Thailand Live Monday 4 Nov 2013

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Democrat Party calls on public to leave work and join protests

BANGKOK, 4 November 2013 (NNT) - Spokespersons for the anti-amnesty bill group have called on the public to take leave from work and join the ongoing protests.

Spokespersons M.L. Apimongkol Sonakul and Mr. Ekanat Promphan of the Democrat Party in the anti-amnesty bill group have called on the public that are against the amnesty bill to decorate their homes with the national flag to signify justice and fairness, as well as taking leave from work to join the ongoing demonstrations.

All who wish to participate have been informed to keep a close watch on any updates announced by the group. The Samsen train station shall be the focus point of the demonstration, stated the spokespersons.


-- NNT 2013-11-04

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More than 300 Samui District residents rally to oppose amnesty bill

SURAT THANI, 3 November 2013 (NNT) - More than 300 Samui District residents have gathered to oppose the amnesty bill. It is expected that the number of protesters will increase on November 4, 2013.

At 17:00 today, more than 300 residents of Samui District gathered in front of the Samui District Office, Surat Thani Province, to show their opposition to the amnesty bill. The group, led by Mr. Somsak Phet-awut, criticized the government's work and invited other local residents in Samuit District to join the rally.

Police officers from the Samui Precinct have been deployed to ensure security. It is expected that another rally will occur on November 4, 2013, with an increasing number of demonstrators joining the rally. Another group of demonstrators have already mobilized to the Surat Thani Provincial Hall to voice their opposition to the amnesty bill.


-- NNT 2013-11-04

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Lumpini Park protesters join Urupong rally
By English News



BANGKOK, Nov 4 – The weeks-long rally at Urupong intersection was reinforced yesterday evening with an added army of Thailand’s old hands in political activities, led by veteran protester Chamlong Srimuang.

Members of the United Front of People’s Networks declared a unanimous decision to join the Urupong demonstration and walked from Lumpuni Park, passing Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong and Pratunam business centres on their way to the rally site.

Maj Gen Chamlong said he has given moral support to every group and movement against the Amnesty Bill and he would not take the lead, but rather be a follower, in the demonstration.

He said he has resigned from the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) – the strongest movement against the former government of Thaksin Shinawatra.

Other ex-PAD members who walked with the protesters to Urupong were Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Suriyasai Katasila, Pipop Thongchai, Hattachai Muanparn and Somkiat Homla-or. They also went on stage.

Piya Utayo, spokesman of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), predicted that today’s protests against the Amnesty Bill will be spread out and police have been ready to handle the situation and facilitate motorists as many roads will possibly be closed by demonstrators.

Senior police officials in all Bangkok districts were ordered to be on alert and closely assess the situation, he said, admitting that he was concerned about both traffic congestion and possible clashes.

Security protections have been enhanced at the residences of major political figures, he said.

National police chief Adul Saengsingkaew ordered all police units to closely observe and assess demonstrations in Bangkok and upcountry, and set up checkpoints to prevent people from carrying weapons to rally sites.

Regarding an attack on Patnacha Haotavanich, personal sectary to Democrat deputy leader Korn Chatikavanich, police said they have checked closed-circuit video records and questioned several witnesses but no conclusion has yet been reached. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-11-04

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Rectors of 14 universities issued a statement opposing the Amnesty Bill which has been passed by the House of Representatives /Bangkok Post

Suthep leads protesters marching from Samsen railway station towards Rama VI road, no destination announced; Police step up security at key places /MCOT

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Thaksin in Oslo as Bangkok erupts over amnesty bill
BY THANA POOPAT



BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited the Thai community in Norway on November 2-3, 2013. He was greeted by his Thai supporters that came to see him when he visited a gathering to honour him in Oslo on Saturday, and at Thai temple in Frogner, where he presided over a merit-making ceremony on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679290-thaksin-in-oslo-as-bangkok-erupts-over-amnesty-bill/

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Democrat-led protesters reach Urupong

At 11 am Monday, Samsen protests led by Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban called at the Urupong intersection to greet the protesters there.

