Thailand Live Thursday 31 Dec 2015

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Tourists converge on famous sites to celebrate New Year

BANGKOK, 31 December 2015 (NNT) – Famous tourist sites nationwide are packed with tourists who have traveled to celebrate New Year with friends and families. Hotels in the areas have been fully booked.

In Mae Hong Son, Thai and foreign tourists have continuously visited the Tham Pla Pha Suea national park. The national park office provides around 100 tents to accommodate 2,000 people. From 31 December 2015 – 1 January 2016, family groups with more than five members will be exempted from the entrance fee.

At Phu Thap Berk mountain in Phetchabun, the Lom Kao district, the provincial commerce department and relevant unit inspected shops in an effort to prevent them from taking advantage of tourists. They found that some of the shops did not attach clear price labels and did not have a license to sell alcohol beverages. If the shops are found to commit an offence again, they will face both imprisonment and fine.


-- NNT 2015-12-31

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Burglary at Kazakhstan-occupied house in Jomtien

PATTAYA -- Police were called to a house rented by a Kazakhstan couple at the View Talay Villas on Jomtien Second Road on Wednesday afternoon to investigate a burglary.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882788-burglary-at-kazakhstan-occupied-house-in-jomtien/

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UPDATE:

CONTROVERSIAL ARMY PARK
Rajabhakti probe panel returns empty-handed
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation



Fact-finding team points to areas that need to be looked into by other agencies

BANGKOK: -- THE INVESTIGATION into the Rajabhakti Park construction scandal has come up empty-handed, with the fact-finding committee only pointing out areas for other agencies to continue probing.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882768-no-irregularities-found-in-fund-spending-on-rajabhakti-park/page-2?p=10254164#entry10254164

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DOUBLE MURDER
Law Society talks possible appeal with Myanmar envoy
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- MYANMAR’S AMBASSADOR to Thailand, U Win Maung, yesterday met with Law Society president Dej-Udom Krairit to discuss an appeal in the Koh Tao double-murder case. Two workers from Myanmar were sentenced to death last week for the murder two British tourists on the island last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882804-koh-tao-murders-thai-law-society-talks-possible-appeal-with-myanmar-envoy/

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POLITICS
Pheu Thai seeks probe into Abhisit's qualifications to sit as MP
THE NATION


Abhisit

BANGKOK: -- THE PHEU THAI Party’s acting deputy spokesman, Anusorn Aimsaard, yesterday called for an investigation into whether former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva could be disqualified from holding a seat in the House of Representatives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882805-pheu-thai-seeks-probe-into-abhisits-qualifications-to-sit-as-mp/

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KING'S FAVOURITE DOG
Tongdaeng’s remains laid at the base of her statue
Apichart Hongsakul
The Nation
Prachuap Khiri Khan


The bones of His Majesty’s beloved pet dog Tongdaeng are ritually place inside the base of her statue yesterday. The statue stands prominently at the Hua Hin Dog Shelter Foundation under Royal Patronage.

HUA HIN: -- THE REMAINS of Tongdaeng, His Majesty’s beloved pet dog, are now placed inside the base of her statue at the Hua Hin Dog Shelter Foundation under Royal Patronage.

Some of her ashes were also released into the sea in front of Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin yesterday afternoon.

Tongdaeng died peacefully at the age of 17 years, one month and 19 days on Saturday at the Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district.

Her corpse was cremated on Tuesday, and the Royal Household Bureau was in charge of taking Tongdaeng's remains to the statue yesterday.

His Majesty adopted Tongdaeng when she was just five weeks old, and she proved to be very loyal. She had been photographed posing with His Majesty for the New Year card sent to the public for several years.

His Majesty also penned the "Story of Tongdaeng", which recently inspired a privately funded Thai animation film, which debuted on December 3 and has been playing in cinemas nationwide.

