Thailand Live Wednesday 6 Jan 2016

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Cabinet passes draft agreement with Jordan on rainmaking cooperation

BANGKOK, 6 January 2016 (NNT) – The Cabinet has approved a draft agreement to be signed with the Jordanian government on the two countries’ cooperation in artificial rainmaking.

After the first Cabinet meeting of the year 2016, Deputy Government Spokesperson Maj Gen Weerachon Sukhontapatipak announced that approval was granted to a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the sharing of rainmaking techniques and technologies between Thailand and Jordan.

The draft MOU features the technical cooperation framework, details and objectives while designating guidelines and responsibilities of all involved agencies.

According to the Deputy Government Spokesman, Jordan ranks the third driest country in the world and most areas of the country are deserts, meaning drought poses a constant challenge to its people.

Therefore, the rainmaking cooperation, which is to be realized soon, will be especially beneficial for Jordan’s agricultural sector, given Thailand’s possession of an effective rainmaking technology patented by His Majesty the King.


-- NNT 2016-01-06

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Air Force to aid drought relief efforts



BANGKOK, 6 January 2016 (NNT) - The Royal Thai Air Force has expressed its readiness to provide relief efforts during this year’s drought crisis and to solve issues in the civil aviation industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884129-thai-air-force-to-aid-drought-relief-efforts/

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FORCED LABOUR
Seafood sector plans to reel back lost jobs
Pratch Rujivanarom
The Nation


File Photo

Report says 5,000 lost jobs in outsourcing ban

BANGKOK: -- THE Thai Frozen Foods Association (TFFA) will discuss plans on Saturday to help seafood pre-processing sheds and their employees, TFFA president Poj Aramwattananont said yesterday. He was responding to a report that more than 5,000 workers had lost their jobs due to measures to promote fair labour practices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884130-thai-seafood-sector-plans-to-reel-back-lost-jobs/

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IMPOUNDED VEHICLES
Govt to keep seizing drunk drivers’ cars
JEERAPONG PRASERTPOLKRUNG,
VISARUT SANKHAM,
SUPACHAI PETCHTEWEE
THE NATION


Police check the documents of people who showed up yesterday to reclaim vehicles that had been impounded for various reasons, including drink driving, at Boonyachinda Stadium in Bangkok.

BANGKOK: -- THE strong measure to temporarily impound vehicles driven by people who are drunk will remain in effect after the “dangerous days” of the New Year period, government spokesman Maj General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884131-thai-govt-to-keep-seizing-drunk-drivers-cars/

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RUBBER
Prayut shuns rubber farmers' bid for help
The Nation



Latex price slumps but govt has limited cash, PM says

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT is facing a looming protest from rubber planters in the southern provinces and elsewhere who have been hit by extremely low latex prices, which have already dropped to about Bt25 per kilogram due to the global commodity price slump.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884132-prayut-shuns-rubber-farmers-bid-for-help/

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POLITICS
Prayut resolves to visit more rural areas
WASAMON AUDJARINT
THE NATION


Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha leads members of his Cabinet, their spouses and state officials to offer food to monks at Government House to mark the start of the new year.

BANGKOK: -- FOR THE NEW YEAR, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has resolved to make more visits to rural areas to hear first-hand from grass-roots people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884133-prayut-resolves-to-visit-more-rural-areas/

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YALA
Second nurse praised for rescue
The Nation

Another good deed by a nurse

YALA: -- The three-minute video of Kannisa Boonwiroj from Yala Central Hospital rescuing the teen was posted on the Facebook page of Anusorn Wachprasit.

Kannisa told The Nation yesterday she was returning home from work at about 5pm on Monday when she came upon the accident victim near Muang Yala Temple. She gave him first aid until a rescue vehicle arrived.

Although off-duty, the nurse said she, as a professional, wanted to help injured people, so she was glad to know that Thais on social media praised her for the deed.

