Thailand Live Tuesday 8 Dec 2015

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Roman Catholic Jubilee Year balances security with forgiveness
By Adrian Lancashire | With REUTERS



"This isn't a religious war"

ROME: -- Vatican City is braced for the arrival of millions of pilgrims for the Roman Catholic Jubilee Holy Year. Pope Francis announced it by surprise in March. It starts this Tuesday. Coinciding with the Nov. 13th attacks in Paris, Islamist militants threatened to “invade Rome”.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876844-roman-catholic-jubilee-year-balances-security-with-forgiveness/

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France's mainstream parties scramble to counter the shock breakthrough of the far-right National Front
By Seamus Kearney



"What we represent the day after this election is a real breath of freedom, independence and uprightness"

PARIS: -- The shock breakthrough of the far right National Front in French regional elections has left the mainstream parties scrambling to counter the advance.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876846-frances-mainstream-parties-scramble-to-counter-the-shock-breakthrough-of-the-far-right-natl-front/

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Coalition forces deny deadly attack on Syrian army camp
By Seamus Kearney



PARIS: -- There are conflicting reports about an airstrike that has reportedly targeted a Syrian army camp.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876847-coalition-forces-deny-deadly-attack-on-syrian-army-camp/

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Bill Murray makes waves at Marrakech film festival



MARRAKECH: -- The heart of Marrakech is beating to the rhythm of its international film festival which is in its fifteenth year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876848-bill-murray-makes-waves-at-marrakech-film-festival/

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Trump calls for 'complete shutdown' on Muslims entering US
By JILL COLVIN

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump called Monday for a "total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States," an idea that prompted one of his rivals to call him "unhinged."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876849-trump-calls-for-complete-shutdown-on-muslims-entering-us/

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Republicans assail Obama on ISIS - despite similarities
By STEVE PEOPLES

WASHINGTON (AP) — Minutes after a solemn President Barack Obama spelled out his plans to protect Americans from terrorism, Marco Rubio declared that he "may have made things worse." Jeb Bush called the president "weak" and his approach "business as usual." And Donald Trump declared on Twitter, "We need a new President - FAST!"

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876850-republicans-assail-obama-on-isis-despite-similarities/

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Responding to mistrust, feds investigate Chicago police
By DON BABWIN and ERIC TUCKER

CHICAGO (AP) — Responding to deepening mistrust of one of the nation's largest police forces, the federal government opened an investigation Monday into the Chicago Police Department, and authorities announced they would not charge an officer in the death of a 25-year-old black man who was shot in the back last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876851-responding-to-mistrust-feds-investigate-chicago-police/

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Australia Joins Thailand in Anti-Graft Battle
BY JACOB MASLOW



CANBERRA: -- Corruption is a major burden on the world’s global economy. Corruption accounts for 5% of global GDP, with over $1 trillion paid in bribes every year. In terms of doing business globally, this accounts for 10% of all business costs around the world. Making matters worse, these figures rise to 25% when trying to obtain contracts in developing countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876852-australia-joins-thailand-in-anti-graft-battle/

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Study sees possible dip in world carbon dioxide emissions
By SETH BORENSTEIN

PARIS (AP) — Global carbon dioxide emissions may be dropping ever so slightly this year, spurred by a dramatic plunge in Chinese pollution, according to a surprising new study released Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876872-study-sees-possible-dip-in-world-carbon-dioxide-emissions/

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Netanyahu appoints Yossi Cohen as new Mossad chief

The announcement put an end to weeks of speculation over who will be named to one of the most important security positions in the country

JERUSALEM: -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Yossi Cohen, currently the head of the National Security Council, as the 12th head of the Mossad on Monday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876875-israels-netanyahu-appoints-yossi-cohen-as-new-mossad-chief/

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Antonio Bagnato ordered death of underworld figure Wayne Schneider: Thai police
Lindsay Murdoch

