Thailand Live Today - Live Sunday

[webfact]

Foreign Ministry Sends Letter to CNN

Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a letter to broadcaster CNN. The letter, addressed to CNN's Bangkok correspondent, Dan Rivers, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was 'appalled' by CNN's program entitled 'Thailand's violence, King's Silence'.

The letter makes it clear to CNN that Thailand's monarch is above politics.

It goes on to deplore the quality of CNN's broadcasting in this particular incident saying that CNN's hints at doubts about royal succession, put it'on with tabloid journalism'.

Both Sarah Sidner and Dan Rivers, who reported about Bangkok's recent clashes, have com under intense criticism in recent weeks. There are now letters being circulated and social networking sites set up, criticizing both for being misinformed and biased in their reporting of recent events.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Clean Up Under Way At Ratchaprasong Site

A big clean up is underway at the Ratchaprasong rally site and other rally areas around Bangkok. Volunteers of all ages have come out to lend authorities a hand in what has been a huge task to restore order to the streets of central Bangkok.

Some shops have offered free food and drink to fuel the volunteers. Singh has given out free water and Black Canyon coffee is reported to have given out free ice coffee in front of Siam Theater.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

CRES sets up 5 Ratchaprasong checkpoints, 16 in inner Bangkok, 17 in outer metropolis; 17 key locations under special security /via @Mcotenglishnews

TAN Network: 1000 bangkokians join hands in the clean up operation. Atmosphere buzzing with good will

[webfact]

A family giving out food and drinks here at Rachaprasong beside Lumpinee park: http://twitpic.com/1qadlw /via @kgnavarro

Red Shirt radio still on the air in Chiang Mai. No talking politics, just "inspriring" music. http://twitpic.com/1qabm9 /via @markmackinnon

TAN: Black Canyon gives out free ice coffee for clean up op volunteers in front of Siam theater

[webfact]

Check Points Set Up By CRES

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation has announced the setting up of 5 checkpoints in Ratchaprasong. In addition, 16 checkpoints will be set up in inner Bangkok and 17 in the outer metropolitan area.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Tourism in Pattaya lively again after curfew lifted

CHON BURI (NNT) -- Tourism climate in Pattaya in the eastern province of Chon Buri has become lively once again after the government decided to lift the curfew imposed in the area since 20 May 2010.

Many Thai and foreign tourists reportedly flocked to travel to the famous seaside city, which is only two hours from Bangkok, last night after the curfew was revoked. Business entrepreneurs in the areas were relieved from the tension and have reopened their shops, pubs, and bars as usual.

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) decided to revoke the curfew in Pattaya, which forced people to stay in their homes from 21.00 to 05.00 hrs.

Nevertheless, police and civil defense volunteers in Pattaya have been patrolling to secure tourist attractions in the city as well as set up checkpoints on main avenues in a bid to prevent unrest incidents and increase confidence of tourists.

Earlier, the government declared the curfew in 24 provinces to control the situation after riots were incited while many buildings and government offices were set on fire in many parts of Thailand.

-- NNT 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Fuel trucks allowed into Bangkok

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Energy Minister MD Wannarat Channukul has allowed oil and gas trucks to enter the capital city once again after the recent domestic political riot.

The minister explained that petrol and gas trucks could resume delivering fuel to petrol stations in Bangkok because the situation has improved; however, transportation of gas and petrol into Ratchaprasong area is still forbidden as the area remains risky.

MD Wannarat said besides that there has been no reports of petrol and gas shortage in Ratchaprasong thus far. He added that the energy sector was not affected much from the recent riot, but the ministry would propose measures to assist people and business entrepreneurs from the recent riot in the upcoming cabinet meeting.

Petrol and gas trucks had been prohibited from transporting fuel into the capital city during the riot for fear of being used in the unrest instigation while security measures at power facilities had been stepped up against unexpected attacks.

-- NNT 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Democrat worried with underground movements

BANGKOK, 23 May 2010 (NNT) – The ruling Democrat Party has voiced concern over post-rally risks although the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has ended its prolonged rally in Bangkok.

Democrat Party Spokesperson, MD Buranaj Smutharaks, estimated that several groups would resort to underground movement, and the party would like to ask all sides to cooperate with the government in their suppression.

