Bangkok Red-shirt Rally - Live Updates - Sunday

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Sunday March 14 Red-shirt rally live updates

Here you can follow the live updates from the media, hour by hour. To make it easy to follow, this thread is read-only.

See discussion topics in the post below.

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Related topics:

Updates March 13

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t346948.html

Updates March 12

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t346680.html

Arrest warrant issued for red-shirt core leader Arisman

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Arrest-Warra...Co-t347177.html

Thai Govt Likely To Enforce State Of Emergency On Top Of ISA

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Govt-En...nc-t347220.html

PHOTOS:

Lots of Red Shirts Photo Impressions - And please add your own!

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Photo-Impres...-M-t347298.html

Current weather in Bangkok, plus forecasts:

http://weather.thaivisa.com/bangkok/bangkok/

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TAN Network: Tight security at Gen Prem's Si Sao Taewej residence,traffic ltd to one lane to facilitate vehicle search.

TAN Network: PM's SecGen Korbsak Sabhavasu denies plan for special Cabinet meeting today,upgrading to Emergency Decree depends on situation

TV: About 2,000 Ayutthaya red-shirt supporters of the United Front for Democracy againt Dictatorship boarded three river cruise boats in preparation for joining the mass redshirt protest in Bangkok. .

TV: A large policepressence met protesters at the jetty and searched bags and provisions being loaded onro the boats

TV: Ayutthaya police said the bording by the re-shirt group had been uneventful and no weapons or contraband had been seized.

TV: Ayutthaya red-shirt leader khun Oiy said the group expected to be met along their route by five patrol boats and about 100 marine police.

Bangkok Post: Up to 80,000 rally, ready for high noon...Red Shirt leaders to issue ultimatum midday - threats protest could spread across city...

TAN Network: Dusit Poll:57.14% believes red-shirts rally for Thaksin S. ABAC Poll:80.9% rally to become more violent than April protest.

TV: The boat convoy of red-shirt supporters is proceedng down river towards Bangkok with smaller long-tail boats of supporters joining the main flotilla of five river cruisers and residents along the river coming out of their houses and waving red flags and encouraging the group on their way. Bridges crossn the rive are also ined wit red-shirt supporters adding to the festive atmosphere aboard the river cruisers.

TV: Bridges crossing the river are also lined with red-shirt supporters adding to the festive atmosphere aboard the river cruisers.

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Thai anti-government protesters rally in Bangkok

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) - Tens of thousands of red-shirted supporters of deposed Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra were rallying amid tight security in Bangkok Sunday to demand the government's resignation.

Organisers of the protest said more than 100,000 had converged on the capital by midday, while police overseeing a huge security operation said the crowds numbered between 50,000 and 60,000.

Travelling by road and river, mainly from the rural poor north and northeast of Thailand, the protesters arrived in their their trademark colourful tops with red flags, banners and foot-shaped clappers.

A 50,000-strong security force, including riot police and soldiers, has been sent out under a strict law enacted to control the rally, amid fears that the demonstrators could turn violent.

Ahead of the official start of the protest at noon, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on his weekly television programme that he had no plans to use force at the rally, which was so far "peaceful and orderly."

The Reds are calling for Abhisit's government to step down and hold fresh elections because they claim it is elitist and undemocratic, but the premier rejected their demands, saying: "I have my right to complete my term.'

Meanwhile, Red Shirt leaders rallied the crowds on Sunday morning from their main stage, set up near government offices in the city's historic quarter.

"Reds over the land call on the government to return power to the people and to dissolve the house immediately. We will hold out here and wait for an answer within 24 hours," core leader Veera Musikapong told the cheering crowds.

"We have made it clear from the beginning that we want democracy with the king as the head of state," said another senior Red, Jatuporn Prompan, referring to the revered Thai monarch King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The government has enacted the strict Internal Security Act for the demonstrations, allowing authorities to set up checkpoints, impose curfews and limit movements.

Abhisit has warned the public not to be complacent about the potential for violence, cancelling his own weekend trip to Australia because of the protest.

The rallies come two weeks after Thailand's top court confiscated 1.4 billion dollars of Thaksin's assets, and are the latest chapter in political turmoil that began when he was toppled in a 2006 coup.

Thaksin, who has been living mostly in Dubai to escape a two-year jail term for corruption at home, has been encouraging his supporters to attend the rally using text messages and his Twitter page.

