Thailand Live Monday 11 Nov 2013

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Chamlong calls for national reform, declares protesters would not accept ICJ's ruling
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Chamlong Srimuang, a former leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, Monday announced his leading role to stage the rally with People's Army protest against the International Court of Justice's ruling on Preah Vihar dispute Monday evening.

He said Sondhi Limthongkul, another former PAD leader, will not join the rally citing tactical strategy. But Sondhi will have his Manager Group to fully support the rally.

Chamlong also called for a national reform to end political problems.

"We hope for a national reform with all aspects to end all problems and lead to a sustainable solution," Chamlong told the press conference.

Chamlong said the People's Army under his leadership would also campaign against the amendments of Article 190 of the Constitution.


-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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UPDATE:

Poll: Majority of Thais have less confidence in Pheu Thai-led government

BANGKOK, 11 November 2013 (NNT) – ABAC Poll says a majority of Thais have less confidence in the Yingluck government, while nearly 70 percent of the surveyed people believe a coup d'etat is not the solution to the current political deadlock.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680824-yingluck-losing-popularity-to-abhisit/page-2?p=7024878#entry7024878

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BTS asserts safety of Skytrain stations; executive says structures strong enough to hold crowd in mass gatherings for varied activities /MCOT

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Police set up "teargas usage zones"

BANGKOK, 11 November 2013 (NNT) - Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau Chief, Pol. Maj. Gen. Adul Narongsak, made updates about the ongoing protests in Bangkok - also announcing that any trespassers of the designated no-pass zones will be dealt with teargas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680844-bangkok-police-set-up-teargas-usage-zones/

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Senate spends two first hours squabbling over Friday incident
The Nation

BANGKOK: The Senate Monday spent the two first hours of Monday meeting squabbling over why the Group of 40 senators refused to attend the Friday meeting.

The majority side of senators, who are elected ones, wanted the Senate to proceed with the deliberation of the amnesty bill right away but the group of 40 senators, most of them appointed ones, wanted to spend the time to defend themselves first.

The Group of 40 senators, especially appointed senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, wanted to explain first why they decided not to join the Friday meeting when the Senate was supposed to reject the amnesty bill.

The Group of 40 senators said the other side spent hours Friday criticizing them so they needed time to defend themselves.

Kamnoon told the Senate that he and his group's members did not want to become a tool for the government and did not want to provide a legitimacy to the government to crack down on the protesters.

Kamnoon said all the indicators pointed out that the government would crack down on the protesters once the Senate rejected the bill on Friday.


-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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Nikom asks senators to cut short informal debate, start bill deliberation
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- At 12.20pm Monday Senate speaker Nikom Wairatpanij tried to ask senators to start first reading deliberation of the amnesty bill, and told them to stop the informal discussion that they spent mostly for squabbling over the Friday incident.

However, some senators on the queue still want to speak to defend themselves for not attending Senate meeting on Friday. Nikom then allowed a few of them to speak for a few minutes each.


-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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Interior Minister to file rebellion against leaders of the anti-amnesty bill

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680846-thai-interior-minister-to-file-rebellion-against-leaders-of-the-anti-amnesty-bill/

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Chuan says Yingluck was not ready to be prime minister

BANGKOK: -- Democrat advisory chairman Chuan Leekpai took to the stage at Ratchadamnoen protest site Sunday night accusing the government of trying to bring home exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra a free man by using reconciliation and forgiveness as an excuse.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680847-former-thai-pm-chuan-says-yingluck-was-not-ready-to-be-prime-minister/

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Sondhi and Chamlong stage a come-back



BANGKOK: -- Leaders of the People Alliance for Democracy (PAD) now announced to join the anti-government protest to the end to bring reform to the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680848-sondhi-and-chamlong-stage-a-come-back/

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Senate to reject Amnesty Bill
By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 11 - Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanich announced that the senators will reject the blanket amnesty bill passed by the Lower House in today's deliberations as they trust the coalition government's pledge to stop pushing the law.

Mr Nikom made the remark as the 150-member Senate starting deliberation of the amnesty bill which sparked protests nationwide today amid tight security measures.

According to the law, the Senate is required to finish deliberation of the bill within 60 days after receiving it from the Lower House. If rejected, the bill would be frozen for 180 days. Then the Lower House, where the Pheu Thai Party has a majority, is empowered to present it again for deliberation.