The Urupong demonstrators led by the People's Army against the Thaksin regime and the Students and People Network for Thailand Reform, cheered the arrival of the Samsen protesters.

Many blew whistles to welcome the Democrat-led protesters.


-- The Nation 2013-11-04

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RT @RichardBarrow: Samsen protesters NOT stopping at Uruphong. They ae heading down Lan Luang Rd (Pic @news1005fm) http://t.co/2u3Jze150e

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UPDATE
Thai divers search for sunken ferry
by Aidan JONES

PATTAYA, November 4, 2013 (AFP) - Thai divers searched Monday for the wreck of a crowded tourist ferry which sank leaving six dead including three foreigners, as rescuers recounted plucking victims from the water.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679221-six-dead-as-tourist-ferry-sinks-off-pattaya-resort/page-2#entry6998596

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Over 20,000 Democrat-led protesters reach Lan Luang heading to Temple of Emerald Buddha
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Over 20,000 demonstrators led by Democrat MPs reached the Lan Luang Road at about 11:16 am Monday.

Police estimated the number of protesters, who were marching, at over 20,000.

By 11:23 am, they reached the Saphan Khao area.

The protesters were apparently heading to the Temple of Emerald Buddha.

Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban has told the demonstrators that they would make a vow in front of a sacred thing that they would fight against the amnesty bill.


-- The Nation 2013-11-04

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Buriram holds annual “Long Boat Racing” festival

BANGKOK, 4 November 2013 (NNT) – Buriram Province has held its “Long Boat Racing” festival to mark the end of the three-month annual Buddhist Lent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679295-buriram-holds-annual-long-boat-racing-festival/

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Political turmoil to drag down Thailand’s GDP
By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 4 – Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) will expand less than 3.5 per cent this year if the political problems are prolonged, according to a university academic.

Anusorn Tamajai, Rangsit University’s deputy rector for research and academic service, said the passage of the Amnesty Bill has negatively impacted the people’e confidence in good governance, rule of law and the nation’s economy and investment.

The impact towards Thailand’s economy will be mild if protests end quickly but it will affect the country’s competitiveness and reduce investors’ faith in the rule of law in the long term, he said.

The economy may suffer a deficit in the fourth quarter which will affect tourism and investment, said Mr Anusorn, adding that this year’s GDP growth may fall even lower than an earlier forecast of 3.8 to 3.5 per cent. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-11-04

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18 university presidents against bill

BANGKOK: -- Eighteen members of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) jointly signed a statement, demanding the government to withdraw the amnesty bill.

In the statement, they said this amnesty bill runs against laws and sent a wrong message that corruption is excusable.

They said that this would derail Thailand’s efforts to eradicate corruption.


-- The Nation 2013-11-04

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Chiang Mai Mountain Bike Robber


A man used a fake bomb to rob a bank located inside a Big C department store and fled with 23,000THB on his mountain bike.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679298-chiang-mai-man-uses-fake-bomb-to-rob-a-bank-located-inside-a-big-c/

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Labour group voice against amnesty bill

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Labour Solidarity Committee issued a statement Monday, showing their opposition to the government's amnesty bill.

It said that the bill is meant to grant amnesty to a range of legal violations from mass killings to corruption.

"The government and Pheu Thai Party have a hidden agenda," it said, announcing that it will join force with other opposition groups to block the bill.


-- The Nation 2013-11-04

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Thais warned of 6 winter diseases

BANGKOK, 4 November 2013 (NNT) – People nationwide have been warned of 6 possible diseases during the cold season as more than 471,000 people were infected last year.

Public Health Minister Dr. Pradit Sinthawanarong has come out to warn Thais nationwide to be more concerned about their health. As winter is approaching, the minister said there are 6 diseases people need to be watching out for, including influenza, pneumonia, diarrhea, chickenpox, measles, and the hand-foot- and-mouth disease.

He also urged those who think drinking alcohol could keep them warm without wearing any clothes, saying it is a wrong practice and can be fatal to them.