On Saturday he left his main base in Dubai to travel to Europe, where he said he was meeting his two daughters.

The Red Shirts mainly represent Thailand's rural poor, who benefited from Thaksin's populist policies and say Abhisit's government is elitist, military-backed and has ignored their democratic rights.

Thaksin, by contrast, is loathed by the rival royalist Yellow Shirts, backed by Bangkok's establishment, who accuse him of corruption and of disloyalty to the revered royal family.

Thirty-five countries have issued travel warnings for Thailand because of the protests, according to the country's tourism authority.

Analysts said the turnout on Sunday would be key to deciding whether the Red Shirts have any chance of ousting the government before Thailand's next polls, due in December 2011.

The Red Shirts have held a number of protests since Abhisit came to power in December 2008, after a court decision removed Thaksin's allies from government following an airport blockade by the Yellow Shirts.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-14

Published with written approval from AFP.

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TAN Network: Dusit Poll:57.14% believes red-shirts rally for Thaksin S. ABAC Poll:80.9% rally to become more violent than April protest

TAN Network: PM Abhisit: Int'l community recognizes current admin as a democratic govt as foreign envoys urge protesters to rally peacefully

TAN Network: PM:It isn't simple to declare Emergency decree,must follow proper steps,conditions must be met b4 decree'll be considered

TAN Network: Foreigners hotline: 089 205-4311 (ISOC) and 088 227-8648 (Foreign Affairs Ministry).

THE NATION: Thousands red-shirts in 200 boats left Ayutthaya at 8am Sun. heading towards Theves pier,Bangkok to join mass rally at Phan Fa bridge

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PM to explain security measures on TV

Prime Minister will go on TV Sunday morning to explain the government's security measures.

His weekly programme will be broadcast live from 11th Infantry Regiment where the Peacekeeping Operation Centre is located.

-- THE NATION

2010-03-14

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TAN Network: Suspicious package discovered at PTT petrol station in front of 11th Infantry Regiment of King's guard,police notified

TAN Network: Red-taxis congregate on in-bound Paholyothin rd in Wang Noi district before joining taxi caravan at Royal Plaza in Bkk

BAngkok Post: PM: Govt won’t use force against reds

TAN_Network: Red-taxis congregate on in-bound Paholyothin rd in Wang Noi district before joining taxi caravan at Royal Plaza in Bkk

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More red-shirts heading to Bangkok

Hundreds of red-shirts departed Ayutthaya early Sunday on boats, heading towards Theves pier in Bangkok to join today's anti-government mass rally at Phan Fa bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

No reports of violence at Phan Fa bridge so far, but security on high alert level.

-- The Nation 2010-03-14

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Bangkok Post: PM: Govt won’t use force against reds

Thai News: Popular tourist venues in Bangkok still lively with foreign tourists

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PM says govt will not use violence, but will not tolerate besieging of govt offices

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told the TV audience Sunday that his government will not use violence against the red-shirt protesters.

But he said the government would base its security measures on the ruling of the Administrative Court and would not allow the protesters to besiege any place.

"The government must ensure that all people can live in harmony with peace by upholding the rule of law.

Although the people may have different opinions, they must be able to live together," Abbhisit said during his live TV programme.

State of Emergency cannot keep red shirts in check: Natthawut

BANGKOK: -- Natthawut Saikua, a red-shirt leader, declared Sunday that the state of emergency or enforcement of any piece of law would not be able to keep the red-shirt protesters in check.

He said the red-shirt movement did no care whether the government would heighten the level of security measures or not.

"It is not surprising that the government will change from the imposition of the International Security Act to the declaration of the state of emergency but any piece of law cannot prevent the red shirts from demonstrating," Natthawut said.

20 companies of troops from 2nd, 3rd Army Areas reinforce security at 11th Infantry Regiment

Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda has instructed the 2nd and 3rd Army Areas to deploy 20 companies of soldiers to reinforce troops keeping security at the 11th Infantry Regiment, the Army spokesman said Sunday.

The regiment is where the government set up the Peacekeeping Operations Centre to deal with the red-shirt massive rally.

The spokesman, Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said each army area deployed 10 companies of troops to the regiment.

The deployments were made after the red-shirt leaders announced they would move protesters to demonstrate outside the regiment at noon on Sunday.

