Thailand Live Saturday 9 Nov 2013

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NATION ANALYSIS
Senate fails to kill amnesty bill
Jintana Panyaarvudh
Somroutai Sapsomboon
The Nation


Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjanana

Group of 40 denies Upper House quorum; speaker says consensus reached on rejecting bill

BANGKOK: -- The blanket amnesty bill is still "alive" after the Senate yesterday failed to form a quorum to deliberate the controversial piece of legislation. The Senate had been expected to reject the bill, which was rushed through the House of Representatives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680445-senate-fails-to-kill-thai-amnesty-bill/

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Russian Driver 'Dozes Off' Prior To Deadly Crash

By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- Two Russian tourists were killed in a road accident on Nakhon-Surat Road in Nakorn Si Thammarat province yesterday after the driver reportedly dozed off and crashed the vehicle into a large tree.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680442-two-russian-tourists-die-in-crash-in-thailand-after-driver-dozes-off-at-wheel/

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Thai protests against amnesty bill spread to other countries
Chanon Wongsatayanont,
Cattleya Chan,
Sopaporn Kurz
The Nation


Thai expatriates and students protest in front of the Thai Consulate in Chicago on Thursday against the amnesty bill.

BANGKOK: -- Opposition to the controversial amnesty bill has expanded beyond Thailand's borders, with Thai expatriates and students in several countries also staging their own protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680443-thai-protests-against-amnesty-bill-spread-to-other-countries/

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Reds, govt put differences behind
The Nation


A group of red-shirt supporters gather in Rayong to provide moral support to the government and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Rallies planned in different parts of nation to counter anti-amnesty move

BANGKOK: -- The ruling Pheu Thai Party and the red shirts plan to put aside their differences over amnesty in order to consolidate their strengths in fighting off their opponents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680444-red-shirts-thai-govt-put-differences-behind/

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Border town residents 'ready to flee'
Kawintra Jaisue,
Pongpat Traipipat
The Nation


An evacuation drill takes place yesterday at a shelter in Si Sa Ket province in preparation for the International Court of Justice ruling on the Preah Vihear temple, to be announced on Monday.

BANGKOK: -- After losing her home a couple of years ago to artillery shelling from Cambodian troops in a border clash over Preah Vihear, Si Sa Ket resident Samrit Saenpradab says she is ready for any fallout from the International Court of Justice verdict on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680446-border-town-residents-ready-to-flee-si-sa-ket/

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Stars rise for His Majesty
The Nation


Piya Trakulrach and Wassana Sittiwech and the kids

A fresh arrangement of the royal anthem becomes a "music video" with a stellar cast

BANGKOK: -- A battalion of actors will soon appear on movie screens in a new version of "Sansoen Phra Barami" that celebrates the royal anthem's 100th anniversary and His Majesty the King's 86th birthday on December 5.

Starting that day, the all-star "music video" will be played before feature-film screenings, replacing the usual short clip that's set to the music, during which theatre patrons are expected to stand to show respect to the monarch.

The stars will appear in turn, recreating scenes from their hit films and singing a segment of the song.

His Royal Highness Prince Chitcharoen, son of King Rama IV and Princess Consort Pannarai who was later known as Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs, composed Siam's anthem in 1913. King Rama VI subsequently revised the melody.

Now flute master Thanis Sriklindee has given "Sansoen Phra Barami" a fresh arrangement under the auspices of project the Unify Thai Spirit Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and Siam Paragon.

This stirring composition is played at all state occasions and announces members of the royal family at public functions. It's heard before screenings at movie theatres and ahead of stage plays and concerts.

Sorapong Chatree, one of the stars of the movie "Plae Kao", is in charge of the project. "The purpose of '100 Years of Pleng Sansoen Phra Barami' is to instil loyalty to the royal institution people and especially youth," he says.

Joining him in the new video are Jarunee Suksawad (star of "Ban Sai Thong"), Sinjai Plengpanich ("Nuan Chawee"), Chintara Sukapatana and Santisuk Promsiri ("Boonchu"), Anne Thongprasom and Auttaporn Teemakorn ("The Letter"), Montree Jenauksorn ("Khon Phu Khao"), Bin Bunluerit ("Bang Rajan"), Jirayu "Kao" Laongmanee ("SuckSeed"), Piya Trakulrach and Wassana Sittiwech ("Khru Ban Nok") and Suriya "Pop" Yaowasang ("Phi Suea Lae Dokmai").

