Thailand Live Friday 15 Nov 2013

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Armed masked men steal Bt4 million from a cash delivery truck

BANGKOK: -- Three masked armed men carrying shotguns and pistols held up a cash delivery truck of a bank in front of Lotus Bang Bua superstore in Chachoengsao province at 10. 45 a.m. today and made off with four million baht in cash.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681855-armed-masked-men-steal-4-million-baht-from-krung-thai-cash-delivery-truck/

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Hua Hin Named Golf Destination of the Year

Costa Daurada, Spain, Nov 15 -- Hua Hin, the laid-back seaside town on the Gulf of Thailand that has been the Thai Royal family’s holiday headquarters for more than 80 years, now has another claim to fame: Asia and Australasia’s 2014 Golf Destination of the Year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681847-hua-hin-named-golf-destination-of-the-year/

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ATTA says protest not yet affect tourism

BANGKOK: -- The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) says the current anti-government protest has not yet had a clear negative impact on tourism sector.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681860-atta-says-protest-not-yet-affect-thai-tourism/

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Deputy PM warns of third party involvement in protest

By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 15 Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok today warned of stern action against protesters at the Democracy Monument if they go overboard in their anti-government demonstration.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681861-thai-deputy-pm-warns-of-third-party-involvement-in-protest/

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PM tops the list for Loy Krathong companion

BANGKOK, 15 November 2013 (NNT) - Poll results have indicated that members of the public prefer to partake in the Loy Krathong festivities with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, despite recent political turmoil.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681863-pm-yingluck-tops-the-list-for-loy-krathong-companion/

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Abhisit fears resurrected amnesty bill
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has voiced his concern about the future of the controversial amnesty bill and the unjust treatment of anti-government protesters by the police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681864-abhisit-fears-resurrected-amnesty-bill/

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VIDEO: Fat foreigner filmed stealing bag from Phuket KFC
Khemin Wicheetthagoon


Video screenshot

PHUKET: -- Police are looking for a fat foreigner, possibly a tourist, who was seen on security camera stealing a backpack from the Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet at Banana Walk on Patong’s beach road on Wednesday afternoon (November 13), just after 4pm.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681865-fat-foreigner-filmed-stealing-bag-from-phuket-kfc-video/

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UPDATE:

Hunt ongoing for three armed robbers in the city

BANGKOK: -- Metropolitan and highway police were placed on alert after three armed men robbed an armored cash delivery truck of the state-owned Krung Thai bank’s Lotus Bang Pakong branch in Chachoengsao province and escaped with four million baht in cash.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681855-armed-masked-men-steal-4-million-baht-from-krung-thai-cash-delivery-truck/#entry7041447

[Lite Beer]

Weather Advisory No. 10 (357/2013) Subject: Tropical Storm “PODUL”

At 07.00 a.m. on 15 November, tropical storm “PODUL” in the lower South China Sea which downgrade to the tropical depression and was attacked the south of Vietnam.

At 10.00 a.m. today this storm was centered about 280 kilometers northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam or at latitude 13.0 degree north and longitude 108.0 degree east with maximum sustained winds about 55 km/hr.

The storm was moving west at speed 20 km/hr.

It is forecast to downgrade to low pressure cell and will moving pass Cambodia and cover the East, the upper Gulf and the upper South of Thailand during 15-17 November. More rain are expected in the lower Northeast, the East, the lower Central and the South, and isolated heavy rain in the during 16 -17 November expected in Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon. The stronger wind wave 2-3 meters high is likely in the upper Gulf of Thailand. Small ships keep ashore during the period.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Friday Noon to Saturday Noon

Northern Thailand Morning cool with light fog. Widely scattered thundershowers with gust in some place mostly in Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit and Phetchabun. Minimum temperature 20-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-14 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Morning cool and 1-2 degree Celsius. drop in temperature. Scattered thundershowers mostly in the lower part. Minimum temperature 18-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-34 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Morning light fog. Widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Suphanburi and Ratchaburi. Minimum temperature 23-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-34 degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 19-23 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cloudy with scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain mainly in Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 19-23 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cloudy with scattered thundershowers mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy with scattered thundershowers mostly in Phang-nga, Phuket and Satun. Minimum temperature 22-24 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 30% chance of rain. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-34 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-11-15

[Lite Beer]

Brisk business seen on Krathong floats as Loi Krathong festival is coming round this weekend

UTHAI THANI, 15 November 2013 (NNT)-The business producing Krathong floats is brisk in Uthai Thani province as the Loi Krathong festival is only a few days away.