-- The Nation 2010-03-14

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Photo Impressions

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Photo-Impres...-M-t347298.html

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Abhisit says Arisman's arrest warrant not related to rally

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told his TV audience Sunday that the arrest warrant against Arisaman Pongruangrong, a red-shirt leader, has been processed earlier and was not related to the on-going rally.

He said the court approved the arrest warrant because Arisman earlier made a statement at a rally and the case has been processed in line with the normal procedure.

-- The Nation 2010-03-14

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MCOT: PM thanks Red Shirts for peaceful rally; confirms 'no crackdown' on protesters, no plan to impose emergency decree now

MCOT: Red Shirts from Ayutthaya, Ang Thong stream to Bangkok by boat to join rally; government provides security at piers

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Coup not solution: Abhisit

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told his TV audience Sunday that a coup will not be a solution to the on-going crisis.

He said no one supports such a solution.

"If a coup is staged, this government will go out of office and the protesters will have to hold more protests against the coup," Abhisit said.

"So a coup will tend to create more conflicts."

-- The Nation 2010-03-14

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TAN Network: Metropolitan Police close all roads leading to Ratchadamneon Avenue

TAN Network: Ch 3 reporting that mysterious bag that was reportedly found at the 11th Infantry was merely a rumor

NATION: State of Emergency cannot keep red shirts in check: Natthawut

NATION: 20 companies of troops from 2nd, 3rd Army Areas reinforce security at 11th Infantry Regiment

TAN network: 1,500 red-shirts on their way to Maleenont Building (Ch 3 HQ),heavy traffic congestion on inbound Sukhumvit rd.

NATION: TV report shows Khao Saan Rd a sleepy, quiet tourist area. Very few tourists in deed. It's been like this since assets verdict, it's said.

NATION: Bt300 million has been lost in Khao Saan businesses, it's said. Hopefully, this doesn't drag on till Songkran.

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NATION: Good news: Abhisit is resisting urge to impose state of emergency, saying govt remains resolved against violence.

NATION: 20 companies of troops from 2nd, 3rd Army Areas reinforce security at 11th Infantry Regiment

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MCOT: Police seize about 1,000 parts of grenade launchers in Samut Prakan; follows investigation from seizure of grenade launchers in Ayutthaya

NATION: Now, from the "most official source": PM Abhisit said the number of protesters is around 100,000.

MCOT: Army companies reinforce 11th Infantry Regiment as Red Shirts plan mass march in 20km radius: Peacekeeping Operations Centre spokesman Col Sansern

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NATION: Coalition partners have resolved to back Abhisit against House dissolution call.

NATION: Will Abhisit dissolve parliament?

Bangkok Post: Army acts to defend military camp

NATION: PM's personal spokesman Panitan said on TV state of emergency can't be declared without an emergency.

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PM: Invoking Emergency Decree depends on urgency; More protesters arrive in Bangkok

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Faced by pressures from anti-government protesters demanding the ouster of his coalition government, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday that invoking the Emergency Decree by the government would depend on a “necessity and urgency only”.

Thanking protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) for holding a thus far peaceful demonstration in the capital, Mr Abhisit said during his weekly television and radio address that in an attempt to ease confrontations between security personnel and the protesters, the government had ordered a number of soldiers to be withdrawn from protest sites and replaced by police.

Intelligence reports received by the government showed that certain ‘Red Shirt’ factions from the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani and the northern province of Chiang Mai may cause trouble during the rally, he said.

“The government must issue stringent measures and whether it would issue the Emergency Decree would depend on a “necessity and urgency only,” said Mr Abhisit.

The nearly 16-month-old government has effected a less stringent Internal Security Act from March 11-23 in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces in a bid to contain the protest from turning into violence.

Mr Abhisit’s remarks were made as more UDD protesters arrive in Bangkok by boat to join their demonstrators now gathering at Ratchadamnoen Avenue where a number of ministries and the United Nations ESCAP (Asian and Pacific regional headquarters) are located.

UDD leaders said earlier that one million protesters would join their rally in the capital in an attempt to oust the government and a call for a fresh election, but police estimated that the number of protesters stood at only 80,000 Saturday night.

Bangkok police, meanwhile, said they had not yet obtained an arrest warrant for UDD key figure Arisman Pongruangrong on charges of inciting violence resulting from his statements during two rallies in Bangkok and in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen in late January.

