Thailand Live Wednesday 13 Nov 2013

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Skimming spree: Thieves hack ATM in CP Building
By Coconuts Bangkok



Just when you thought it was safe to enter your PIN again, the rampage of ATM skimmers continues.

BANGKOK: -- Several victims found out yesterday that money vanished from their bank accounts after withdrawing cash from a Thai Military Bank ATM located in CP Tower 3 in the Phaya Thai district. They reported their losses to police there.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681254-thieves-hack-atm-in-cp-building-in-bangkoks-phaya-thai-district/

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Strike does not affect flights: THAI

Thai Airways International insisted that no single flight will be cancelled though some employees are on strike during November 13-15.

In a statement, the airline said that the management is looking for ways to fix possible problems. For now, all flight schedules are maintained, it said.


-- The Nation 2013-11-13

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NASA astronaut shares space experience with Thai youths

BANGKOK, 13 November 2013 (NNT) – A former NASA astronaut has shared his space experience with Thai youngsters, while inspiring them to be more interested in science and astronomy.

John Mace Grunsfeld, Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters (HQ) in Washington, D.C. who is also a former astronaut, gave his speech and shared his astronomical experience before the Thai audience at Chulalongkorn University. Accompanying him was Director of the Space Telescope Science Institute Matt Mountain.

Mr. Grunsfeld told his audience about the main duty of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He said NASA is responsible for civilian space programs and for aeronautics and aerospace research. Its main duty is to explore the space, collect data, and study changes within the earth and out of space in order for the organization to help support the living of humanity.

Meanwhile, Mr. Matt Mountain said he was glad and honored to share his knowledge with Thais and hoped that he could be an inspiration for youngsters to study science and astronomy as kids are the future of the world.

The seminar was under the cooperation between Chulalongkorn University and the US Embassy.


-- NNT 2013-11-13

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Pak Thong Chai festival kicks off in Phitsanulok

PHITSANULOK, 13 November 2013 (NNT) – Phitsanulok Province is playing host to the annual Pak Thong Chai festival, an event to commemorate heroic deeds of the ancestors of “Nakhon Thai” people who lived in the area more than 400 years ago. It is also aimed at preserving ancient culture and traditions and promoting tourism to the province.

The Pak Thong Chai festival is being held near the statue of Pho Khun Sri Indraditya, widely-known as Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao. The statue is located in front of Nakhon Thai District’s city hall. According to the locals, this celebration has been passed on from generation to generation since the days of ancient Sukhothai.

The festival is a unique tradition of Nakhon Thai as it illustrates the way of living of the local people. The event is also aimed at glorifying and commemorating Pho Khun Sri Indraditya who, in his glorious days, fought off the enemies and protected his kingdom.

Apart from eye-catching parades, visitors will also enjoy cultural dances and musical performances as well as a variety of OTOP products of Phitsanulok.

The Pak Thong Chai festival is being held until November 17th, which is also the full-moon Day of Loy Krathong.


-- NNT 2013-11-13

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Academics say ICJ’s verdict is an opportunity

BANGKOK, 13 November 2013 (NNT) -Academics have expressed satisfaction over the verdict of the Phra Viharn Temple case, saying that neither Thailand nor Cambodia actually won the case, and that the two nation should welcome this great opportunity to work in concert to develop the disputed area.

According to Chulalongkorn University President, Professor Dr. Pirom Kamolratanakul, and other academics who have been following the case, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) did not change the original ruling on the case rendered in 1962, which means Cambodia is not entitled to the 4.6 sq.km. area they demanded. The verdict, he said, should be considered an opportunity for both nations to work together in developing the area into a tourism district.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul who has just returned with Interior Minister Gen. Yuthasak Sasiprapha to Thailand from their trip to the Netherlands, stated that the verdict is satisfactory to both sides, and will be officially translated into Thai and given to the public and government officials for a clearer understanding.

and, Gen. Yuthasak, meanwhile, stated that troops would for the time being stay positioned at the Thai-Cambodian boarder near the disputed area until further notice from the government.


