Man returns to Thailand from Holland to look for birth mother who left him at a hospital

 

Picture: Thairath

 

BANGKOK: -- A Thai man who was adopted as a toddler by Dutch parents has returned to his place of birth to look for his real mum and dad.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966984-man-returns-to-thailand-from-holland-to-look-for-birth-mother-who-left him-at-a-hospital/

 

Phuket garbage pile photos go viral on Social Media

Eakkapop Thongtub

 

 

PHUKET:-- Photos of a huge piles of rubbish mounting up at the end of Chalong Pier have started to go viral on Social Media, and so far no government office has taken responsibility for clearing the rubbish away.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966952-phuket-garbage-pile-photos-go-viral-on-social-media/

Alleged Lao drug kingpin’s Facebook account depicts luxury-car lifestyle

By The Nation

 

 

The Facebook account of Xaysana Keopimpha, an alleged drug warlord who was arrested in Bangkok last month, appears to show only sporadic activity, with his latest post being an update of his profile photo on December 19.

 

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966948-alleged-lao-drug-kingpin’s-facebook-account-depicts-luxury-car-lifestyle/

 

"Big Jiap" admits there are threats to "Big Too" and "Big Pom" - but the security services can handle it

 

Picture: Thairath

 

BANGKOK: -- The chief of the army Chalermchai Sitthisat has admitted that there are threats made to the safety of PM Prayuth and deputy PM Prawit but that the security services are in place to prevent any attacks that might endanger the men.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966986-big-jiap-admits-there-are-threats-to-big-too-and-big-pom-but the-security-services-can-handle-it/

 

Welcome to Pattaya - Finnish couple on first day in the resort latest victims of snatch theft

 

Picture: Pattaya

 

PATTAYA: -- A Finnish couple out for a stroll on their first day in Pattaya were robbed yesterday in the latest motorcycle snatch theft to hit the resort.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966988-welcome-to-pattaya-finnish-couple-on-first-day-in-the-resort-latest victims-of-snatch-theft/

 

Pattaya - Hua Hin ferry: company upbeat as ferry begins charging

 

Picture: Manager Online

 

PATTAYA: -- The company running the Pattaya to Hua Hin ferry service is upbeat after what they say was a successful testing period in January.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966989-pattaya-hua-hin-ferry-company-upbeat-as-ferry-begins-charging/

 

Car saleswoman hospitalized after falling down drain at Isuzu dealership

Picture: Daily News

 

CHONBURI: -- A car saleswoman showing some customers around an Isuzu dealership slipped and fell down a damaged drain yesterday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966990-car-saleswoman-hospitalized-after-falling-down-drain-at-isuzu-dealership/

 

Thailand hopes for upgrade in U.S. human trafficking report

By Patpicha Tanakasempipat

REUTERS

 

Thailand's Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai gestures during a news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok,Thailand, February 2, 2017. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand has stepped up prosecutions for human trafficking and hopes its status will be upgraded in the annual U.S. Trafficking in Persons report, the foreign minister said on Thursday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966992-foreign-ministry-believes-tip-report-this-year-will-place-thailand-in-better-ranking/ 

 

Gen Prawit believes there won’t be a coup after the elections if…

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan believes that there will not be a coup after the elections this year if there is reconciliation among all political parties and groupings.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966993-gen-prawit-believes-there-won’t-be-a-coup-after-the-elections-if…/

 

CDC chairman suggests media and NRSA’s panel hold talks to settle their differences

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Thai media and the media reform panel of the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) should hold talks to iron out their differences on the panel’s new media reform bill which is accused by the media of wanting to rein in the media and taking away their freedom of expression.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966994-cdc-chairman-suggests-media-and-nrsa’s-panel-hold-talks-to-settle-their-differences/

 

Cabinet to be asked to review BMTA’s plan to purchase 3,183 NGV buses

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Transport Ministry will propose the cabinet to review the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s project to purchase 3,183 NGV buses worth a total of 13.1 billion baht because the plan was conceived about a decade ago and endorsed by the previous administration.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966996-cabinet-to-be-asked-to-review-bmta’s-plan-to-purchase-3183-ngv-buses/

 

Nearly three tonnes of pangolin scales seized in Thailand

 

A customs officer holds up pangolin scales during a news conference at the customs department in Bangkok, Thailand, February 2, 2017. Thai customs officials have seized 2.9 tons of pangolin scales worth 29 million Thai baht ($826,000) that were smuggled into Thailand from Congo and destined for Laos, authorities said on Thursday. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

 

BANGKOK Feb 3 (Reuters) - Thai authorities on Thursday displayed to journalists nearly 3 tonnes of scales from pangolins, the world's most poached animal, seized in anti-smuggling operations since December.