The complaints were filed by the UDD's archrival the People’s Alliance for Democracy (the PAD 'Yellow Shirts') on Monday.

Police said they would arrest him immediately if they receive the warrant approved by the Criminal Court on Saturday.

Military and personnel from the Marine Department provided security at Thewet pier Sunday as more Red Shirts from central provinces arrived by boat on the Chao Phraya River to join the rally in the capital.

The Royal Thai Navy and the Marine Department are conducting joint water patrols under the security plan for the vicinity of Siriraj Hospital where His Majesty the King is staying.

Boats which do not normally carry passengers are banned from the eight piers nearby Siriraj.

However, Red Shirt protesters are allowed to disembark at the Thewet, Samphraya and the Rama XIII bridge piers.

Meanwhile, Suan Dusit Rajabhat University conducted a poll on 1,090 respondents in Bangkok and seven other surrounding provinces over the enforcement of the security law and the Red Shirt protest.

Thirty-one per cent think that the Red Shirt protest makes foreign countries think that Thailand is an unstable country and that the Thai people don't love one another, while 24 per cent see that the protest causes trouble to people living at and near rally areas.

More than half, 57 per cent, believe that the UDD rally is not a true democratic expression, as it is being held to benefit one person and is considered as a political game to stir up the government.

Only some 24 per cent think that the protest is carried out as a true democratic expression as the public has the right to protest if they are treated unfairly.

Slightly over one in four -- 27 per cent -- also worry that Thailand's image will be tarnished in the international arena and one in four -- 25 per cent -- believe the protest will damage the country's economy in addition to the investment and tourism industries. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-03-14

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NATION: Reds' call for House dissolution may explain why Pheu Thai has delayed its censure motion, which would prevent PM from dissolving House.

MCOT: Red-shirt leader Weng T. announced they'll give govt 24hrs to meet demand for PM to dissolve House.No word on when reds will march

NATION: Jatuporn urged protesters to make it the biggest "Prai (slaves, low-life human beings or grass-roots) War" in history. Amazing.

[george]

Updates:

NATION:Tomorrow noon is the reds' deadline. Long week ahead people.

Tourism Authority of Thailand TAT opens a 24-hr call centre for tourists at 1672 until March 23

Bangkok Post: Roads to Ratchadamnoen closed

TV: Huge crowds at Rama lV bridge landing points on both sides of river

TV: People running to the river bank shouting support. Waving flags, towels, hands as the Ayutthaya flotilla plus 2 nears Bkk

[george]

NATION: The FCCT Bldg is opened until 9pm today to provide the media with a convenient location to gather&report on the situation

Wayne Rogers via Facebook: Reds just marched down Sukhumvit - estimated a few thousand - everyone was cheering and in good spirits - ho hum

Suthichai@Nation: Under red hot sun,sleepless nights of traveling, redshirts need extraordinary will to go through 3-5 grueling days.

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NATION: 80,000 red-shirts are rallying in Bangkok midday Sun.amid tight security.PM assures no use of force on protesters

Thaivisa: Large numbers of ppl lining the river bank shouting encouragement as Ayutthaya flotilla nears BKK

Related topic:

Key dates in Saga of Thailand's Thaksin

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Key-Dates-Sa...in-t342694.html

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Police seize 10,000 grenade launcher parts; PM chairs security meeting

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Police early Sunday seized some 10,000 grenade launcher components at a suburban factory as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called an urgent security meeting with top military officers as the red-clad anti-government protesters were set to issue their ultimatum to the government to leave office.

The seizure of parts of M79 grenade launchers was made at a factory in Samut Prakarn province neighbouring eastern Bangkok.

It came after police early Saturday searched another factory producing automobile spare parts in Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya province, north of Bangkok, and seized about 100 pieces of steel tube which could be used as substitute M79 grenade launchers.

Worries over the current unrest, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva presided at a meeting of the Peacekeeping Operations Centre held at the 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Attending the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who directs the Centre, Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, commanders of the three armed forces and senior security agency officers.

Security around the 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters was tightened after Jatuporn Prompan, a leader of the anti-government movement the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), threatened Saturday that protesters would spread over a 20-kilometre radius of their current main site on Rajdamnoen Avenue if their demand for the government to leave the office was not met.

