Thailand Live Sunday 17 Nov 2013

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Democrats threaten legal action if Speaker blocks censure, impeachment moves
Khanittha Thepphajorn,
Prapasri Osathanon
The Sunday Nation

A man at Democracy Monument rally site signs a form to support impeachment proceedings against 310 MPs who voted to pass the blanket amnesty bill, which has already been rejected by the Senate.

BANGKOK: -- The legal expert of the Democrat Party has threatened to file for impeachment of House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont if he disallows the opposition's censure debate and the impeachment motion against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682206-democrats-threaten-legal-action-if-speaker-blocks-censure-impeachment-moves/

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Hunt for guards in attack
Jessada Chuntraruk,
Noppadol Srithaweekard
The Sunday Nation

Police Sub-Lieut Chira Chaemsrichan

BANGKOK: -- Security camera footage near anti-govt rally site being scoured to identify attackers

Police are looking at security camera footage of anti-government rally guards, who reportedly attacked a police officer in a Bangkok alley near Democracy Monument on Friday night.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682210-hunt-for-guards-in-attack/

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Bid to curb violence against women
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrang
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Social Development and Human Security Minister Pavena Hongsakul has urged all Thais to join "International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women", when it is celebrated - on November 25.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682211-bid-to-curb-violence-against-women/

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
From green flags to whistles
Jintana Panyaarvudh
The Sunday Nation

Demonstrators blow whistles to show their opposition to the controversial amnesty bill at the Silom rally on November 6.

BANGKOK: -- With the controversial amendment bill now thrown out of the Senate, the leader of the Business Club for Democracy, Somkiat Homla-or, is turning his attention to political reform

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682212-from-green-flags-to-whistles/

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UPDATE:

Relief efforts ramped up

Filipino typhoon victims rush to get relief goods from a US Navy Sea Hawk helicopter in the super typhoon devastated town of Salcedo, Samar island province, Philippines, yesterday.

MANILA: -- As death toll rises to 3,600, Philippine govt identifies site to relocate those displaced by super typhoon

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/681012-typhoon-haiyan-philippines-declares-state-of-calamity/page-3?p=7047108#entry7047108

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'Militant' shot dead after bomb blast in South
The Sunday Nation

NARATHIWAT: -- A suspected militant was killed in a clash with Thai security forces in Narathiwat's Rangae district early yesterday around 1.30am. The deceased was one of two suspects thought to be involved in a bomb on Friday evening bomb that killed three police in the same district.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682214-militant-shot-dead-after-bomb-blast-in-south/

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Nida poll suggests majority of Thais were 'satisfied' with Preah Vihear Temple verdict
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- All Thais polled were satisfied with the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s November 11 ruling on the disputed land next to Preah Vihear Temple, a poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) revealed yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682215-nida-poll-suggests-majority-of-thais-were-satisfied-with-preah-vihear-temple-verdict/

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Support for Suthep, amid doubts on plan
Chanon Wongsatayanont
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The chorus of cheers and whistles was deafening when protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, the former Democrat MP, called for an escalation of the protest at the Democracy Monument on Friday - but there was an undercurrent of concern among protesters at the rally. The general opinion was that his new strategies would not effectively counter the 'Thaksin regime' or the government.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682216-support-for-suthep-amid-doubts-on-plan/

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Red rally at Rajamangala stadium on Tues, Wed
The Sunday Nation November 17, 2013 1:00 am

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan announced late on Friday that another rally for supporters would be held at Bangkok's Rajamangala National Stadium on Tuesday and Wednesday. The red-shirts would stay overnight at the stadium, said Jatuporn, from a rally in Udon Thani.

The rally will coincide with a Constitutional Court ruling due to be delivered on Wednesday in a case filed against parliamentarians who voted for a charter amendment to change the Senate election system. It involves four coalition parties that backed that change. They have been accused of violating the existing 2007 charter.

Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard said yesterday that the rally, which will start at 4pm, was being held to support a democratically-elected regime.

"We won't put any pressure [on the court]. We just want to plead that it makes a basic decision of justice," he said.

-- The Nation 2013-11-17

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SME, TOURISM
Thailand and EU forge closer business ties
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and the European Union (EU) have strengthened ties in small and medium enterprise (SME) policy dialogue and sustainable tourism, a move aimed at improving business relations and links between the two sides.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682217-thailand-and-eu-forge-closer-business-ties/

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-- The Nation 2013-11-17

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Censure debate date to be set on Mon

BANGKOK: -- Coalition chief whip Amnuay Klangpha said Saturday he would meet with Opposition chief whip on Monday, to set the date for the no-confidence debate.

"It remains unknown in what areas the Opposition would focus. Should this be known, we can prepare document accordingly," he said.

