Thailand Live Wednesday 6 July 2016

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Thaivisa Photography Competition (July 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/928582-thaivisa-photography-competition-july-2016/

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"Lady Kai" latest - lawyer receives phone threats, woman jailed for theft set to be released


Image: Daily News

BANGKOK:-- The lawyer in the "Lady Kai" theft case has said that he has received telephone threats.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929807-lady-kai-latest-lawyer-receives-phone-threats-woman-jailed-for-theft-set-to-be-released/

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Thai tourists say they were fleeced by Loei tour company



BANGKOK:-- A large group of Thai tourists from the north eastern province of Loei have claimed that they have been conned out of nearly have a million baht by a local tour company.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929808-thai-tourists-say-they-were-fleeced-by-loei-tour-company/

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Thai public toilets - what a load of....

Image: CH3 Facebook

SAMUI: -- Channel Three TV reporters went to see for themselves what Thai public toilets were like after the issue was raised on social media causing much public comment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929857-thai-public-toilets-what-a-load-of/

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Police to take legal actions against Dhammakaya followers for obstructing DSI officials



BANGKOK: -- Pathum Thani provincial police will press ahead with taking legal actions against followers of Wat Dhammakaya for allegedly obstructing officials of the Department of Special Investigation in their attempt to arrest Phra Dhammachayo on June 16.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929858-police-to-take-legal-actions-against-dhammakaya-followers-for-obstructing-dsi-officials/

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UPDATE:

Military court orders seven New Democracy members freed



BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Military Court on Tuesday rejected a request of the police enquiry officers to have seven members of the New Democracy Movement detained for another 12 days and ordered that they be freed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929735-7-new-democracy-members-in-court-for-the-extension-of-their-detention/#entry10930348

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Court rejects arrest warrant for ‘Ying Gai’



BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court has rejected the police enquiry officers request for an arrest warrant for Mrs Monta Yokrattanakarn, alias Ying Gai, on charges of giving false statements to authorities and slandering the other people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929860-thai-court-rejects-arrest-warrant-for-ying-gai/

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Toyota to shed 800-900 jobs among temporary staff



BANGKOK: -- Informed industry source said that between 800-900 jobs for the wage earners who represent about 40 percent of Toyota’s work force will be shed under the “Farewell with Hearts” programme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929861-toyota-thailand-to-shed-800-900-jobs-among-temporary-staff/

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Thai government rules out death penalty for rapists
NATNICHA CHUWIRUCH, Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's Justice Ministry says it has no plan to execute rapists who murder their victims, saying such a harsh penalty would provoke more rapists to kill.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929862-thai-justice-ministry-rules-out-death-penalty-for-rapists/

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UPDATE:

Thai court frees student constitution protesters
VICKY GE HUANG, Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — A court in Thailand on Tuesday ordered the release of seven students who were arrested last month for distributing leaflets urging people to vote against a proposed new constitution in a referendum next month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929735-7-new-democracy-members-in-court-for-the-extension-of-their-detention/#entry10930360

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Dozens of reports of assaults, rapes at Swedish festivals
MATTI HUUHTANEN, Associated Press

HELSINKI (AP) — Several dozen women reported being raped or sexually assaulted at two music festivals in Sweden last weekend, police said Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929863-dozens-of-reports-of-assaults-rapes-at-swedish-festivals/

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32 organizations work together to achieve national sustainability



BANGKOK, 6 July 2016 (NNT) - Unilever, the Federation of the Thai Industries, and ThaiPublica have organized a meeting with representatives from 32 organizations with an aim to promote sustainability, end poverty, and tackle climate change.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929864-32-organizations-work-together-to-achieve-national-sustainability/

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Situation in southern border provinces has improved: Deputy premier

BANGKOK, 6 July 2016 (NNT) -The situation in Thailand’s southern border provinces has improved despite intermittent unrests during Ramadan period, said Deputy Prime Minister/ Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929865-situation-in-southern-border-provinces-has-improved-dpm-prawit/

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Banker forecasts 3% economic growth rate this year

BANGKOK, 6 July 2016 (NNT) - The private sector has forecast the tendency of the Thai economy in the second half of year, saying internal factors are conducive to private investment. External factors will keep interest rates to stay low for a long time.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929866-banker-forecasts-3-economic-growth-rate-this-year/

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NRSA has reviewed plans to reform political parties and local administrative system

BANGKOK, 6 July 2016 (NNT) – The National Reform Steering Assembly has completed a review of reports that suggest a reform of political parties and local administrative systems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929867-nrsa-has-reviewed-plans-to-reform-political-parties-and-local-administrative-system/

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Govt believes Bangkok Flower Market regulation yields long-term benefits



BANGKOK, 6 July 2016 (NNT) – The government spokesman believes that the regulation of floral retail space at the Bangkok Flower Market will be beneficial in the long run, asking flower sellers to adhere to society’s best benefits.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929869-govt-believes-bangkok-flower-market-regulation-yields-long-term-benefits/

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Foreign affairs ministry has no wish to cancel passports of ex-govt workers



