Thailand Live Thursday 17 Nov 2011

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INN: Chalerm not worried royal pardon will cause social discord;vows not to break the law to help Thaksin;ppl have right to protest issue/TANN

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AFP: Floods keep Bangkok's snake hunter busy

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File photo: Python - Souce: Wikimedia

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BMA issues evacuation advisory for Samae Dam in Bang Khun Thian,along Bang Khun Thian Road from Rama 2 intesection to Mahachai train station as water rises /MCOT

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BMA announces evacuation in Bangkhuntien district

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announces evacuation in Samaedum subdistrict, Bangkhuntien district from Rama 2 road to Wongwienyai-Mahachai train station including people living in Sois along Bangkhuntien road.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-17

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Cars Remain Parked on Expressway Ramps

Even though the Royal Thai Police urged people to remove their cars parked near risky areas on flyover bridges and prevent their cars from blocking the traffic routes, many of them still decided to not move their cars.

The people who removed their cars said that searching for a car park is difficult, as their homes remain submerged under water.

Many people removed their cars parked from the Don Muang Tollway after the Royal Thai police urged residents to remove their cars at Don Muang District by yesterday in order to open more lanes to ease traffic.

A number of people still left their cars parked on elevated roads, on entry and exit ramps around the Chaeng Wattana Government Center, the Lak Si area, and the Don Muang Airport.

Even more so, cars have also double parked on expressways, including motorcycles who illegally drove to park on Don Muang Tollway.

All residents who came to remove their cars said that searching for a new parking space is very difficult since their homes remain submerged under high volumes of floodwater.

However, they had to comply with the Royal Thai Police.

Residents also asked the Royal Thai Police to clearly convey information about car parking spaces and accommodate them to designated areas.

Traffic Police Commander Police Major General Uthaiwan Kaewsaard disclosed about the reasons for asking residents to remove all cars on junctions, entry and exit ramps, and horseshoe u-turns on expressways saying these areas are prone to accidents.

Removing vehicles from these areas reduces the likelihood of an accident.

Uthaiwan also urged residents to use normal roads instead of expressways and elevated roads to ease the traffic, as most residents are currently using expressways.

Furthermore, he disclosed that the flood situation in Thonburi, Minburi, and Nongjok District are still critical as there are still high volumes of floodwater on the roads, and so passing through these areas are unable.

Residents are advised to closely monitor the flood situation and check information before traveling.

Any inquiries about the traffic and the routes can contact the call center at 1197.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-17

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BMA prepares for "Big Cleaning Day" at Bangplad district after water recedes in many areas /via rawangpai /TANN

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Flood Recovery Begins in Provinces

As the flood situation begun to improve in many provinces, officials are now rushing to start rehabilitation efforts.

In Nakhon Sawan Province, a number of schools have resumed classes now that the floodwater has receded, but the water level remains high at some schools.

The water level at Wichawadee school in Nakhon Sawan municipality has reached 1.2 meters.

Teachers have adapted the multi-purpose field at Paknampho railway station as a temporary school.

A number of students were not wearing school uniforms because their clothes and belongings were damaged by the flood.

In Uthai Thani Province, streets have been reopened to motorists, particularly the main highways in Ko Taepho and Tahsoong sub-districts.

Recently, officials have been using heavy equipment to repair the street surfaces and clean the business areas, and the Uthai Thani governor's residence.

Many flood victims have applied for the flood rescue fund from government agencies.

The floodwater has receded in most places, but areas along the Chao Phraya and Sa Kae Krang rivers in the areas of Ko Taepho, Tahsoong, Sakae Krang, and Nam Seum are expected to remain flooded until mid-December.

In the meantime, Ang Thong municipality officials have sprayed EM liquid at Bann Roh community to improve the quality of polluted water, as the water level in the community has been more than 2 meters for more than three months.

Furthermore, a mosquito pesticide has been used to prevent the West-Nile virus.

The Chao Phraya dam in Chainat Province has reduced the volume of water being discharged, causing the flood situation in Ang Thong Province to improve continuously.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-17

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Many Areas of Bangkok See Water Receding

The floodwater has receded in many areas of Bangkok, and some main roads are now accessible for small vehicles.

The water level at Ladprao Intersection has lowered significantly, and traffic has resumed as usual on Rama II Road.

According to the latest report on the flood situation at Ladprao Intersection, the water has been receding continuously, but each end of the intersection overpass is still flooded.

At any rate, the area is now accessible by small vehicles, with the exception of outbound Vibhavadi Rangsit Road which is still severely flooded.

There is a slowdown of traffic in front of the Central Ladprao Shopping Mall.

The water was measured earlier in this area at 10 to 30 centimeters.

Meanwhile, the section of Phaholyothin Road from this area to Ratchayothin Intersection is getting drier.

Only some parts remain flooded as the water is flowing into the sewers.

At Soi 48, the water has lowered by only a little, and the area is still inaccessible for small vehicles.

There have been no reports of floodwater on Rama II Road from Soi 1 to 69.

