Thai, Burmese govts back Dawei project

The Thai and Myanmar governments agreed to raise funds to finance the development of the massive Dawei deep-sea port and special economic zone project during a key meeting in Myanmar on Monday.

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (center) is pictured alongside Burma’s President Thein Sein (pale blue shirt) at a briefing at the Dawei Special Economic Zone project on Monday, December 17, 2012. (Photo: Yingluck Shinawatra / Facebook) Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her delegation, including 40 Thai businesspeople, visited Dawei city in Myanmar to inspect the sites of the development projects.

Thai carmaker’s office bash turns to brawl; 30 hurt

A brawl broke out as prizes were being awarded at a Thai carmaker’s office party and more than 30 people were injured in the melee in which glasses, bottles and even homemade grenades were thrown, police and media said on Saturday.

Sway Thai Now Open On South 1st

78704 is the new 78701 for Austin’s best chefs and restaurants. Long after Uchi and Vespaio led the charge, finer dining continues to expand throughout the South 1st and South Lamar corridors as restauranteurs attempt to stay central but avoid downtown rents.

Thai PM visits violence-torn south after deadly attacks

BANGKOK (Reuters) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra went to the south of Thailand on Thursday after attacks blamed on Muslim insurgents this week in which six people were killed, including an 11-month-old child and two teachers, who are increasingly seen as targets.

Thai students drop in world maths and science study

Poor quality of teaching blamed for decline in scores since 2007

Thai students’ scholastic performances have dropped again in an international assessment – the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011, which was released worldwide yesterday.

“The problem over the quality of teachers was a major cause of Thailand’s drop in performance in TIMSS 2011,” Precharn Dechsri, deputy director of the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) told a press conference yesterday at the Education Ministry.

Schaefer urges Thai protest

Thailand coach Winfried Schaefer has asked the Football Association of Thailand to file a formal protest with the the Asean Football Federation against Malaysia following their 1-1 draw in the Suzuki Cup semi-final first leg in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

Coffee from Thai elephant’s dung costs $50 per cup

Trumpeted as earthy in flavor and smooth on the palate, the exotic new brew is made from beans eaten by Thai elephants and plucked a day later from their dung. A gut reaction inside the elephant creates what its founder calls the coffee’s unique taste.

Muay Thai fighters battle for championship titles in St. Pete

Recent interviews with fighters participating in two important upcoming fights revealed why they are gaining a lot of attention in the Tampa Bay’s martial arts community. The USA Super Lightweight ISKA Muay Thai Championship Title USA Super Lightweight ISKA Muay Thai Championship Title USA Super Lightweight ISKA Muay Thai Championship TitleUSA ISKA Super Lightweight Muay Thai Championship Title and theUSA Super Lightweight ISKA Muay Thai Championship Regional Southeast ISKA Super Welter Weight Muay Thai Championship Title are expected to be must see fights on Saturday, December 8th, 2012 at the Police Athletic League in St. Petersburg, Florida. The interviews between the participating fighters and the Tampa Bay MMA Examiner revealed more about them and the importance of these fights.

Thai king calls for unity in rare speech

Hundreds of thousands of Thais armed with flags and cameras crowded around Bangkok’s Royal Plaza to witness a rare public appearance by their revered and ailing king, who celebrated his 85th birthday with a brief speech on national unity from a balcony throne overlooking the cheering masses.

UPDATE 1-Thai court rejects complaint against 3G auction

* Court says plaintiff has no authority to file suit

* Regulator can go ahead with 3G licencing plan

* True, Shin shares up; AIS, TAC down after recent gains (Adds quotes, details)