Thailand Live Wednesday 11 May 2016

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Thaivisa Photography Competition (May 2016)



Enter the Thaivisa Photography Competition where you can win a two night stay at the luxury Palm Grove Resort in Pattaya, worth an estimated 10,000 Baht.

Submit your photos here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/913956-thaivisa-photography-competition-for-may-2016/

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Out of Sight and Mind, Actress’ Fatal Crash Case Ends Without Jail Time
Teeranai Charuvastra


B-movie actress Anna Reese on her knees before Chanthana Wongbundit, the wife of the policeman she killed by driving her Mercedes-Benz into his car, where he was sleeping on the side of the road.

BANGKOK — A Mercedes-Benz caused a fatal impact on the highway, and the well-connected millionaire responsible was allowed to leave the scene without a sobriety test. All hell broke loose online, where a skeptical public criticized the police and complained of a two-tier justice system which shields the wealthy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916282-anna-reese-out-of-sight-and-mind-actress-fatal-crash-case-ends-without-jail-time/

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Mai Khao cemetery businesses ‘gone this week’, vows Phuket official
Suthicha Sirirat

PHUKET: -- The Chief of the Damrongdhama Centre (Ombudsman’s Office) Phuket office has warned that he will order businesses at the Pru Jason Lake and the nearby cemetery at Mai Khao Beach to be removed by the end of the week.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916322-mai-khao-cemetery-businesses-gone-this-week-vows-phuket-official/

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‘You Wanna Fight?’ Bangkok Moto Taxis Confront GrabBike
By Chayanit Itthipongmaetee
Staff Reporter


Two motorcycle taxi drivers who showed up in the video clip which went viral since Monday night

BANGKOK — The moto taxi wars took an ugly turn Monday when two motorbike taxi operators confronted a man working for an on-demand service who’d arrived to pick up a student.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916359-you-wanna-fight-bangkok-moto-taxis-confront-grabbike/

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PM: No renewal of gold mining concession



BANGKOK: -- The cabinet did not consider renewing the gold mining concession concession of Akara Resources PLc which is due to expire on May 13, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916360-pm-prayut-no-renewal-of-gold-mining-concession/

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Gen Prawit disagrees with Seri Suwanpanond’s proposed reconciliation bill



BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has voiced his objection to a proposed bill aims to help restore reconciliation by holding off punishments against political offenders of the two opposing camps.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916361-gen-prawit-disagrees-with-seri-suwanpanonds-proposed-reconciliation-bill/

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Six webpage administrators freed on bail but two others detained on lese majeste charges



BANGKOK: -- Eight webpage administrators were granted bail of 200,000 baht each by the Bangkok military court after they were ordered detained for another 12 days by the same court.

The eight defendants were charged with defaming the prime minister and violating the Computer Crime Act. They include Ms Natthika Warathaiwit, Mr Noppaklao Kongsuwan, Mr Worawit Saksamutnun, Mr Yothin Mungkungsa-nga, Mr Thanawat Buranasiri, Mr Supachai Saiboot, Mr Harit Mahathon and Mr Kansith Tangboonthima.

The defendants’ lawyer, Mr Winyat Chartmontri, insisted that none of his clients pleaded guilty to the charges.

Supporters of the defendants showed up in front of the Bangkok military court this morning to give them moral support. Military police had to restrain some of the supporters for shouting to support the defendants.

Six of the defendants were released from Bangkok special prison in the evening after they were granted bail. Two others namely Ms Nathika and Mr Harit were however detained pending questioning over lese majeste charges against them.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/162770


-- Thai PBS 2016-05-11

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Audit Commission wants legal actions against ex-finance minister and former PTT top executive



BANGKOK: --- The State Audit Commission has decided to ask the National Anti-Corruption Commission to take criminal litigation against former finance minister Surapong Suebwonglee, former PTT managing director Prasert Boonsamphan and a few other ex-officials of the Finance Ministry and PTT executives for alleged malfeasance in office regarding the oil pipeline system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916362-audit-commission-wants-legal-actions-against-ex-finance-minister-and-former-ptt-top-executive/

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Three districts in Lampang declared emergency disaster zone

LAMPANG: -- Three districts of Lampang province covering altogether 109 villages have been declared emergency disaster zone as a result of acute drought problem.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916364-three-districts-in-lampang-declared-emergency-disaster-zone/

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Heat Feeding Severe Fire Conditions Nationwide
Chayanit Itthipongmaetee


Rescue workers on Monday at Khao Thalu in Chumphon’s Sawee District.