However the inbound route, from Soi 68 to 70, is deluged by the water seeping out from a sewer near the road.

The water level was measured at between 5 to 10 centimeter yesterday.

After a sandbag flood wall was placed around the sewer, the water level has dropped to only about 2-3 centimeters.

The water on Krungthep Kritha Road has receded to about 15 to 20 centimeters and is now accessible for some vehicles. On Songprapa Road in front of Don Muang Temple, the water has been measured at 55 centimeters.

On Petchkasem Road, from The Mall Bang Kae Shopping Center to Puttamonthon Sai 4 Road, the floodwater remains at about 50 to 60 centimeters and is still inaccessible for small cars.

Meanwhile, the water at Kanjanapisek Road, near Sao Thong Hin Temple is still between 30 to 40 centimeters high, and only raised trucks can pass through this area.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-17

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Flood Death Toll at 567

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department says flooding continues to affect 20 provinces while the death toll has risen to 567. In addition, 2 provinces have now been declared cold disaster zones.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said flooding has affected 20 provinces, covering an area of 141 districts, 996 subdistricts and 6,939 villages. A total of 1,962,825 households or 5,305,559 people have been affected. The flood death toll has reached 567 while 2 people remain missing, 1 in Mae Hong Son and 1 in Uttaradit.

Provinces still affected by flooding are Nakhon Sawan, Chainat, Singhburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakarn, Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Roi Et, Kalasin, Chachoengsao and Nakhon Nayok.

Already, 64 provinces have been affected by flooding since July this year while the floodwater has receded in 44 provinces.

The department reported that 2 provinces have been announced emergency cold disaster zones since November 2 and they are Chiang Mai and Nan. The disaster has affected 6 districts, 33 subdistricts and 393 villages. Chiang Mai's Omkoi and Samerng districts and Nan's Muang, Chalerm Prakiat, Banluang and Nanoi districts have been declared disaster zones.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-17

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PRESS RELEASE

Research In Motion launches new BlackBerry Bold 9790 and BlackBerry Curve 9380

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Cars parked at Future Park can be picked up from Nov18-30, free of charge, pls show ID and car registration, call 02 958 0011 press 0 /TANN

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Flooding Costs State Railway of Thailand 3.4 Billion baht

The severe inundation this year has cost the State Railway of Thailand, or SRT, more than 3.4 billion baht.

State Railway of Thailand Governor Yutthana Tubjaroen disclosed that after investigating the railroads nationwide, a 160 kilometer stretch of railway tracks have been damaged.

It's expected that a budget of more than 3 billion baht will be needed to restore the railways, and the work will take about six months.

The SRT has already lost 475 million baht as a result of the flood crisis.

Of that number, 110 million baht were from passenger fares and 365 million baht from goods transportation.

The last 50 days of the flood crisis caused a halt in SRT services on several northern, northeastern, and southern lines.

However, the SRT has attempted to adjust its routes to best serve passengers given the disruptions caused by the flooding.

The SRT has established remediation measures, proposing that it will first restore damaged railways, then accommodate affected employees, and then work to improve the communities along the railroads and railway stations.

This week the SRT will work with Ayutthaya and Nakhon Sawan provinces to organize a “Big Cleaning Day” at the railroads and railway stations, to gather residents to help normalize the situation.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-17

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In parliament today, Chalerm didn't answer why secret cabinet meeting was necessary, and exactly what criteria for pardon were approved. / via @sunaibkk

Local rd parallel to Vibhavadi rd sees water receding, BMTA provides free transportation service for the public begining today 6am-12am -GCC /TANN

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Floodwall taken down in front of FROC but at Soi Vibhavadi 11 still left untouched /via thaiflood /TANN

Opposition to ask Constitution Court to rule on qualification of FROC chief Pracha, 6 Puea Thai MPs over alleged flood mismanagement; Pracha also targeted for no confidence motion /MCOT

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Route info call 1255 (Traffic Radio Society 99.5 MHz) and 1543 (Tollway Traffic Control Center) /via thaiflood /TANN

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Bang Pa In industrial estate fully recovered, completely dry. Big Cleaning Day set for Nov 21 /via springnews /TANN

Bkk gov reveals taking down of BigBag on Paholyothin rd will not affect water levels in bkk, only bags on top were removed via ThaiPBS /TANN

Thammasat Hosp Director says out-patients service resume since Nov 15 but travelling in-out of hospital still difficult /via ThaiPBS /TANN

Lad Sawai locals destroy Big Bag barrier, Saimai district prepares for overflow coming their way via springnews /TANN

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Water Resources Dept hands out EM water everyday, free of charge, on Rama 6 rd soi 34 call 02 271 6000 /TANN

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Flood brings down Industry ministry confidence index to its lowest in 26 months via bkkbiznews /TANN

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Bangkok governor advises evacuation of Bang Khun Thian district

BANGKOK, Nov 17 – Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Thursday signed an evacuation advisory urging residents of Samae Dam sub-district in Bang Khun Thian to take their belongings to higher ground as floodwater is rapidly flowing into the district and he fears that it would pose a danger to their lives and property.