According to the spokesperson, among the protagonists are the Red Siam group of Mr Surachai Danwattananusorn (or Surachai Saedan) and underground armed forces, while ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra would also initiate the movement from overseas.

MD Buranaj, on behalf of the ruling Democrat Party, has urged every group to uphold peaceful principles and laws in making political movements, avoid distorting information, and not to create further unrest in the society.

-- NNT 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Laem Chabang Port exempted from curfew, operating normally

CHON BURI (NNT) -- Transportation of goods at Laem Chabang Port in the eastern province of Chon Buri is proceeding normally although the curfew has been imposed in the province, according to Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot.

Speaking during his visit to the port, the deputy minister stated that the visit was to inspect if transportation of goods at the port was affected by the curfew imposition made by the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) or not.

Mr Alongkorn confirmed that the CRES has exempted Laem Chabang Port from the curfew, but transporters of goods are required to possess authorized documents designated by the source of origin to transport the goods to the destinations.

In addition, the deputy minister assured various shipping companies at Laem Chabang that government units concerned would fully facilitate their operations, including stevedoring of goods, at the port similarly to the normal time.

-- NNT 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

PM to meet with relevant sectors on Siam Square restoration

BANGKOK, 23 May 2010 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will summon heads of government units and private sector representatives to a meeting on 24 May to brainstorm and formulate systematic measures to restore Siam Square, the shopping zone of teenagers in the heart of Bangkok ruined by the recent riot.

Deputy Education Minister Chaiwuti Bannawat said the prime minister would hold a meeting with representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Commerce, Labor, Social Development and Human Security, as well as Chulalongkorn University -- the landowner of Siam Square, in a bid to draw up the restoration plan.

Nevertheless, Chulalongkorn University has already been contacted to provide temporary trading areas pending the restoration works, in order to help relieve hardship of entrepreneurs in Siam Square who have suffered from the riot and arson last week.

According to the news report, parts of Chamchuri Square and some roads in the Siam Square will be reserved for the purpose until the restoration is completed, which might take about one to two years.

-- NNT 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Curfew Extended to Monday; U.S. Embassy to Reopen Tuesday May 25. More info see http://j.mp/cGMtGz /via @USEmbassyBKK

MCOT: BMA surveys 20 out of 28 buildings torched by angry protesters; Two buildings, severely damaged, to be declared unsafe areas

[webfact]

PM Ready for No Confidence Motion: House Dissolution still in the cards

During his weekly tv and radio address Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he's ready to answer to charges lodged that will be lodged against him by opposition parties a planned no-confidence motion. The planned motion concerns security operations carried out against anti-government protesters in Bangkok this past week.

Abhisit said he's ready to defend the actions his government took against the UDD supporters and other elements.

His remarks were made after Chalerm Yubamrung, chairman of opposition Puea Thai Party, saidhis party would submit a no-confidence motion on Monday against the Prime Minister and four other ministers. The no-confidence motion concerns security operations carried out by the government. The operations led to widespread arson attacks in central Bangkok and surrounding provinces, killing many and injuring even more.

Mr Abhisit said the no-confidence debate might be held during an extraordinary session as the normal house session is now closed.

Mr Abhisit said the government's priorities are firstly to help 'rehabilitate' people nationwide and secondly to offer assistance to businesses effected by the rallies and ensuing violence.

About 1,000 business operators have requesed financial assistance with damages are estimated at Bt1 billion.

On House dissolution, Abhisit said the issue was now a decision he had to make alone as earlier offers proposed to UDD leaders were rejected.

Abhisit warned that some protesters said they will resume their demonstrations in June and it was likely that a period of violence is not entirely over.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

SET to open for trade Monday, Bangkok Bank business as usual

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and all branches of Bangkok Bank will reopen Monday. However, six damaged branches of Bangkok Bank in the capital will remain closed.

SET President Patareeya Benjapolchai said trading at the Stock Exchange of Thailand will resume Monday. In addition, Market for Alternative Investment, debt and derivative markets for both morning and afternoon sessions will be held as normal.

The SET opened on Wednesday for business but shut early. On Thursday and Friday the SET remained closed due to the street clashes between UDD supporters and government security forces.

