Diplomatico

Absolutely agree and, apparently, so does the Land Transport Department as they are threatening to pull the licenses of those taxis:

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/cab...-lose-licences

dsquared37

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/...t-gets-results

Some highlights:

Thai Rath online reports that Mr Tarin Kaenkhunthod, the head of the taxi drivers association, has strongly denied his group is involved with the controversial sign, calling it very inappropriate. He also threatened to take legal action against the person posting the photo of the sign in the social media.

"Passengers pay tens of thousands of baht for an air ticket. Why can't they pay a few hundred baht for a negotiated fare," he asked.

Also, although it's not in the article and I can't find an English source, there is a clamor for a per bag charge now.

Tchiowa

No argument here. The government needs to get control over the whole taxi situation. Taxis that are in unsafe condition, drivers refusing fares, drivers demanding flat rates, etc. are, as you say, a national embarrassment.

transpac

Deadline looms for prepaid mobile users in Thailand to register


http://www.nationmultimedia.com/busi...-30252420.html

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/...d-to-register/

As I read it, the deadline might be 31 July 2015. As with all things here YMMV.

transpac

Thai Junta Leader Deflects Concern Over Mass Surveillance Bill

BANGKOK — Thai junta leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has asserted his authority to pass a mass surveillance bill that would allow officials to inspect any form of communication without a requesting a court warrant.

When a reporter from Isra News asked the junta chairman to comment on the draft of the controversial Cyber Security Act, Gen. Prayuth responded that Thai people should learn about "rules" instead of focusing only on the "restriction of their rights."

The reporter pressed Gen. Prayuth to justify the sweeping nature of the bill, prompting Gen. Prayuth to lose his temper and shout, "I don't have to answer why! I will pass it. You have a problem with that? Otherwise, why the hell am I the Prime Minister? Why am I the Prime Minister?"

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail...11&typecate=06

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nati...-30252415.html

seanthepilot

Here's a good start to a more secure/private online presence.

http://www.zdnet.com/pictures/the-be...ure-online/11/

transpac

Here's a good start to a more secure/private online presence.

While I haven't reviewed this proposed Thai legislation, I am fairly certain that it will proscribe restrictions, and define associated punishments: fines, prison time, on the use of technological solutions (VPN, encryption, etc.) to bypass government restrictions.

As Martial Law remains in effect throughout the entire country there is currently no need for the authorities to require a warrant for any type of search. This sort of legislation, along with many, many, many other similar "laws" is deemed necessary to protect the sanctity of the Kingdom, when/if Martial Law is relaxed.

aBroadAbroad

See these FT threads, as well:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...ationally.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...appliance.html

transpac

Third young British backpacker dies on Thai island of Koh Tao

A young backpacker has died on the Thai island where two fellow Britons were killed last year.

The victim, named online as 23-year-old political activist Christina Annesley, died on Wednesday on Koh Tao, an area popular with tourists and backpackers.
It is the same spot where Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were killed last September. Two Burmese men have been charged in connection with the couple's deaths.

Reports suggested Miss Annesley died from natural causes.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/eart...f-Koh-Tao.html

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/gene...ead-on-koh-tao

http://news.sky.com/story/1412995/uk...island-koh-tao

whackyjacky

The chances of a 23 year old fm healthy enough to travel to KT, dying suddenly of "natural causes" has to be pushing 0%. Reads more like an alcohol & drug interaction IMO. I understand why her parents are down w/the "natural causes" finding.

transpac

"Natural causes" here means that it was not a homicide; she did make mention on her social media page(s) of requiring antibiotics, and extensive alcohol consumption over the previous two weeks, so a medication interraction seems a possibility. I merely bolded the "natural causes" phrase to indicate that this may not be a homicide like the previous catastrophes (Ms. Witheridge and Mr. Miller); no comment on the Frenchman found hanged (on Koh Tao on 1 Jan. 2015) with his hands tied behind his back being a suicide.

whackyjacky

Yeah, "Natural Causes" means nothing suspicious no need for tests. Over here in Cambodia everybody dies of heart attack. She was popping (at least) Tramadol, antibiotics, Valium, & alcohol simultaneously. It could've been an allergic reaction to the mix too. Vals & alcohol alone will turn your liver into a loofah.

transpac

Former Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra impeached over rice policy

Thailand's legislators have voted to impeach former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and ban her from politics for five years.

The move relates to her involvement in a controversial rice subsidy scheme.

Earlier on Friday, the attorney general also announced that Ms Yingluck would face a criminal charge over her role in the scheme.

A court removed Ms Yingluck as PM in May 2014, days before the military ousted her government in a coup.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30928835


This is euphemistically referred to by the military junta as "reconciliation", and "reform". It was also reported today that the AG will indict her on criminal charges of negligence of duty, which might result in a prison term of 10 - 15 years. But the goal may be simply to insure she flees the country?

Diplomatico

I browsed through it and there's nothing that restrictive....the draft language mainly describes the establishment of a governing committee and how it's going to function. That's not to say that the committee won't eventually establish some similarly draconian restrictions but that's not in the draft (that I could find.)

If interested, it's published here:

https://thainetizen.org/2015/01/digi...rity-bills-en/

transpac

Not sure what change this actually represents, or what the effects might be? The hours seem the same but something must be different as they're making a big deal out of it. There is mention of entertainment areas being limited to 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

Note that there have been proposals to outlaw public (outdoors) consumption.


Restriction of liquor sale time takes effect today

23 January 2015

Restricted alcoholic beverages sale times will take effect today throughout the country.

Alcohol beverages can now only be sold from 11.00 am – 2.00 pm and from 5.00 pm – 12.00 pm every day.

An announcement was made today by the Prime Minister’s Office on the 2015 law regulating alcohol sales which takes effect today.

At all other times, alcohol sales are strictly forbidden with the exception of at international airport terminals and legally registered entertainment venues which have laws that strictly govern the periods they can operate daily.

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/res...s-effect-today