Thailand English-language News For February 22, 2017

In the February 22, 2017 edition of Newsline presenter Cholaphansa Narula tells us about:

• The Bureau of the Royal Household has reported that since the doors to Thailand’s Grand Palace were opened 109 days ago more than 4.57 million people have attended to pay their respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej who died last October 13 after a reign of more than 70 years (See: Obituary… )

• The government has announced that the previous environmental and health impact studies on impacts of the controversial proposed Krabi coal-fired power station will be added to with all stakeholders given an opportunity to contribute, potentially delaying the plants commissioning until 2023/24.

• Thailand and Lao PDR are to sign a multi-facetted memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at stamping out human trafficking. The MoU will cover prevention, protection of victims, law enforcement collaboration, societal integration, and more.

• The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has established a 70 member committee to prevent incidents of corruption, cronyism, and nepotism in the appointment of government officers and employees nationwide.

• Thailand national police chief, Police General Jakthip Chaijinda, said authorities are confident of locating and arresting Phra Dhammachayao, the former abbot of Wat Dhammakaya, Thailand’s largest Buddhist temple, who is accused of embezzling Bt1.2 billion (about US$34.3 million) and land encroachment.

• The Thailand government sub-committee responsible for the promotion of reconciliation and unity continues to hold meetings with Thailand political parties and will soon release the first collection of opinions on reconciliation offered by Thailand political parties.

• Thailand’s Army Medical Department is hosting an exhibition showcasing research and innovation in military medicine.

• The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has launched a prosecution through the Economic Crimes Suppression DIvision (ECSD) against the providers of the eMoney application PayAll for offering services outside of its operating licence.

• A new hi-tech research and development (R&D) facility constructed by the National Science Technology and Innovation Office (STI) in Pathum Thani Province makes access to leading scientific research equipment affordable and accessible to entrepreneurs and start-ups.

• Commencing March 1, 2017 Thailand and Cambodian officials will commence visiting 173 businesses that employ 80 or more Cambodian workers in order to supply some 236,000 Cambodian workers with Cambodian passports, travel documents, and work permits. The service will cost Bt1,550 (about US$44.30) per employee.

• and much more.

Newsline is a daily Thailand English-language news and current affairs programme produced by the National News Bureau of Thailand (NNBT) under the Thailand Government Public Relations Department (PRD) for *NBT World, the NNBTs 24/7 English language television service delivering Thailand government news and information to the Thai, Asean, and wider Asian communities via cable and satellite. It is also available via android and iOS apps.