Thailand Future Fund to be launched in second quarter

 

The government plans to raise a huge fund from the public to kick start its mega transportation project in the second quarter of this year.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969524-thailand-future-fund-to-be-launched-in-second-quarter/

The week that was in Thailand news: Nonsense, glorious nonsense.

 

 

Teaching colleagues at my former school used to gather in the staff room at lunchtimes for what we called “The Nonsense Committee” – there was always plenty to talk about at a big international school in Bangkok especially as the management were British.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969514-the-week-that-was-in-thailand-news-nonsense-glorious-nonsense/ 

B200k worth of drugs nabbed in 'random check' in Phuket

Kritsada Muenghawong

 

 

PHUKET: A man was arrested with about 200,000 baht's worth of ya bah (methamphetamine) pills while trying to enter Phuket yesterday. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969520-b200k-worth-of-drugs-nabbed-in-random-check-in-phuket/

Police hunting for gunmen in Krabi van driver's murder

Kritsada Muenghawong

 

 

KRABI: Police are hunting for at least two gunmen who killed a van driver in Krabi yesterday.
 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969517-police-hunting-for-gunmen-in-krabi-van-drivers-murder/

Another tanked up Brit ends up in a bloodied heap outside Pattaya pub

 

Image: Siamchon News

 

PATTAYA:-- Another British tourist has ended up seriously injured outside a Pattaya bar.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969546-another-tanked-up-brit-ends-up-in-a-bloodied-heap-outside-pattaya-pub/

Phuket NACC ordered to probe corruption

The Phuket News

 

NACC Secretary-General Sansern Poljeak has ordered the NACC Phuket office to investigate eight areas of alleged corruption as identified by Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan this week. Photo: NACC
 

PHUKET: National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Secretary-General Sansern Poljeak has ordered the NACC Phuket office to investigate eight areas of alleged corruption as identified by Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan this week.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969516-phuket-nacc-ordered-to-probe-corruption/

Pattaya's sex capital image: We can't change it overnight, says tourism chief, but change it we will!

 

Image: Pattaya News

 

PATTAYA:-- The chief of Pattaya's tourism office has said that changing the resort's seedy image is not something that can be expected to happen overnight.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969547-pattayas-sex-capital-image-we-cant-change-it-overnight-says-tourism-chief-but-change-it-we-will/

Phuket expat calls for help to curtail Rawai petty crime spree 

The Phuket News

 

 

PHUKET: An expat in Rawai is appealing to the public for help in apprehending a thief who broke into his home and stole B3,000 while his wife and 6-month-old baby were still sleeping in the bedroom.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969523-phuket-expat-calls-for-help-to-curtail-rawai-petty-crime-spree/

If soi dogs outside 7/11 get your goat - try this!

 

Image: Manager

 

PATTAYA:-- Most 7/11s throughout Thailand have mangy soi dogs outside grabbing a waft of the freezing air conditioning - but Pattaya just has to be different.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969549-if-soi-dogs-outside-711-get-your-goat-try-this/

Prayut approval ratings down in most aspects except “hardworking”

 

 

Approval ratings of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and of his government were down for the first time after two years and six months on the job.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969515-prayut-approval-ratings-down-in-most-aspects-except-“hardworking”/

 

Video: Bike racer takes a tumble but lives!

 

Image: Thairath

 

Our video this morning shows just another day on the Thai roads. This time it is a group of about ten bike racing teens out on a highway in the north of Thailand.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969553-video-bike-racer-takes-a-tumble-but-lives/

 

Authorities finally make an arrest at Wat Dhammakaya - but it's not what you think!

 

Image: Daily News

 

Authorities surrounding controversial temple Wat Dhammakaya have finally made an arrest.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969554-authorities-finally-make-an-arrest-at-wat-dhammakaya-but-its-not-what-you-think/

 

Govt cracks down on power-plant protesters

By PRATCH RUJIVANAROM,
NATTAPAT PHROMKAEW
THE SUNDAY NATION

 

Anti coal-fired power plant leader Akkaradej Chakchinda is arrested by police at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission yesterday.

