THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 21 Feb 2017

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Police chief repeats call for Dhammachayo to surrender in order to end conflict

 

 

The national police chief on Monday repeated his call for Phra Dhammachayo to turn himself in to the police in order to put an end to the confrontation between the authorities and followers of the former abbot of Wat Dhammakaya.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969821-police-chief-repeats-call-for-dhammachayo-to-surrender-in-order-to-end-conflict/

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TrueVision to pay extra compensation for HBO cancellation 

By USANEE MONGKOLPORN

THE NATION

 

TRUEVISIONS will pay additional compensation to around 1,000 the subscribers who exited its platinum and gold packages during January 1 to 25, after the company’s cancellation of six HBO channels on December 31, said Natee Sukonrat, chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s broadcasting committee.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969822-truevision-to-pay-extra-compensation-for-hbo-cancellation/

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Pattaya's image in the spotlight again - this time it's not the mean streets but the sidewalks!

 

Picture: Manager Online

 

PATTAYA: -- Local residents have called in the national press to complain about some of the sidewalks in Pattaya.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969842-pattayas-image-in-the-spotlight-again-this-time-its-not-the-mean streets-but-the-sidewalks/

 

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Video: Thai driver takes the biscuit for mad driving - but gets his just desserts!

 

Picture: Thairath

 

BANGKOK: -- Our video this morning shows why many people think it is just not worth venturing onto the Thai roads - if you want to live a long and happy life that is!

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969843-video-thai-driver-takes-the-biscuit-for-mad-driving-but-gets-his just-desserts/

 

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Chiang Mai hospital denies they are using needles over and over to save money

 

Picture: Sanook

 

CHIANG MAI: -- A leading private hospital in Chiang Mai has hit back at online allegations that they have been using needles more than once to inject sick people.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969844-chiang-mai-hospital-denies-they-are-using-needles-over-and-over-to-save-money/

 

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Drugs: Thai police continue to make huge busts in wake of arrest of Laotian kingpin Xaysana

 

Picture: PPTV

 

BANGKOK: -- National police reported drugs busts and arrest in two major cases yesterday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969846-drugs-thai-police-continue-to-make-huge-busts-in-wake-of-arrest-of-laotian kingpin-xaysana/

 

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Thai police undergo weapons and battle tactics training

 

Picture: Thairath

 

BANGKOK: -- Police from eight Bangkok stations are undergoing intensive training in weapons' use and tactics in violent confrontations.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969847-thai-police-undergo-weapons-and-battle-tactics-training/

 

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NESDB predicts Thailand’s growth rate year at 3-4 percent

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s growth rate (GDP) for the whole year of last year registered 3.2 percent and is predicted to register 3-4 percent this year, thanks to global economic recovery, said Mr Paramet Wimonsiri, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board, on Monday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969848-nesdb-predicts-thailand’s-growth-rate-year-at-3-4-percent/

 

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PM wants Dhammayaka case to be resolved quickly: government spokesman

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has wanted the Dhammakaya case to be resolved quickly through strict enforcement of the law, government spokesman Lt-Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Monday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969849-pm-wants-dhammayaka-case-to-be-resolved-quickly-government-spokesman/

 

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Security companies and guards must register within Feb 26 or else…

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Security companies and their security guards are required to register with registrars at their respective provinces within February 26 otherwise they will face punishments.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969851-security-companies-and-guards-must-register-within-feb-26-or-else…/

 

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Central Bank asks police to take legal action against Payall Group

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand has lodged a complaint with the Economic Crime Division accusing Payall Group and its president, wellknown star Film Ratthapoom, of operating e-Money services without a proper license.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969853-central-bank-asks-police-to-take-legal-action-against-payall-group/

 

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Police stop Dhammakaya followers from trying to break into the temple

 

 

BANGKOK: -- About 300 Dhammakaya monks and lay followers tried to break through police cordon guarding Gate 5 of the temple to join those inside the temple.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969854-police-stop-dhammakaya-followers-from-trying-to-break-into-the-temple/

