Thailand Live Tuesday 19 Apr 2016

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Truck driver killed in train crash in Surat Thani



SURAT THANI: -- A garbage truck driver was killed and six train passengers were injured after the truck rammed at the rear bogie of a Surat Thani - Sungai Kolok rapid train in Phun Phin district of Surat Thani province this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911216-truck-driver-killed-in-train-crash-in-surat-thani/

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Hunt on for pick-up racers who killed 17 year old


IMage: Thairath

BANGKOK: -- A massive police hunt is underway in eastern Bangkok to track down members of a pick-up racing gang who set upon and killed a youth in the early hours of Monday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911219-hunt-on-for-pick-up-racers-who-killed-17-year-old-in-bangkok/

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Songkran Reveler from Taiwan Falls to his Death from Chiang Rai Hotel

Win Kwang Yao, 56, fell three floors to his death from a hotel balcony

CHIANG RAI — Muang Chiang Rai police investigator Padungkij Kijchanapaiboon has reported a 56 year old Taiwanese man fell three floors to his death from a hotel balcony in Muang district on Thursday after an hours-long Songkran drinking spree.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911220-songkran-reveler-from-taiwan-falls-to-his-death-from-chiang-rai-hotel/

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What a smell! Dead turtles make residents gag!


Image: Thairath

BANGKOK: -- Authorities were called in to investigate some terrible smells emanating from wasteland in Lam Luk Ka Soi 16 yesterday. They found 100 dead turtles rotting in bags.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911222-what-a-smell-dead-turtles-make-residents-gag/

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Jakarta roads to host 600 new TransJakarta buses



JAKARTA: -- The Jakarta administration has welcomed more than 600 TransJakarta new buses to improve the city’s public transport network following the extended suspension of the 3-in-1 carpooling system, The Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911223-jakarta-roads-to-host-600-new-transjakarta-buses/

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SET opens up 4.06 to 1,402.83 /Bangkok Post

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Operation Tinombala reviewed as Santoso remains at large



JAKARTA: -- The operation launched to pursue terrorist group Indonesia Mujahiddin (MIT) is under review as until now their leader, Indonesia’s most-wanted man Santoso, aka Abu Wardah, remains at large, according to The Jakarta Post.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911226-operation-tinombala-reviewed-as-santoso-remains-at-large/

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Step son shoots dad watching television, then calmly waits for police

Image: Thairath

PATTANI: -- A step son shot his father with a rifle in a southern rubber plantation - then calmly waited for police to come and arrest him.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911228-step-son-shoots-dad-watching-television-then-calmly-waits-for-thai-police/

Full story:

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PM briefed on national development progress

BANGKOK, 19 April 2016 (NNT) - The Public-Private Collaborative Committee (PPCC) has assured Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha that it is committed to fostering social equality and raising Thailand’s competitiveness.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911231-pm-prayut-briefed-on-national-development-progress/

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Fire engulfs Phuket speedboats at Chalong Pier
Eakkapop Thongtub


Firemen from 10 Phuket fire trucks battled the blaze for two hours. Photo: Eakkapop Thontub

PHUKET: -- Police are investigating a fire that broke out at Chalong Pier early this morning (Apr 19), causing an estimated B25 million in damage to six Phuket tour speedboats.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911233-fire-engulfs-phuket-speedboats-at-chalong-pier/

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Four dead as taxi plunges into lake in northern Vietnam



LANG SON: -- A taxi driver and his three passengers were found dead in a car recovered from a roadside lake in the northern province of Lang Son on Monday morning, according to Thanh Nien News.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911237-four-dead-as-taxi-plunges-into-lake-in-northern-vietnam/

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Navy personnel in serious accident in Sattahip


Image: Daily News

SATTAHIP: -- A woman is fighting for her life after a collision involving a motorbike, van and pick-up in Sattahip in the early hours of Monday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911239-navy-personnel-in-serious-accident-in-sattahip/

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New compact sleepbox service ‘Boxtel’ opens at Suvarnabhumi Airport
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Boxtel

BANGKOK: -- For those who dread missing flights or sleeping in front of the public in an airport, the hourly sleepbox service “Boxtel” was launched recently at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911240-new-compact-sleepbox-service-boxtel-opens-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