-- NNT 2013-11-13

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PREAH VIHEAR
Win or lose not issue: Virachai
The Nation


Virachai Plasai

Virachai Plasai, Thai Ambassador to the Hague, arrived in Bangkok Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681243-foreign-minister-surapong-insists-thailands-sovereignty-remains-intact/?p=7033234#entry7033234

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Chadchart says SRT must work harder



BANGKOK: -- Transport minister Chadchart Sittipunt says the State Railway of Thailand must work harder if it is to go ahead with its multi-billion baht high speed train project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681263-thai-transport-min-chadchart-says-srt-must-work-harder/

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Narathiwat defence volunteer shot dead riding motorcycle home by assailants on motorcycle using M-16 assault rifle /MCOT

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UPDATE:

Ambassador Weerachai says he is not a hero

BANGKOK, 13 November 2013 (NNT) - H.E. Weerachai Palasai, theThai ambassador to the Netherlands, has returned from Hague along with the committee which helped in the defense in the Preah Vihear Temple case.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681243-foreign-minister-surapong-insists-thailands-sovereignty-remains-intact/?p=7033243#entry7033243

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UPDATE:

Mixed responses to urge to step up rallies
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
BAMRUNG AMNARTCHAROENRIT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The private sector yesterday bombarded Monday's calls by anti-amnesty campaigners for action including a mass strike later this week and the withholding of tax payments by businesses. Some labour unions of state enterprises leave the decision to employers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681210-muted-response-to-sutheps-calls-for-civil-disobedience/#entry7033273

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Caroline Kennedy sworn in as US ambassador to Japan

TOKYO: -- Caroline Kennedy, daughter of assassinated US president John F. Kennedy, was sworn in Tuesday as the new US ambassador to Japan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681265-caroline-kennedy-sworn-in-as-us-ambassador-to-japan/

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Abhisit, Suthep to be indicted Dec 12 as scheduled



BANGKOK, Nov 13 – Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his then deputy Suthep Thaugsuban will be summoned to the Criminal Court for indictment on Dec 12, a senior public prosecution official said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681266-abhisit-suthep-to-be-indicted-dec-12-as-scheduled/

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Rubber grower protesters to join Bangkok rallies
By English News

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, Nov 13 -- Rubber and palm oil grower protesters in Prachuap Khiri Khan will end their road blockade and move their rally to join the ongoing protest in Bangkok, according to an adviser to the farmers.

Sunthorn Rakrong, adviser to the rubber and palm oil growers' network, said the group blocking Petchakasem Road in protest to demand government help to shore up rubber and oil palm prices since October 26 has resolved to unblock the southbound road this afternoon.

He said that after opening traffic at kilometre marker 415 in Ban Si Nakhon in Chang Raek subdistrict of Bang Saphan Noi district, the protesters will eventually move to join the rallies in Bangkok.

Mr Sunthorn did not specify which group they would join but said that there were several demonstrations against the government-sponsored amnesty bill in Bangkok.

As for the prosecution of rubber and oil palm protest leaders, Mr Sunthorn said that he has met with Prachuap Khiri Khan governor Weera Sriwattanatrakul to demand fair treatment in legal actions. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-11-13

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NBT to host fundraiser for victims of super typhoon Haiyan

BANGKOK, 13 November 2013 (NNT) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered NBT to organize a fundraiser, which will be aired on Channel 11(NBT) on the night of November 13, 2013.