 

POLICE cracked down on the protest outside Government House yesterday over the move to build a coal-fired power plant in Krabi, arresting 16 protesters including three leaders of the demonstration.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969555-govt-cracks-down-on-power-plant-protesters/

 

Still no sign of wanted Dhammachayo

By THE SUNDAY NATION

 

A DSI official sticks special adhesive tape on a building inside Wat Dhammakaya yesterday to signify the structure is being used as evidence and to prevent objects from being moved from it and to bar people from entering.

 

CONTROVERSIAL former abbot Phra Dhammachayo, wanted for alleged money laundering and receiving stolen goods, was nowhere to be found on the third day of authorities’ hunt to find him yesterday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969557-still-no-sign-of-wanted-dhammachayo/

 

North’s seasonal haze problem back despite ban on burning

By NATTAWAT LAPING,
SAICHON NUDAENG
THE SUNDAY NATION

 

 

NORTHERN RESIDENTS are being affected by haze after farmers burned fields prior to the burning ban being enforced on Friday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969558-north’s-seasonal-haze-problem-back-despite-ban-on-burning/

 

308 criminal cases filed against Dhammakaya Temple

By The Sunday Nation

 

A monk talks on the phone near an entrance to the Dhammakaya Temple in Pathum Thani yesterday, when authorities conducted their third day of a search in the vast compound. This photo was taken through a grill gate.

 

A TOTAL OF 308 criminal cases have been filed against Dhammakaya Temple. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969559-308-criminal-cases-filed-against-dhammakaya-temple/

 

Surapong in the dock over Thaksin's passports

By NUNTIDA PUANGTHONG
THE SUNDAY NATION

 

 

FORMER foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul has made headlines again after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) voted unanimously to seek criminal action against him and also his impeachment over his decision to reissue passports to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969560-surapong-in-the-dock-over-thaksins-passports/

 

Deputy Education Minister calls on Thais to commit to good deeds as homage to the late King Bhumibol

Kitti Cheevasittiyanon

 

BANGKOK, 19 February 2017 (NNT) - Deputy Education Minister M.L. Panadda Diskul is calling on all Thais to commit to doing only good things and being honest as a homage to HM the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969561-deputy-education-minister-calls-on-thais-to-commit-to-good-deeds-as-homage-to-the-late-king-bhumibol/

 

PM submits revised charter draft

By THE SUNDAY NATION

 

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha has submitted a revised draft constitution to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969562-pm-submits-revised-charter-draft/

 

Poll reveals scepticism on reconciliation

By THE SUNDAY NATION

 

MOST Thais have doubts that the government’s reconciliation effort will be successful because they have seen no clear direction in the push to achieve that, a Suan Dusit Poll revealed yesterday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969563-poll-reveals-scepticism-on-reconciliation/

 

Conte keeps feet on ground as Chelsea edge closer to double

 

Britain Soccer Football - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea - FA Cup Fifth Round - Molineux - 18/2/17 Chelsea manager Antonio Conte applauds fans after the game Reuters / Darren Staples

 

(Reuters) - Chelsea manager Antonio Conte paid tribute to the performances of his back-up players as his in-form team moved a step closer to a league and cup double.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969564-conte-keeps-feet-on-ground-as-chelsea-edge-closer-to-double/

 

Leicester gloom deepens as Ranieri's men suffer Cup shock

 

Britain Soccer Football - Millwall v Leicester City - FA Cup Fifth Round - The New Den - 18/2/17 Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien

 

LONDON (Reuters) - If Claudio Ranieri was hoping there might be a player lurking in his reserves to salvage Leicester City's unravelling season he was left disappointed on Saturday as his side were beaten 1-0 by third-tier Millwall in the FA Cup fifth round.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969565-leicester-gloom-deepens-as-ranieris-men-suffer-cup-shock/

 

Lincoln's Cowley masterminds seismic Cup shock at Burnley

 

Britain Soccer Football - Burnley v Lincoln City - FA Cup Fifth Round - Turf Moor - 18/2/17 Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic

 

