THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 22 Feb 2017

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Incoming ambassador to U.S. calls treatment of Mexico 'unacceptable'

REUTERS

 

Geronimo Gutierrez, Mexico's incoming ambassador to the United States, speaks at a hearing in Mexico's Senate in Mexico City, Mexico February 21, 2017. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez

 

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's incoming ambassador to the United States on Tuesday slammed U.S. President Donald Trump's treatment of its southern neighbour as "unacceptable" and called for a migration mechanism to avoid illegal crossings by Mexicans to the United States.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970060-incoming-ambassador-to-us-calls-treatment-of-mexico-unacceptable/

 

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Tillerson affirms importance of constructive U.S.-China ties

By David Brunnstrom

REUTERS

 

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson takes his seat for a meeting with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi (not in picture) on the sidelines of a gathering of Foreign Ministers of the G20 leading and developing economies at the World Conference Center in Bonn, western Germany, February 17, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan Smialowski

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke by telephone with China's top diplomat on Tuesday and affirmed the importance of a constructive U.S.-China relationship, and the two agreed on the need to address the threat posed by North Korea, the State Department said.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970062-tillerson-affirms-importance-of-constructive-us-china-ties/

 

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Ex-teen idol David Cassidy says he has dementia

REUTERS

 

David Cassidy smiles for photographers outside the Phoenix theatre in London, Britain, October 23, 1995. REUTERS/Andrew Shaw/File Photo

 

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Former teen idol David Cassidy said on Monday he was suffering from dementia, a day after weekend performances in California in which he forgot his words and appeared to fall off stage raised concern about his health.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970064-ex-teen-idol-david-cassidy-says-he-has-dementia/

 

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Trump's new security advisor differs from him on Russia, other key issues

By John Walcott

REUTERS

 

Newly named National Security Adviser Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster listens as U.S. President Donald Trump makes the announcement at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida U.S. February 20, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has shown little patience for dissent, but that trait is likely to be tested by his new national security adviser, Army Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970065-trumps-new-security-advisor-differs-from-him-on-russia-other-key-issues/

 

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Step counting apps and fitness trackers do more harm than good, experts warn

BY STAFF WRITER 

 

 

Most of us have a step counter of some description, it might be on our smartphones or it might be a watch, but one expert has claimed that they are a waste of time and potentially dangerous – citing that they force people to focus on unrealistic health and fitness goals.

 

Full story: http://tech.thaivisa.com/step-counting-apps-and-fitness-trackers-do-more-harm-than-good-experts-warn/19972/

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Sound familiar? WhatsApp update brings encrypted disappearing picture messages

BY STAFF WRITER

 

 

Facebook owned WhatsApp has added a new feature that is remarkably similar to one found on Snapchat.

 

Full story: http://tech.thaivisa.com/sound-familiar-whatsapp-update-brings-encrypted-disappearing-picture-messages/19975/

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PM assigns Finance Min to clarify on excise tax for liquor

 

BANGKOK, 22 February 2017 (NNT) - The Prime Minister has stressed that determining excise tax for liquor requires fairness and plans to ask the Ministry of Finance to clarify the new Excise Tax Act, over concerns that it could become a medium for corruption. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970067-pm-prayut-assigns-finance-min-to-clarify-on-excise-tax-for-liquor/

 

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National police chief: Phra Dhammajayo will be arrested

 

BANGKOK, 22 February 2017 (NNT) - Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police Pol.Gen. Chakthip Chaichinda has expressed confidence that the government will be able to arrest Phra Dhammajayo with the use of Section 44 of the interim charter. He warned Wat Phra Dhammakaya not to use the social media to distort the facts. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970068-national-police-chief-phra-dhammajayo-will-be-arrested/ 

 

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Several provinces experience water shortages

 

 

PHICHIT, 22 February 2017 (NNT) - Several provinces are running short on water as the country is easing into summer. 