Celebrations have begun in Uthai Thani where biodegradable floats made from bread are in high demand costing between 30-100 baht each.

Bakery owners assumed this year’s sales would drop due to many Loi Krathong activity cancellations as a result of the mourning period for the Supreme Patriarch; however, the demand was higher than expected, coming from various shops in nearby sub-districts and provinces. The biodegradable floats are inexpensive, can later feed fish, decreases pollution and are easily degradable.

The province encourages the public to join in the traditional Loi Krathong festival by creating floats with environmentally-friendly materials to help reduce global warming.

-- NNT 2013-11-15

[Lite Beer]

Senate to deliberate Bt2-trillion loan bill in second reading Monday

BANGKOK: -- Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanich has scheduled a Senate meeting on Monday for deliberation of the Bt2-trillion loan bill in the second reading.

The bill has been vetted by a special Senate committee, which significantly changed the bill to require that the loans would have to be sent to the Finance Ministry's coffers before they could be spent for transport infrastructure projects.

-- The Nation 2013-11-15

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck changes meeting venue reportedly for fear of 'ambush' by whistle blowers
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Friday abruptly changed her meeting venue from the Industry Ministry to the Government House for fear of an ambush by whistle-blowing protesters.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681872-yingluck-changes-meeting-venue-reportedly-for-fear-of-ambush-by-whistle-blowers/

[Lite Beer]

Phang Nga Bay tops TripAdvisor list of Thailand’s top ten national parks

BANGKOK: From mountaintop evergreen forests to marine parks encircled by islands rich in sea life, the national parks of Thailand are usually blessed with natural beauty and historical importance. TripAdvisor travel site today reveals Thailand’s top ten National Parks. The list takes travellers with a quest for journeys of discovery across the country, from the highlands in the north to the secluded coastline in the south.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681879-phang-nga-bay-tops-tripadvisor-list-of-thailands-top-ten-national-parks/

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UPDATE:

Thai ruling party warns of unrest risk at anti-govt rally

BANGKOK, November 15, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's ruling party on Friday warned that anti-government protests in the capital could descend into violence, accusing a key opposition leader of stashing "weapons" at the rally site.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681861-thai-deputy-pm-warns-of-third-party-involvement-in-protest/#entry7041723

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'Thai patriots' rally at Ratchaprasong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The so-called anti-corruption Thai patriots group rallied at the Ratchaprasong Intersection at noon Friday against the amnesty bill and against the ruling on the Preah Vihear dispute.

The group, which is led by Tul Sitthisomwong, gathered in front of CentralWorld with most of them blowing whistles continuously.

They announced a three-point demand to the government related to the International Court of Justice's ruling on the Preah Vihear dispute.

First, they called on the government not to cancel the 1962 Cabinet resolution on the boundary near Preah Vihear Temple.

Second, they demanded that the government terminate the amendment to Article 190 bill, which would allow the government to bypass Parliament in signing foreign contracts.

Third, they called on the government to beef up troops to protect Thai territory near the Preah Vihear temple.

Tul also called on the people to join the protests over the weekend.

The protesters later marched past the Royal Thai Police headquarters to Rajdamnoen.


-- The Nation 2013-11-15

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Suvarnabhumi pushed as logistic hub of ASEAN



BANGKOK, 15 November 2013 (NNT) – The Transport Ministry is keen on pushing Suvarnabhumi Airport to be ASEAN's product distribution center.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681896-suvarnabhumi-pushed-as-logistic-hub-of-asean/

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'Podul' to bring heavy rain this weekend
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Tropical storm "Podul", which has been weakening, is expected to hit Thailand this weekend. It will bring heavier rain likely to spread across the lower Northeast, the East, South and lower part of the Central region.

Heavy downpours are forecast for Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. The Royal Irrigation Department has told relevant units to manage water in dams and reservoirs by taking into account the expected rainfall increase.

People living along the Phetchaburi River are advised to keep abreast of weather updates.


-- The Nation 2013-11-15

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The Economist not on Thai newsstands

BANGKOK: -- This week's issue of "The Economist" will not be distributed in Thailand due to sensitive content in relation to the lese majeste law.

The UK-based publication has informed its subscribers that it has decided not to distribute the November 16, 2013 print edition of the magazine in Thailand.