Mr Nikom said the Senate will reject the bill as it believes that the Pheu Thai-led coalition will honour its pledge to drop it.

He expressed confidence that the senators will also vote as a bloc and that they will be allowed to debate at their full capacity.

Mr Nikom said 89 senators are given eight-minute timeslots each to debate and the session is expected to finish by 10pm.

Regarding the Red Shirt proposal that the amnesty bill should be replaced with an amnesty decree, Mr Nikom said it is a duty of the government to consider the matter.

The Senate Speaker said as of now, 44 organisations have submitted letters opposing the bill. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-11-11

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Central bank chief: Political uncertainty damaging Thai economy
By English News



BANGKOK, Nov 11 – Thailand’s political conflicts and continued instability have begun to diminish the confidence of tourists, consumers and the business sector, according to central bank governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680851-central-bank-chief-political-uncertainty-damaging-thai-economy/

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Cambodia, Thailand await ruling in border temple row

PREAH VIHEAR, November 11, 2013 (AFP) - Dozens of Thai schools were closed and nervous Cambodian residents dug bunkers Monday ahead of a UN ruling over ownership of land surrounding an ancient temple which has sparked clashes between the two neighbours.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680853-cambodia-thailand-await-ruling-in-border-temple-row/

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PM posts Facebook comment giving moral support to Thais living on Thai-Cambodian border, says govt doing its best in Preah Vihear dispute at World Court /MCOT

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RALLIES
Protesters on the move: a timeline

BANGKOK: -- 8.30am : Protesters with the People's Army Against the Thaksin Regime's protesters gather at Phan Fa Lilat bridge. While most of them sit to listen to the leaders who are speaking from the stage, some can be seen packing their tents and belongings in preparation to march to undisclosed location.

9am : The protesters start their march.

9.10am : The protesters are heading to the Defence Ministry, according to their leaders. They passed the Democrat rally ground at the Democracy Monument and will rally in front of the Defence Ministry until the International Court of Justice announces its ruling on Preah Vihear controversy this afternoon.

9.38am : Leaders of the People’s Army against the Thaksin Regime said the protesters would rally in front of the Defence Ministry until the ICJ issues a ruling on the Preah Vihear dispute. The court is scheduled to start reading the verdict at 4am. The leaders said they would issue a statement after the court delivers a ruling.

9.40am : The protesters march past the Bangkok City’s shrine on their way to the Defence Ministry.

9.42am : The protesters reach the Defence Ministry.

10.30am : The former leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, Sondhi Limthongkul and Chamlong Srimuang, began their press conference on the political situation at Baan Phra Arthit.

10.39am : The protesters march past Thammasat University.

10.40am : PAD leader Chamlong announces he will lead and join rally with the People’s Army against Thaksin Regime against the International Court of Justice's ruling on Preah Vihear dispute this evening.

Sondhi Limthongkul will not join the rally, citing a tactical strategy, but his Manager Group will fully support the rally.

10.45am : They proceed to Manager newspaper’s Tha Pra-arthit headquarters.

Chamlong announced his leading role in staging the rally with the People's Army to protest against the International Court of Justice's ruling on Preah Vihear dispute this evening.

11.20am: People start gathering on Silom Road to rally against the amnesty bill.

11.20am: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra posted on her facebook page, asking public to have confidence that the government will fight for the Preah Vihear dispute case with their full effort to protect Thailand's sovereignty and national' s interests. She asked people living near Thai-Cambodian border to stay calm.

As Defence Minister, she said she asked the military to perform duty with patience and strength.

"I would like to give moral support to all Thais especially people along the border as well as all civil servants and security officers," she said.

12.20pm Senate speaker Nikom Wairatpanij wants to start first reading deliberation of the amnesty bill, disallow senators to further speak generally. However, some senators in the queue still want to speak and defend themselves for not attending Senate meeting on Friday. Nikom then allows a few of them to speak for a few minutes each.

12.52pm : Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanij orders beginning of first reading deliberation of the amnesty bill.

A senator says that if the senators who had registered to speak are allowed to speak 7 minutes each, the meeting can be finished by midnight.

