Thailand Live Friday 29 Nov 2013

[webfact]

SET index closed at 1,371.13, up 11.68; Bt/USD31.97; GBP52.10; AUD28.93; EUR43.38; CAD30.06; HKD4.11; SGD25.36; JPY31.26

[webfact]

Red shirts, anti-govt protesters confront at Samut Prakan city hall

Samut Prakan - Some 1,000 anti-government protesters and 300 red-shirt people confronted each other inside the city hall, leading to fear of violence.

A brief scuttle also happened as the red shirts tried to push through lines of police to reach the anti-government protesters.

The protesters arrived at the city hall at 8:30 am but they could not enter the compound because police blocked the entrance.

Not long after that, some 300 red shirts arrived and started hurling verbal attacks at the protesters.

Two hours later, police allowed the protesters to go inside the compound of city hall so that they would stop blocking the roads. But the red shirts also rushed inside.

A brief scuttle happened at 11:25 am but police managed to separate the two sides.

Red shirts later threw dried poison ivy leafs at the protesters who returned fire with water bottles.


-- The Nation 2013-11-29

[webfact]

Ubon, Pathum Thani boost security to prevent clashes
By English News



UBON RATCHATHANI, Nov 29 -- Ubon Ratchathani deployed security personnel at the provincial hall to prevent a possible clash between pro and anti-government protesters while Pathum Thani increased the number of police one day after two rival groups were in confrontation.

Ubon Ratchathani governor Wanchai Suthiworachai said the three companies of a police crowd control unit from the provincial police division, 22nd Border Patrol Police and defence volunteers were deployed at the entrance and around the provincial hall to ensure law and order during the political protests nationwide.

He said the security forces laid barbedwire to block the entrances, leaving only one gate for the government workers at the provincial hall to enter and exit.

Additional security measures have been applied to prevent possible confrontation after there was a report that two groups having differing political ideas planned to gather at the provincial hall.

Meanwhile, Pol Maj Gen Smith Mukdasanit, commander of Pathum Thani provincial police ordered three companies of crowd control police at the Thaicom satellite earth station in Pathum Thani's Lat Lum Kaeo district.

Checkpoints were set up at four locations on minor roads to protect key places.

On Thursday, anti-government protesters and rival United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the Red Shirts, were in confrontation.

The anti-government group gathered at Pathum Thani provincial hall to give flowers to Gov Pongsathorn Sajjacholapan and civil servants while the Pheu Thai advocate group, led by Wuthipong "Ko Tee" Kotchathamakhun gathered on the opposite side of the road.

Pro-government demonstrators hurled bottles and other objects at the anti-government protesters, while the governor and riot police separated the two groups.

However, members of the anti-government group were attacked by a group of people as they departed the provincial hall, according to witnesses who reported the incident to police. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-11-29

[webfact]

Panel formed to probe packed rice corruption



BANGKOK: -- A fact-finding committee has been set up by the Commerce Ministry to look into suspected massive corruption in the packed rice scheme, Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Puangrach said Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685387-panel-formed-to-probe-packed-thai-rice-corruption/

[webfact]

CIVIL MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRACY
Second briefing for foreign diplomats cancelled

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry on Friday abruptly cancelled its briefing on the current political situation for foreign diplomats in Thailand.

The ministry gave no reason on the cancellation. Foreign Minister Surapong Tohvichakchaikul earlier said the briefing would be conducted at 3pm.

The briefing would be the second briefing for the foreign corps since the anti-government protests led by former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban stepped up their campaigns by laying peaceful siege to many ministries and government offices.

In the monring, Surapong said the diplomats would be informed that the ongoing protests were not under democratic principles or the constitution. They tarnished the country's reputation.

According to Surapong, Japan, France and Cambodia have issued statements, expressing concerns about the political situations in Thailand. They urged all parties to talk and respect democracy and also to avoid violence that could affect lives and properties.

The minister said he would like to thank all the countries, which have followed the situation and expressed concern.

"The opposition and the protesters, contrary to the calls by the international community, do not accept and respect the democratic system," he said.


-- The Nation 2013-11-29

[webfact]

Chachoengsao man arrested for throwing firecrackers at Rajdamnoen demonstrators

BANGKOK: -- A 22-year-old man from Chachoengsao was arrested Friday afternoon after he threw firecrackers at demonstrators near Panfah Bridge on Rajdamnoen Road.

He ran amok and lit and threw firecrackers at demonstrators but no one was injured.

The man, identified later as Ekkalak Pumrin, was later apprehended by security guards at the Methawalai Sorndaeng restaurant.