-- The Nation 2013-11-15

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SET index closed at 1,420.66, up 4.97; Bt/USD31.46; GBP50.43; AUD29.23; EUR42.20; CAD29.81; HKD4.05; SGD25.10; JPY31.25

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Concert at Central World to raise funds for typhoon victims

BANGKOK: -- Activists, singers and concerned citizens will perform a day-long musical recital, at Central World Saturday, to raise funds to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

The event, 'Play for the Philippines', will feature groups of part-time and professional musicians. They plan to serenade passers-by in hope of attracting donations for the cause. It will run from 10am till 8pm at Eden Zone, on the ground floor of Central World department store.


-- The Nation 2013-11-15

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Norwegian tourist drowns at Karon Beach
Phuket Gazette


A lifeguard at Karon Beach signals for tourists to not swim in the area marked by red flags. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- A Norwegian tourist drowned after being caught in heavy surf at Karon Beach, on Phuket’s west coast, yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681902-norwegian-tourist-drowns-at-karon-beach/

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Pha Mor E-Dang reopens on Nov 16

SI SA KET, 15 November 2013 (NNT) - Pha Mor E-Dang in Si Sa Ket province is to be re-opened on November 16, after being temporarily closed to prevent groups from staging rallies against the World Court ruling on Phra Viharn dispute.

Troops from Cambodia and Thailand will continue to stay put in their respective areas until a conclusive agreement has been reached between both parties.

The Si Sa Ket Tourism Association is expecting an influx of tourists on Saturday given tension has significantly eased since the delivery of the International Court of Justice verdict on Monday.

Revenue from tourism in the area is expected to boost the province’s income by over 10 percent.

The Mor E-Dang cliff is one of the best bird’s eye view points of the Northeast, as it is situated right on Thailand-Cambodia border.


-- NNT 2013-11-15

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Sky lantern banned during Loy Krathong

BANGKOK, 15 November 2013 (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has insisted on banning fireworks and sky lanterns during the Loy Krathong Festival.

According to the City Hall, revelers have been urged to refrain from setting off fireworks or floating lanterns into the sky due to concerns over fires.

The BMA will hold no Loy Krathong festivities this year as the mourning period for the late Supreme Patriarch has been extended until the end of this month.

Nonetheless, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is hosting festivities in many provinces across Thailand on Sunday.


-- NNT 2013-11-15

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Phuket needs to think of second-stage expansion soon



PHUKET: -- Phuket international airport will have to get prepared for the second phase of expansion after the completion of the first phase of expansion project due in the next two years in order to cope with the steady rise of passengers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681903-phuket-international-airport-needs-to-think-of-second-stage-expansion-soon/

[Lite Beer]

Democrats slam House speaker of being partial

Democrat MPs engaged in a noisy argument with House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont Friday afternoon when they submitted to him their censure motion against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan.

The motion was submitted by the opposition chief whip Jurin Laksanavisit, also a Democrat MP.

Immediately after receiving the motion, Somsak opened the envelope to check the documents inside. Then he protested, saying that the motion lacks details of the allegations against Ms Yingluck and Mr Charupong.

Somsak likened the motion to a lawsuit which must be accompanied by charges against the accused or the defendant.

But Jurin argued that their impeachment motion to the Senate which also lacks details was received without any problem. He maintained details about the censure motion were confidential and argued that in previous censure motions, there had never been a requirement for details of charges or allegations to be included in the motion.

Other Democrats present also jointed in the arguments with some of them shouted at Somsak accusing him of being partial. Boonyod Sukthinthaki, a list MP, then blew a whistle in a gesture of protest before he was warned by his colleagues to stop.

Jurin later said that he wasn’t sure whether the censure debate could be held in time for this parliamentary session which is due to close on November 29.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/democrats-slam-house-speaker-partial/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=democrats-slam-house-speaker-partial

--Thai TBS 2013-11-15

[Lite Beer]

Suthep calls on followers to overthrow 'Thaksin regime'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban Friday night announced from the Rajdamnoen rally stage that he intended to increase the intensity of the protest against the government and added that he now intended to overthrow the Thaksin regime.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681926-suthep-vows-to-eradicate-thaksin-regime/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Senator joins rally to 'eradicate Shinawatra govt'

Senator Paiboon Nititawan joined the Democrat-led protest at the Democracy Monument and urged the people to join the fight to topple the "Shinwatra government".

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681926-suthep-vows-to-eradicate-thaksin-regime/#entry7043060

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to continue:

Thailand Live Saturday 16 Nov 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682003-thailand-live-saturday-16-nov-2013/