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970071-several-thai-provinces-experience-water-shortages/

 

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Elevator scion who defaced Trump's Hollywood star gets probation

By Steve Gorman

REUTERS

 

File Photo: Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is seen after it was vandalized in Los Angeles, California U.S., October 26, 2016. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo

 

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The elevator company scion who defaced Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during the presidential campaign last autumn pleaded no contest on Tuesday to felony vandalism and received three years' probation.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970073-elevator-scion-who-defaced-trumps-hollywood-star-gets-probation/

 

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Former Hong Kong leader jailed 20 months for misconduct in public office

REUTERS

 

Former Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang and his wife Selina arrive the High Court in Hong Kong, China February 20, 2017. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

 

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Former Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang, the highest-ranking ex-official to be charged in the city's history, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment on Friday for misconduct in public office.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970075-former-hong-kong-leader-jailed-20-months-for-misconduct-in-public-office/

 

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The Midweek Rant: Stop Knocking Pattaya!

 

 

Pattaya has taken a helluva knocking lately. From those claiming that the crime rate has gone through the roof with attacks in bars and necklace snatchings, that the resort is nothing but a haven for villains both local and international, to those who say that it is dirty, corrupt and the dregs of Thailand.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970079-the-midweek-rant-stop-knocking-pattaya/

 

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Teen girl claims she was asked to quit school for bringing donuts to class

By Coconuts Bangkok

 

BANGKOK: -- A high school student and her mother told reporters that the school staff and teachers pressured her to quit school after she brought donuts to class for a friend’s birthday.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970086-teen-girl-claims-she-was-asked-to-quit-school-for-bringing-donuts-to-class/

 

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Central Bank to stimulate more saving by Generation Y group

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand has announced that it will be launching programs to foster greater saving by the younger generation of the public starting with school children up to university students.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970088-bank-of-thailand-to-stimulate-more-saving-by-generation-y-group/

 

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Government approves 10 billion baht emergency loans to help low income earners out of loan sharks

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The government yesterday gave approval to two state banks to extend a total of 10 billion baht emergency loans to low income earners in its effort to solve the longstanding unofficial or unregulated loans problem encouraging the poor.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970097-government-approves-10-billion-baht-emergency-loans-to-help-low-income-earners-out-of-loan-sharks/

 

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Malaysia identifies North Korean embassy official among suspects

REUTERS

 

Malaysia's Royal Police Chief Khalid Abu Bakar (C) speaks during a news conference regarding the apparent assassination of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of the North Korean leader, at the Malaysian police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 22, 2017. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

 

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian police identified a senior official in the North Korean embassy on Wednesday as a suspect in the murder of Kim Jong Nam, and said another was linked to North Korea's state airline.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970103-kim-jong-nam-killing-malaysia-identifies-north-korean-embassy-official-among-suspects/

 

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"Happy Zone" is the answer to resort's woes says top cop at Pattaya crisis meeting on crime and tourism

 

Picture: Siamchonnews

 

PATTAYA: -- A top policeman at a crisis meeting to discuss Pattaya's crime and image has announced that "Happy Zones" will be set up in the resort to protect tourists and their possessions.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970104-happy-zone-is-the-answer-to-resorts-woes-says-top-cop-at-pattaya crisis-meeting-on-crime-and-tourism/

 

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Thailand scraps plans to track foreign tourists with SIM cards

BY STAFF WRITER

 

 

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commision has scrapped a controversial plan that would require foreign tourists to use a special SIM card that would enable the authorities to easily monitor their whereabouts.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970106-thailand-scraps-plans-to-track-foreign-tourists-with-sim-cards/

 

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Mother, 39, forced her 12 year old daughter to sleep with new husband, 25, because she was afraid he might leave her

 

Picture: Daily News

 

BANGKOK: -- A story of a mother and step father who took advantage of a 12 year old girl has come to light in the Ratanathibet area of Nonthaburi north of Bangkok.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970108-mother-39-forced-her-12-year-old-daughter-to-sleep-with-new-husband 25-because-she-was-afraid-he-might-leave-her/