Exhibitions including "The History of Pleng Sansoen Phra Barami" and contests are also planned, with trophies from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn awaiting the winners. Anyone wishing to submit a short film, essay or sample of choral singing into competition can download an application form at www.RoyalParagonHall.com and www.Facebook.com/RPHYouthProject.

Contest entries should be delivered to Royal Paragon Enterprise, sixth floor, Siam Paragon, or emailed to [email protected] before Monday. Find out more at (02) 610 8023-24.


-- The Nation 2013-11-09

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Fewer Chinese Tourists Due To Tightened Tourism Law
By Khaosod Online

BANGKOK: -- Number of tourists from China to Thailand has dropped by 50-70% since the Chinese authorities enacted a crackdown on the extortive ′zero dollar tours′, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680459-number-of-tourists-from-china-to-thailand-has-dropped/

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Amnesty protests 'may affect tourism slightly'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- One of the main concerns raised by the government and representatives from the tourism industry was that the ongoing protests could be detrimental to the industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680460-thai-amnesty-protests-may-affect-tourism-slightly/

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Consumers Confidence 'Lowest In 19 Months'



BANGKOK: -- Thai economy continues to take the toll from the ongoing political crisis, according to a number of experts, with data showing that consumers confidence has hit the bottom in the past year and half.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680461-thailand-consumer-confidence-lowest-in-19-month/

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-- The Nation 2013-11-09

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Typhoon HAIYAN (31W) currently located near 12.4 N 118.1 E is forecast to strike land to the following likelihood(s) at the given lead time(s):

Red Alert Country(s) or Province(s)

Vietnam

probability for CAT 1 or above is 65% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 95% in about 24 hours

Laos

probability for CAT 1 or above is 55% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 80% in about 36 hours

Red Alert City(s) and Town(s)

Quang Ngai (15.1 N, 108.8 E)

probability for CAT 1 or above is 65% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 95% in about 36 hours

Da Nang (16.1 N, 108.2 E)

probability for CAT 1 or above is 60% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 80% in about 36 hours

Dong Ha (16.8 N, 107.1 E)

probability for CAT 1 or above is 50% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 80% in about 36 hours

Dong Hoi (17.5 N, 106.6 E)

probability for CAT 1 or above is 45% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 80% in about 36 hours

Yellow Alert Country(s) or Province(s)

the Philippines

probability for TS is 90% currently

Cambodia

probability for CAT 1 or above is 20% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 75% in about 36 hours

Thailand

probability for CAT 1 or above is 10% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 70% in about 36 hours

China

probability for TS is 65% in about 36 hours

Yellow Alert City(s) and Town(s)

Qui Nhon (13.8 N, 109.2 E)

probability for CAT 1 or above is 20% in about 24 hours

probability for TS is 85% in about 24 hours

Kon Tum (14.4 N, 108.0 E)

probability for CAT 1 or above is 20% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 80% in about 36 hours

Taytay (10.8 N, 119.5 E)

probability for TS is 65% currently

Tuy Hoa (13.1 N, 109.3 E)

probability for TS is 65% in about 24 hours

Yaxian (18.4 N, 109.4 E)

probability for TS is 60% in about 36 hours

Vinh (18.7 N, 105.7 E)

probability for CAT 1 or above is 10% in about 36 hours

probability for TS is 60% in about 36 hours

Note that

Red Alert (Severe) is CAT 1 or above to between 31% and 100% probability.

Yellow Alert (Elevated) is CAT 1 or above to between 10% and 30% probability, or TS to above 50% probability.

CAT 1 means Typhoon strength winds of at least 74 mph, 119 km/h or 64 knots 1-min sustained.

TS means Tropical Storm strength winds of at least 39 mph, 63 km/h or 34 knots 1-min sustained.

For graphical forecast information and further details please visit http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/

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Almost 500 protected turtles found in Thai airport bags

BANGKOK, November 9, 2013 (AFP) - Thai customs have found over a thousand turtles and tortoises in airport luggage in a week, including a haul of 470 creatures Friday as conservationists warn of "skyrocketing" smuggling for the pet trade.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680462-almost-500-protected-turtles-found-in-thai-airport-bags/

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1 dead, 14 injured, German arrested, following Jomtien Beach Road Crash



PATTAYA: -- A 72 Year Old German man was arrested following a serious road crash which occurred on Jomtien Beach Road on Friday Night which left 1 dead, 14 injured and 13 vehicles damaged.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680465-one-dead-14-injured-german-arrested-following-jomtien-beach-road-crash/

