THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 14 Apr 2017

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HOTEL DEALS: Book by April 17th to receive an extra 10% discount on our already great prices

 

 

Book by April 17th for extra great discounts: Be quick to snap up the latest offers on Sacha's Hotel Uno in Bangkok, Classic Kameo in Ayutthaya, and Kantary Bay in Rayong. Great hotels at great prices!

 

Info: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978015-hotel-deals-book-by-april-17th-to-receive-an-extra-10-discount-on-our-already-great-prices/

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Tradition vs Modernisation: What to do about the lovely old Siamese railways?

 

Picture: Daily News / State Railway of Thailand

 

BANGKOK: -- As the modernization of the railways in Thailand picks up pace many people are asking what will become of the traditional architecture on the lines.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978344-tradition-vs-modernisation-what-to-do-about-the-lovely-old-siamese-railways/

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Happy Songkran? Motorists pelted with urine, raw fish, motor oil

By Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

 

Motorcycle riders hit by a bag of what looks like motor oil Thursday early morning in Chonburi. Photo: Saha Group-Laem Chabang / Facebook

 

CHONBURI — Local police said Thursday they were searching for a group of youths who were seen tossing bags filled with urine and other foul fluids at passing motorcycles and cars.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978347-happy-songkran-motorists-pelted-with-urine-raw-fish-motor-oil/

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Laser tattoo removal warning as Thais spooked by pictures from China

 

Picture: Daily News

 

BANGKOK: -- Experts have warned the Thai public who wish to have tattoos removed by laser to go to reputable places to have the procedure done.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978389-laser-tattoo-removal-warning-as-thais-spooked-by-pictures-from-china/

 

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Udon Thani police chief goes after Facebook poster who he says defamed the force

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

UDON THANI: -- The head of Udon Thai police is going after a poster on Facebook who he says defamed his force in the ongoing row over sitting in the cab and back of pickups.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978392-udon-thani-police-chief-goes-after-facebook-poster-who-he-says-defamed-the-force/

 

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Road death toll falls during first two days of Songkran but accidents increase
By The Nation

 

 

During the same twoday period last year there were 116 deaths and 981 people injured in 907 accidents

 

BANGKOK: -- The Road Safety Directing Centre said yesterday that Nakhon Ratchasima had the most fatalities with six deaths, while Chiang Mai had the most accidents and the most injuries at 51 cases and 48 people respectively.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978393-road-death-toll-falls-during-first-two-days-of-songkran-but-accidents-increase/

 

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AMLO asked to seize assets of 'Shogun' after alleged tour scam

 

Pasit was escorted from Ranong to Bangkok by helicopter on April

 

Suspect claims she did not intend to cheat anyone, blames 'uncontrollable situation'

 

BANGKOK: -- POLICE have asked the Anti-Money Laundering Office to confiscate assets of Pasit Ariyalapit, who is at the heart of a much-publicised alleged tour scam.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978394-amlo-asked-to-seize-assets-of-shogun-after-alleged-tour-scam/

 

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Digital Ministry slammed for 'ambiguous' ban on online contact with junta critics
By THE NATION

 

 

BANGKOK: -- CIVIL SOCIETY organisations have slammed a vague announcement by the Digital Economy and Society (DE) Ministry that advised netizens to refrain from following certain critics of the monarchy online, saying the announcement violated the new Constitution and international laws guaranteeing political rights and freedom of expression.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978395-digital-ministry-slammed-for-ambiguous-ban-on-online-contact-with-junta-critics/

 

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Democrat leader sees change in political atmosphere
By The Nation

 

Nation Multimedia Group’s digital journalist Suthichai Yoon, left, interviews Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva in a recent Facebook Live broadcast.

 

BANGKOK: -- Almost three years after the 2014 coup, Thailand’s constitution was finally promulgated last week. While the charter spells out a timeframe for legislation to pave the way for elections, the exact date of the poll has not been decided by the ruling junta government.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978396-democrat-leader-sees-change-in-political-atmosphere/

 

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Abhisit cautious about reforms under charter
By THE NATION

 

 

BANGKOK: -- FORMER prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva cautions that the newest Constitution cannot fix politics single-handedly despite the high hopes held for it by the military regime.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978397-abhisit-cautious-about-reforms-under-charter/

 