CHUMPHON — A wildfire has been burning out of control for two days on a limestone mountain in the south of Thailand, one of many fires in a season of record temperatures worsened by severe drought.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916365-heat-feeding-severe-fire-conditions-nationwide/

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Chainat sends ex-drivers under influence on morgue tour

CHAINAT, 11 May 2016 (NNT) – Chainat Provincial Office of Probation director Romphong Pholwatthana led 37 people earlier arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in an activity to do social services at Chai Nat Narenthorn hospital in provincial seat of Chainat.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916366-chainat-sends-ex-drivers-under-influence-on-morgue-tour/

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NRSA approves report on local government system

BANGKOK, 11 May 2016 (NNT) - The National Reform Steering Assembly has approved a report on the overhaul of the country’s local government system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916367-thai-nrsa-approves-report-on-local-government-system/

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PM Prayut wants no more reporting on Phra Viharn Temple replica

BANGKOK, 11 May 2016 (NNT) - The Prime Minister is not concerned about the impact of the Phra Viharn Temple replica on international relations with Cambodia, but is nevertheless calling for no more reporting on the issue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916368-pm-prayut-wants-no-more-reporting-on-phra-viharn-temple-replica/

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CDC's Meechai insists explanation of draft charter must be straightforward and honest

BANGKOK, 11 May 2016 (NNT) - The Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Commission has insisted that the explanation of the draft charter for the public ahead of the referendum in August must be straightforward and carry no distortions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916369-cdcs-meechai-insists-explanation-of-draft-charter-must-be-straightforward-and-honest/

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NLA petitioned to cancel mineral exploration licenses in Phetchabun

BANGKOK, 11 May 2016 (NNT) - A group of activists has petitioned the National Legislative Assembly to consider the cancellation of all mineral exploration licenses in Phetchabun province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916370-nla-petitioned-to-cancel-mineral-exploration-licenses-in-phetchabun/

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NLA’s 1st Vice President still believes in merit of proposal to suspend court cases related to past political unrest

BANGKOK, 11 May 2016 (NNT) - A vice president of the National Legislative Assembly believes that the proposal to pass a law that would result in the suspension of all court cases related to past political unrest, will still work, if all sides agree to it.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916371-nla-vp-still-believes-in-merit-of-proposal-to-suspend-court-cases-related-to-past-political-unrest/

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PWO to propose 100,000 tons palm oil purchase

BANGKOK, 11 May 2016 (NNT) – The Public Warehouse Organization (PWO) is set to propose the purchase of 100,000 tons of palm oil to help farmers during the upcoming high supply of palm oil in the marketplace.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916372-pwo-to-propose-100000-tons-palm-oil-purchase/

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Thailand duplicates world's largest stupa in Chiang Mai



CHIANG MAI, 11 May 2016 (NNT)-Thai Buddhists no longer have to travel all the way to Nepal to see one of the world’s largest stupas ‘Boudhanath’. The landmark stupa has now been duplicated in Chiang Mai Province for Buddhists to visit and pay their respects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916373-thailand-duplicates-worlds-largest-stupa-in-chiang-mai/

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Dept of Physical Education to organize BIKE FOR KING

BANGKOK, 11 May 2016 (NNT) - The Department of Physical Education invites the public to participate in the BIKE FOR KING bike ride on the occasion of His Majesty the King’s 70th accession to the throne this month.

Deputy Director-General of the Department of Physical Education Panya Hanlamyuang and representatives of the Thai Cycling for Health Association on Tuesday attended a news conference of the BIKE FOR KING bike ride scheduled for 15 May 2016 from 5.00 – 10.30 AM.