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Brazil president says she won't quit after impeachment vote
By JENNY BARCHFIELD

BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — President Dilma Rousseff said Monday she is "indignant" over a congressional vote to open impeachment proceedings against her and vowed to fight what she called the injustice. She again categorically ruled out resigning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911245-brazil-president-says-she-wont-quit-after-impeachment-vote/

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Pentagon misled lawmakers on military sexual assault cases
By RICHARD LARDNER

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon misled Congress by using inaccurate or vague information about sexual assault cases in an effort to blunt support for a Senate bill that would make a major change in how the military handles allegations of sexual misconduct, an Associated Press investigation found.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911247-pentagon-misled-lawmakers-on-military-sexual-assault-cases/

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iPad GPS busts gang in Nonthaburi - three arrested


Image: INN

BANGKOK: -- Police arrested three members of a violent armed gang responsible for at least eleven robberies in northern Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911248-ipad-gps-busts-violent-armed-gang-in-nonthaburi-three-arrested/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911248-ipad-gps-busts-violent-armed-gang-in-nonthaburi-three-arrested/

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Thailand and U.S. to expand economic ties

BANGKOK, 19 April 2016 (NNT) - Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn will travel to the United States to attend the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) from April 20 - 22.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911249-thailand-and-us-to-expand-economic-ties/

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Mon Songkran festival at Myanmar border draws large visitors to celebrate



KANCHANABURI: -- The Mon communities in Sangklaburi district of Kanchanaburi province have held their unique Songkran festival that drew several thousands of locals and visitors to take part in the event on Sunday.

The highlight of the event was the traditional Buddha bathing ceremony which employs bamboo rails.

It was held in front of a reproduction of the Buddhakhaya pagoda to continue the beautiful tradition of the Mon people.

Sanglaburi or known as the ‘Land of the Three Mists’ is home to three cultures which are Thai, Mon and Karen which has coexisted peacefully throughout history.

Each culture has its own unique traditions which have been passed down through the generations. One of which is the Mon Songkran festival.

This year’s Mon Songkran festival has been organized from April 12 – 17.

The event is full of traditional Mon activities that signify one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful cultures.

However the highlight of the event falls on the second to last day of the festival when the traditional Buddha bathing ceremony is held.

What is unique is the employing of bamboo trays that have been made by local Thai-Mon residents to pour water on monks. The ceremony is not only beautiful and charming but also represents the unity and harmony of the Mon community itself.

Men and women of the Mon community were seen dressed in traditional attires while carrying along water bowls filled with fragrant flowers in preparation to pour water on Buddhist monks.

As a prelude to the ceremony, monks walk over the prone backs of Mon male folks who have lain down to form a human bridge to connect to a stage covered in flowers.

According to the Mon tradition, monks are pure beings that should not soil themselves by walking on the ground and furthermore, Mons believe that the act of allowing monks to walk on their backs will bless them with good health.

Once the bell signal was given, thousands of Mon residents then used small water bowls to draw fragrant water from a vessel which they then poured onto bamboo rails which have been tied together to form a large fan.

The water flew to the end of each bamboo rail before overflowing to bath the Buddhist monks bellow.

Mrs Aranya Charoenhongsa, the secretary-general of the Sangklaburi Council for Cultural Affairs, said Songkran is the time for all Mons to come together and continue a beautiful tradition that has been passed down from their ancestors.

She said that more importantly, it was a time for all Mons to reflect on their past and be reminded of where they have come from.

She said the Mon Songkran festival and the traditional Buddha bathing ceremony has been performed for hundreds of years.

It is a tradition that has been passed down through the generations to the present day. It is not something new but has been passed on from generations to generations.

After all monks have been bathed, residents then take the opportunity to splash the remaining fragrant water in the vessels on one another.

Greetings and cordiality are exchanged at the same time in a good natured reunion.