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Income boost for Thai seniors in the works
By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Thai seniors, celebrating April 13 as the official National Elders’ Day, could see the monthly stipend for elderly and poor Thais double from Bt600 to Bt1,200-Bt1,500. MajGeneral Sansern Kaewkamnerd, government's spokesman said yesterday.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978398-income-boost-for-thai-seniors-in-the-works/

 

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New Year comes in with a splash and traditional good luck thoughts for the future

 

Songkran in Bangkok.//Chalinee Thirasupa

 

BANGKOK: -- Songkran officially kicked off yesterday with Thai and foreign visitors taking part in water-splashing at various designated celebration zones across the country following the morning merit-making rites for blessing and good luck on this Thai traditional New Year.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978399-new-year-comes-in-with-a-splash-and-traditional-good-luck-thoughts-for-the-future/

 

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Bangkok is a paradise during Songkran
Photo and story by Kunlaphun Siripimamporn

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok residents who decided to stay behind or those having to work holiday shifs in the capital city have the rare opportunity to see almost empty roads during this Songkran.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978400-bangkok-is-a-paradise-during-songkran/

 

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‘Masked Fighters’ ready to teach troublemakers a lesson at Buri Ram celebrations
By SURACHAI PIRAKSA
THE NATION

 

Photo by Surachai Piraksa

 

BURI RAM: -- IMITATING THE POPULAR TV show “The Masked Singers”, Buri Ram United soccer club president Newin Chidchob has fielded six veteran Muay Thai boxers under the promotion stunt “Buri Ram the Masked Fighters” who will fight in “special” boxing matches against “troublemakers” at the I-Mobile stadium in Buri Ram’s Muang district.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978402-‘masked-fighters’-ready-to-teach-troublemakers-a-lesson-at-buri-ram-celebrations/

 

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OPINION

BRN holds all the weapons – and the keys to peace    
By Don Pathan

 

BANGKOK: -- There was nothing new in the statement delivered by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) on Monday, but that doesn’t mean the message was without merit or impact.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978403-brn-holds-all-the-weapons-–-and-the-keys-to-peace/

 

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Prem appeals for public’s help to fight corruption
By The Nation

 

NACC commissioners listening to Prem's remark on corruption curbing as they visit him on Songkran Day

 

BANGKOK: -- Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council, has urged the public to be the eyes and ear to keep corrupt people held in check.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978404-prem-appeals-for-public’s-help-to-fight-corruption/

 

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UPDATE:

 

10 youths arrested for throwing dirty water filled in plastic bags at passing cars

 

 

CONBURI: -- Ten youths were arrested by Chon Buri police on Wednesday night for allegedly throwing dirty water filled in plastic bags at cars travelling on a bridge running parallel to the beach in Muang district.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978347-happy-songkran-motorists-pelted-with-urine-raw-fish-motor-oil/#comment-11796185

 

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UPDATE:

 

NCPO believes all sectors aware of road safety during Songkran festival this year

 

BANGKOK, 14 April 2016 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) believes that all sectors are aware of road safety during this year's Songkran festival, hoping that this will positively affect the statistics under the Drink Don’t Drive campaign. 

 

 Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978393-road-death-toll-falls-during-first-two-days-of-songkran-but-accidents-increase/?do=findComment&comment=11796595
 
 

 

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February public debt hits 6 trillion baht

 

BANGKOK, 14 April 2017 (NNT) - The Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) has reported a jump in public debt in February while announcing its plan to begin a new fund-raising campaign next month. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978406-february-public-debt-hits-6-trillion-baht/

 

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Commerce ministry and private sector to discuss U.S' measures against Thai exports

 

BANGKOK, 14 April 2017 (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce will meet with the private sector on the U.S.’ policy to reduce a trade deficit with Thailand. They will assess the situation and discuss the possible effects on the country. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978407-commerce-ministry-and-private-sector-to-discuss-us-measures-against-thai-exports/

 

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Fisheries dept. calls on people to release native Thai fishes rather than non-native

 

BANGKOK, 14 April 2017 (NNT) - The Department of Fisheries has urged people who wish to release water animals into natural water sources during the Songkran festival to choose native Thai species in order to maintain the balance in the ecological system. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978408-fisheries-dept-calls-on-people-to-release-native-thai-fishes-rather-than-non-native/

 

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U.S. unleashes 'mother of all bombs' for first time in Afghanistan

By Idrees Ali

REUTERS

 

The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb is pictured in this undated handout photo. Elgin Air Force Base/Handout via REUTERS