BANGKOK, 6 July 2016 (NNT) - Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai has acknowledged that the ministry has no plans to cancel the official passports of those who have stopped working for the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929870-thai-foreign-affairs-ministry-has-no-wish-to-cancel-passports-of-ex-govt-workers/

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Ao Maya locals request harbor closure to conserve marine resources



KRABI, 6 July 2016 (NNT) – The local people and tourism entrepreneurs of Ao Maya Harbor in the Phi Phi Islands have requested the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to temporarily close off the Maya bay until marine resources recover from activities related to tourism. The closure is expected to begin by early 2017.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929871-ao-maya-locals-request-harbor-closure-to-conserve-marine-resources/

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Water at Phuket’s Darasamuth Intersection just excess rainwater, says Highways Dept chief
Chanida Summast


The water is said to come from a drainage hole made to let out water that sits on the roof of the Darasamut Underpass. Photo: Phuket Community Facebook page

PHUKET: A small amount of water that continually runs onto the road at the Darasamuth Intersection is said to be rain water that comes from a drainage hole made to clear excess rain water that sits on the roof of the Darasamut Underpass following heavy rain chief of the Highways Department has confirmed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929872-water-at-phukets-darasamuth-intersection-just-excess-rainwater-says-highways-dept-chief/

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Paradise Beach appeal palms off Patong demolition order
Suthicha Sirirat


Paradise Beach has staved off a demolition order issued by Patong Municipality for about 60 days, Patong Mayor Chlermluck said today. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat

PHUKET: -- The management of Paradise Beach Co Ltd has filed an appeal against a demolition order issued by Patong Municipality, giving the popular beach club venue a reprieve of about 60 days, Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup has confirmed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929873-paradise-beach-appeal-palms-off-patong-demolition-order/

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Crackdown on condo owners confirmed
Phuket Gazette


Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat reaffirmed today a tough new stance against accommodation owners operating illegally as hotels. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Condominium owners in Phuket caught renting out their units on a daily basis face fines and jail time if they do not register their properties as hotels.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929874-crackdown-on-phuket-condo-owners-confirmed/

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Proposed light rail delayed yet again
Phuket Gazette


A conceptual graphic of the light rail system. Photo: OTPP

PHUKET: -- Phuket’s multi-billion-baht light rail project is being given another month to revise its plans yet again.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929875-proposed-phuket-light-rail-delayed-yet-again/

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Trees in Dusit armed with metal bars after City Hall destroyed their roots to build walkway
By Coconuts Bangkok


Photo: Taradon Tunduan

BANGKOK: -- After City Hall damaged trees on Rama V Road by digging up their roots while building a new walkway in May, they have come up with what they consider a solution to their mistake — just prop the weak trees up with metal structures.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929876-trees-in-dusit-armed-with-metal-bars-after-bangkok-destroyed-their-roots-to-build-walkway/

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Is Thailand Now Serious About Submarines from China?
Despite some encouraging signs, lingering concerns persist.
By Prashanth Parameswaran

BANGKOK: -- Over the past few days, reports have surfaced that Thailand may now be getting serious about purchasing three submarines from China as part of a billion-dollar deal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929877-is-thailand-now-serious-about-submarines-from-china/

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Latest in the Spate of Worldwide Ramadan Attacks: Thailand
Rishi Iyengar

BANGKOK: -- Thai insurgent attacks have surged in Ramadan, with the latest bombing coming in a week that has also seen bloodshed in Turkey, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929878-latest-in-the-spate-of-worldwide-ramadan-attacks-thailand/

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Thailand wary as more Zika cases reported
DAVID HOPKINS, Contributing writer

BANGKOK -- Since the Zika virus first caught the world's attention following one of the most serious outbreaks, in Brazil last year, Thai health authorities have been at pains to allay local fears that a similar outbreak could occur in the Southeast Asian country, which reported its first confirmed case of Zika in 2012.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929879-thailand-wary-as-more-zika-cases-reported/

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Thailand’s Finance Ministry Spearheading an Effort to Cancel Old-Age Allowances

BANGKOK – Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has ordered the Finance Ministry to study tax incentives to spur the private sector to hire more elderly employees as part of a plan to address the problem of an ageing society, which is straining state coffers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929881-thailands-finance-ministry-spearheading-an-effort-to-cancel-old-age-allowances/

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Belgian court gives heavy sentences to Verviers ISIL cell members
By Robert Hackwill



BRUSSELS: -- A Belgian judge on Tuesday sentenced 15 members of an ISIL militant cell, nine of them in absentia, to up to 16 years in prison after convicting them of plotting attacks on targets including Brussels airport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929882-belgian-court-gives-heavy-sentences-to-verviers-isil-cell-members/

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UK: Fox the first to fall in Conservative leader race, May leads the field



LONDON: -- Liam Fox is the first name to be scratched from the list of people fighting to become the next leader of the UK Conservative Party.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929883-uk-fox-the-first-to-fall-in-conservative-leader-race-may-leads-the-field/

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Controversial labour reform forced through in France
By Catherine Hardy | With AP, REUTERS



PARIS: -- There has been a walk-out in the French parliament as the government invoked special constitutional powers to impose a controversial reform of employment legislation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/929884-controversial-labour-reform-forced-through-in-france/