Thailand Live Monday 25 Nov 2013

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RT @tulsathit: At Channel 7. RT @NopadolSa: .@js100radio pic.twitter.com/AJJQoh1Jm7

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RT @tulsathit: At the Police HQ. RT @fm91trafficpro: http://t.co/24n22KENl8

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Pressure builds on crisis-hit Thai government
by Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI

BANGKOK, November 25, 2013 (AFP) - Tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators marched through the tense Thai capital on Monday in an escalation of mass street rallies aiming to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's embattled government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684104-pressure-builds-on-crisis-hit-thai-government/

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UPDATE:

PM calls for peace, unity and respecting rules of law

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today called for unity, peace, and respecting rules of law as anti-government protests intensifying, saying her government did not want to see escalating conflict turning into bloodshed in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684096-pm-yingluck-offers-parley-to-solve-political-tension/#entry7078657

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Bahrain arrests 2 ex-Guantanamo Bay detainees on terror charges

MANAMA, BAHRAIN (BNO NEWS) -- Two Gulf citizens who were previously detained at the controversial Guantanamo Bay detention facility were arrested in Bahrain on Saturday on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack, officials said on Sunday, but only few details were released.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684101-bahrain-arrests-2-ex-guantanamo-bay-detainees-on-terror-charges/

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RT @tulsathit: RT @Juarawee: At Channel 3. RT @b_surisa: credit pic FB : hunny narula http://t.co/E7pfjJLRCC




RT @tulsathit: RT @Juarawee: Suthep reached Budget Bureau. RT @Visith_Chuan: #fb http://t.co/uiDMd0915r

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Nearly all groups of protesters reach destinations

BANGKOK: -- At 11:26 am Monday, nearly all groups of protesters led by the Democrat Party have mostly reached their 13 destinations.

The protesters were mainly blowing the whistles in front of agencies.

-- The Nation 2013-11-25

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Red shirts seen relaxing inside Rajamangala

BANGKOK: - Red shirt demonstrators were seen relaxing Monday morning while continuing their rally in support of the government inside the Rajamangala Stadium.

Their leaders from each region took turn to make speeches on the stage. Most of them criticised anti-government protester leader Suthep Thaugsuban and opposition party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.


-- The Nation 2013-11-25

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RT @tulsathit: TV news host Sorrayuth (TV 3) said he had not reported "numbers" of protesters because he feared inaccuracies. via @Juarawee

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Unidentified man found dead in Patong pond, throat cut and with 17 stab wounds
Eakkapop Thongtub



PHUKET: -- At 8 am yesterday (November 24), Pol. Maj. Weeraphong Raktig, an inquiry officer from Kathu police, received a report from Mr Pathanaphong Sombat, 36, a tuk-tuk driver, that a body was floating in a Patong pond.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684109-unidentified-man-found-dead-in-patong-pond-throat-cut-and-with-17-stab-wounds/

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RT @tulsathit: The embattled PM. RT @Juarawee: After Cabinet meeting, YL discussed rally. RT @WheeMati: http://t.co/uabtczZcyh

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Suvarnabhumi passengers told to arrive early

BANGKOK: -- Suvarnabhumi Airport issued an announcement Monday, urging passengers to arrive the airport earlier than usual, due to widespread protests.

"Given protests in Bangkok which could lead to traffic congestion in some areas, Suvarnabhumi Airport urges all passengers to arrive at the airport about 3 hours before departure time or use Airport Rail Link’s service," it said.

It also noted that due to protests, there is the insufficient number of taxi in the airport.


-- The Nation 2013-11-25

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BTS to increase sky train services during protest hours



BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) or Skytrain was ready to adjust its train operation services to meet the growing demand of the people during the current protests which are causing heavy traffic jams in the capital.

Director Anat Arbhabhiraman of the Skytrain service said BTS would adjust its frequencies of train services during the protest hours same as the morning and evening rush hours to cope with expected rise in passengers to facilitate their travels.

However he said that past protests in the capital did not have much impact or resulted in increase of train passengers much but assured that its trains were capable of handling rising passengers.