His Majesty sprinkled holy water on the Tongdaeng's statute himself on February 13 last year.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of T-shirts featuring Tongdaeng was used to help set up the Hua Hin Dog Shelter Foundation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Tongdaengs-remains-laid-at-the-base-of-her-statue-30275944.html


-- The Nation 2015-12-31

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POLITICS
NACC denies bias in decision to absolve Abhisit, others
THE NATION


Abhisit

BANGKOK: -- THE ANTI-GRAFT agency yesterday defended its decision to dismiss an impeachment petition against former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and two other top officials blamed for the deaths of protesters during a crackdown in 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882806-nacc-denies-bias-in-decision-to-absolve-abhisit-others/

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Inspectors watch for New Year hamper rip-offs
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry’s Internal Trade Department is keeping a close eye on prices over the long weekend to ensure people are not overcharged by unscrupulous traders.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882807-thai-inspectors-watch-for-new-year-hamper-rip-offs/

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Cabinet eyes revised bill on land and building tax
ERICH PARPART
THE NATION


Somchai

BANGKOK: -- THE REVISED Land and Building Tax Bill will be put up for Cabinet approval in the new year as the Finance Ministry has prioritised tax reforms with the aim of expanding the tax base and increasing tax-collection efficiency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882808-thai-cabinet-eyes-revised-bill-on-land-and-building-tax/

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POWER GENERATING
Egat to invest nearly Bt700 bn in next five years
The Nation


A technician checks the solar panels at a solar power plant.

BANGKOK: -- The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand plans to invest Bt668.3 billion during 2016-2020.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882809-egat-to-invest-nearly-bt700-bn-in-next-five-years/

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Toll lower on first day of New Year holidays
The Nation


Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) is busy as thousands of people flock to catch a bus home in time for New Year celebrations with their families. Some passengers even sit on the floor yesterday while waiting for their turn. Roads out of Bangkok were congested

BANGKOK: -- ROAD ACCIDENTS and casualties were lower across the country on the first of the seven accident-monitoring days of the New Year period, while the highest proportion of crashes stemmed from drunk driving, followed by speeding.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882811-toll-lower-on-first-day-of-new-year-holidays/

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Abac dispute boils over as Sudhiporn denied access to post court injunction
Angsuma Sridokkham,
Ketkan Boonpen
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A CONFRONTATION between Assumption University (Abac) executive Sudhiporn Patumtaewapibal and others holding different views took place yesterday morning as Sudhiporn, his lawyer and 20 security personnel tried to enter the university to post a civil-court injunction affirming his right to serve as acting rector.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882812-abac-dispute-boils-over-as-sudhiporn-denied-access-to-post-court-injunction/

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BRUSSELS (AP) - Brussels mayor: New Year's Eve fireworks display canceled due to extremist attack threat.

ELKINS PARK, Pennsylvania (AP) - Bill Cosby arraigned on sex assault charge, will remain free on bail pending trial.

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UPDATE:

Prem lauds ‘sacrifice’ by Prayut, team
THE NATION


Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, in yellow, with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at his Si Sao Tewes residence, where the premier led Cabinet members and military and police commanders wished Prem a happy new year.

For the New Year, privy council chief urges top officials to be sure spending is for the good of the people

BANGKOK: -- PRIVY COUNCIL President Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday urged the Cabinet and military and police brass to ensure the state budget is spent for the true good of the country and the people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882698-gen-prem-urges-love-and-unity-to-run-the-country/#entry10254224

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THAI TALK
Be prepared for 2016: Year of The Naughty, Wily Monkey

BANGKOK: -- As 2015 draws to a close, many of you might be tempted to mutter “Good riddance!” But there is no guarantee that the incoming year will offer anything better, at least for Thai politics, the economy and society in general.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882813-thai-talk-be-prepared-for-2016-year-of-the-naughty-wily-monkey/

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EDITORIAL
A HISTORIC DAY in Southeast Asia

Let the fireworks proclaim the birth of the Asean Economic Community - neighbours moving forward together as equal partners

BANGKOK: -- The much-anticipated Asean Economic Community (AEC) comes into being today amid high hopes that the new economic bloc will loosen business restrictions and enhance trade opportunities for the 10 member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882814-a-historic-day-in-southeast-asia/

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Swedish 'suicide' at South Pattaya Hotel



PATTAYA: -- A 41-year-old Swedish Tourist reportedly committed suicide by jumping from his 5th floor room balcony at a Hotel in South Pattaya late on Wednesday Night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882815-swedish-suicide-at-south-pattaya-hotel/

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Bangkok deputy governor defends spending on New Year illumination



BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's spending on the 39-million-baht “Bangkok Light of Happiness” New Year illumination event is transparent and open to scrutiny by the Office of the Auditor General.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882816-bangkok-deputy-governor-defends-spending-on-new-year-illumination/

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Pheu Thai's legal advisor is contented with defence probe panel's report on Rajabhakti park