She would keep this as an encouragement to perform her work.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Second-nurse-praised-for-rescue-30276208.html

-- The Nation 2016-01-06

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Two arrested in Phuket after French tourist killed by speedboat propeller
Eakkapop Thongtub


The captain fled to Phuket after his speedboat propeller struck and killed French tourist Sylvie Thietau. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- A French tourist was killed instantly during a snorkelling day trip off Poda Island, Krabi, today (Jan 5) when she was struck in the head by a speedboat propeller.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884135-two-arrested-in-phuket-after-french-tourist-killed-by-speedboat-propeller/

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NEW YEAR SPECIAL
Fishery sector hopeful of smoother waters ahead after strenuous attempts to get house in order
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation J



BANGKOK: -- Thai seafood enterprises faced a tough year of engagement in 2015 with non-tariff obstacles to trade, including the European Union’s Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) regulations and the United States’ Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884136-thai-fishery-sector-hopeful-of-smoother-waters-ahead-after-strenuous-attempts-to-get-house-in-order/

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TAX MEASURE
Retailers call for more tax breaks
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION


"It would be great if the government could extend this scheme to cover foreign tourists in order to encourage more spending while they stay in the country," Jariya Chirathivat, president of the TRA, said

BANGKOK: -- The government should continue endorsing tax breaks for consumers and open more duty-free shops to attract foreign tourists and boost the retail business, according to the Thai Retailers Association (TRA).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884137-thai-retailers-call-for-more-tax-breaks/

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New Year’s road fatalities worse than last year
Wattana Khamchu
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE NEW YEAR holiday’s so-called “seven dangerous days” saw 3,379 road accidents, which killed 380 people and wounded 3,505 others, the Road Safety Centre said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884138-seven-dangerous-days-new-years-road-fatalities-worse-than-last-year/

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Basic CPR skills can save lives: doctor
Visarut Sankham
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- SOME 20,000 people die of cardiac arrest in Thailand each year, even though basic life support can prevent many of these deaths.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884139-basic-cpr-skills-can-save-lives-doctor/

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Draft charter will not ban Abhisit, proposes single-ballot system
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- DEMOCRAT PARTY leader Abhisit Vejjajiva will not be disqualified from a seat in the House under the new draft charter, Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) chairman Meechai Ruchupan said yesterday, adding that the draft only stipulated that those fired for corruption would be banned from politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884140-draft-charter-will-not-ban-abhisit-proposes-single-ballot-system/

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Khon Kaen red in trouble over 3-finger salute
WASAMON AUDJARINT,
JAKRAWAN SALAYTOO,
KAWINTRA JAISUE
THE NATION

Face 'attitude adjustment' after her 'anti-NCPO' gesture in pic with Yingluck.

KHON KAEN: -- A RED-SHIRT leader in Khon Kaen will be summoned to "adjust her attitude" after she raised three fingers in an anti-coup gesture while taking a picture with ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra, an official said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884141-khon-kaen-red-in-trouble-over-3-finger-salute/

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BURNING ISSUE
Testing times in China but US economy warming up
NOPHAKHUN LIMSAMARNPHUN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- CHINA STARTED 2016 with a 7 per cent plunge in stock prices on Monday, raising the spectre of major economic challenges in the new year. Among the major issues are China’s over-capacity and rising non-performing loans (NPLs) amid global economic uncertainty.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884142-thai-politics-testing-times-in-china-but-us-economy-warming-up/

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EC files police complaint against Phuchong
The Nation


Phuchong

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission (EC) will file a police complaint, accusing former EC secretary-general Phuchong Nutrawong of defaming and insulting the agency, EC specialist Thanit Sriprathet said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884144-ec-files-police-complaint-against-phuchong/

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EDITORIAL
AEC will change the labour landscape
The Nation

Demand for skilled manual workers is bound to escalate steeply with regional integration, yet vocational schools struggle

BANGKOK: -- Anyone capable of changing a light bulb can be a "hero" at home. To maintain that status around the neighbourhood, you might have to be a good carpenter as well. Beyond your community perhaps you'll need to know a bit about design. The broader the environs, the better the skills required to be competitive - or simply to survive.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884146-big-political-beasts-hounded-by-leadership-issues-thai-opinion/

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It was all lies! Pattaya Island assault victim confesses to Police