But he said as protesters have scattered to many places and thus would result in traffic jams, BT would increase its train services to cope with increasing passengers as well as stepping up security checks during this period.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/bts-increase-sky-train-services-protest-hours/

-- Thai PBS 2013-11-25

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Red shirt demonstrators still gathering inside stadium



BANGKOK: -- Red shirt demonstrators continued rallying inside the Rajamangala sports stadium at Hua Mark today to monitor the anti-government protests closely as their leaders fear violence could break out.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684113-red-shirt-demonstrators-still-gathering-inside-bangkok-stadium/

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Yingluck rules out House dissolution, resignation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Monday ruled out House dissolution and insisted that she would not step down.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684114-yingluck-rules-out-house-dissolution-resignation/

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DPM Pracha; Govt will not use force against demonstrators

Bangkok, 25 November 2013 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok has reiterated that the government will by all no means use force against the anti-government demonstrators, while urging the protesters not to break the law.

According to DPM Pracha, the government has been assessing the situation around-the-clock, while reaffirming that officers will not use force against protesters, given they have the rights to do so as long as their activities do not breach the law.

He also expressed his concerns over possible interference by a third party, as officers have found some weapons among the rally-goers.

The deputy prime minister also urged the demonstrators not to cross into the Internal Security Act areas, as officers will have to enforce the Act and take legal action against those who violate the law.

The Internal Security Act (ISA) has been imposed in 3 districts of Bangkok: Dusit, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, and Phra Nakhon.


-- NNT 2013-11-25

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RT @ChadapornLin: Censure debate scheduled for tomorrow and Wednesday; interesting to see how govt will tackle that and protests

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Monday 25 November 2013

General Situation
The weak high pressure causes an increase in temperature with fog in the morning over upper Thailand. The weak northeast monsoon prevails over the South and the Gulf of Thailand. Decreasing rain and wind wave has weakened.

The tropical cyclone “LEHAR” is moving to neighboring India. This causes strong wind waves 2-4 meter high. All ships should take more caution, and small boats keep ashore during this period.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Monday to 6.00 a.m. Tuesday.
Northern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 19-22 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32 Degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 9-15Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Widely scattered thundershowers in the lower part.Minimum temperature 20-23 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 Degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 9-15 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand Fog in the morning. Scattered thundershowers mostly in Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi. Minimum temperature 24-25 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 Degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 16-22 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Fog in the morning and scattered thundershowers mostly in Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.Minimum temperature 24-25 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-33 Degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 16-22 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand East Coast Very cloudy with scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Minimum temperature 23-24 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters and about 2 meters in the thundershower areas.

Southern Thailand West Coast Very cloudy with scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket and Krabi. Minimum temperature 22-24 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 Degree Celsius. Variable winds 20-45 km/hr. The upper Andaman Sea: wave height 2-4 meters.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cloudy and 40 % chance of rain. Minimum temperature 24-26 Degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 Degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Today : Maximum temperature 32 Degree Celsius.
: Sun rises at 6.22 a.m. Sun sets at 5.47 p.m.
: High water at 12.42 p.m. and at 8.50 p.m.
: Low water at 5.24 a.m. and at 6.06 p.m.

-- NNT 2013-11-25

weather forecasts for all provinces http://weather.thaivisa.com

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RT @tulsathit: Nuttawut (yesterday): Suthep can't control anything, not even his own arms while he was on stage.

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Anti-Thaksin demonstrators give roses and whistles to Army chief



BANGKOK: -- Anti-Thaksin regime protesters today gave the Army commander-in-chief roses and whistles with call for the Army to side with the people.

Several thousands of protesters marched out of the Democracy Monument and paused as they arrived at the Army Headquarters on Rajadamnern Nok Avenue.

Their representatives former Democrat MP Ekkarat Promphan and Mrs Mallika Boonmeetrakul, deputy spokesperson of the Democrat Party, then gave roses and whistles to the army chief’s representative Col Vatchara Nitayasuthi who came out from the headquarters to receive them.

Ekkarat told the army officer that he was part of the anti-Taksin regime and wanted to express opposition to eliminate the regime so that peace and order could be restored in the country again.