 

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Thai Tourism Wants to Open Military Facilities to Lure Chinese Tourists

 

BANGKOK – The Tourism Authority of Thailand has come up with an idea to open military facilities to draw tourists from China as part of a campaign to show Thailand’s new look, TAT deputy governor Srisuda Wanapinyosak said.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969855-thai-tourism-wants-to-open-military-facilities-to-lure-chinese-tourists/

 

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Gadfly spurs inquiry into no-show lawmakers' excuses

By Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

 

 

Undated file photo of Preecha Chan-ocha / Matichon

 

BANGKOK — It will take until Friday to know whether seven absentee members of the parliament risk losing their jobs for not meeting attendance requirements – or up to three months for a newly launched review to run its course.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969856-gadfly-spurs-inquiry-into-no-show-lawmakers-excuses/

 

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Canadian tourist dies in tragic snorkelling accident Koh Tao

 

KOH TAO: -- A 50 year old Canadian tourist has died after a tragic snorkelling accident on the island of Koh Tao. The accident occurred on the afternoon of the 16th of February when the lady was snorkelling in a marked boat lane used by longtail boats to access the beach.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969857-canadian-tourist-dies-in-tragic-snorkelling-accident-koh-tao/

 

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Phuket woman set on fire, ex-husband wanted by police

Phuket Gazette 

 

The victim sustained burns on 30 per cent of her body. Photo: Winai Sarot

 

PHUKET: -- A woman sustained burns to 30 per cent of her body after her ex-husband allegedly hit her, emptied a bottle of lighter fluid over her body and then set her on fire.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969858-phuket-woman-set-on-fire-ex-husband-wanted-by-police/

 

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Govt denies cancelling coal-fired plant for Krabi
By The Nation

 

 

Academics urge long-term solutions to southern demand, including renewables

 

KRABI: -- ACADEMICS HAVE said the decision to revisit and improve the environmental study on the Krabi coal-fired power plant is only a short-term solution and urged the government to pursue long-term options to satisfy the demand for power in the South.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969859-govt-denies-cancelling-coal-fired-plant-for-krabi/

 

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New options for composition of media council
By PRAPASRI OSATHANON
KaSamakorn Chanwanpen
THE NATION

 

THE MEDIA reform committee has backtracked on the composition of the proposed media professional council and is considering reducing the ratio of state representatives on the panel.

 

Full story:  http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969860-new-options-for-composition-of-media-council/

 

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UPDATE:

 

NLA members took leave ‘in line with regulations’
By The Nation

 

BANGKOK: -- NLA President Pornpetch Wichitcholchai yesterday defended the approval given to members who sought to take leave, saying he granted the requests based on the body’s regulations.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969856-gadfly-spurs-inquiry-into-no-show-lawmakers-excuses/?do=findComment&comment=11640895

 

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Skytrain Green Line extension moves step closer
By Tanatpong Kongsai
The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The State Enterprise Policy Committee on Monday approved the first batch of rail-transport system installations for BTS Skytrain Green Line’s two extended routes.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969861-skytrain-green-line-extension-moves-step-closer/

 

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Laos drug busts still only half the story
By The Nation

 

The national police chief reveals an ongoing crackdown – and nothing about traffickers’ elite friendships

 

Late but better than never, Lao police last week finally broke a disturbing silence and acknowledged the arrest of more than 30 members of dope-peddling syndicates, one of which is said to be even bigger than that run by recently detained drug lord Xaysana Keophimpha.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969862-laos-drug-busts-still-only-half-the-story/

 

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Temple monks defiant
By THE NATION

 

Dhammakaya Temple monks and followers clash briefly with police and Department of Special Investigation officials at the monastery in Pathum Thani yesterday.