The Bangkok Bank branches which remain closed are branches at Din Daeng, Asoke-Din Daeng, Klong Toey, Sapan Lueng, CentralWorld and Big C on Ratchadamri Road.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Govt urged to use fair judicial system on UDD core leaders

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Former Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Leader of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, Jaturon Chaisaeng, has suggested the government ensure a credible judicial system to prosecute core leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

The former deputy prime minister elaborated that proof of allegations by the authorities against the arrested UDD core leaders must be made through a reliable judicial procedure. He noted that those suspects should not be all stereotyped as terrorists and filed with the same charge.

Mr Jaturon said if Puea Thai MPs were found to be involved in the wrongdoings, the opposition party must also be responsible for the acts.

The former party leader then suggested the Puea Thai Party compile all the facts and lessons learned from the recent political violence and present them to the society. He said the party should use parliamentary means in its fighting and must not support use of violence.

Mr Jaturon continued to say that any political demonstration in the future must be made under the constitution and in a peaceful manner.

-- NNT 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

BMA to heal people from political trauma

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will dispatch medical staff and psychologists to cure mental health of people terrified by the political riots and violent clashes between troops and protesters of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

Deputy Permanent Secretary for the BMA, MD Pirapong Saicheua, said 100 medical staff members and psychologists would be asked to visit three communities traumatized by the chaos, including Bon Kai, Din Daeng and Ratchapasong to talk and rehabilitate mental health of the residents.

Most of the patients now hospitalized due to the unrest are found to suffer from trauma, depression, and fear for losing body organs, according to psychologists' observation; however, no strong hatred is reported among patients.

The deputy permanent secretary also voiced concern over the sanitary system in the communities ruined by last week's arson because the current damp and hot weather could be a very good condition for flies to breed, leading to diarrhea and other diseases.

The BMA is launching cleaning operations to sterilize the areas, and staff from the Bureau of Epidemiology will be sent to control the disease spread in the communities after receiving the green light from the security units to do so, MD Pirapong elaborated.

-- NNT 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Big Cleaning Day at Ratchaprasong lively

BANGKOK (NNT) -- About 10,000 Bangkok residents, including teenagers and foreigners have joined hands to help the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) clean Ratchaprasong Intersection and surrounding areas in the ‘Big Cleaning Day’ activity.

Bangkok residents, students, volunteers, even foreigners residing in Bangkok help each other in cleaning the heart of the capital city, which was last week the scene of violent protest and riots. Some of them also bring their own utensils to clean the areas while the atmosphere is reported to be very lively.

People taking part in the activity reflected that they must help clean Bangkok together because it is their home. Many of them come in groups and join the cleaning activity after they learned the news from their facebook networks.

Many private companies also support the cleaning activities by giving away free drinks, lunches, snacks, and yogurts while some arrange booths to give away water. Participants also take pictures of the activity and buildings ruined by the arsons and riots.

-- NNT 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

Banks in department stores resume service

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Many banks in department stores have resumed their operations after two consecutive days of service cessation due to political unrest, except for the Government Housing Bank.

Throngs of people flocked to process transaction at many bank branches in department stores as the latter resumed their operations; however, some of the banks are still unable to open all branches while their service hours remain restricted.

Krung Thai Bank in Bangkok and vicinities now has opened all of the branches except for branches at Chamchuri Square, MBK Center, and Pratu Nam Center. Transaction via ATM booths of the bank can be now used normally.

In addition, Thanachart Bank opens only until 16.00 hrs while Kasikorn Bank opens 92 of its 161 branches in Bangkok and vicinities from 11.00 until 16.00 hrs. However, the Government Housing Bank still suspends its services during the weekend for fear of safety for its staff.

-- NNT 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[webfact]

British Embassy-Update 23 May 10

Interested parties should note that the Embassy will open Mon 24th May.

Anyone staying overnight should adhere to the curfew.

[webfact]

Roads to reopen after 4 am

The CRES has announced that Petchburi, Phayathai, Wireless, Rama IV and Ratchprarop roads can be used from 4 am onwards tomorrow.