PATTAYA: -- Residents of Larn Island, off the coast of Pattaya, were furious late on Tuesday, after the apparent victim of a serious assault there, later confessed that she made the story up.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884147-it-was-all-lies-pattaya-island-assault-victim-confesses-to-police/

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Chinese Tourist Drowns off Pattaya Island



PATTAYA: -- A 59-year-old Chinese Tourist drowned in waters off Larn island on Tuesday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884148-chinese-tourist-drowns-off-pattaya-island/

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Locals defend Monkey who bit 4-year-old Russian on Pattaya Island



PATTAYA: -- Local residents and workers at Nuan Beach on Larn Island have defended the Monkey accused of biting the leg of a 4-year-old Russian Boy on Tuesday and claimed it was caused by the aggressive actions of the boy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884149-locals-defend-monkey-who-bit-4-year-old-russian-on-pattaya-island/

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Most Crashes in Chiang Mai Over New Year 7 Dangerous Days
by CityNews

CityNews – Chiang Mai has seen the highest number of crashes and injuries during the ‘seven dangerous days’ over the New Year period, with a total of seven dead.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884150-most-crashes-in-chiang-mai-over-new-year-7-dangerous-days/

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Expelled Pupils Burgle School For Revenge
By Sasiwan Mokkhasen
Staff Reporter


The classroom was found broken into on Jan.4 after the long holidays.

ANG THONG — Three school children confessed to breaking into a classroom and stealing a school camera, to get revenge at the teacher who expelled one of them.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884151-expelled-pupils-burgle-school-in-ang-thong-for-revenge/

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Phuket road-deaths triple during 2015/16 safety campaign
Phuket Gazette


Police have packed up the checkpoints for the 'Seven Days of Danger' road-safety campaign. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: The 'Seven Days of Danger' road-safety campaign closed at midnight yesterday with a total of six deaths and 75 injuries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884152-phuket-road-deaths-triple-during-201516-safety-campaign/

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Teen dies kayaking in Phuket
Phuket Gazette


The recovered kayak had taken on too much water to properly float. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- One man died while kayaking with two friends in the Tah Jeen Canal in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884153-teen-dies-kayaking-in-phuket/

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Road-raging Krabi van driver surrenders
Phuket Gazette

KRABI: -- A Krabi van driver surrendered himself to police this morning after a video clip of him driving erratically and attacking a foreigner on a motorbike went viral on social media this week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884154-road-raging-krabi-van-driver-surrenders-video/

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PM brushes aside planned protest by ex- Pheu Thai MPs over calendar seizure



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has brushed aside a planned petition from some former Pheu Thai MPs to protest against the military seizure of about a dozen of calendars featuring former prime ministers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra’s images in Khon Kaen on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884155-pm-brushes-aside-planned-protest-by-ex-pheu-thai-mps-over-shinawatra-calendar-seizure/

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ThaiHealth board and 44 TAO mayors purged by the NCPO



BANGKOK: -- The entire board of Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth or Sor Sor Sor) was sacked today (Tuesday) by General Prayut Chan-ocha in his capacity as head of the National Council for Peace and Order.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884156-thaihealth-board-and-44-tao-mayors-purged-by-the-ncpo/

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PM assures universal health care programme will remain intact



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha assured today (Tuesday) that the 30-baht universal health care, the free education, bus and train services would not be scrapped.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884158-pm-prayut-assures-universal-health-care-programme-will-remain-intact/

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Justice Minister says ‘manipulation’ behind Rajabhakti Park graft claims
JEERAPONG PRASERTPONKRUNG
JAKRAWAN SALAYTOO
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya Tuesday said someone had been exploiting the Rajabhakti Park alleged scandal for political motives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884159-justice-minister-says-manipulation-behind-rajabhakti-park-graft-claims/

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Thailand-Cambodia rail link to be completed by December
BY LARRY BANKS



BANGKOK: -- The construction of a restored rail link between neighbouring countries Thailand and Cambodia to improve transport in the Mekong region is set to be completed by December 2016, the local media reported on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/884160-thailand-cambodia-rail-link-to-be-completed-by-december/