Bangkok: Thai police believe Sydney underworld figure Wayne Schneider was murdered on the orders of his personal Australian bodyguard Antonio Bagnato over a personal conflict.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876724-key-suspect-in-death-of-former-sydney-hells-angel-bikie-in-pattaya-to-face-multiple-charges/#entry10165719

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US announces workaround in its Myanmar trade sanctions
MATTHEW PENNINGTON, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States on Monday announced a work-around in its Myanmar sanctions regime to allow trade through ports and other infrastructure run by cronies of the former ruling junta.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876882-us-announces-workaround-in-its-myanmar-trade-sanctions/

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Maggie Kirkpatrick: Australia actor cleared of abusing girl

(BBC)Australian actor Maggie Kirkpatrick, star of TV drama Prisoner, has been cleared of sexually abusing a girl.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876883-maggie-kirkpatrick-australia-actor-cleared-of-abusing-girl/

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Bangkok police discuss safety for BIKE FOR DAD cycling campaign

BANGKOK, 8 December 2015 (NNT) - The Metropolitan Police Bureau and the Central Investigation Bureau held a meeting over safety procedures for His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and participants of the BIKE FOR DAD campaign.

According to Acting Metropolitan Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Sanit Mahathaworn, the meeting was held to make sure both police units will work in coordination on December 11th. Pol Maj Gen Sanit told Thai people not to be concerned about public safety at the event.

In Songkhla province, 200 police are ready to secure a 29-kilometer biking route and accommodate daily commuters when the cycling event kicks off. More than 12,000 people are expected to join the campaign this Friday.

Meanwhile in Satun province, Kuan Kalong district Sheriff Boonchuay Homyamyen has invited people of all ages in his district to rehearse for the cycling activity dedicated to His Majesty the King on a 32-kilometer path before the actual day.


-- NNT 2015-12-08

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Jakarta to check public vehicles for roadworthiness



JAKARTA: -- Following Sunday's fatal collision between a MetroMini bus and train which left 18 passengers killed, the Jakarta administration deployed 750 officials to conduct checks on public vehicles across the capital's five municipalities to check their roadworthiness, the Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876885-jakarta-to-check-public-vehicles-for-roadworthiness/

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71,000 Thais employed abroad in 2015



BANGKOK, 8 December 2015 (NNT) – 71,000 Thai nationals found work in foreign countries during the 2015 fiscal year with the top destination country being Taiwan, says Department of Employment Director-General Arrug Phrommanee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876886-71000-thais-employed-abroad-in-2015/

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Threat of Islamic State attack in Indonesia very real: Intelligence chief



JAKARTA: -- Indonesians, and in particular residents of Jakarta, need to take seriously the threat posed by the radical Sunni militant group Islamic State, the country's intelligence chief has warned, The Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876887-threat-of-islamic-state-attack-in-indonesia-very-real-intelligence-chief/

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SET down 10.33 points at opening /Bangkok Post

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Forgiveness necessary, Suu Kyi tells NLDe elected members

NAYPYIDAW: -- National League for Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has urged her elected candidates to join hands with those once responsible for persecuting members of the party, telling them that forgiveness is a necessary step toward national reconciliation, The Irrawaddy reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876888-forgiveness-necessary-suu-kyi-tells-nlde-elected-members/

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Fullerton Building officially gazetted as Singapore's national monument



SINGAPORE: -- The former Fullerton Building, now known as The Fullerton Hotel, was officially gazetted on Monday as Singapore's 71st national monument, by the country's National Heritage Board (NHB), according to Channel NewsAsia.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876889-fullerton-building-officially-gazetted-as-singapores-national-monument/

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Three foreigners caught partying on cab roof on HCMC street



HO CHI MINH CITY: -- Taxi company Vinasun said it has asked a driver to report on an incident in which three foreign passengers hung out of his cab’s windows and drank beer while he was driving along a crowded street in Ho Chi Minh City last week, according to Thanh Nien News.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876892-three-foreigners-caught-partying-on-cab-roof-on-hcmc-street-vietnam/

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Myanmar Railways 'deep in the red'