The premier on Tuesday expressed her condolences to the Philippines and said she had assigned the foreign ministry to gather all assistance from Thailand for the fellow ASEAN country, be it in the form of cash donations or medical services. The Premier has also asked the Thai army to send support to the Philippines


-- NNT 2013-11-13

[Lite Beer]

IMF takes aim at Yingluck’s rice-pledging scheme

BANGKOK: -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Thailand to drop its costly rice-pledging scheme and scale back other fiscal stimulus measures to achieve a balanced budget and make room for spending on projects that bolster economic growth.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681278-imf-takes-aim-at-yinglucks-rice-pledging-scheme/

[Lite Beer]

Locals attend public hearing on water and flood management in Pathum Thani

PATHUM THANI, 13 November 2013 (NNT) - Pathum Thani provincial authority is organizing a public hearing on water and flood management at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi today. The hearing will be held from 8am - 4.30pm.

Around 1,000 locals are expected to attend the hearing, 454 of whom have already registered online. The hearing will focus on 2 of the 9 modules of the planned water management projects.

These 2 modules will be carried out in Pathum Thani province and will have direct impacts on the locals. Various activities will be provided by the provincial authority to create understanding of the locals on water management issues, including video presentations on public hearings in other provinces.

It will also feature guest speakers from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi. Feedback on the project will be collected via focused groups.

-- NNT 2013-11-13

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UPDATE:

Commerce says rice scheme raises farmers’ earning, clears debts

Commerce Minister Niwatthamlong Boonsongpaisarn reiterated today that the government’s rice pledging scheme helped to increase farmers’ earnings and clear their debts, though it would inflict loss of over 100 billion baht a year.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681278-imf-takes-aim-at-yinglucks-rice-pledging-scheme/

[Lite Beer]

Weather Advisory No. 2 (349/2013) Subject: Tropical Depression in South China Sea

At 10.00 a.m. on 13 November, the tropical depression in the lower South China Sea was centered about 1,400 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam or at latitude 11.0 degree north and longitude 119.5 degree east with maximum sustained winds about 55 km/hr. The depression was moving west at speed 30 km/hr.

It is forecast to move across southern Vietnam and cover the East and the upper South of Thailand during 15-17 November. More rain and isolated heavy rain are expected in the lower Northeast, the East, the Central and the South. The stronger wind wave 2-3 meters high is likely in the upper Gulf of Thailand.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Wednesday Noon to Thursday Noon

Northern Thailand Morning cool with light fog. Widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Phitsanulok, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit and Phetchabun. Minimum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius Maximum temperature 33-34 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-14 degree Celsius Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr

Northeastern Thailand Morning cool in the upper part by 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Saket and Ubon Ratchathani. Minimum temperature 21-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-35 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand Morning light fog and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Saraburi and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. Minimum temperature 25-26 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-35 degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 19-23 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperature 24-26 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-35 degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 19-23 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-33 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters in thundershower areas.

Southern Thailand West Coast Very cloudy with fairly widespread thundershowers mostly in Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket and Krabi. Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-34 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters in thundershower areas.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cloudy with 40% chance of rain. Minimum temperature 26-27 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-35 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-11-13

[Lite Beer]

Police chief worries third party could cause violence against protesters at Rajdamnoen Avenue; will negotiate to retake rally areas /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

TWEETING
Twitter the most popular channel: ZocialEye.com

Social media analysis website, ZocialEye.com recently published its latest report based on its monitoring trends in social media usage in Thailand between October 12 and November 11.

It found that Twitter was the media channel used by most people in conveying messages of protest about the amnesty bill, with more than 800,000 messages recorded during the period. The tweet most shared or retweeted was from @krajung -https://twitter.com/krajung/status/397376765917540353, with 10,504 retweets.

The word 'sood-soi' (in Thai), meaning go to the end of soi, was the most mentioned on November 6 and it was the top mentioned word throughout the night across social media platforms

-- The Nation 2013-11-13

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Death toll in Philippine disaster tops 2,000

Manila - The death toll in the Philippines from one of the world's strongest typhoons rose to 2,275, the national disaster relief agency said.

Most of the victims were from the provinces of Leyte and Samar, where Typhoon Haiyan triggered tsunami-like waves that flattened cities and towns and displaced nearly 600,000 people.