The UDD leaders were expected to officially announce the movement’s demands around noon Sunday. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-03-14

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NATION: Red-shirted are marching in front of Paragon & Siam Sq. - took them about 15 mins -occupying 2 lanes but traffic is OK

[george]

MCOT: Red Shirt leader Veera Musikapong reads statement demanding PM Abhisit dissolve parliament, waiting premier's response within 24 hours

Bangkok Post: Call for House meeting postponement

TV: Ayutthaya red-shirts arrive at Rama 8 pier to heroe-like welcome

[george]

Veera demands PM to dissolve House in 24 hours

BANGKOK: -- Veera Musigapong read a statement at noon Sunday, demanding the prime minister to dissolve the House of Representatives within 24 hours.

Reading from a statement, Veera said House dissolution would be the only solution left for the government.

He said the government was now under the control of a dictatorial regime in disguise and Parliament had abused its authority to issue several unfair articles.

Veera said the red-shirt people would wait for a reply from the government within 24 hours before taking further actions.

Red shirts give ultimatum to govt to resign by Monday

Natthawut Saikua Sunday gave an ultimatum to the government to dissolve the House by Monday or face red-shirt protests throughout the capital.

"If the House is not dissolve within March 15, all the red-shirt people will move throughout Bangkok to oust the elitist-polity government," Natthawut told the crowd at the Pan Fah Bridge at noon.

-- The Nation 2010-03-14

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[george]

bangkokpundit: Thai Rath reports quoting red shirt leader Jatuporn that Thaksin will phone-in around 5-6 p.m. today

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UDD calls for House dissolution within 24 hrs

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has called on the government to dissolve the House within 24 hours.

UDD core leader Weera Musikapong on Sunday declared the standpoint of the group, saying the coalition government led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva must dissolve Parliament within 24 hours to return democracy to people.

Otherwise, he threatened that the UDD group would spread out to gather around Bangkok.

The declaration also criticized the government for its illegitimacy and lack of qualification to administrate the country. It indicated that dictatorship has dominated the country since the 19 September coup d’état.

Meanwhile, a number of UDD supporters from nationwide are still travelling to participate in the mass rally at Phan Fa Bridge. Most of the protesters travelling by boats have already arrived Sam Phraya pier, according to the report.

There have been no reports about any violence instigation thus far while security officers are still taking care of the situation closely.

-- NNT 2010-03-14

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[george]

Police raid M79 launcher assembly factory, seize 600 launchers

SAMUT PRAKAN: -- Police raided a factory here and seized 600 assembled M79 launchers and over 5,000 other parts for assembling the launchers.

Police arrested Supawit Keskul, 39, after police raided Siam KS Machine and Services in Bang Bo district at 7:30 am.

Later at 1:30 pm, police took Supawit to search his warehouse in Bang Pli district and seized 300 parts, which are triggering mechanisms of the grenade launchers.

Samut Prakan Police chief Pol Maj Gen Chisnupong Yuktathat said police checked a computer record and found that an order of the grenade launchers had been made via Internet for the launchers to be made and delivered to a customer in Chon Buri.

-- The Nation 2010-03-14

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[george]

All eyes on Thai politics:

Executives comment on the current political situation

THERDSAK THAVEETEERATHAM

Senior vice president, Asia Plus Securities

The political situation remains the main thing to watch this week, as negative developments would affect the economic recovery.

Two scenarios are possible. First, a House dissolution, which would delay infrastructure investment and other projects. The SET Index could head up in the short term due to lower political tension.

Second, the demonstration could continue until today without a House dissolution and with some violence over the past weekend. Investor confidence would be affected and share prices would fall. Political conflict would continue to pressure the market, as a no-confidence debate is planned.

Capital inflows are now the major market driver. From February 17 to March 11, foreign investors' buys were Bt26.6 billion higher than their sells. Facilitating the fund flow could be the appreciation of Asian currencies, including the baht, in line with interest rates that offered arbitrage gains. Or it could be the cheapness of the Thai market, where the price-to-earnings ratio is at 12-13 times and the average dividend yield is 4 per cent. Fund flows should continue if the political situation does not descend into violence.

Overall, volatility will remain. Investors looking for short-term gains should wait and see, while those looking for long-term gains should start to buy when the index softens to 700-710 points. Focus should be on stocks with an inflation hedge, like oil companies (PTT Exploration and Production, and Thai Oil) or companies whose performance moves in line with inflation, such as Thai Tap Water.