Senators discuss about period each senator would be allowed to speak. Nikom allowed 10 minutes per speaker as proposed by the Senate whip. The meeting then is expected to be finished after midnight.

12.58pm: After three hours of debate, the Senate finally begin to deliberate the amnesty in its first reading. It is expecetd that they would vote to reject the bill in its first reading but it would be a long day of debate.

Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri tells the Senate chamber that the PM will accpept the Senates resolution on the bill. There are 91 senators wanted to debate on this bill.

-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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WB expresses confidence in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- World Bank's official believes that Thailand will overcome political conflicts and prosper.

In Bangkok, Ulrich Zachau, director for Strategy and Operations East Asia and Pacific at World Bank Group, said in any country political protests are normal, but stability would promote investment.

He said that political conflicts have not yet posed a major risk to the Thai economy, thanks to the Thai private sector’s strengths which supported the economy through the previous crises. He is confident that Thais would handle this conflict well.

-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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Thai-Cambodian border trade quietens, people live normal lives
By English News

SA KAEO, Nov 11 – Thai-Cambodian border trade is unusually quiet today but local residents are living their daily lives as usual. Many have managed to stay in waiting to hear the World Court ruling on Preah Vihear case.

The Aranyaprathet border this morning was not as lively as formerly since only small numbers of Cambodian traders were waiting to cross the border to Thailand when the Rong Klua Market opens for trade.

Many Cambodians stocked up on goods and decided to stay at home to await the International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict interpreting the Preah Vihear case later today.

Meanwhile, the Thai authorities-- soldiers at Ban Khlong Luek and Sa Kaeo immigration officers -- have conducted strict immigration checks together to prevent any unlawful activities or ill-intending people from entering Thailand. Most Cambodians who cross the border are workers.

Sombat Jungtrakul, deputy chairman of the Thai-Cambodian Border Trade Association in Chantaburi province, said he believes border trade will not be affected no matter what the ICJ verdict.

Meanwhile, situation at the Thai-Cambodian border in Ban Kruad District of Buri Ram province is normal as well at cassava plantation areas along the Thai Cambodian border. Security personnel are stationed at the areas as usual. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-11-11

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Weather Advisory No. 10 (346/2013) Subject: Typhoon “HAIYAN”

At 1.00 a.m. (11 November 2013), the tropical storm downgraded from typhoon “HAIYAN” over the Gulf of Tonkin, it is centered at 4.00 a.m. about 200 kilometers east of Ha Noi, Vietnam or at latitude 20.8 degree North, longitude 107.1 degree East with maximum sustained winds about 110 km/hr.

It is moving north-northwest at speed of 22 km/hr to make landfall over Quang Ninh today (11 November).

More rain is likely in the eastern Northeast, as well as stronger wind wave in the Gulf of Thailand during 1-2 days.
During 12-16 November, another rather strong high pressure from China will come to upper Thailand with shower, following by a decrease in temperature over the area.
The advisory will be effect on 11 November 2013 at 5.00 a.m.

-- NNT 2013-11-11

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Monday 11 November 2013 Time issued 0500 LST

General Situation

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Monday to 6.00 a.m. Tuesday

Northern Thailand Morning cool and fog. Minimum temperature 19-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 31-33 ?C. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 8-15 ?C Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Scattered thundershowers mostly in the eastern part. Minimum temperature 20-22 ?C. Maximum temperature 31-32 ?C. Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 12-18 ?C. Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand Isolated shower in the lower part. Minimum temperature 23-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-33 ?C. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 18-22 ?C. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Isolated thundershowers mostly in Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperature 23-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-34 ?C. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 18-22 ?C. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Scattered thundershowers mostly in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Songkhla and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 22-25 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-32 ?C. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters and about 2 meters in thundershowers areas.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy with scattered thundershowers mostly in Ranong, Phang-nga and Phuket.Minimum temperature 21-24 ?C. Maximum temperature 30-32 ?C. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cloudy with 30% chance of rain. Minimum temperature 24-25 ?C. Maximum temperature 33-34 ?C. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-11-11

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Four groups of protesters begin march to Rajdamnoen

BANGKOK: -- Four groups of Bangkokians who gathered on Silom Road, Asoke Intersection, Ratchadapiske and Saphan Khwai and Aree areas started marching to the Rajdamnoen Road at 12:34 pm.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva was seen joining the demonstrators at the Aree BTS station.

