Thailand Live Tuesday 3 Dec 2013

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TAT confident tourist arrivals this year to meet target

BANGKOK, 3 December 2013 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reports that 32 countries have issued travel advice to warn their citizens about traveling in Thailand. Despite the travel notices, the TAT says it is confident that this year’s tourist arrivals can still hit the target.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686111-tat-confident-tourist-arrivals-this-year-to-meet-target/

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14 days free trial: Thaivisa SMS News Alerts

Info: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685660-breaking-news-sms-alerts-from-thaivisa-the-nation/

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Street Clashes Dead Identified As 1 Student, 3 Redshirts
By Khaosod Online


Anti-government protester hitting a bus suspected of carrying pro-government protesters, 30 November 2013 (AFP)

BANGKOK: -- The victims who lost their lives during nighttime clashes between rival protesters in Ramkhamhaeng district of Bangkok have been identified as one student from Ramkhamhaeng University and three Redshirts protesters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686115-street-clashes-dead-identified-as-1-student-3-redshirts/

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Survey: 29% Have Unsafe Sex With Strangers
By Khaosod Online


Free condoms issued by Ministry of Public Health in Pitsanulok province

BANGKOK: -- 29% out of 200 samples surveyed by Disease Prevention Control Department have said they do not use condoms when they have sex with people other than their partners.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686127-thai-survey-29-have-unsafe-sex-with-strangers/

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PM Yingluck Dismisses Possibility Of Military Coup
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has hinted that she was willing to dissolve Parliament for the sake of the "happiness of the Thai people".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686128-pm-yingluck-dismisses-possibility-of-military-coup/

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Prayuth behind PM-Suthep talks
The Nation

Initiator of discussion unclear as both sides stick to their guns

BANGKOK: -- The two conflicting parties - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban - would not have met on Sunday if Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha had not stepped in.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686129-thai-army-chief-prayuth-behind-pm-suthep-talks/

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Suthep targets city police HQ
The Nation



Dares them to arrest him; vows to continue in face of sedition arrest warrant

BANGKOK: -- ANTI-GOVERNMENT protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban insisted last night on taking a tough stance against the Yingluck Shinawatra government by calling on his supporters to continue with their efforts to seize the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) - which he said was a stronghold of the powers-that-be. A target of his key objective, it shows he has no plans to retreat anytime soon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686130-suthep-targets-city-police-hq/

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Protesters 'hit by rubber bullets'
The Nation



CAPO insists police only using tear gas, chemically-treated water spray

BANGKOK: -- Several demonstrators and two news-crew members were reportedly hurt by rubber bullets during attempted raids by protesters into restricted areas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686131-bangkok-protesters-hit-by-rubber-bullets/

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University presidents explore solutions to country's crisis
Jutarut Tipnumpa
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Council of University Presidents of Thailand (CUPT) convened a special meeting yesterday evening to explore solutions to the country's ongoing crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686132-thai-university-presidents-explore-solutions-to-countrys-crisis/

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TOURISM PROSPECTS
Forward bookings growth sees decline
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

TAT deputy governor remains optimistic of reaching 26 million target this year

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's tourism industry has started to suffer from political chaos, with signs of a drop in growth of forward bookings from some overseas markets over the next two months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686111-tat-confident-tourist-arrivals-this-year-to-meet-target/#entry7113802

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Companies disrupted, business events delayed by protests
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The escalating political violence has disrupted companies' operations and caused the cancellation or postponement of business events.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686133-companies-disrupted-business-events-delayed-by-political-protests/

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Private sector organisations unite to plead for solution
Business Desk
The Nation



Long-term impacts on economy feared if political crisis is not resolved

BANGKOK: -- As protests begin to be marred by violence, representatives of the private sector have united to voice concerns on the negative consequences on the nation and the economy from political conflicts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686134-thai-private-sector-organisations-unite-to-plead-for-solution/

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EDITORIAL
Democracy or mob rule?
The Nation

Suthep Thaugsuban's goal of a "people's assembly" under the monarchy undermines our democratic foundations

BANGKOK: -- A bad democracy, according to Aristotle, is a democracy true to its name, where the demos (people) exercise the kratos (power). A good democracy, the Greek philosopher said, comes as close as possible to the ideal regime of the politeia (politics), and contrives to distance the people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686135-democracy-or-mob-rule-thai-editorial/

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STREETWISE
The pain of 2009 returns
Achara Deboonme

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's economic outlook for 2014 could be dismal. The degree is difficult to gauge right now, but the pain could be as bad as what we experienced in 2009.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686136-the-pain-of-2009-returns-thai-opinion/

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
So far - winners and losers in Thai unrest
Kavi Chongkittavorn



