Thailand Live Tuesday 1 Dec 2015

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Pattaya Police search for Australian Abduction victim and suspect

PATTAYA: -- In the early hours of Monday, a 38-year-old Australian was abducted from the front of his luxury villa in Jomtien. Police are searching for a fellow Australian who is suspected of being part of a 5-man gang who were involved in the victim’s abduction.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874800-mystery-surrounds-kidnapping-of-foreign-man-in-pattaya/page-2#entry10137989

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THAI-US RELATIONS
Royalists rally in several provinces, upset at US envoy's criticism
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- HUNDREDS OF Thais rallied yesterday in provinces in the South, Northeast and North to protest against "critical" remarks made by the US ambassador to Thailand last week about Article 112 of the Thai Penal Code or lese majeste law.

Protesters held placards in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Trang, Surat Thani, Krabi and Chaiyaphum provinces, while calling on the Foreign Ministry to take action against such remarks.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador Glyn Davies, speaking at a pre-scheduled press conference on the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) free-trade agreement, said he preferred not to comment on political issues.

But, he said he wished to see all Thais enjoy the freedom to express their opinions in a democratic and peaceful manner.

He added that he had great respect for Their Majesties, and would participate in the "Bike for Dad" event on December 11. He said that although he has ordered a new bicycle, he may not be able to complete the entire 29-kilometre route.

The envoy said he had a photo of His Majesty the King and late Elvis Presley on the wall at his residence.

During a speech at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Bangkok last week, Davies expressed concern about the "unprecedented" prison terms handed down under the lese majeste law, saying nobody should be jailed for peacefully expressing their opinions.

"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 the sold-out event last Wednesday.

Maitri Boonyoung, president of Krabi province's Love-the-King Club and a protest leader, submitted a letter to the provincial governor, to complain that Davies had criticised Thai law during his speech at the FCCT, by suggesting that the lese majeste law was an obstacle to freedom of expression and the penalties under this law far too harsh.

In Phuket, protest leader Mongkol Rattana said the lese majeste law aimed to protect the monarchy, and noted that the US has a similar law to protect the president.

In a letter submitted to the provincial governor, Mongkol and some 150 protesters also called on the Foreign Ministry to take retaliatory action in response to the remarks.

The letter said that criticising Thai law publicly was not diplomatic to the host country. In Chaiyaphum, a statement issued by protest leader Sataporn Siripomma said the US ambassador should take responsibility for what he said, that he should get a better understanding of Thai culture, and stop interfering in Thai internal affairs.

Suraphol Vichaidit, president of Trang province's Love-the-King Club and another protest leader, said Davies should respect Thai laws - his remarks had dissatisfied Thai people. He said the Foreign Ministry would be given a week or two to take retaliatory measures and if there was no action the protesters would consider their next move.

Meanwhile, Deputy PM and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan suggested that the US envoy should have "second thoughts" before making such critical remarks about the lese majeste law, while insisting that the military government is following a road map for the country to return to a democratic path.

Prawit said the National Council for Peace and Order, which took over in the May 2014 coup, was doing its best to prepare for a new general election.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Royalists-rally-in-several-provinces-upset-at-US-e-30274059.html


-- The Nation 2015-12-01

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TRASPORTATION NETWORK
Thai-Chinese railway project on schedule
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The 873-km Thai-Chinese railway project for the country's northeastern line got underway yesterday as scheduled, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874963-thai-chinese-railway-project-on-schedule/

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NEW CHARTER
CDC applies stiff new rules on would-be MPs
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) yesterday resolved to put heavy restrictions on the qualifications of MP candidates in a move to curb graft.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874964-cdc-applies-stiff-new-rules-on-would-be-mps/

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ADMINISTRATIVE COURT
'Agencies broke no laws over Mekong dam'
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A SUPREME Administrative Court judge rapporteur has suggested it will rule in favour of five state agencies accused of violating laws in their handling of the Xayaburi Dam project in Laos.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874965-agencies-broke-no-laws-over-mekong-dam/

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Thailand will benefit from any trade pact it joins: US ambassador
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION


US Ambassador Glyn Davies

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND will benefit from whichever trade bloc it chooses to belong to, whether or not it joins the US-backed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the United States' ambassador says.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874966-thailand-will-benefit-from-any-trade-pact-it-joins-us-ambassador/