He believed that should the Opposition want Prime Minister Yingluck to defend herself, Yingluck would be ready to that

-- The Nation 2013-11-17

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Phuket Opinion: Level ground
Phuket Gazette -

'Community Chanotes' need to be carefully considered case by case. Image: Gazette Graphics

PHUKET: It is astounding to be in a place where so many “haves” and “have-nots” co-exist in such close proximity. We live on an island where trucks packed with rain-soaked illegal migrant workers are such a common sight that many of us have grown impervious to their suffering as we wait and hope for the traffic light ahead to turn green so we can move forward with our own lives.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682218-phuket-opinion-level-ground/

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Sound of whistle blowing can cause stress

BANGKOK, 16 November 2013(NNT) - Despite indirect effects to our ears, loud noises of whistle blowing during huge gatherings may in the long term, affect mental health.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682225-sound-of-whistle-blowing-can-cause-stress/

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Saturday 16 November 2013 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

The low pressure covers Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon. Rain remains in the East, the Central and the South, as well as isolated heavy rain in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani. The strong wind wave is expected 2-3 meters high in the Gulf of Thailand. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats keep ashore 2-3 days.

The high pressure from China over the North and the Northeast makes cool and cold weather stay in the area.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Saturday Noon to Sunday Noon

Northern Thailand Morning cool with light fog. Scattered thundershowers mostly in Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. Minimum temperature 18-22 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32Degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-14 Degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Morning cool by 2-4 Degree Celsius. drops with windy. Widely scattered rain mostly in the lower part. Minimum temperature 18-21 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-30 Degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Very cloudy with scattered rain mostly in Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi, Suphanburi and Kanchanaburi. Minimum temperature 22-24 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 Degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 19-23 Degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cloudy with scattered rain mostly in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperature 23-24 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31Degree Celsius.Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 19-23 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cloudy with fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain mainly in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani.Minimum temperature 23-24 Degree Celsius.Maximum temperature 29-30Degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy with scattered thundershowers mostly in Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket and Krabi.Minimum temperature 22-24 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32Degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cloudy with 60% chance of rain. Minimum temperature 23-24Degree Celsius.Maximum temperature 29-30 Degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-11-16

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RT@191Thailand: A bus with foreign tourists crashed this morning in Rayong. Seriousness of injuries not known yet.

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RT@RichardBarrow: According to WHO, road traffic deaths in #Thailand are the 3rd highest in the world, estimated at 38.1 deaths per 100,000 people

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Parents urged to keep eyes on children during Loy Krathong

BANGKOK, 17 November 2013 (NNT) – Parents have been urged to keep a watchful eye on their children during the annual Loy Krathong festival, as drowning rates on Loy Krathong Day are higher than those of other festivals.

According to the statistics collected by the Public Health Ministry, an average of 68 people, mostly children, drown each year during the Loy Krathong festival. The number is twice as high as other festivals'. The ministry has therefore urged all parents to be more vigilant about their children swimming in water.

Meanwhile, the Disease Control Department disclosed that it had ordered all responsible agencies to put up barricades and guard rails along canals and rivers to prevent festival-goers, especially kids, from falling into the water, adding that guards and rescue teams will be on standby in case of emergency.

-- NNT 2013-11-17

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Death toll hits 26 in central Vietnamese flooding

Hanoi - Four people were reported dead in central Vietnam floods Sunday, bringing the total in the past three days to 26, with another six missing.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682243-death-toll-hits-26-in-central-vietnamese-flooding/

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Pheu Thai sees neither cabinet reshuffle nor parliament dissolution

BANGKOK, 17 November 2013 (NNT) – The ruling Pheu Thai Party has confirmed that there will neither be cabinet shakeup nor dissolution of parliament in order to end the political deadlock.

According to Pheu Thai Deputy Spokesperson Anusorn Iamsa-ard, even if all of the Democrat MPs resigned, the House of Representatives will continue to function and the government will not dissolve the Lower House. He also affirmed that there would not be a cabinet reshuffle at this moment either.

As for the attempt by the Opposition Party to seek censure debate against PM Yingluck Shinawatra, the spokesperson said the move showed that the Democrat Party was still working under the parliamentary system of checks and balances. He also disagreed with the idea that Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva be nominated as the next Prime Minister if Miss Yingluck is removed from her power after the censure debate.

Democrat Party deputy leader Jurin Laksanawisit, on Friday, filed a petition to the House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont for a no-confidence debate against Miss Yingluck, Deputy PM Plodprasop Suraswadi, and Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan.

-- NNT 2013-11-17

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RT@BPbreakingnews: 100,000 red shirts to storm Bang Kapi

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CAPO orders police stationed at ISA-enacted areas, asks public not to light fireworks for fear of 3rd parties instigating incidents /MCOT

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Phuket Opinion: Preserving the essence of Phuket
Phuket Gazette -

Pannate Rangsinturat is worried about how foreigners and uncontrolled development are affecting Phuket. Photo: Orawin Narabal

General Manager of Business and Network Development at DaimlerChrysler (Thailand) Co Ltd, Pannate Rangsinturat, 36, is a Phuket native. She graduated from Chulalongkorn University with a degree in international relations and has earned a master’s degree in European studies from Cambridge University.

Here she talks about the changes she sees when she returns to Phuket and how they can be better managed.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682250-phuket-opinion-preserving-the-essence-of-phuket/#entry7047805

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Yi Peng Festival expects Bt1.2 billion in circulation
By English News

CHIANG MAI, Nov 17 - The annual Yi Peng Festival in this northern province this year is expected to generate over Bt1.2 billion in circulation.