The statistics showed that more than 471,000 people were infected with the six diseases during the winter last year, 355 of whom died. The most severe disease, according to the minister, was pneumonia which killed up to 350 people in 2012.

Minister Pradit has therefore warned all Thais to keep themselves healthy by washing their hands with soap regularly, eating cooked food, wearing warm clothes, doing exercise, and seeing a doctor immediately if they come down with a flu.


-- NNT 2013-11-04

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Thailand's whitening creams: Comfortable in your own skin?
Jody Houton


Mew Mew with a skin-whitening product.

PHUKET: -- It’s been a dark few weeks for skin-whitening companies in Asia.

First there was the October 23 public apology by Japanese cosmetics giant Kanebo, following their shocking announcement that around 15,000 consumers of their skin-whitening creams had developed blotches on their skin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679302-thailands-whitening-creams-comfortable-in-your-own-skin/

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Protest begins on Silom Road
The Nation


Protesters on Silom Road

BANGKOK: -- While the Democrat-led protesters join forces with those in Urupong, some protesters gather on Silom Road on Monday.

It was reported that leftlets are distributed to office workers, inviting them to join the protest against the amnesty bill.

Silom is a major business centre of Bangkok.

Today, 18 members of the Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) announced their demand that the government withdraw the amnesty bill. In the statement signed today, they said this amnesty bill runs against laws and sent a wrong message that corruption is excusable. They said that this would derail Thailand’s efforts to eradicate corruption.

Joining the opposition is the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee.

-- The Nation 2013-11-04

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Thai shares below 1,400 points. SET index lost 2.24% at noon, down to 1,397.03 points, as protests spread in BKK and provinces /The Nation

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Driver falls asleep at the wheel, hits power pole in Phuket
Eakkapop Thongtub


The car smashed into a power pole today.

PHUKET: -- A Phuket driver managed to escape injury after he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a power pole on Thepkrassatri Rd in Baan Lipon area in Thalang at around 5.30am this morning (November 4).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679310-driver-falls-asleep-at-the-wheel-hits-power-pole-in-phuket/

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Police to seek court-approved arrest warrant for captain of ferry sunk near Koh Lan killing 6, 20 still missing /MCOT

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Yingluck not involved in creating public signs in support of amnesty bill



BANGKOK, 4 November 2013 (NNT) - Lt. Sunisa Lertpakawat, deputy spokesperson for the prime minister, has reaffirmed that Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra has nothing to do with the signs backing the amnesty bill; to be erected at the Department of Provincial Administration (DPA)'s offices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679312-yingluck-not-involved-in-creating-public-signs-in-support-of-amnesty-bill/

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Members of the royal lineage publicly oppose amnesty bill

BANGKOK, 4 November 2013 (NNT) - Members of the royal lineage have made a stance to protect the monarchy - calling for the government to take action on those who have defamed the royal family. Maj. Gen. Prince Julajerm Yukol intends to oppose the amnesty bill being presented to His Majesty the King.

Maj. Gen. Prince Julajerm Yukol called a meeting of royal lineage representatives and important political figures to discuss the current political situation in Thailand, which was held at the Bangkok International Preparatory & Secondary School on November 3.

In one of the topics of discussion, a play at Thammasat University performed on October 13 was referred to as having inappropriate materials directed towards His Majesty the King. Maj. Gen. Prince Julajerm and M.L. Panadda Diskul have posed the question of whether or not the palace would take action to protect the royal institution on accounts of more and more defamation directed towards the monarchy.

In regard to the amnesty bill, after it passes Parliament, Maj. Gen. Prince Julajerm claimed that he intends to protest against the bill being presented to His Majesty the King, as not only would it put His Majesty under unnecessary public pressure, numerous people of the country also disagree with the bill.

Maj. Gen. Prince Julajerm went on to say that the royal lineage group’s meeting was not politically motivated, and that any loyal subject who wished to join the movement could and would be welcomed to do so.

