangkok governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra but admitted there was coordination problem between the party and the governor.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874038-abhisit-denies-bangkok-governor-was-sacked-but-admits-working-problem/

NLA member decries suspected corruption in farmers' credit card project



BANGKOK: -- A member of the National Legislative Assembly today (Thursday) questioned the government in the parliament about the farmers’ credit card project which he alleged of being rife with corruption.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874039-nla-member-decries-suspected-corruption-in-farmers-credit-card-project/