Wisut Buachum, director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (Chiang Mai Office), said the Yi Peng, or the local Loy Krathong Festival, could attract over 200,000 tourists to the province.

The event started last Sunday, where lantern sculptures have been decorated at seven spots around the city.

The Yi Peng Festival this year was created under the theme 'Sawasdee ASEAN' where all 10 ASEAN countries' uniqueness are represented to welcome tourists.

Highlight activities in front of Chiang Mai Municipality Office include a Krathong competition and boat rowing competition, among others. (MCOT online news)

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682258-yi-peng-festival-expects-bt12-billion-in-circulation/#entry7047958

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Tourists flock to Phu Hin Rong Kla
The Nation

Tourists flocked to the Phu Hin Rong Klan National Park Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the view of mist from the 1,775-metre-high mountaintop amid chill weather.

A lot of tourists were seen on the Pha Chu Thog cliff to the park to view the sea of mist.

The mercury at the park dropped to 14 Celsius degree Sunday morning.

Suwan Phanunampha, the chief of the park, said he estimated the number of tourists has increased by 70 per cent compared with the same period last year.

-- The Nation 2013-11-17

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Sunday 17 November 2013

General Situation
The low pressure covers the South move to the lower of Myanmar and the Andaman Sea. Remains rainfall in the South, as well as isolated heavy rain. The strong wind wave is expected 2-3 meters high in the Gulf of Thailand. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats keep ashore 2-3 days.

The high pressure from China over the North and the Northeast makes cool and cold weather stay in the area.

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

Northern Thailand Cool with light fog by 1-2 Degree Celsius. drops Widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun. Minimum temperature 18-23 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-33 Degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-14 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool in the morning by 1-2 ?C drops with windy. Widely scattered rain. Minimum temperature 18-21 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 Degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cloudy with widely scattered rain mostly in Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi. Minimum temperature 22-24 Degree Celsius. . Maximum temperature 30-31 Degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 19-23 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cloudy with scattered rain mostly in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperature 23-24 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32 Degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 19-23 Degree Celsius. Easterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters.

Southern Thailand East Coast Very cloudy with fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla. Minimum temperature 23-24 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-31 Degree Celsius. Easterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Very cloudy with fairly widespread thundershowers mostly in Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket and Krabi. Minimum temperature 22-24 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-33 Degree Celsius. The upper Andaman: Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cloudy with 20% chance of rain. Minimum temperature 23-24Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.
Today : Maximum temperature 31 Degree Celsius.
: Sun rises at 6.18 a.m. Sun sets at 5.47 p.m.
: High water at 7.34 a.m. and at 5.03 p.m.
: Low water at 1.15 a.m. and at 1.15 p.m.

-- NNT 2013-11-17

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Thailand promising to be world hub of gold

BANGKOK, 17 November 2013 (NNT) - The World Gold Council has suggested that Thailand has the capacity to be a major hub for gold thanks to the surge in Thailand's investment demand for gold.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/682284-thailand-promising-to-be-world-hub-of-gold/#entry7048158

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Thailand, Bhutan agree to expand cooperation
By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 17 - Thailand and Bhutan agreed to expand cooperation following the prime minister of Bhutan's first official meeting with his Thai counterpart on the occastion of both countries celebrating their 24th anniversary of diplomatic ties on Nov 14.

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay was on his first official prime ministerial meeting with Ms Yingluck Shinawatra. He and his wife left Bangkok this morning after their stay in Thailand from Nov 13-17.

The two leaders discussed matters and affirmed that mutual relations have developed in all aspects, particularly through Bhuddism.

Both also signed an agreement on trade and economic cooperation aiming to increase bilateral trade. Trade between Thailand and Bhutan last year was valued at Bt15.5 billion.

Ms Yingluck requested Bhutan provide investment information to the Thai private sector for more investments in Bhutan, especially in infrastructure development and tourism.


Meanwhile, Mr Tobgay said he wished to see more Thai travellers in Bhutan.

There are currently 3,600 Thais visiting Bhutan each year, while in return, around 22,000 Bhutan tourists visit Thailand annually, a number which is considered high for a country that has a population of only 700,000.


Bhutan tourists come to Thailand mainly for general leisure, shopping and medical tourism, Mr Tobgay commented.

Ms Yingluck said the Thai government is ready to expand cooperation with Bhutan in all dimensions. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-11-17

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PM wants peaceful Thailand, says govt believes Constitution Court on Nov 20 will carefully consider amendment on origin of senators /MCOT

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Foreign tourists join Loy Krathong in Yala

YALA: -- Tourists from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have flocked to Thailand to join the annual Loy Krathong festival, which falls today.

At Betong check-point in Yala province, they mingle with the locals in buying equipment for the making of Krathong - the floating vessels. Few complete Krathong are available for sale.

All 4,000 hotel rooms have been taken up. The province expects this festival to generate at least Bt20 million in tourism income

-- The Nation 2013-11-17