The cycling route starts from the National Stadium, passing Rattanakosin Island, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen road before returning to the stadium. The total distance is 13.7 kilometers.

Before the bikers depart, there will be an activity in which they will shout “long live the King” and perform a card stunt to create the name “BIKE FOR KING.”


-- NNT 2016-05-11

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Metropolitan Police to coordinate with schools to alleviate rush-hour traffic

BANGKOK, 11 May 2016 (NNT) - The Metropolitan Police Bureau, in preparation for the new school semester, is surveying problematic locations and coordinating with schools in managing drop-off locations for parents and students, in order to reduce traffic congestion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916374-metropolitan-police-to-coordinate-with-schools-to-alleviate-rush-hour-traffic/

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Drug Dealers Caught in Pattaya Police Sting



PATTAYA: -- At 11am on May 10th Pol Col Sukhatut Poompanmuang, of Pattaya Police Station announced the arrest of three major drug dealers. Mr. Worapetch, also known as Golf Wannasiri, aged 24 years old was found in possession of four Yabba pills.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916375-drug-dealers-caught-in-pattaya-police-sting/

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Bag Snatcher Grabbed by Police



PATTAYA: -- At 10.30am on May 10th Pol Col Suktad Poompanmuang, of Pattaya Police Station, announced the arrest of twenty-seven-year-old Surya Kadnahong, from Mahasarakam Province, for the crime of snatch & grab after stealing a bag and escaping the scene on a motorcycle.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916376-bag-snatcher-grabbed-by-police/

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American expat aims to raise funds to ‘recreate’ 9/11 in countryside
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A delusional American expat living in Thailand has publicly announced a plan to finally get to the bottom of a 9/11 conspiracy theory – he just needs THB10 million to make it happen.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916377-american-expat-aims-to-raise-funds-to-recreate-911-in-countryside/

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UPDATE:

Student harassed by moto-taxi drivers for calling GrabBike
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- A Chulalongkorn University student was reportedly harassed by motorcycle taxi drivers in front of his dorm in Chula soi 9 when a GrabBike driver came to pick him up.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916359-you-wanna-fight-bangkok-moto-taxis-confront-grabbike/#entry10734317

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Thailand expects 1 million Russian tourists in 2016
ALEXANDER KORABLINOV, RBTH

Tourism Authority of Thailand sees a 13 percent rise in Russian arrivals.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916378-thailand-expects-1-million-russian-tourists-in-2016/

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Israel hopes to normalise ties with Turkey soon, say officials



"Israel hopes to normalise ties with Turkey soon, say officials"

JERUSALEM: -- Israeli officials say efforts to restore full diplomatic ties with Turkey must now wait until a new government is formed in Ankara.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916380-israel-hopes-to-normalise-ties-with-turkey-soon-say-officials/

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French cabinet votes to force through controversial labour reforms



PARIS: -- The French cabinet has agreed to allow controversial labour reforms to be forced through.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916381-french-cabinet-votes-to-force-through-controversial-labour-reforms/

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Rodrigo Duterte: from “The Punisher” to president



MANILA: -- He has been called a “maverick” and nicknamed “Digong Duterte”. The 71-year-old former mayor of Davao is perhaps the least orthodox politician to reach the pinnacle of power in the Phillipines.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916382-rodrigo-duterte-from-the-punisher-to-president/

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UPDATE:

German train attacker ‘had psychological and drug problems’



MUNICH: -- A man suspected of killing a commuter with a knife at a railway station in Germany had psychological and drug problems, officials say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916266-germany-up-to-5-wounded-in-stabbing-at-train-station/page-2?p=10734355#entry10734355

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Four arrested in two north east drug busts - 30kgs of crystal meth seized


Image: Daily News

MAE SOT:-- Drugs suppression authorities in the north west of Thailand announced the arrest of four people in two separate busts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/916384-four-arrested-in-two-north-east-drug-busts-30kgs-of-crystal-meth-seized/