 

Injuries in scuffles as authorities target ‘group that could be untouchable’

 

BANGKOK: -- LEADERS of Dhammakaya Temple continued to call on supporters to press the junta to revoke its order sealing off the compound in Pathum Thani as a protracted stand-off dragged on after a conflict between monks and police early yesterday. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969863-dhammakaya-temple-monks-defiant/

 

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EU welcomes Pence assurance of Trump's support

By Roberta Rampton and Alastair Macdonald

REUTERS

 

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence poses with European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in Brussels, Belgium, February 20, 2017. REUTERS/Virginia Mayo/Pool

 

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence assured the European Union in Brussels on Monday that the Trump administration will develop their cooperation in trade and security and backs the EU as a partner in its own right.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969865-eu-welcomes-pence-assurance-of-trumps-support/

 

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Russia's U.N. envoy Churkin dies suddenly in New York

By Jack Stubbs

REUTERS

 

FILE PHOTO - Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin speaks during a news conference at the U.N. headquarters in New York September 2, 2015. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

 

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's combative ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, died suddenly in New York on Monday after being taken ill at work, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969866-russias-un-envoy-churkin-dies-suddenly-in-new-york/

 

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General known for sharp questions will be Trump's new top security adviser

By Jeff Mason and Patricia Zengerle

 

U.S. President Donald Trump and his newly appointed National Security Adviser Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster (L) speak during the announcement at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida U.S. February 20, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday named Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond McMaster as his new national security adviser, choosing a military officer known for speaking his mind and challenging his superiors.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969867-trump-names-lt-gen-hr-mcmaster-as-national-security-adviser/

 

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Refugee claimants from U.S. strain Canada's border resources

By Allison Lampert and Anna Mehler Paperny

REUTERS

 

A family of four are taken into custody by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers after crossing the U.S.-Canada border into Hemmingford, Quebec, Canada February 20, 2017. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi

 

HEMMINGFORD, Quebec (Reuters) - Canadian police said on Monday they have bolstered their presence at the Quebec border and border authorities have created a temporary refugee centre to process a growing number of asylum seekers crossing from the United States.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969868-refugee-claimants-from-us-strain-canadas-border-resources/

 

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Light plane carrying five people crashes into Australian shopping mall

REUTERS

 

SYDNEY (Reuters) - A small plane carrying five people crashed into a shopping centre near an airport outside Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, on Tuesday and officials said an unknown number of people may have been killed.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969869-light-plane-carrying-five-people-crashes-into-australian-shopping-mall/

 

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In election year, Germany to tap asylum-seekers' phones for ID checks

By Erik Kirschbaum

RIMMER

 

A migrant uses her cell phone in a canteen in a refugee camp in Celle, Lower-Saxony, Germany October 15, 2015. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/Files

 

BERLIN (Reuters) - The German government has drafted a law to allow authorities to tap into the phone and computer data of asylum-seekers if there are doubts about their nationalities - an unusual move in a country where data protection is sacred.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969870-in-election-year-germany-to-tap-asylum-seekers-phones-for-id-checks/

 

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UPDATE:

 

PM instructs officials to urgently deal with Dharmmakaya temple using legal measures

 

BANGKOK, 21 February 2017 (NNT) – The government spokesman has instructed the authorities to urgently use legal measures with the Dharmmakaya temple to avoid clashes. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969821-police-chief-repeats-call-for-dhammachayo-to-surrender-in-order-to-end-conflict/?do=findComment&comment=11641112

 

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Iraqi forces battling Islamic State about to reach Mosul airport

By Stephen Kalin and Maher Chmaytelli

REUTERS

 

Members of the Iraqi rapid response forces fire a missile toward Islamic State militants during a battle in south of Mosul, Iraq February 19, 2017. REUTERS/Khalid al Mousily

 

SOUTH OF MOSUL/BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S.-backed Iraqi forces battling Islamic State fighters have fought their way close to Mosul's airport on the second day of a ground offensive on the jihadists' remaining stronghold in the western side of the city, military statements said on Monday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/969877-iraqi-forces-battling-islamic-state-about-to-reach-mosul-airport/