-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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Democrat-led protesters not to close roads: spokesman

BANGKOK: -- The spokesman of the organisers of the Democracy Monument's rally denied Monday that the protesters were ordered to close road traffic, skytrain route, airport, and besiege government offices.

Akanat Promphan, the spokesman, said at 11.50am that the protesters would stay at the Democracy Monument until 6pm or when the deadline the Democrat leaders set for the Pheu Thai-led government to terminate the controversial amnesty bill expires.

-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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500,000 baht given to each flood-hit district in Prachuap Khiri Khan

BANGKOK, 11 November 2013 (NNT) – Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has given 500,000 baht assistance to each district affected by the heavy rainfall-triggered floods, while ordering officials to speed up help for the victims.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680877-500000-baht-given-to-each-flood-hit-district-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

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Charupong threatens legal actions against protesters

BANGKOK: -- Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan on Monday said he will discuss with concerned agencies whether to take legal actions against the protesters at Democracy Monument.

The Democrat Party-led rally is deemed as an action of rebellion because they failed to keep their words, the interior minister said.

He said the protest leaders initially announced they just wanted the controversial amnesty bill to be withdrawn and they would end their protest but now they stepped the protest to try to topple the government.

-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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UPDATE:

Mother-in-law admits hiring gunman to kill Olympics sharpshooter Jakkrit

BANGKOK: -- The mother-in-law of Olympics sharpshooter Jakkrit Panitpatikam admitted Monday that she was the mastermind of his murder.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680625-suspected-gunman-in-jakkrit-killing-arrested/page-2#entry7025467

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UPDATE:

Mor Nim’s mother says she alone masterminding the shooting of son-in-law

Mother of Mor Nim says she alone is the mastermind in the shooting of the former national sharpshooter Chakkrit Panichpatikam in October 19.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680625-suspected-gunman-in-jakkrit-killing-arrested/page-2#entry7025496

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UPDATE:

Chamlong returns to lead fight
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Chamlong Srimuang, a former leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, on Monday announced that he will play a leading role in the planned rally with the People's Army to protest against the International Court of Justice's ruling on Preah Vihear Monday evening.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680848-sondhi-and-chamlong-stage-a-come-back/#entry7025638

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Senate meeting turns chaotic



BANGKOK: -- The Senate turned chaotic late today when it started a meeting to deliberate the controversial amnesty bill earlier approved by the House of Representatives and later pledged the government not to push it into law if the Senate rejected it.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680891-senate-meeting-turns-chaotic-thai-amnesty-bill/

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DSI urges protesters to end rally

BANGKOK, 11 November 2013 (NNT) - The Department of Special Investigation is urging demonstrators to end their rallies to minimize damage to the country’s economy and security.

DSI chief Tarit Pengdit said that core leaders should call off anti-government activities after the government had promised to drop the blanket amnesty bill from Parliament agenda.

His statement came after core leaders had announced that they would elevate the protests in a bid to overthrow the Yingluck administration.

He warned businesses giving financial support to the movement that they were on the verge of committing serious offences.

He added that if the protesters block public roads, cause adverse impacts on businesses and violate other people’s rights, they will be breaching the Internal Security Act currently enforced in Bangkok’s old districts.


-- NNT 2013-11-11

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PM meets military leaders

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra held a meeting with the military top brass and official from Foreign Ministry at the Government House at 2.40pm.

The meeting was held to make a preparation for International Court of Justice's verdict on Preah Vihear dispute later in the evening.


-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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Six Democrat MPs, including Suthep, to resign
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thaugsuban and five other Democrat MPs announced Monday that they would resign to lead a protest against the government.

The five move Mps are Thavorn Senniem, Satit Wongnongtaey, Witthaya Kaewparadai, Issara Somchai, and Jumpol Jullasai.

They are expected to formally announce their resignation at 6 pm as part of the stepped-up measure against the government.


-- The Nation 2013-11-11

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International Students Bus Overturns In Phuket
By Khaosod Online



PHUKET: -- A bus carrying foreign students has overturned in Phuket province, injuring almost 40 people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/680896-40-people-injured-as-international-students-bus-overturns-in-phuket/