 

Full story; http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966997-nearly-three-tonnes-of-pangolin-scales-seized-in-thailand/

 

Trang to organize Underwater Wedding Ceremony 2017

 

 

TRANG, 3 February 2017 (NNT) – Trang province plans to organize more underwater wedding ceremonies in 2017. Twenty couples have already booked their weddings beneath the sea at Kadan Island. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966999-trang-to-organize-underwater-wedding-ceremony-2017/

 

Chiang Rai Authorities Coordinate Efforts to Prevent Field Burning and Choking Haze

 

CHIANG RAI – As burning season of burning fields, wild fires and choking haze swiftly approaches in Chiang Rai authorities are continuing work to prevent the smog in northern Thailand and prevent it’s horrific impact on the public and Tourism.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967000-chiang-rai-authorities-coordinate-efforts-to-prevent-field-burning-and-choking-haze/

 

How can Asia answer the new Ugly Americanism?
By The Nation

 

Southeast Asian foreign ministers will have to consider the Trump question when they meet later this month

 

Thanks to the belligerent statements and policies of Donald Trump, the Islamic State terrorist group will grow from strength to strength in coming weeks and months.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967001-how-can-asia-answer-the-new-ugly-americanism/

 

New witness emerges in fatal crash case linked to Jomsap
By THAWEEP SRISUCHART
THE NATION

 

Jomsap

 

SAKHON NAKON: -- A SAKHON Nakhon-based eyebrow tattoo artist has emerged as a fresh witness in support of former teacher Jomsap Saenmuangkhot’s claim of innocence in a 2005 crash, the chairman of a newly-established centre taking complaints regarding cases allegedly involving scapegoats said yesterday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967002-new-witness-emerges-in-fatal-crash-case-linked-to-jomsap/

 

Airlines plan promotions after new jet fuel tax drives up fares
By PICHAYA CHANGSORN,
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION 

 

AirAsia is one of airline to prepare more marketing campaign to maintain tickets volumes after airfares up.

 

BANGKOK: -- AIRLINES are preparing more marketing campaigns and promotions to maintain ticket volumes after the implementation of a new jet-fuel tax is set to drive up air fares.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967004-airlines-plan-promotions-after new-jet-fuel-tax-drives-up-fares/

 

Court to hear case brought by handicapped group against BMA
By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Civil Court is to investigate a case brought by a group of handicapped people against the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) over the delay on lift construction at BTS stations.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967005-court-to-hear-case-brought-by-handicapped-group-against-bma/

 

Criminals are still getting away with murder in our forests
By PIYAPORN WONGRUANG
THE NATION

 

Pol Lt Col Theerayut (right) and his fellows during their stay in the jungle.

 

BANGKOK: -- Nearly five years ago a group of nine amateur game hunters slipped into Kaeng Krachan National Park to spend their holiday killing wild animals. Shockingly, among them were several senior officials, including Police Lt-Colonel Theerayut Ketmungmee from nearby Pran Buri Police Station in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967006-criminals-are-still-getting-away-with-murder-in-our-forests/

 

UPDATE:

 

Govt denies ‘Washington Post’ assertion Thailand faces high risk of coup this year
By THE NATION

 

Prawit

 

BANGKOK: -- KEY GOVERNMENT and junta figures yesterday ruled out the possibility of a fresh military coup this year, rebuffing a prediction in the Washington Post that Thailand had a high risk of another power seizure.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/966993-gen-prawit-believes-there-won’t-be-a-coup-after-the-elections-if…/?do=findComment&comment=11585816

 

NLA panel probing Parliament CCTV bribery scandal
By Prapasri Ostanon
The Nation

 

BANGKOK: -- The newly set up fact-finding panel of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will determine whether there is any policy-level corruption involved in the fresh allegations by the United States concerning the CCTV installation project in Parliament 10 years ago.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967007-nla-panel-probing-parliament-cctv-bribery-scandal/