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15 year old couple arrested after murder of motorbike taxi driver in South Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- Late on Friday Night Police were called to a remote street in South Pattaya to investigate the apparent murder of a motorbike taxi driver which was quickly followed by the arrest of a 15 year old boy and girl.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680466-15-year-old-couple-arrested-after-murder-of-motorbike-taxi-driver-in-south-pattaya/

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Visut vows to be a farmer if amnesty bill is revived



BANGKOK: -- House deputy speaker Visut Chainaroon announced Friday that he would quit politics and to work as a rice farmer if the blanket amnesty bill is to be reconsidered by the House after it fails to get the nod from the Senate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680467-visut-vows-to-be-a-farmer-if-thai-amnesty-bill-is-revived/

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Wireless ATM hacking victims rise to 78
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- According to latest reports, as many as 78 victims have come forward to say that money was either withdrawn from their accounts or transferred to accounts in Ukraine and Russia after their used an ATM near the All Seasons Place on Wireless Road in Bangkok.

Total damages reported so far are worth about Bt1.34 million.

Initial investigation shows that all the victims used an ATM machine outside a 7-11 store opposite the All Seasons Place. Another victim of the same crime has emerged in Bangkok's Bang Rak district, whose account was hacked via an ATM in Bang Rak. Police suspect a gang of foreigners might be behind this crime.


-- The Nation 2013-11-09

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Democrats try to build rally 'of the people'

Hataikarn Treesuwan

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Democrats have chosen Democracy Monument as their main and symbolic stage to roust the government's blanket amnesty bill.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680468-thai-democrats-try-to-build-rally-of-the-people/

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Social media in Thailand proves its strength
Kornchanok Raksaseri

BANGKOK: -- BACK WHEN "Black May" took place in 1992, people were mobilised via mobile phones and the protesters were thus called the "Mobile Mob". Later, before the Thaksin Shinawatra government was ousted by a military coup in 2006, protesters were mobilised via satellite television and therefore called the "Satellite Mob".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680469-social-media-in-thailand-proves-its-strength/

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UPDATE:

Move to mend divisions
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The red-shirt Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (DAAD) has decided to launch a strategy of "advancing while making a retreat".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680444-red-shirts-thai-govt-put-differences-behind/?p=7017126

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3BB internet down in most parts of Prachuap Khirikikhan since yesterday. Techs are working on getting broken fibre optic up and running. Expected to be fixed later this afternoon.

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Typhoon HAIYAN (31W) currently located near 12.3 N 116.2 E is forecast to strike land to the following likelihood(s) at the given lead time(s):

Yellow Alert Country(s) or Province(s)

Thailand

probability for TS is 75% in about 36 hours

Yellow Alert City(s) and Town(s)

Ubon Ratchathani (15.2 N, 104.9 E)

probability for TS is 60% in about 36 hours

Note that

Yellow Alert (Elevated) is CAT 1 or above to between 10% and 30% probability, or TS to above 50% probability.

CAT 1 means Typhoon strength winds of at least 74 mph, 119 km/h or 64 knots 1-min sustained.

TS means Tropical Storm strength winds of at least 39 mph, 63 km/h or 34 knots 1-min sustained.

For graphical forecast information and further details please visit http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/

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UN's top court to rule in Thai-Cambodia temple spat
by Jan HENNOP

THE HAGUE, November 9, 2013 (AFP) - The UN's top court will on Monday hand down its verdict in a dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over a flashpoint temple that threatens to reignite nationalist tensions.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680479-uns-top-court-to-rule-in-thai-cambodia-temple-spat/

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"Thailand Tomorrow 2020" taking place in Phetchaburi Province

BANGKOK, 9 November 2013 (NNT) – The “Thailand Tomorrow 2020” is receiving a lot of attention from Phetchaburi residents, as a great number of students have shown interest in the government’s 2.2 trillion baht infrastructure development project.

The “Thailand Tomorrow 2020” exhibition, which is now underway, will be held in Phetchaburi until November 10. The exhibition organized by the government is meant to inform the Thai people of the 2.2 trillion baht infrastructure plan, which includes high-speed train, dual rail track system, and other logistics-related projects.

According to the visitors, the exhibition provides them with information on what will likely happen to Thailand in the future and how they can adapt themselves to the upcoming changes.

The exhibition is divided into 2 zones. The first zone entitled “It’s not just a train, it’s the Future” will show the visitors why the high-speed train project is so vital to the country’s economic growth, whereas the second one will show them what kind of life they would have or what kind of society they would be living in if these projects were to come true.

Other than the exhibition, visitors will also enjoy cultural performances and a wide range of OTOP products from every corner of Thailand.