All these make the Mon Songkran festival a unique and delightful event that brings evident joy and happiness to the Mon community.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/160072


-- Thai PBS 2016-04-19

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Biden: 'Overwhelming frustration' with Israeli govt
By JOSH LEDERMAN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden acknowledged "overwhelming frustration" with Israel's government on Monday and said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has led Israel in the wrong direction, in an unusually sharp rebuke of America's closest ally in the Middle East.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911252-biden-overwhelming-frustration-with-israeli-govt/

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Symbolic protest against Wattana’s detention planned at Victory Monument at 6 pm



BANGKOK: -- The defiant "Resistance Citizen" Group today called on the people to stage a symbolic protest at the Victory Monument if the military junta did not free former commerce minister and member of the Pheu Thai party Wattana Muangsook by noon today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911253-symbolic-protest-against-wattanas-detention-planned-at-victory-monument-at-6-pm/

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Australian leader says he plans to call rare early election
By KRISTEN GELINEAU

SYDNEY (AP) — Australia's prime minister said on Tuesday he expects to call a rare early election, with the nation likely to head to the polls in July amid waning popularity for the ruling conservative party.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911254-australian-leader-says-he-plans-to-call-rare-early-election/

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Prawit says Wattana twisted his written promise



BANGKOK: -- Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan said today that Wattana Muangsook was summoned for "attitude adjustment" because he broke his written promise with the military junta to cooperate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911255-prawit-says-wattana-twisted-his-written-promise/

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Kwang Vieng Bus Route to Re-start on April 22
by CityNews



CityNews – The Kwang Vieng bus route that transports people from Kwang Vieng Village to the Chiang Mai International Airport will reach D-day on April 22 when they will begin to re-service the city.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911257-kwang-vieng-bus-route-to-re-start-on-april-22/

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Phuket kids gain surf survival, rescue skills after first drowning death for 2016
The Phuket News


Forty children learned surf survival and rescue skills at Patong Beach. Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Service

PHUKET: -- Lifeguards held a free surf survival and rescue training session for 40 children at Patong Beach yesterday (Apr 18), as Phuket marked its first drowning death of the year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911271-phuket-kids-gain-surf-survival-rescue-skills-after-first-drowning-death-for-2016/

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More warnings of summer storms announced this week

BANGKOK: -- The Meteorological Department today issued a new warning of strong summer storms and hailstorms in Thailand's North, Northeast, East and Central as high pressure weather from China has now moved down and blanketed these areas which are covered by heats.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911273-more-warnings-of-summer-storms-announced-this-week/

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Loan sharks to be persuaded to enter a structured loan system

BANGKOK, 19 April 2016 (NNT) - The government is considering including loan sharks in a system that offers interest rates similar to banks.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911275-loan-sharks-to-be-persuaded-to-enter-a-structured-loan-system/

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UPDATE:

Fire at Chalong pier in Phuket guts six speedboats



PHUKET: -- Phuket police are investigating a fire that broke out at Chalong pier before dawn today, causing an estimated 20 million in damage to six tour speedboats.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911233-fire-engulfs-phuket-speedboats-at-chalong-pier/?p=10654314

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Smog in Chiang Mai Province has exceeded normal levels for the 4th consecutive day



CHIANG MAI, 19 April 2016 (NNT) - The smog situation in Chiang Mai Province has exceeded normal levels for the fourth consecutive day, prompting authorities to strictly monitor all areas for forest fires and the burning of agricultural land.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911279-smog-in-chiang-mai-province-has-exceeded-normal-levels-for-the-4th-consecutive-day/

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Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office marks 56th anniversary

BANGKOK, 19 April 2016 (NNT) – The Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office has held a ceremony to mark the anniversary of its founding and to affirm that it will continue to strengthen its operations.

Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office Pol Gen Ake Angsananont chaired the ceremony to mark the 56th anniversary of the founding of the Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office. He led high ranking officials of the office to engage in a ceremony with 9 monks and allowed office staff to meet with him.

Public Relations Department Director-General Apinan Chantarangsri led an entourage to hand flowers to Pol Gen Ake to congratulate his office.

The Permanent Secretary used the opportunity to announce policy he said would drive the bureau towards greater strength and bid its staff earn the confidence of the government and the public by developing their skills and efficiency for the benefit of all.


-- NNT 2016-04-19

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House Fire in Phrao Injures Owner
by CityNews



CityNews – A house fire that started from a short circuit caused the owner to get hurt and the fire to spread to the neighbour’s house in Phrao on April 18.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/911286-house-fire-in-phrao-injures-owner/