 

NRSA calls for review of media regulatory bill following strong opposition from journalists
By KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION

 

 

BANGKOK: -- FOLLOWING strong objections from many media groups, National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) whips yesterday advised its media reform committee to revise the contentious media regulatory bill.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967008-nrsa-calls-for-review-of-media-regulatory-bill-following-strong-opposition-from-journalists/

 

Uber CEO quits Trump's business advisory group

By Heather Somerville and David Shepardson

REUTERS

 

Uber CEO Travis Kalanick speaks to students during an interaction at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Mumbai, India, January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

 

SAN FRANCISCO/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] Chief Executive Officer Travis Kalanick has quit President Donald Trump's business advisory group after coming under criticism for taking part, the company said on Thursday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967009-uber-ceo-quits-trumps-business-advisory-group/

 

Trump says his travel ban needed to ensure U.S. religious freedom

By Jeff Mason and Roberta Rampton

REUTERS

 

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump says "don't worry" about the tough phone calls he's having, adding it's time for the U.S. to be "tough." Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump defended his order to temporarily bar entry to people from seven majority-Muslim nations, which has come under intense criticism at home and abroad, saying on Thursday it was crucial to ensuring religious freedom and tolerance in America.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967010-trump-says-his-travel-ban-needed-to-ensure-us-religious-freedom/

 

U.S. watchdog agency to review implementation of Trump travel ban

REUTERS

 

International travelers arrive after U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order travel ban at Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. January 30, 2017. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A watchdog agency at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it is planning to review how President Donald Trump's immigration executive order to temporarily suspend travel from seven majority-Muslim nations was implemented.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967011-us-watchdog-agency-to-review-implementation-of-trump-travel-ban/

 

It's not in Britain's interests for other countries to quit EU, minister says

REUTERS

 

An illustration shows the white paper setting out Britain's government statergy for departing the European Union, outside Parliament, in London, Britain February 2, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

 

BERLIN (Reuters) - Britain's Minister of State for Trade and Investment said in a newspaper interview that Britain did not want other countries to follow its lead by quitting the European Union.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967012-its-not-in-britains-interests-for-other-countries-to-quit-eu-minister-says/

 

Yemeni-Americans shut hundreds of shops in New York City to protest travel ban

By Gina Cherelus

REUTERS

 

A sign saying "My family is detained at JFK" hangs in the window of a closed bodega during a Yemeni protest against President Donald Trump's travel ban, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, U.S. February 2, 2017. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith

 

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hundreds of New York City bodegas, grocery stores and restaurants owned by Yemeni Americans closed for hours on Thursday in protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration policies, organizers said.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967013-yemeni-americans-shut-hundreds-of-shops-in-new-york-city-to-protest-travel-ban/

 

U.S. military probing more possible civilian deaths in Yemen raid

By Ayesha Rascoe

REUTERS

 

President Donald Trump on Wednesday paid his respects to a U.S. Navy SEAL who died in a raid on al Qaeda in Yemen that went wrong. Nathan Frandino reports.

 

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (Reuters) - The U.S. military said on Wednesday it was looking into whether more civilians were killed in a raid on al Qaeda in Yemen on the weekend, in the first operation authorized by President Donald Trump as commander in chief.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967014-us-military-probing-more-possible-civilian-deaths-in yemen raid/

 

U.S. to issue new Iran sanctions, leading edge of get-tough strategy - sources

By Arshad Mohammed, Matt Spetalnick and Patricia Zengerle

REUTERS

 

Iranian-made missiles are pictured at Holy Defence Museum in Tehran September 23, 2015. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to impose new sanctions on multiple Iranian entities, seeking to ratchet up pressure on Tehran while crafting a broader strategy to counter what he sees as its destabilising behaviour, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967015-us-to-issue-new-iran-sanctions-leading-edge-of-get-tough-strategy-sources/

 

U.S., Germany must stick to shared values like religious freedom - Gabriel

By Patricia Zengerle and Sabine Siebold

REUTERS

 

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel arrives for a meeting at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., February 2, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on Thursday that Germany wanted to keep working on the transatlantic relationship but that it was important for Germany and the United States to stick to shared values such as freedom of religion.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/967016-us-germany-must-stick-to-shared-values-like-religious-freedom-gabriel/