The CRES has lifted restriction of road use in these outer areas following the 11pm-4am curfew imposed for security reasons.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-23

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Thaivisa News]

Photos of today's Bangkok massive clean-up by talented Thai photographer Natthawat (@netphoto) http://bit.ly/alh3ao /via @RichardBarrow

School set on fire despite curfew http://goo.gl/EVs4 /via @RichardBarrow

MRT: On Monday 24/05/10 All MRT Stations will operate from 06.00-21.00. http://bit.ly/cFvqrk

TAN: Bkk Bank branches to open tmr except damaged branches in Asoke, din daeng, Klong toey, Salam lueng, central world and big c ratchadamri

MCOT: CRES to move from 11th Infantry to Royal Thai Army HQ on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue on Monday

The Sun: 'The brit thug of bloddy #Bangkok' http://bit.ly/bwac9M /via @veen_NT

MCOT: CRES to move from 11th Infantry to Royal Thai Army HQ on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue on Monday

Siam Paragon shopping mall will open on Tuesday, May the 25th /via @tukky_nt @js100radio

"large cache of explosives r found in a blding under construction near Platinum building, being disposed of, resident reported" /v @tukky_nt

[webfact]

Big Cleaning Day - Bangkok 23.05.2010

wonara - There'll be rainbow after rain..

/via @veen_NT

[Thaivisa News]

CNN: 'Thailand extends curfew in capital, provinces' http://bit.ly/9M9eKg

MCOT: International community better understands Thai political situation http://bit.ly/cXRaZo

'Bangkok to get back to business after clean-up' http://bit.ly/bGHkNl /via AFP

Update: "The explosives at the building was taken away, the resident reported" /via @tukky_nt

'You have to take care in what you say, do and wear' http://bit.ly/c8Bcbi /via @veen_NT @noppatjak

CRES lifted restriction of road use in outer areas of Rajprasong from 4am tomorrow /via @tukky_nt

CRES: Petchburi, Phayathai, Wireless, RamaIV, and Ratchprarop Roads can be used from 4am tomorrow /via @tukky_nt

"Online network SiamArsa had a pickup full of drinks & snacks for all. Seefah, Starbucks, Dutchmill & Black Canyon did same." /via @veen_NT

British Embsy: Interested parties should note that the Embassy will open Mon 24th May. Anyone staying overnight should adhere to the curfew.

Video of today, #bangkok 's residents come to clean the streets: http://bit.ly/ajM7ad /via @veen_NT @siu_thailand

All Tesco Lotus outlets, Express and Hypermart will close at 8pm today. Check the opening hours at http://bit.ly/92vHVD /via @veen_NT

[Thaivisa News]

Video of the cleaning up within #Bangkok today: http://bit.ly/959mSn

Video of walking from Chidlom BTS to Siam BTS today with everyone cleaning up #Bangkok http://bit.ly/9GeTbc /via @terryfrd

MCOT: Deputy PM Suthep: Curfew may be lifted soon http://bit.ly/ckkkPt

TAN: Electricity goes out in many areas around Bangkok as tropical storm hits the city

MCOT: 1,400 economic victims of political turmoil register for government help http://bit.ly/cVH9SV

Nation Multimedia Group's news websites and webblog ranked No 1 for unique visitors and page views on May 19, according to TrueHits.net.

Small Photo blog of the Clean-Up on Ratchadamri Road today: http://bit.ly/9Kp9Az /via @richardbarrow

NYT: 'Thai Leaders Seek to Limit Economic Damage' http://nyti.ms/aH4T1u

Asian Correspondent: 'Thai PM: No early elections until violence ends' http://bit.ly/9JFXNO

[Thaivisa News]

University World News: 'Student movement emerges from the shadows' http://bit.ly/cNaIQP

Are Journalists Biased?: http://bit.ly/cmsEa6

'Armed Soldiers in Samut Prakan' http://bit.ly/9h5QEr /via @RichardBarrow

'Thai Riots Spark Reporting via Twitter, YouTube' http://bit.ly/aeBlAG /via @thaicam @tri26

"Sniper fire and the dead inside Wat Pathum. Video from the controversial May 19 clashes" http://bit.ly/cA6flH /via @markmackinnon

"Footage from inside Wat Pathum was by videographer Terry Barksdale" /via @Markmackinnon

'Some more Photos of todays big clean up of #Bangkok' http://bit.ly/9QjgvY /via @angelidarling

Canadian journo Chandler Vandergrift recovering, able to speak, after hit by shrapnel in BKK: http://tinyurl.com/2bphcy4 /via @markmackinnon

Aftermath at Ratchaprasong (21.05.2010): http://bit.ly/bLoNDc /via @nm_in_bkk

[Maestro]

to be continued

Thailand Live Today - Monday 24

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Liv...ay-t368445.html

//CLOSED//