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States dropped "the mother of all bombs," the largest non-nuclear device it has ever unleashed in combat, on a network of caves and tunnels used by Islamic State in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday, the military said.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978409-us-unleashes-mother-of-all-bombs-for-first-time-in-afghanistan/

 

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United passenger dragged from plane has concussion, broken nose -lawyer

By Timothy Mclaughlin and Karen Pierog

REUTERS

 

Crystal Dao Pepper, daughter of Dr. David Dao, speaks during a news conference at Union League Club in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. April 13, 2017. REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski

 

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The United Airlines passenger dragged from a plane in Chicago in an incident that sparked international outrage and turned into a corporate public relations nightmare suffered a concussion and broken nose and will likely sue, his attorney said on Thursday.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978410-united-passenger-dragged-from-plane-has-concussion-broken-nose-lawyer/

 

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China warns against force as North Korea prepares celebration

By Michael Martina and Sue-Lin Wong

REUTERS

 

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves to people cheering during an opening ceremony of a newly constructed residential complex in Ryomyong street in Pyongyang, North Korea April 13, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

 

BEIJING/PYONGYANG (Reuters) - Military force cannot resolve tension over North Korea, China said on Thursday, while an influential Chinese newspaper urged the North to halt its nuclear programme in exchange for Chinese protection.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978412-china-warns-against-force-as-north-korea-prepares-celebration/

 

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Chemical weapons experts in Turkey to investigate; UK confirms sarin use

By Anthony Deutsch

REUTERS

 

FILE PHOTO: A crater is seen at the site of an airstrike, after what rescue workers described as a suspected gas attack in the town of Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib, Syria April 4, 2017. REUTERS/Ammar Abdullah

 

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Global chemical weapons investigators have gone to Turkey to collect samples as part of an inquiry into an alleged chemical weapons attack in neighbouring Syria last week that killed 87 people.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978413-chemical-weapons-experts-in-turkey-to-investigate-attack-in-syria-uk-confirms-sarin-use/

 

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In historic referendum, Turkey's Erdogan faces his biggest test

By Nick Tattersall and Humeyra Pamuk

REUTERS

 

A billboard carrying a picture of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and a slogan that reads: "Yes. It is for the people to speak and to decide" is seen on a building ahead of the constitutional referendum in Istanbul, Turkey April 13, 2017. REUTERS/Murad Sezer - RTX35F8G

 

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Much like the vast mosque he has commissioned atop one of Istanbul's highest hills, President Tayyip Erdogan's supporters hope a referendum on Sunday will be a crowning achievement in his drive to reshape Turkey.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978414-in-historic-referendum-turkeys-erdogan-faces-his-biggest-test/

 

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Trump says North Korea problem 'will be taken care of'

REUTERS

 

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un observes a target-striking contest by the Korean People's Army (KPA) in this undated photo, released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), April 13, 2017. REUTERS/KCNA

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Pyongyang is a problem that "will be taken care of," as speculation rose that North Korea might be on the verge of a sixth nuclear test.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978416-trump-says-north-korea-problem-will-be-taken-care-of/

 

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CIA chief calls WikiLeaks a 'hostile intelligence service'

By Warren Strobel and Mark Hosenball

REUTERS

 

Mike Pompeo waits to be sworn in as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in U.S. Vice President Mike Pence's ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House in Washington, U.S. January 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - CIA Director Mike Pompeo on Thursday called WikiLeaks a "hostile intelligence service," using his first public speech as spy agency chief to denounce leakers who have plagued U.S. intelligence.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978417-cia-chief-calls-wikileaks-a-hostile-intelligence-service/

 

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Fingerprint scanning to be introduced for all new SIM card requests from May

 

file photo

 

BANGKOK: -- The National Telecoms Authority are introducing mandatory finger print scanning for applications for new SIM cards from May.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978418-fingerprint-scanning-to-be-introduced-for-all-new-sim-card-requests-from-may/

 

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NATO deploys troops to Poland while concerns about country's army rise

By Lidia Kelly

REUTERS

 

U.S. soldiers attend welcoming ceremony for U.S.-led NATO troops at polygon near Orzysz, Poland, April 13, 2017. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

 

ORZYSZ, Poland (Reuters) - Poland on Thursday welcomed the first U.S. troops in a multi-national force which is being posted across the Baltic region to counter potential threats from Russia.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/978423-nato-deploys-troops-to-poland-while-concerns-about-countrys-army-rise/