-- NNT 2013-11-04

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Rogue croc discovered drifting off Mai Khao Beach proving to be tough catch for Phuket authorities
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: A rogue crocodile swimming off Mai Khao Beach attracted the attention of locals yesterday (November 3), when it was found drifting around 500 metres offshore.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679321-rogue-croc-discovered-drifting-off-mai-khao-beach-proving-to-be-tough-catch-for-phuket-authorities/

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Opposition poised to litigate amnesty bill

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat Party has finalised its draft petition designed to activiate the Constitution Court review on the amnesty bill, chief opposition whip Jurin Laksanavisit said on Monday.

The petition would be lodged if and when the Senate passed the bill, he said.

The litigation is expected to be the next step in the anti-amnesty fight should the legislative battle and street protests fail to block the bill's passage.

-- The Nation 2013-11-04

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Asia Update TV removes red programmes

BANGKOK: -- Asia Update online television station had no justification in removing programmes hosted by four red leaders, Pheu Thai MP Weng Tojirakarn said on Monday.

Should the station want to promote the amnesty bill, it then ought to introduce the views of amnesty proponents instead of blocking the dissenting voices, he said.

The cancelled programmes involved red leader Jatuporn Promphan, Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikua, Red Sunday leader Sombat Boonngamanong and Weng's wife Thida Thavornseth.

The station, run by pro-Thaksin allies, were seen as close to the red shirts

-- The Nation 2013-11-04

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Govt carries on despite spreading protests in capital, upcountry
By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 4 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today carried on her routine at Government House amid widespread protests by various anti-amnesty groups in the capital and across the country.

Government House and Parliament were strongly protected, encircled by concrete barriers, while anti-riot police squads and fire-fighting trucks were on standby in case of emergency or violence.

Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban, self-appointed leader of the mass rally at Samsen railway station, marched in the frontline, leading a column of demonstrators along Rama VI Road to the Emerald Buddha Temple and the Grand Palace in the old city.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, his deputy Korn Chatikavanich and several Democrat MPs showed up at Silom business centre to join the white-collar demonstrators who spilled over the pavements to occupy Silom Road.

Whistles were blown at 12.34 pm at Silom to officially kickstart the protests by business people who vented strong and fierce objections to the controversial Amnesty Bill.

At Government House, the grim-faced premier was scheduled to hold an urgent meeting on security measures in light of widespread demonstrations in Bangkok and many provinces.

The court dispute on Phreah Vihear temple, pending a verdict by the International Court of Justice next Monday, was included in this afternoon’s agenda. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-11-04

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Ferry driver's licence revoked following Pattaya boat sinking
By English News |

BANGKOK, Nov 4 - Thailand's Marine Department has revoked the license of the boat driver following Sunday's tragic ferry accident off the popular Thai seaside town of Pattaya which drowned at least six passengers, while dozens remain missing.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679160-tourist-boat-sinks-outside-pattaya-at-least-5-foreigners-dead-many-seriously-injured/page-9?p=6999075#entry6999075

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Article 190 amendment bill sails through third reading

BANGKOK: -- The bill to amend Article 190 of the Constitution was passed in the third reading with 381 to 165 votes.

Nine parliamentarians abstained during the vote.

The third reading vote was made in a roll call. When it was the turn of Democrat MP Watchara Phetthong to vote, he blew a whistle ten times before voting against the bill.

-- The Nation 2013-11-04

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RT@CoconutsBangkok:
Check out the decibel level of the anti-amnesty whistle blowing event at Silom telly.com/1DADYFK via @lekasina

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UPDATE:

Terror at sea as Thai tourist ferry sinks
by Aidan JONES

PATTAYA, November 4, 2013 (AFP) - Thai rescuers Monday recounted frantic efforts to pluck terrified survivors from the sea after a crowded tourist ferry sank, leaving six dead including three foreigners, as police searched for the captain who fled.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/679221-six-dead-as-tourist-ferry-sinks-off-pattaya-resort/page-3?p=6999213#entry6999213