Residents living along Bang Khun Thian Road, from the Rama II Intersection to the area adjacent to the Wongwien Yai -Mahachai railway, as well as those living in lanes off Bang Khun Tian Road are advised to move from at-risk locations to temporary shelters provided by City Hall and to monitor the flood situation closely, the announcement said.

In other developments, flooding in Phahonyothin and Vibhavadi roads has lessened, a sign that the authorities' attempt to pump water out has provided results, and dismantling of a small part of the ‘big bag’ barrier has had no significant impact on the flood level in Bangkok's inner areas.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) senior officials are negotiating today with residents in Saimai and Lamluka about dismantling the sandbag barrier, erected to protect the capital from northern runoff.

Some 200 residents, living north of the barrier, dismantled a portion of it near the Air Control Operations on Phahonyothin Road Wednesday, demanding that some floodwater, which has turned foul, be drained from their neighbourhood. The disparity between the water level above and below the barrier is 50-60 centimetres.

One result of the meeting of the authorities and residents to settle the problem is the news that the inner areas below the big bag barrier from Yingcharoen market to Phrasimahathat temple have not been negatively impacted by the small gap as the floodwater rose only one to two centimetres.

Further into Phahonyothin Road, small vehicles can pass from Kasetsart University to Ratchayothin intersection to the Lat Phrao five-way intersection. Inbound Phahonyothin Road, opposite Central Plaza Lat Phrao shopping complex, is dry.

Floodwater has dropped to 30cm on Vibhavadi Road, while the water level in Khlong Bang Sue, which helps drain floodwater from Vibhavadi and Phahonyothin roads has falling to 50cm. Pumps are working around the clock to drain the water into the Chao Phraya River. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-11-17

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Qantas Offers 91St Birthday Sale To Customers In Thailand

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5,000bht compensation money for flood victims can be received at the distrcit office. Government Contact Center 1111 reports/TAN_Network

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Chalerm Defends Amnesty Move

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1:36pm SaiMai district chief agrees to open PrayaSurane sluice gate for 70cm, LumLukGa locals still not disperse.~@satien_nna/via@Tulip_Oum

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Opposition seeks to impeach seven ruling Puea Thai MPs

Follow this link: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/512959-opposition-seeks-to-impeach-seven-ruling-puea-thai-mps/page__view__findpost__p__4853215

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Deputy PM Chalerm says Royal Pardon Decree has no hidden agenda, will benefit not one, but 26,000/TAN_Network

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SET index midday,up 0.66 pt,0.07 pct

Thai composite stocks index (SET) at midday of Thursday stood at 997.77, up 0.66 point, or 0.07 per cent amid light trading of Bt 11.46 billion.

Blue chip SET-50 index was at 700.48, down 0.33 point, or 0.05 per cent.

Top five active (value) stocks: PTTGC, PTT, TOP, JAS, TRUE

-- The Nation 2011-11-17

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200 Samai locals satisfied with negotiation for BMA to open 5 meters along BigBag wall for 48hrs. to observe water level via js100/TAN_Network

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-- The Nation 2011-11-17

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How to use electricity safely after flooding recedes contact the volunteer engineers at Metropolitan Electricity Authority 1130, 02 256 3222/TAN_Network

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Bombings, shootings rock five Pattani districts; no casualties

PATTANI, Nov 17 -- Nine concurrent bombings and gun attacks took place Wednesday night mainly at government buildings and post office toilets in five districts of Pattani but there was no report of casualties.

Pattani provincial police commissioner Pol Maj Gen Pichet Pitisethpan on Thursday led forensic and bomb experts to inspect the attack scenes in the five districts – the provincial seat, Nong Chik, Panare, Yarang and Yaring districts --(mainly) government buildings, military bases and post offices.

Gen Pichet said the concurrent attacks occurred at 9.30pm.

In Nong Chik district, 2-3 suspected insurgents used AK47 assault rifles and M16 s to attack a military checkpoint at Don Rak subdistrict. Soldiers countered that attack, no one was injured.

In the provincial seat, a homemade bomb, triggered by a clock, was placed in a CAT Telecom office toilet on Piphit Road in Anoru subdistrict but no one was hurt. Another bomb exploded in a men’s toilet at the Pattani municipality building, slightly damaging the wall and ceiling.

In Yarang district, two bombs were placed in the post office, while another was set at a TOT telephone signal post which was slightly damaged, but failed to disrupt telephone service.

In Yaring district, a bomb in a Yaring post office toilet in Yamu subdistrict caused slight damage, while at Panare disrict, one explosion caused a fire at the post office building, but with minor damage. A second bomb behind Panare district office, and a third bomb exploded at the Territorial Defence Volunteer base.

Police initially believed the series of attacks was planned to discredit the work of security personnel.

Gen Pichet said all the explosions were caused by home-made explosive devices using clocks to trigger the circuit. Each weighed about two kilogrammes and was placed in a metal box.

All closed circuit recorded images will be examined for leading to the attackers, he said.

-- TNA 2011-11-17