He was handed over to the Samranraj police station.


-- The Nation 2013-11-29

[webfact]

Chulalongkorn doctors urge PM, House speaker, Senate speaker to resign

BANGKOK: -- The civic group Chulalongkorn Doctors Network for the Protection of Ethics Friday issued a three-point statement.

The network called for the government to issue an apology for its contempt of the Constitutional Court.

It said the prime minister, the House speaker and the Senate speaker should step down to accept responsibility.

It also said the MPs and senators who voted for charter change should apologise to the people before submitting their resignation en masse.


-- The Nation 2013-11-29

[webfact]

Govt: Safety will be provided to all sides of political conflicts

BANGKOK, 29 November 2013 (NNT) – The government has asserted that safety will be provided to all sides including the anti-government protesters.

Mr. Teerat Ratanasevi, Government Spokesperson, revealed after British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Andrew Geoffrey Kent had met Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. He said the ambassador expressed his concerns about the current demonstrations which were turning more aggressive while proposing that the problems be resolved through talks.

Meanwhile, Miss Yingluck assured the ambassador that the Thai government would do its best in providing safety to all sides including the rally goers themselves, adding that the government would sort things out according to internationally accepted principles.

The Thai Prime Minister also told the ambassador that a War Room and Press Center have been set up to closely monitor the protest situation and facilitate media coverage by Thai and foreign journalists.


-- NNT 2013-11-29

[Lite Beer]

Security chief: Government can still handle protests
By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 29 - Lt Gen Paradorn Pattanatabut, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), asked anti-government protesters to use peaceful means while saying the government can still handle the ongoing protests.

He said shifting the peaceful protests to the seizures of state buildings could risk being against the law. Lt Gen Paradorn, therefore, asked the demonstrators to help monitor the situation to prevent any third party from instigating any incidents which might lead to violence.

"The government can still handle the situation, but it's risky as violence could occur. The government is gathering evidence to issue arrest warrants for protest leaders who led demonstrators out to seize key state buildings," the NSC chief said.

He asserted that Government House and Parliament are restricted areas and are not permitted for protests.

Regarding recent clashes of protesters in several areas, Lt Gen Paradorn said police force have been assigned to all state buildings and facilities. He believed the situation will not escalate and that the gathering of Red Shirt supporters tomorrow at Rajamangala Stadium should not create a problem.

On a relate note, permanent-secretary of the Interior Ministry Wiboon Sanguanpong said water and electricity are still available in the capital where state buildings have been seized, while provincial halls can still provide services to the public despite being intruded by anti-government protesters.

Meanwhile, Korn Chatikavanij, a Democrat-list MP, said after leading protesters to submit a letter to the US Embassy in Bangkok that the submission was to clarify the illegitimacy of the government under Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, particularly its attempt to enforce the controversial Amnesty Bill despite the public's opposition and its recent rejection of the Constitution Court’s jurisdiction on the composition of the Senate.

Mr Korn said he wanted the US to spread the understanding of such illegitimacy to the world and affirmed that the current sitting Democrat MPs still support the party's nine former MPs who had resigned to lead and join the protests without any internal bickering.

However, Mr Korn denied to comment on the case that protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban had previously reprimanded him publicly on Mr Korn's disagreement on state building's seizures. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-11-29

[Lite Beer]

Abhisit is not worried of party’s dissolution

BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is not concerned that his party may be dissolved because of its active role in the protests aimed at toppling the Thaksin regime.

After a meeting the press following the party’s meeting, Mr Abhisit joined the whistle-blowing protest at Asoke intersection and the marched along with hundreds of protesters to the US Embassy to explain to the US government about the reasons for the anti-government protests.

He defended that the party’s decision to join the protests was not intended to seize the power from the government as the party has always followed the constitutional mechanism.

The Democrat party leader said that the party’s activities would run parallel to those of the other groups of protesters without any fixed forms.

Regarding protest leader Suthep Thuagsuban, he said the party would not abandon him and would give moral support to him especially for his plan to hold mass protest on today and tomorrow.

Even if Mr Suthep was arrested, the protests will go on because the people had already been waken up to the evils of Thaksin regime, thanks to Suthep

As for the ongoing protests, Abhisit explained that the protests could not stop now otherwise the protesters would be victimized by the government.