After Phetchaburi, the “Thailand Tomorrow 2020” will go to Nakhon Si Thammarat on November 21-23, and Songkhla on November 28-30.


-- NNT 2013-11-09

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3.5 million Thais suffering from diabetes

BANGKOK, 9 November 2013 (NNT) – Around 3.5 million people in Thailand are suffering from diabetes, whereas the number of patients with diabetes around the world is reported to be as many as 371 million people.

Diabetes, according to Public Health Minister Dr. Pradit Sintavanarong, is a silent threat to all Thais and people around the world. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has reported that around 371 million people around the world have the disease and the number seems to be rising, as the IDF expects the number to reach 552 million by the year 2030, with 80 percent of those patients living in underdeveloped and developing countries.

As for the situation Thailand, Minister Pradit disclosed the results of latest survey conducted on people aged 15 and over, saying around 3.5 million Thais are suffering from the disease, while the diabetes-related death rate in Thailand each year accounts for 8,000 people. The minister also expected the number of patients in the country to top 4.7 million in 8 years' time.

Dr. Pradit further said that one-third of the patients in Thailand, or around 1.2 million, do not realize they have the disease. Therefore, the Public Health Ministry will provide a free health checkup in all areas across the country next year, he added.


-- NNT 2013-11-09

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Demonstrators remain camped at Makkhawan Rangsan and Democracy Monument

BANGKOK, 9 November 2013 (NNT) – Demonstrators at Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge refused to relocate their protest site on Friday in spite of police's efforts to negotiate for them to relocate so that they won't violate the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Adul Narongsak met with protest leader Nitithon Lamluea on Friday afternoon, to ask him to lead the demonstrators away from the Makkhawan Rangsan area because their gathering at the spot was in violation of the ISA. However, Mr. Nitithon rejected the request, saying that the protesters were in a peaceful assembly and were free of weapons. He added that he was ready to fight in court if he was prosecuted.

Police General Adul Saengsingkaew, commissioner of the national police, indicated on Friday that all demonstrations in the capital city were going on peacefully. However, officials were concerned over attempts by third parties to create trouble, and thus he had told police to set up numerous checkpoints to inspect people headed for the protest sites to make sure they were not carrying arms.

Meanwhile, the Democrat Party-led demonstration remained at Democracy Monument in Bangkok on Friday, with protest leaders declaring they would not call off their rally. According to Democrat Party core figure Suthep Theuksuban, the protest leaders will evaluate the circumstances on Monday, when the Senate is expected to vote down the amnesty bill, before determining whether the group will scale up their rallies.


-- NNT 2013-11-09

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PM Yingluck to address nation at 7.30 pm on Monday after ICJ verdict reading

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680479-uns-top-court-to-rule-in-thai-cambodia-temple-spat/?p=7017584

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UPDATE:

Prachuap Khirikhan, Samut Songkhram and Chonburi hit by adverse weather

HUA HIN, 9 November 2013 (NNT) – Several provinces in the lower Central Region have been hit by heavy rains, with damage being reported from the provinces of Prachuap Khirikhan, Chonburi and Samut Songkhram.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680342-hua-hin-battered-by-severe-weather/page-2#entry7017597

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FTI opposes blanket amnesty law

BANGKOK, 9 November 2013 (NNT) – The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has voiced its opposition to the blanket amnesty law, which grants amnesty to those involved in corruption.

FTI Chairman Payungsak Chartsuthipol spoke after a meeting with FTI executives, saying the FTI meeting had agreed to go against any legislation that would provide amnesty to perpetrators of corruption-related crimes, while calling on all relevant agencies to remedy the current political situation as soon as possible, adding that if the protests dragged on, the demonstrations would turn violent, wrecking investor's confidence.

Even though the government is backing down on the blanket amnesty bill, it is still difficult to foresee how the situation would turn out, adding that all sides need to work together in order to end this political deadlock, said Payungsak.

Mr. Payungsak also forecast that the Thai economy will grow about 5 percent next year in line with the ASEAN economy, which is projected to grow in the range of 5.2-5.7 percent.


-- NNT 2013-11-09

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URGENT - Pattaya: O-negative blood needed for foreigner in Bangkok Pattaya Hospital

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680488-o-negative-blood-urgently-needed/

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UPDATE:

Surapong: ICJ’s decision will not raise conflict between Thailand and Cambodia

BANGKOK, 9 November 2013 (NNT) – The Foreign Affairs Minister is confident that the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will not raise conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, while urging all sides not to link Phra Viharn case to politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680479-uns-top-court-to-rule-in-thai-cambodia-temple-spat/?p=7017925