MYANMAR: -- The huge influx of cars and trucks into Myanmar over the past few years has driven the country’s railways deeper into the red, parliament heard on Dec 3, as reported by The Myanmar Times.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876893-myanmar-railways-deep-in-the-red/

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SRT increases train service on NY holiday

BANGKOK, 8 December 2015 (NNT) - The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will add extra trains during the New Year long holiday to prevent stranded passengers. Tickets of normal trains on all routes have been sold out.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876895-srt-increases-train-service-on-ny-holiday/

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Government hosts grand garden party in honour of the King



BANGKOK: -- The Government last night held a grand garden party in honour of His Majesty the King's 88th birthday anniversary at the open lawn in front of Thai Ku Fah building inside the compound of Government House.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn chaired the garden party which started at 7 pm. She was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali.

Guests invited to the garden party included members of the royal family, privy councilors, the president of the National Legislative Assembly, the president of the Supreme Court, the president of the Constitutional Court, members of the Cabinet, members of the NLA and the National Reform Steering Assembly, senior government officials as well as police and armed forces officials and foreign diplomats in Thailand.

Two cultural shows were performed, including a Thai classical mask dance or “Khon” from Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, called ‘Thep Thai Tawai Phraporn’, which symbolises the King as Phra Narai, a God who creates peace, harmony and happiness for all the people of the land.

A musical performance was also held by the Office of Performing Arts under the Fine Arts Department, which played eight songs composed and written by HM the King himself.

At the party, Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha asked all the guests to rise and join him in a toast in honour of His Majesty the King’s 88th birthday.

The prime minister wished good health, longevity and for all HM’s wishes to come true.

He recalled His Majesty’s works and determination to improve the lives of all Thai people, expressing how the Thai people all see HM the King as their Father and how much everyone loves Him.

The Government House was extravagantly decorated with lights, while an arch gate with HM the King’s portrait was erected by the Fine Arts Department to celebrate the King’s birthday, representing a beautiful architecture from Ayutthaya era.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/government-hosts-grand-garden-party-in-honour-of-the-king


-- Thai PBS 2015-12-08

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Government is confident its on track towards solving issues in the south

BANGKOK, 8 December 2015 (NNT) – The government is confident it is on the right path towards solving problems in the southern border provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876896-thai-govt-is-confident-its-on-track-towards-solving-issues-in-the-south/

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MOPH controls quality of private clinics



BANGKOK, 8 December 2015 (NNT) - The Department of Health Service Support has set standards for control of private clinics nationwide for the sake of the people's safety.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876901-moph-controls-quality-of-private-clinics/

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High Phuket teacher arrested for snatch and grab theft
Eakkapop Thongtub


Sakkarin Phothiwat was high on drugs when he stole the purse from the basket of the girl's motorbike.

PHUKET: -- A teacher from a Phuket school was arrested for theft yesterday (Dec 7) after he stole a student’s purse then crashed his motorbike into a ditch whilst trying to make his getaway.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876902-high-phuket-teacher-arrested-for-snatch-and-grab-theft/

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Pistorius saga continues: Bail hearing set for Tuesday
CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA, Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Oscar Pistorius must appear in court on Tuesday to apply for bail now that an appeals court has overturned his manslaughter conviction and instead found him guilty of murder for shooting his girlfriend to death, a South African official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876907-pistorius-due-in-court-on-bail-plea/

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Pitbull owner faces murder charge after fatal dog mauling of 4-year-old

(CNN)The owner of four pitbulls is facing a murder charge after his dogs mauled to death a 4-year-old boy in Detroit, Michigan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876910-us-pitbull-owner-faces-murder-charge-after-fatal-dog-mauling-of-4-year-old/

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PM blasts New Democracy Movement’s exposure disgusting



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha blasted the New Democracy Movement group over its exposures of alleged corruption in the construction of the Rajabhakti museum park, saying it was disgusting.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876912-thai-pm-blasts-new-democracy-movements-exposure-disgusting/