He treated the conflict between Suthep and Democrat deputy leader Korn Chatikavanich as a minor issue which could be thrashed out later on.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/abhisit-worried-partys-dissolution/

--Thai PBS 2013-11-29

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: RT @Juarawee: Protest stage at Govt Complex, Chaengwattana 10 mins ago. RT @SupotNTV: RT@tanatpong_nna
pic.twitter.com/OG7YXospyh

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Chuwit has lambasted Thaksin as someone who had had his chances but blown them, and hailed Suthep as genuine accidental hero.

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: RT @veen_NT: YL on BBC: I love this country. I devote myself to this country. I need only one thing 4 country: we need to protect democracy

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Suthep at Govt Complex: Only with eradication of Thaksin system will Thais truly have sovereign powers.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: The govt rejected the Constitution and the law so it lost legitimacy. Over 1 million ppl then on Nov 24 protested against the govt: Suthep.

RT@Aim_NT: After eradicating Thaksin Regime from Thailand, d people of Thailand will be able to use the sovereign powers as the owners of the country: ST

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT:Suthep is going to introduce representatives of his alliance.

RT@tulsathit: On the rally stage at Govt Complex, Suthep introduced representatives of various anti-govt groups.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep then introduced STR leaders Nitithorn Lamlua, Uthai Yodmanee and Suriyasai Katasila.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep introduced the group of business owners in Silom..

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep introduced a Dhamma Army representative and the People's Army representative GenPreecha Iamsuphan, Amd Chai Suwannaparp...

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep introduces Sawit Kaewwan and Somsak Kosaisuk from state enterprises unions.

RT@tulsathit:At Govt Complex, Suthep aims to show how diversified the anti-govt movement is, introducing groups from many walks of life.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep introduced the other former Democrat MPs who resigned to lead the protest.

RT@Aim_NT: From now on, they will be under the same name... (Something like) the People's committee for the change of Thailand to the complete democ...

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep said he would be the secretary-general of the committee...

RT@terryfrd: Suthep doesn't want protesters to have to have patience/suffer for much longer. Dec 1 will be victory day for the people.

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Rough translation: Ppl committee to change Thailand into full democracy as HM as the head of state.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep said there would be no use of force or violence as they are good people.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep said unity of the people and open clarification of the operational plans in advance are needed.

RT@Aim_NT: We will start the operation tonight: Suthep. Nov 29, 2013

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: The protesters will first occupy all the ministries at Govt Complex: Suthep.

RT@Aim_NT:From tonight, the protesters will take over the areas in the Government Complex and from Monday the govt officials must not work: Suthep.

RT@tulsathit: Suthep is practically announcing seizure of Govt Complex.

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: RT @Aim_NT: From tonight, the protesters will take over the Govt Complex and from Monday officials won't have to come to work: Suthep.

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Suthep: I hereby declare Govt Complex closed from now.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: KPPS will also take over CAT and TOT, whose offices are near Govt Complex: Suthep.

RT@Aim_NT: On Sunday, KPPS will take over Government House, Metro Police Bureau, Education Ministry and Dusit Zoo where police forces stay: Suthep.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: KPPS will also take over Labour Ministry where CAPO commands is based, then Interior Ministry, Commerce Ministry, PRD, MFA, Suthep said.

RT@Aim_NT: We have already taken Ministry of Finance and the Budget Bureau: Suthep.

[Lite Beer]

RT@terryfrd: Apart from Govt Centre, Sunday will be takeover day for other targets.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep told govt officials and state enterprises, except THAI, State Railways, Transport Co and BMTA, to stop working from Monday.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: From 10.45am of Sunday, Suthep told protesters to go and take over the venues, ministries.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep told govt officials and state enterprises, except THAI, State Railways, Transport Co and BMTA, to stop working from Monday.

RT@Aim_NT: Silom Business Owners group will take Commerce Ministry, e.g., Suthep said.

[Lite Beer]

RT@terryfrd: Suthep tells people to deal with police like Fin Ministry, surround them, let air out of tires, treat them well (food, water). No violence.

RT@terryfrd: Suthep promises victory announcement Sunday after, the permanent end of the Thaksin regime.

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Suthep: Victory declaration will be made late Sunday afternoon.

[Lite Beer]

Aim_NT: Suthep told protesters in provinces to besiege city halls.

RT@Aim_NT: This is historic fight and the world must remember: Suthep.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep told protesters not to fight/ use violence but take photos of weapons their opponents would use with them.

RT@Aim_NT: Hug them with love, do not fight, Suthep told protesters

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: We'll be here waiting for legal action once victory is assured. We won't escape: Suthep

RT@terryfrd: Closes by thanking the people. Sounds remarkably confident. Well, I didn't expect this. Did you?