KAVEE CHUKITKASEM

Head of research, Kasikorn Securities

Political concerns led to considerable volatility in the Thai stock market last week. The market failed to catch up with the big increases overseas, which indicated the influence of the domestic political conflict on its direction. However, foreign investors remained net buyers in Asia, including Thailand, on consensus that the US Federal Reserve will raise the policy rate in November. Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's remark that the Fed fund rate would stay low for a while also led to a weaker dollar and returns of foreign funds into risk-investment bets.

Commodity prices and stock prices globally rose last week. Moreover, China's affirmation that the economy would grow at least 8 per cent, with Beijing's full readiness to inject money into the system when needed, also eased investors' concerns.

This week, stock-market volatility should persist due to the political factor. Without violence, the SET Index could touch 750-758 points on buoyant global economic indicators. Even if violence takes place, the index should not fall below 688 points thanks to continued capital inflows.

Last April, despite the violence, the market was resilient, as institutional investors stood ready to buy up shares when prices drastically dropped on confidence that the Thai and global economy would further recover.

In the short term, investors should stay alert. They should stand ready to stop-loss when the index falls past 714 points. Yet, a lower index also presents a good opportunity to accumulate shares. We believe that in the latter half of the year, the index could rise to 840 points, as the world bounces back from the economic downturn.

SUKIT UDOMSIRIKUL

Siam City Research Institute

The market is expected to be highly volatile this week, when the SET Index should range from 696 to 750 points. The index could head upward early in the week, on condition that the political demonstration did not lead to violence during the weekend. There is a tendency for the purchases of institutional investors - both local and foreign - to outpace their sales.

However, in the event of violence, the index could weaken to the 696-point level, which presents a good chance for investors looking for long-term gains.

SCRI estimates foreign-capital inflows into Asia will continue throughout the year, as Asia has demonstrated a clear economic recovery. Moreover, no Asian financial institutions are mired in a crisis and no country has experienced serious trouble with a fiscal deficit. This indicates a low risk of credit-rating downgrades. Meanwhile, foreign investors have a chance to reap foreign-exchange gains, as interest rates in Asia are expected to rise soon. Still, the US's consideration of imposing rules on banks' risk-asset investment could pose a threat to the capital inflows.

This week, investors should pay attention to:

China, which may impose rules to stem the overheating economy as some indicators demonstrate a lack of stability, such as the higher-than-expected consumer price index.

Greece, whose financial crisis remains a concern, despite confirmation from Germany and France that Europe is ready to help ease the crisis. However, there have been no concrete measures, which led to volatility in the dollar/euro exchange rate. Local demonstrations against the government's plan to cut fiscal deficits will be a major threat to solving the crisis.

The political demonstration in Thailand. Following the gathering this past weekend, protesters may continue their rally this week.

The US Federal Open Market Committee, which convenes tomorrow. Markets expect the Fed to maintain the rate at this meeting, but monetary measures may be stepped up through non-interest-rate means. The dollar could appreciate as a result.

The Bank of Japan, which also convenes tomorrow. The relaxed monetary policy could continue, which would further weaken the yen.

Leading the Thai market this week should be energy and banking stocks. Those in the tourism and transport sectors could see continued improvement, if the political protest did not turn violent.

Thai Airways International has passed its worst period on the back of a continued recovery in the tourism sector as well as minimal impact from the political protests. The cabin-load factor in the current quarter could hit a record 80 per cent. Despite a high debt-to-equity ratio, a capital increase in the second quarter should help lower the ratio. Buy THAI when the price is Bt30.

Thai Oil should benefit from the recovery in the refining industry. The refining margin in Singapore remains at US$5.07 (Bt165) per barrel, at the top of the estimated range for the first half. The company will gain the most from its biggest and most efficient operations. As the aromatics spread weakened in the past two weeks, attention shifted from PTT Aromatics and Refining to Thai Oil. The company's share price could rise 22 per cent to Bt55.

-- The Nation 2010-03-14

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Cabinet Meeting Canceled on March 16

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has issued an order for the weekly Cabinet meeting on March 16 to be postponed as it coincides with a Parliamentary meeting.

The official notice is currently being forwarded to all ministries.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-14

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