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Thai shippers wary of terrorism in Europe
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE Thai National Shippers' Council is keeping an eye on the terrorism situation in Europe, which could be part of the factors making exports miss their target next year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874967-thai-shippers-wary-of-terrorism-in-europe/

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Govt urged to also help big companies go abroad
SUCHEERA PINIJPARAKAR
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT should change its mindset about offering help only to small and medium-size firms expanding overseas and extend it to larger companies, said Thiraphong Chansiri, president and chief executive of Thai Union Group.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874968-thai-govt-urged-to-also-help-big-companies-go-abroad/

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KTB, KBank offline for more than 5 hours
ERICH PARPART, THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- BANK customers were in a foul mood yesterday after finding Krungthai Bank and Kasikornbank offline for more than five hours.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874969-ktb-kbank-offline-for-more-than-5-hours/

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NBTC sued over channel numbering
WATCHIRANONT THONGTEP
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PROVIDERS of cable and satellite TV services yesterday sued the broadcasting regulator, opposing two regulations on the rearrangement of digital channel numbers and the "must carry" rule.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874970-nbtc-sued-over-channel-numbering/

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UPDATE:

French drug runner arrested
Jessada Chantarak
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A FRENCHMAN, wanted in France for allegedly conspiring with others to move illicit drugs around Europe, has been arrested in Bangkok, Pol Maj-General Apichat Suriboonya, chief of the Police Foreign Affairs Division, told the press yesterday. Also present was the French Embassy's police attache Catherine Occhini.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874861-fast-and-furious-french-trafficker-arrested-in-bangkok/#entry10138668

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HIV pilot scheme in North
Stanley Bennett
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- AHEAD of the World Aids Day today, French virologist Francoise Barre Sinoussi, who won the 2008 Nobel prize for her part in the 1983 discovery of HIV, France's Institute of Research for Development (IRD) and Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences yesterday jointly launched a pilot anti-HIV project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874971-hiv-pilot-scheme-in-north/

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Asia's first transgender centre opens in Bangkok
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE Thai Red Cross Aids Research Centre has joined forces with US development partners to open the first transgender-specific operation in Asia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874972-asias-first-transgender-centre-opens-in-bangkok/

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Govt figures back police claim about jailed 'plotter'
The Nation

Thanakrit, held for role in 'Khon Kaen model', did not stay idle in custody: Prawit

BANGKOK: -- GOVERNMENT leaders came out yesterday to back a claim by police that an inmate at Khon Kaen prison was part of a plot to stir up unrest and assassinate political figures in Bangkok later this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874973-thai-govt-figures-back-police-claim-about-jailed-plotter/

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UPDATE:

POLITICS
Red-shirt leaders detained
THE NATION


Pheu Thai Party politicians and red-shirt leaders Jatuporn Prompan are held in Samut Sakhon yesterday while on their way to the Rajabhakti Park.

Jatuporn and Nuttawut 'invited for talks' while on their way to Rajabhakti Park

BANGKOK: -- The pair were apprehended at the Mahachai Mueang Mai Market in Samut Sakhon yesterday morning as the prominent reds were on their way to the site.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874791-jatuporn-and-nattawut-arrested/page-5?p=10138681#entry10138681

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Government holding back on submitting charter proposals
Natthapat Promkaew
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government will not submit its recommendations on the charter draft until it gets to see recommendations accumulated by the Constitution Drafting Commission.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874974-government-holding-back-on-submitting-thai-charter-proposals/

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BURNING ISSUE
Drafters need to heed, not just hear public opinion on charter
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN

BANGKOK: -- WHILE the Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) has been showing how much importance it gives to public participation, its meaning in practice is equivalent to a father allowing his son to join a gaming session - but leaving the boy's controller unconnected to the console.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874975-thai-politics-drafters-need-to-heed-not-just-hear-public-opinion-on-charter/

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Thai-Chinese relations entering a new era of 'tangible progress'

BANGKOK: -- China's ambassador to Thailand Ning Fukui discusses rail development, economic cooperation and more, in an exclusive interview with Suthichai Yoon, adviser to the editorial board of Nation Multimedia Group

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874976-thai-chinese-relations-entering-a-new-era-of-tangible-progress/

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Cabbie crackdown: Drivers rejecting passengers to face immediate suspension
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Sugree