BANGKOK: -- A legal advisor of the Pheu Thai party said Wednesday that he was satisfied with the outcome of the investigation into the Rajabhakti park controversy by the Defence Ministry’s fact-finding committee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882817-pheu-thais-legal-advisor-is-contented-with-defence-probe-panels-report-on-rajabhakti-park/

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Editorial
Thailand backpacker murders: Britain too quick to accept Thai court's verdict

If two Britons had been sentenced to death row, and this much doubt surrounded their case, the outcry would be huge

LONDON: -- On Christmas Eve, a Thai court sentenced two Burmese workers to death for the murder of the young British travellers Hannah Witheridge and David Miller, on a beach in Koh Tao last year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882818-thailand-backpacker-murders-britain-too-quick-to-accept-thai-courts-verdict/

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US: comedian Bill Cosby charged with sexual assault



"On the evening in question, Mr. Cosby urged her to take pills that he provided to her and to drink wine"

ELKINS PARK: -- Comedian Bill Cosby has been charged in the US with drugging and sexually assaulting a women at his home in 2004.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882820-us-comedian-bill-cosby-charged-with-sexual-assault/

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Frank – the third storm in a week batters UK and Ireland



LONDON: -- The power of the storms lashing parts of Britain has been caught on amateur videos. In one an 18th century stone bridge in the North Yorkshire town of Tadcaster is seen to be washed away like balsa wood by the force of the swollen river Wharf.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882821-frank-the-third-storm-in-a-week-batters-uk-and-ireland/

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Syrian soldiers fight their way into strategic southern rebel-held town



For President Assad’s soldiers, Russian air power has made all the difference

DAMASCUS: -- Syria’s military say its troops have fought their way into the strategic southern town of Sheikh Miskeen in Deraa province, making key gains from rebels.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882822-syrian-soldiers-fight-their-way-into-strategic-southern-rebel-held-town/

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North Pole hots up as El Nino shakes up world weather



COPENHAGEN: -- It seems things are hotting up in the North Pole. As El Nino shakes up weather around the world, forecasters predicted temperatures of up to minus two degrees Celsius on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882823-north-pole-hots-up-as-el-nino-shakes-up-world-weather/

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UPDATE:

Bill Cosby charged with a sex crime dating to 2004
By MARYCLAIRE DALE

ELKINS PARK, Pa. (AP) — Bill Cosby was arrested in the twilight of his life and career Wednesday and charged with a decade-old sex crime after a barrage of accusations from dozens of women made a mockery of his image as TV's wise and understanding Dr. Cliff Huxtable.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882820-us-comedian-bill-cosby-charged-with-sexual-assault/#entry10254296

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US officials: 'Affluenza' teen likely won't be deported soon
By MICHAEL GRACZYK and E. EDUARDO CASTILLO

HOUSTON (AP) — The Texas teenager known for using an "affluenza" defense in a fatal drunken-driving accident likely won't return to the U.S. anytime soon because of a Mexican judge's decision to delay his deportation, U.S. law enforcement officials said Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882824-us-officials-affluenza-teen-likely-wont-be-deported-soon/

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New laws in 2016 show states are diverging on guns, voting
By GEOFF MULVIHILL

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Laws taking effect at the start of the new year show states diverging on some hot-button issues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882825-us-new-laws-in-2016-show-states-are-diverging-on-guns-voting/

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Apple agrees to pay $350 million in Italian tax case

By FRANCES D'EMILIO

ROME (AP) Apple has agreed to pay Italy 318 million euros (about $350 million) in taxes for several past years, prosecutors said Wednesday, part of a broader European effort to make multinationals pay what they owe in each country where they do business.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882826-apple-agrees-to-pay-350-million-in-italian-tax-case/

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Brussels cancels New Year's Eve fireworks due to threat

BRUSSELS (AP) — The New Year's Eve fireworks display is being canceled in Belgium's capital due to threats of an extremist attack.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882827-brussels-cancels-new-years-eve-fireworks-due-to-threat/

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UPDATE:

Russia: Manhunt underway after deadly gun attack on sightseers



MOSCOW: -- An historic fortress in southern Russia was the scene of a deadly shooting targeting sightseers on Tuesday evening.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/882764-one-dead-after-gunman-opens-fire-on-tourist-group-in-dagestan-russia/#entry10254336