He also called on the army chief and his men to side with the people who have only hearts to fight the regime.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/anti-thaksin-demonstrators-give-roses-whistles-army-chief/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=anti-thaksin-demonstrators-give-roses-whistles-army-chief

--Thai PBS 2013-11-25

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16 countries now warn their citizens on travels to Thailand

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand said today that 16 countries have now warned their people to avoid areas where protests are being held on their travels to Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684157-16-countries-now-warn-their-citizens-on-travels-to-thailand/

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Protesters complete their marches
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protesters led by the Democrat Party have reached their 13 destinations.

Among the destinations are the Royal Thai Police’s headquarters on Rama I Road, the Budget Bureau and TV stations, demanding two-sided reports.

They marched from Rajdamnoen Avenue at 9am. Traffic was closed during the march, causing congestion in nearby areas across Bangkok. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration closed its 24 schools located along the march areas during November 25-26.

At the Government House today, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, asked to affirm that she would neither dissolve the House nor resign, said "That’s right"

-- The Nation 2013-11-25

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Anti-government protesters enter Thai finance ministry

BANGKOK, November 25, 2013 (AFP) - Anti-government demonstrators entered Thailand's finance ministry Monday, an AFP reporter said, as protest leaders threatened to occupy more government buildings in a bid to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684158-anti-government-protesters-enter-thai-finance-ministry/

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Air travelers told to leave for airports 3 hours ahead of departure time



BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International, Thai Air Asia and Nok Air have advised their customers to leave homes three hours before their departures citing reason of heavy traffic jams as the result of widespread protests in the capital today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684159-air-travelers-told-to-leave-for-airports-3-hours-ahead-of-departure-time/

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POLITICS
Abhisit calls on government to accept responsibility

BANGKOK: -- Opposition Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday called for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Pheu Thai Party to take responsibility for the ongoing protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684161-abhisit-calls-on-government-to-accept-responsibility/

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ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTEST
Education Ministry, Vocational department move to temporary offices

BANGKOK: -- The Education Ministry decided on Monday to temporarily move its office from Rachadamnoen Avenue to Hor Wang School on Paholyothin Road as antigovernment protesters blocked the roads around the ministry.

Permanent Secretary for Education Suthsri Wongsamarn said all entrance and exits to the ministry were closed for the safety reasons.

Officials who have no urgent works or travelling difficulties were told to work at home.

"We will evaluate the situation on a daily basis. We will work on a temporary basis from Hor Wang School starting from today on temporary basis," he said.

Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang has instructed the ministry’s security authorities to provide aroundtheclock protection for the ministry and officials.

Meanwhile the Vocational Education Commission’s secretary general Chaiphruk Sereerak said his agency has already moved to its branch on RamIntra Road to provide convenience for officials as they travel and work.


-- The Nation 2013-11-25

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Ping pong bomb hurled at Makkhawan Bridge, no report of injury /MCOT

24 schools(Satriwithaya,Rajavinit,Benjamabopit,Wat Makut Kasattriyaram) in Bangkok will be closed Nov.25-26 for students' safety /The Nation

Police boost security at 13 anti-govt rally planned sites rally;home-made bombs hurled at Makkhawan;no injuries reports /The Nation

Anti-govt forced 6 roads closures;intelligence reports showed anti-govt protesters planned to siege govt offices,TV stations,paralyse Bkk traffic /The Nation

Air travellers advised to allocate more time before flight depart (min.3 hrs);traffic jams;several anti-govt rallies around Bangkok /The Nation

BTS Skytrain raises its service frequency to meet higher demand from commuters affected by traffic jams;anti-govt rallies spread to several areas of Bangkok Mon. /The Nation

PM expresses concern that protest will affect tourism, investment confidence /The Nation

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POLITICS
Govt vows "to protect democracy" : Nuttawut

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Commerce Minister Nuttawut Saikuar said Monday that the government would protect democracy from anti-government rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684167-govt-vows-to-protect-democracy-nuttawut/

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UPDATE:
Suthep-led protesters take over Budget Bureau

Photo : Thanis Sudto

BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protesters led by Rajadamnoen rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Monday entered and occupied the first floor of the Budget Bureau's building.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684158-anti-government-protesters-enter-thai-finance-ministry/#entry7079845

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RT @tulsathit: Anti-govt protesters' occupation of the Budget Bureau symbolised opposition to Bt2 trillion plan & raised political temp.