BANGKOK: -- In a new crackdown on cabbies this week, drivers found rejecting passengers will be immediately suspended while those repeatedly breaking the law will be fired.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874977-taxi-crackdown-drivers-rejecting-passengers-to-face-immediate-suspension/

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Patong dive tour operator surfaces in Chinese tourist dive death
The Phuket News


Phang Nga Governor Pakhapong Thawipat is focusing on what safety protocols can be introduced to prevent any future diving tragedies. Photo: PR Dept / file

PHUKET: -- The Chinese tourist whose lifeless body was found alone and around 11 metres deep by another dive tour group north of Phuket on Saturday (Nov 28) had booked her dive tour through a Patong operator, The Phuket News has learned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874978-patong-dive-tour-operator-surfaces-in-chinese-tourist-dive-death/

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Phi Phi Police struggle to stomp out gibbon touts
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Unaware of officers failing to find and arrest an illegal gibbon tout regularly operating at a specific time and location on Phi Phi Don, the recently appointed Phi Phi Police Chief Jetsada Junphum has taken matters into his own hands.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874979-phi-phi-police-struggle-to-stomp-out-gibbon-touts/

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Thailand named Best Beach Destination
The Nation


Pattaya beach

BANGKOK: -- Thailand was named the Best Beach Destination 2015 from National Geographic Traveller Russia, a print and online magazine, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874980-thailand-named-best-beach-destination/

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Thailand’s Richest Tycoon Dhanin Chearavanont Under Pressure
BY JACOB MASLOW



BANGKOK: -- Dhanin Chearavanont, the richest man in Thailand, gained his fortune through shrimp, chicken and pig farming. From there, he created a global empire that included telecommunications, convenience stores, plastics, and pharmaceutical production. But now, many of the tycoon’s ventures are facing pressure by headwinds, including weak Russian currency, China’s slowing economy and political unrest in Turkey.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874982-thailands-richest-tycoon-dhanin-chearavanont-under-pressure/

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Thai economy and spirits sagging, according to New York Times
BY LARRY BANKS



BANGKOK: -- An article in the weekend edition of the New York Times claims that the Thai economy and spirits are sagging.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874983-thai-economy-and-spirits-sagging-according-to-new-york-times/

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Japanese Investors Excited with Thai Incentives
BY JACOB MASLOW



BANGKOK: -- After introducing a number of incentives, the Thailand government is expecting Japanese investors to help boost activity in the country. Many of the incentives are focused on industrial cluster development and high technology.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874984-japanese-investors-excited-with-thai-incentives/

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UPDATE:

Army explains the reason for detaining Jatuporn and Natthawut



BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leaders Jatuporn Promphan and Natthawut Saikua are held in military detention because they engaged in political activity as they tried to incite public disorder and gave incomplete information to the people regarding the Rajabhakti park, said army spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874791-jatuporn-and-nattawut-arrested/page-6?p=10138745#entry10138745

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Extreme poverty cannot be tackled without action on climate change, warns World Bank president



WASHINGTON: -- Extreme poverty cannot be tackled if governments fail to act on climate change, World Bank president Jim Yong Kim told euronews in an interview on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874985-extreme-poverty-cannot-be-tackled-without-action-on-climate-change-warns-world-bank-president/

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India: Rally against intolerance ends in clashes outside parliament



NEW DELHI: -- Protesters from India’s opposition Congress Party clashed with police near parliament on Monday as a rally against perceived intolerance ended in ugly scenes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874986-india-rally-against-intolerance-ends-in-clashes-outside-parliament/

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Palestinians slam delay in Israeli court's verdict on murdered teen



JERUSALEM: -- Palestinians have denounced an Israeli court’s verdict on the murder of a 16-year-old Palestinian youth who was abducted in East Jerusalem and burned to death last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874987-palestinians-slam-delay-in-israeli-courts-verdict-on-murdered-teen/

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Body of Russian bomber pilot Oleg Peshkov arrives in Moscow



MOSCOW: -- The body of the pilot of a Russian Su-24 bomber shot down by a Turkish fighter jet last week has arrived in Moscow. Oleg Peshkov was shot dead while parachuting to the ground.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/874989-body-of-russian-bomber-pilot-oleg-peshkov-arrives-in-moscow/