Thailand Live Saturday 30 Nov 2013

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Pheu Thai releases statement on anti-government rallies

BANGKOK, 30 November 2013 (NNT) - The ruling Pheu Thai Party has issued a statement urging anti-government demonstrators to end occupations of government offices.

The Pheu Thai Party released a 7-point statement saying the once peaceful rallies have become a movement that consistently defies the law.

The statement said the party supports the government-proposed negotiation aimed at ending the political deadlock and the non-violent measures the government adopted during the standoff with protesters.

It elaborated that Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva should direct former MP Suthep Thaugsuban to end street protests and seizures of government property. Mr Suthep’s previous proposal of a people’s council is also flagged as unrealistic under the current constitution.

The statement commented on the Democrat Party’s claim that the government lacks legitimacy after it rejected the Constitutional Court’s ruling on charter amendment regarding the make-up of the Senate, saying that the court has no authority to decide on the case.


-- NNT 2013-11-30

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DEMONSTRATIONS
Protesters in air-conditioned comfort at Govt Complex
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation

Protesters at the Government Complex in Nonthaburi appear to be the most comfortable of them all.

BANGKOK: -- As the sun rose yesterday, their third day of protest, all structures were systematically set up, with the main stage out front and clear zones for drinking water and food.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685459-protesters-in-air-conditioned-comfort-at-thai-govt-complex/

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POLITICS
Reform talks only way to avoid bloodshed, say academics
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Leading academics have proposed that both sides get together to address reform issues in a move to defuse the tension caused by the ongoing street protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685460-reform-talks-only-way-to-avoid-bloodshed-say-thai-academics/

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DEMONSTRATION
Tempers flare in Samut Prakan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Samut Prakan police ended up having to break up a clash between a group of red-shirt supporters and anti-Thaksin protesters yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685461-tempers-flare-in-samut-prakan/

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PROTESTS
Govt ups ante in publicity battle with protesters
The Nation



Govt steps up its PR campaign 'war room' and media centre set up to give its side of crisis

BANGKOK: -- The embattled ruling coalition countered anti-government protesters yesterday by setting up a "war room" to spread information from its side, as media outlets become increasingly dominated by news of the street rallies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685463-thai-govt-ups-ante-in-publicity-battle-with-protesters/

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POLITICS
Protesters storm Army HQ
The Nation



Leave after two hours on front lawn; second crowd marches to the US embassy

BANGKOK: -- In a symbolic move, hundreds of anti-government protesters stormed the Army headquarters on Rajdamnoen Nok Road yesterday and briefly occupied the lawn of the headquarters.

The move was one of the more dramatic moments in their campaign to topple the Yingluck Shinawatra government.

Protesters led by leaders of Students and People Network for Thailand's Reform started marching from their base in Nang Lerng at around 11.30am and arrived outside the Army office around noon.

About 80 men standing hand in hand gathered and pushed down the front gate. Some climbed over the gate. The protesters were warned by their leaders not to break into any buildings or offices. They gathered on the front yard of the army headquarters building with many posing for photographs within the grounds. Former yellow shirt leader Chamlong Srimuang and Pajun Tamprateep, a former close aide to Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda were seen at the site.

Leader Uthai Yodmanee took a stage on a truck and demanded Army Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha and the army to declare what side it is on.

A representative of the Royal Thai Army told the protesters the military would not use any force against the protesters. Moreover, the military had prepared first aid kits and drinking water for the visitors. The protesters later submitted a letter to the Army's commander-in-chief and left the site around two hours later to return to their base.

Meanwhile, thousands of protesters composing of members of the Business Club for Democracy and alumni and current students of many educational institutes blowing whistles and waving national flags gathered at about 11am at Asoke Skytrain station before marching to the US Embassy.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij joined the rally. Posting a photo of himself riding on the Skytrain on his Facebook page, Abhisit said "See you at Asoke."

They then marched to the US Embassy on Wireless Road. The protesters waved placards, some of them said "Stop serving Thaksin regime", and "Get Out, Thaksin's servants". People along the road took photos, blew whistles and waved the national flag.

At the US embassy, protest representatives submitted a note to the US government, saying that the Yingluck government has no legitimacy.