BURNLEY, England (Reuters) - Lincoln City's Danny Cowley triumphed where more celebrated managers have failed this season by masterminding his minor league battlers to a stunning 1-0 FA Cup victory at Burnley's Turf Moor fortress on Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969566-lincolns-cowley-masterminds-seismic-cup-shock-at-burnley/

 

New U.S. travel ban to spare green card holders - Trump official

 

Iranian citizen and U.S green card holder Cyrus Khosravi (R) meets his niece, Dena Khosravi (L, bottom), 2, for the first time while greeting his brother, Hamidreza Khosravi (L, top), after they were detained for additional screening following their arrival to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to visit Cyrus, during a pause in U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban in SeaTac, Washington, U.S. February 6, 2017. REUTERS/David Ryder

 

MUNICH (Reuters) - A new version of a Trump administration travel ban will not stop green card residency holders or travellers already on planes from entering the United States, U.S. Secretary for Homeland Security John Kelly said on Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969567-new-us-travel-ban-to-spare-green-card-holders-trump-official/

 

With greetings from Trump, Pence says U.S. committed to Europe

By Roberta Rampton and Shadia Nasralla

 

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence delivers his speech during the 53rd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Michael Dalder

 

MUNICH (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday brought a message of support for Europe from Donald Trump, but failed to wholly reassure allies worried about the new president's stance on Russia and the European Union.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969568-with-greetings-from-trump-pence-says-us-committed-to-europe/

 

Syrian jets hit rebel-held areas of Homs, Deraa - activist, monitor say

By John Davison

 

A damaged house is seen after an airstrike in the rebel-held southern town of Bosra al-Sham, Deraa Governorate, Syria February 17, 2017. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Faqir

 

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian warplanes bombarded a besieged rebel-held district of Homs on Saturday, killing at least two people and raising the death toll from nearly two weeks of air strikes there to more than 20, an activist and monitoring group said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969569-syrian-jets-hit-rebel-held-areas-of-homs-deraa-activist-monitor-say/

 

Putin orders Russia to recognise documents issued in rebel-held east Ukraine

 

Local police officers arrange passports during a ceremony to issue the first passports of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic to residents in Donetsk, Ukraine, March 16, 2016. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko/File Photo

 

MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian authorities on Saturday to temporarily recognise civil registration documents issued in separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine, a decision strongly criticised by Ukraine's president.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969570-putin-orders-russia-to-recognise-documents-issued-in-rebel-held-east-ukraine/

 

Back on the campaign trail already, Trump touts promises kept

By Jeff Mason and Irene Klotz

 

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during his "Make America Great Again" rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, U.S. February 18, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

 

MELBOURNE, Fla. (Reuters) - President Donald Trump, after a rocky first month in office, returned to the campaign trail on Saturday to deliver another attack on the media and tout his White House accomplishments in the friendly and familiar atmosphere of a rally with supporters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969571-back-on-the-campaign-trail-already-trump-touts-promises-kept/

 

"Blind sheikh" convicted in 1993 World Trade bombing dies in U.S. prison

By Bill Trott

 

Egyptian Omar Abdel-Rahman speaks during a news conference in this still image taken from February 1993 video footage in New York, U.S. on January 18, 2013. REUTERS/Reuters TV/File Photo

 

REUTERS - Omar Abdel-Rahman, the extremist Muslim cleric known as "the blind sheikh" convicted of conspiracy in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and planning more attacks as part of a "war of urban terrorism" in the United States, died on Saturday in a North Carolina prison, authorities said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969572-blind-sheikh-convicted-in-1993-world-trade-bombing-dies-in-us-prison/

 

No change in Russia's U.S. policy despite Trump, officials say

By Jonathan Landay

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks after signing a bilateral agreement with his Uruguayan counterpart Tabare Vazquez during a meeting in Moscow, Russia February 16, 2017. REUTERS/Yuri Kochetkov/Pool

 

MUNICH (Reuters) - Russia has shown no change in behaviour or policies to embrace U.S. President Donald Trump's offer of better relations or cooperation in fighting Islamist militants, U.S. officials and lawmakers say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969575-no-change-in-russias-us-policy-despite-trump-officials-say/