Thai time
A float depicting the Suphannahong royal barge is pulled through the streets of central Bangkok on January 14 as part of the Discover Thainess parade staged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
On track
Cabinet approves bill
The cabinet on January 13 approved a bill to expropriate land for construction of the Purple Line electric railway from Bang Yai to Bang Sue.
Government spokesman Yongyuth Maiyarap said the expropriation will cover 69 land plots in Bang Bua Thong district, Bang Yai district and Muang district of Nonthaburi, as well as Bang Sue district in Bangkok. The bill was submitted by the Transport Ministry.
The bill will be scrutinised by the Council of State, the government’s legal advisory body, before being forwarded to the National Legislative Assembly for deliberation.
Vice raid
Restaurant owners arrested
Four men were arrested during a series of raids in Suphan Buri on January 15 for allegedly operating brothels disguised as restaurants, police said.
The four were named as Narongsak Luangwilai, 39, owner of the New Kalong restaurant, Kaewdilok Meekaewnoi, 55, owner of the Nong Grace restaurant, Korakot Supranon, 24, owner of the Saengchan restaurant and Sutthiphong Warin, 30, owner of the Nong Mai restaurant.
All four restaurants are located in Song Phi Nong district, according to a police source attached to the National Operation Centre on Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking.
The suspects are accused of forcing Thai and Lao women and underage girls to provide sexual services in brothels, with the karaoke restaurants acting as a front, police said.
EASY NEWS FOR M1-3
Fatal collision
Van slams into truck
A van hit a lorry on January 13. It happened on a highway in Buri Ram’s Nang Rong district. Two people were killed. Eight people were injured. The van was travelling from Bangkok to Si Sa Ket.
Vocabulary
- expropriate (v): to officially take away private property from its owner for public use
scrutinise (v): to look at or examine something carefully
deliberation (n): the process of carefully considering or discussing something
vice (n): criminal activities that involve sex or drugs
disguise (v): to hide something or change it, so that it cannot be recognised
underage (adj): not legally old enough to do a particular thing
lorry (n): a large truck used for carrying heavy loads by road