Police stepped up security at the US Embassy earlier out of fear that a third-party group may use the confusion during the protest to attack the embassy.

Police were deployed from the Metropolitan Police Division 5, Lumpini Police station, Special Branch Police, the 191 Task Force and Arintharat commando unit to guard the embassy from early in the morning. Police also guarded the US ambassador's residence and the consular office.

In another rally, a group of people who called themselves "patriots" led by Srivara Issara, the owner of Charn Issara building began a cheerful parade heading to the headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party. About 300 police were deployed outside the party office after protest leaders announced their plan.


-- The Nation 2013-11-30

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Kittiratt welcomes policy rate cut but warns political row could drag down economy
Chairat Srisuk,
Vipaporn Chitsomboon
The Nation


Kittiratt

BANGKOK: -- Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong has warned that political unrest could hurt economic growth, which may be less than 3 per cent this year, while welcoming the Bank of Thailand's policy-rate cut amid slowing growth and a month of anti-government demonstrations that he says have weighed on investor confidence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685464-kittiratt-welcomes-policy-rate-cut-but-warns-political-row-could-drag-down-economy/

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THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL
Union slams management over Bt6.3-bn 9-month loss
Nongnapas Maipanich
The Nation


Ampon

Fix internal problems, don't hobnob with politicians, airline president urged

BANGKOK: -- The labour union of Thai Airways International has pleaded in writing to board chairman Ampon Kittiampon and president Sorajak Kasemsuvan that management come up with clear plans to improve the company's financial performance after it incurred a loss of Bt6.3 billion in the first nine months of the year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685465-union-slams-thai-management-over-bt63-bn-9-month-loss/

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Trade groups offer to facilitate rivals' meet
Erich Parpart
The Nation


Issara Vongkusolkit, centre, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, presides over yesterday

Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade willing to get parties round negotiating table

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand have offered themselves as coordinators among all players in the political conflict in an effort to find a solution to the current impasse.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685467-thai-trade-groups-offer-to-facilitate-political-rivals-meet/

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EDITORIAL
For Pheu Thai, replacing Yingluck is not an option
The Nation

House dissolution seems far more practical than making her resign

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685469-for-pheu-thai-replacing-yingluck-is-not-an-option/

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TELL IT AS IT IS
Thailand's 'gilded age', the 'robber barons' and the 'what's next?' question
Pornpimol Kanchanalak

BANGKOK: -- The no-confidence debates in Parliament came and went without a bang. The perfunctory session ended with a clear win for the government, confirming the public perception that the laws have no claws when it comes to politicians and their corrupt ways.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685470-thailands-gilded-age-the-robber-barons-and-the-whats-next-question/

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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.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685472-abhisit-is-not-worried-of-partys-dissolution/

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Capo toughens up, set to seek damages
Noppadon Sritaweekart,
Waraporn Sangwan,
Jantip Masee
The Nation

Police have told all government agencies to survey any damage caused by demonstrators and seek compensation.

BANGKOK: -- "We will also pursue criminal cases against protesters who have violated laws," Pol Maj-General Piya Uthayo said yesterday in his capacity as spokesman for the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (Capo).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685473-capo-toughens-up-set-to-seek-damages/

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BURNING ISSUE
It's time to think twice before reacting online
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The role of social media is becoming larger in the Southeast Asia - a subject that was discussed by members of mainstream media at the Online News Providers Association seminar on Thursday in Bangkok under the theme "Social Media's Influence on Online News Publishers".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685474-its-time-to-think-twice-before-reacting-online-thai-politics/

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SPECIAL REPORT
HIV: one more burden for the migrants here
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation

Few able to get antiretroviral drugs

BANGKOK: -- Life for a migrant worker living with HIV in Thailand isn't easy. They have to set aside Bt1,070 a month to buy anti-retroviral drugs, while facing problems from advantage-takers and abusive employers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685475-hiv-in-thailand-one-more-burden-for-the-migrants-here/

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UN develops innovative early warning tool for drought prone Asia-Pacific regions
The Nation

Rice fields in Khon Kaen. Drought is a big problem in the northeastern part of Thailand.