 

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Weatherman warns of atmospheric turbulence in upper region

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The Meteorological Department today warned of atmospheric turbulence in upper region during February 23-26 as cold front is approaching from China to cover the region.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970109-thai-meteorological-dept-warns-of-atmospheric-turbulence-in-upper-region/

 

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Man shot in head in heart of Phuket Town

Eakkapop Thongtub

 

Police question local residents in the quiet street in the heart of Phuket Town. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET: -- Police are trying to track down the assailant who shot a man in the head in a quiet street in Phuket Town early this morning (Feb 22).

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970110-man-shot-in-head-in-heart-of-phuket-town/

 

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Another deadline collapses, DSI reopens negotiations with Dhammakaya

By Teeranai Charuvastra, Staff Reporter

 

Soldiers were deployed Tuesday night to contain Dhammakaya supporters who’re gathering close to where officers are stationed on Khlong Luang Road in Pathum Thani.

 

PATHUM THANI — The Department of Special Investigation, or DSI, on Wednesday opened a new round of negotiations with Dhammakaya for permission to search its headquarters for its fugitive spiritual leader.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970111-another-deadline-collapses-dsi-reopens-negotiations-with dhammakaya/

 

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Kindergarten canteen is cooking the books, says school teacher

 

Picture: Thairath

 

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT: -- A teacher in Nakhon Si Thammarat has reported her own school to the authorities over what she says is illegal and unhygienic activity in the kitchen.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970113-kindergarten-canteen-is-cooking-the-books-says-school-teacher-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

 

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Darwin awards latest! Teen jumps on car and gives motorist a scare

 

Picture: Manager Online

 

BANGKOK: -- A video taken from the dash cam of a car in Bangkok has netizens questioning the sanity of a teen.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970117-darwin-awards-latest-teen-jumps-on-car-and-gives-motorist-a-scare/

 

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Reconciliation efforts results will come clear after poll : Abhisit

 

File photo: Abhisit

 

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party chief Abhisit Vejjajiva said Wednesday the country will not know if the junta’s attempts to bring about reconciliation have been successful until after the next election.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970120-reconciliation-efforts-results-will-come-clear-after-poll-abhisit/

 

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Tourist touts, Khaosan forgers busted

(photos)

By Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

 

Police peruse the professional and academic certifications advertised by a forgery suspect Tuesday afternoon in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district.

 

BANGKOK — Need a university degree? Want to buy some gems? There were 75 fewer forgers and touts asking those questions Wednesday after the crackdown pendulum once again swung in their direction.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970123-tourist-touts-khaosan-forgers-busted/

 

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Tourists blamed for pirate goods problems as ministry heeds PM's call

 

Picture: Thai News Agency

 

BANGKOK: -- Tourists have been singled out as a major cause for problems with pirated goods.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970125-tourists-blamed-for-pirate-goods-problems-as-ministry-heeds-pms-call/

 

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30-baht health care service will go ahead, assures govt spokesman

 

 

BANGKOK: -- The government assures that the 30-baht medical care service will go ahead and denies rumour that it will be scrapped.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970128-30-baht-health-care-service-will-go-ahead-assures-govt-spokesman/

 

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Survey: 51% of Thais say their partner prefers playing with phone over sex

By Coconuts Bangkok

 

 

BANGKOK: -- A whopping 51 percent of Thai survey respondents say their partners prefer playing with their smartphones over some sexy time, while 28 percent say they consider leaving their partners every single day, according to a relationship index released earlier this month.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970129-survey-51-of-thais-say-their-partner-prefers-playing-with-phone-over-sex/

 

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CNN names Isaan as top world destination
By The Nation

 

Red Lotus Sea in Kumphawapi district of Udon Thani

 

BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s Northeastern region, known locally as Isaan, has been named by US news network CNN as one of the world’s top 17 places to visit this year.

 

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/970130-cnn-names-isaan-as-top-world-destination/