At least 3,665 people were injured in the storm which hit the Philippines on Friday, while at least 80 were missing, the disaster relief agency said

-- The Nation 2013-11-13

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THE CAMBODIAN HERALD
Australian think tank warns of 'febrile' atmosphere in Thailand after ICJ ruling

The Cambodia Herald - The Lowy Institute for International Policy has warned of the feverish atmosphere in Thailand following Monday's ruling by the International Court of Justice on the Preah Vihear temple.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681304-australian-think-tank-warns-of-febrile-atmosphere-in-thailand-after-icj-ruling/

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By-elections to be held on December 22

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission decided Wednesday to hold by-elections for eight constituencies on December 22, EC commissioner Prapun Naigowit said.

The advance voting for the by-elections will be held on December 15, Prapun siad.

He said the EC would need a budget of Bt80 million for holding the by-elections to fill House seats vacated by Democrat MPs.

Nine Democrat MPs have resigned to lead protests against the government. Eight of them were constituency-based MPs and the other was a party-list MP, whose seat was automatically filled up by the next candidate on the party-list.


-- The Nation 2013-11-13

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Phuket SuperCheap boss finally outlines plans for destroyed store
Zazithorn Ruengchinda


SuperCheap MD Boonsom Anancharoonwong.

PHUKET: -- SuperCheap will rise from the ashes of the October 16 inferno, with a new, more robust building on the same site.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681310-phuket-supercheap-boss-finally-outlines-plans-for-destroyed-store/

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Troops to remain along Thai-Cambodian border till further notice

SURIN, 13 November 2013 (NNT) –Although the border situation is peaceful, Thai troops will remain positioned along the Thai-Cambodian border near Phra Viharn Temple until further orders have been received, according to Commander-in-Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha.

On Tuesday, Thai commanders of forces along the border in Surin met their Cambodian counterparts at Prasat Ta Khwai historic site to foster good relations and to make sure that each commander had access to his counterpart's direct line, to ensure that communications can be made quickly in case of urgent matters. The Thai and Cambodian commanders also had lunch together, surrounded by the scenic setting of the historical site.

Army chief Prayuth asserted that Thai soldiers would maintain the country's sovereignty and protect the border area until they receive further notice. He noted that negotiations on the disputed area around the Phra Viharn Temple were to be handled by the working committee staffed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Internal Security officials.


-- NNT 2013-11-13

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Woman shot dead in Cambodia protest clash: activists
by Suy SE

PHNOM PENH, November 13, 2013 (AFP) - A woman was shot dead and several people injured as Cambodian riot police used live rounds, rubber bullets and teargas in clashes with protesting garment workers Tuesday, rights groups said, condemning the violence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681330-woman-shot-dead-in-cambodia-protest-clash-activists/

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Cambodia arrests Russian tycoon over alleged scam: police

PHNOM PENH, November 13, 2013 (AFP) - Cambodian authorities on Monday arrested a Russian tycoon wanted by Moscow over allegations he embezzled tens of millions of dollars in a real estate scam, a police spokesman said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681337-cambodia-arrests-russian-tycoon-over-alleged-scam-police/

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Thaivisa Launches Cambodia Forum



BANGKOK – Thaivisa.com, the leading English language social networking website about Thailand, today launches its new Cambodia forum - http://www.thaivisa....cambodia-forum/

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681375-thaivisa-launches-cambodia-forum/

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SET index closed at 1,404.77, down 8.31; Bt/USD31.47; GBP49.88; AUD29.06; EUR42.15; CAD29.88; HKD4.05; SGD25.07; JPY31.48

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Democrat to submit censure motion next week
Hataikarn Treesuwa
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Chief Opposition whip Jurin Laksanavisit said Wednesday that the Democrat Party will file a censure motion against the Yingluck Shinawatra government next week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681424-thai-democrat-to-submit-censure-motion-next-week/