BANGKOK: -- Senior officials from governments across the Asia-Pacific region today agreed on a set of collective priorities and ground-breaking initiatives that will build resilience to natural disasters and further enhance regional cooperation, at a meeting convened by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685476-un-develops-innovative-early-warning-tool-for-drought-prone-asia-pacific-regions/

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Allegations of physical abuse by Computer Teacher at East Pattaya School



PATTAYA: -- A Computer Teacher at an East Pattaya Temple School is currently under investigation following allegations he struck four students with a cane after they were caught being unruly in a classroom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685477-allegations-of-physical-abuse-by-computer-teacher-at-east-pattaya-school/

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17 year old shot as two gangs collide in South Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- A 17 year old boy is currently in a serious but stable condition in Hospital after he was shot in the lower chest following a confrontation with an opposing gang in South Pattaya.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685478-17-year-old-shot-as-two-gangs-collide-in-south-pattaya/

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British ambassador expresses concerns over rising political tension



BANGKOK, 30 November 2013 (NNT) - British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent has expressed concerns over the impact of escalating political turmoil in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685479-british-ambassador-kent-expresses-concerns-over-rising-political-tension/

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Transport Ministry to lower road mortality by 50% in the next 7 years

BANGKOK, 30 November 2013 (NNT) - The Ministry of Transport has set a target to lower traffic-related mortality rate by 50% in the next seven years.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685480-thai-transport-ministry-to-lower-road-mortality-by-50-in-the-next-7-years/

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UPDATE:
Suthep set to paralyse govt
The Nation
November 30

BANGKOK: -- Plans to seize government house, ministries, key agencies like royal Thai police headquarters, CAT and TOT offices; yingluck readies 'war room', to counter protest with publicity updates

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685411-suthep-declares-december-1-as-peoples-victory-day/#entry7099531

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PM Yingluck's 10 Year Old Son Targeted By Protesters
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- A group of anti-government protesters has attempted to ambush the 10 year old son of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at his school.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685495-pm-yinglucks-10-year-old-son-targeted-by-protesters/

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Film Makers Sorry For Lingerie-Clad Lantern Scene
By Khaosod Online

BANGKOK: -- Facing criticism from conservative activists and Netizens, the producers of the ghost-comedy film ′Oh! My Ghost′ have issued an apology over a scene in which the characters released a traditional balloon lantern attached with a set of women underwear.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685497-film-makers-sorry-for-lingerie-clad-thai-lantern-scene/

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Police helicopter crash: 'Multiple injuries' at The Clutha pub in Glasgow

GLASGOW: -- A police helicopter has crashed into a pub on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685499-police-helicopter-crashes-into-pub-in-glasgow/

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UPDATE:

No severe warnings issued about travels to Thailand yet

BANGKOK, 30 November 2013 (NNT) – Although 32 countries have issued warnings to their respective nationals in Thailand over the Bangkok rallies, none of them has issued a travel ban or suggested avoiding travel to Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685351-32-countries-issue-travel-warnings-to-thailand/#entry7101035

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Poll: people think traffic jams the most obvious effect of current protest

BANGKOK, 30 November 2013 (NNT) – The Suan Dusit Poll, after having surveyed 1,240 people in Bangkok and its vicinity on their views about the effects of the current political rallies, found that the effect most cited by respondents was traffic congestion.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685500-people-think-traffic-jams-the-most-obvious-effect-of-current-protest-thai-poll/

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Court does not rule who killed three red-shirt guards in Lumpini park

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court on Friday issued a ruling on the death of three red-shirt followers during the military crackdown on red-shirt protesters in May 2010.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685501-court-does-not-rule-who-killed-three-red-shirt-guards-in-lumpini-park/

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DPM Pracha, on PM's TV programme, urges Suthep, Democrats use dialogue for way out of turmoil, denies use of force to disperse protesters /MCOT

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PM Yingluck is trying to bring anti-govt protest leader,Suthep to negotiating table via non-partisan mediator despite Suthep's rejection for talks /The Nation

Army commander Prayuth Chan-orcha says army neutral/ Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva denies rift with rally boss/ Bangkok Post

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Japan,France,Cambodia,8 other nations,2 int'l organisations issued statements expressing concern on Thai political situation /The Nation