BANGKOK: -- The biggest winner of the month-long civil disobedience movement is the awakening of young Thais, who are twentyish equipped with smart phones and dozens of apps. They are no longer shy away from the so-called irritant social elements they used to churn off. In other word, they are no longer detach from the everyday reality.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686137-so-far-winners-and-losers-in-thai-unrest/

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US 'regrets' loss of life in Thai protests

WASHINGTON, December 3, 2013 (AFP) - The United States voiced regret Monday that several people have been killed in clashes rocking Thailand and urged the opposition and beleaguered Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to hold talks to end the political crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686138-us-regrets-loss-of-life-in-thai-protests/

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3 shot with 'live' rounds
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- AT LEAST three people were shot with "live" bullets during clashes yesterday between anti-government demonstrators and police in Bangkok, according to the Public Health Ministry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686139-bangkok-clashes-3-shot-with-live-rounds/

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Thai Academics question the role of top brass in talks

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686140-thai-academics-question-the-role-of-top-brass-in-talks/

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Immigration services at Lat Phrao
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Immigration police yesterday urged foreigners to use immigration services at its branch on the fifth floor at Imperial World in Lat Phrao instead of its office at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road.

For more details, call the 1111 hotline or visit http://www.immigration.go.th/.


-- The Nation 2013-12-03

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UPDATE:

Military steps up for the people
Panya Thiosangwan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As civil unrest and a deep political divide rock Bangkok, the military is demonstrating that Thai citizens can depend on it as it continues rescuing protesters and providing support.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686129-thai-army-chief-prayuth-behind-pm-suthep-talks/#entry7113916

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Several schools, universities closed till Thursday
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Educational institutions in Bangkok such as Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, Silpakorn universities, plus Kasetsart's Bang Khen campus announced yesterday that they would be closed for another two days, until Thursday.

Educational institutes in Songkhla were also closed for a day yesterday to let students and personnel exercise their political rights. These included Thaksin University, Songkhla Rajabhat University, and Hat Yai University. Other Songkhla institutions that also suspended classes included Udomsueksaphanitchayakan Technological College, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Klap Phet Sueksa School, and Hat Yai Wittayalai School.


-- The Nation 2013-12-03

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Roi Et woman dies in fall while being attacked by 3 dogs
The Nation

ROI ET: -- A 69-year-old woman suffered a fatal head injury yesterday after falling to the ground while being attacked by three dogs in Roi Et's Suwannaphum district, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686141-roi-et-woman-dies-in-fall-while-being-attacked-by-3-dogs/

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Two killed in Narathiwat gunfight
Santhiti Khorjitmet,
Narong Nuansakul
The Nation

Two insurgents were killed in a clash with Thai security forces in Narathiwat's Bacho district yesterday.

NARATHIWAT: -- A 30-minute gunfight broke out at 2pm after a 50-strong security team raided a house in Bareh Neu sub-district where leading insurgents were reportedly laying low.

The deceased were identified as Appandi Doloh, 31, who was wanted in at least three national security warrants and was reportedly a leading operative-level insurgent under the Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK). The other person killed was his alleged subordinate Ismae Masu, 27.

The two were believed to have had a hand in several attacks, including the January 23 murder of Chonlathee Charoenchon in the same district. Officials also retrieved two guns from the deceased.


-- The Nation 2013-12-03

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Thailand's great political divide
The country is split between those who want elected leaders – even corrupt ones – and a desire for unelected, but truthworthy technocrats
Thitinan Pongsudhirak

The Guardian

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's political crisis has reached breaking point. It began with protests last month against a proposed blanket amnesty that would have exonerated former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was forced out by a military coup in 2006 and later found guilty of corruption.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686147-thailands-great-political-divide/

[george]

FARANG GO HOME!

University Lecturer Blames ‘Farang’ for Thailand’s Problems –

Her Message: Go Home Foreigners

Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686107-farang-go-home/

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Helicopter drops copies of Suthep arrest warrants at protest sites to warn public not to join rallies;Metropolitan Police Bureau prepares for demonstration /MCOT

Military will side w/ what is best for country;will not harm anti-govt protesters,their leader Suthep assured his supporters /The Nation

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Arrest warrant issued for Thai protest leader on rebellion charges
English.news.cn

BANGKOK, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Thai Criminal Court on Monday issued an arrest warrant for protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on rebellion charges.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686161-arrest-warrant-issued-for-thai-protest-leader-suthep-on-rebellion-charges/

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RT @RichardBarrow: 9:10 Police packing up their riot gear & moving away from the Metropolitan Police Bureau (Pic @Por_TRnews) http://t.co/vuQUaIv725 #Bangkok




RT @RichardBarrow: 9am Protesters from Ratchadamnoen camp marching towards Metropolitan Police Bureau (Pic @joize_nna) http://t.co/LwURt6Oluv #Bangkok

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I'm willing to lose face rather than seeing protesters killed: Khamronvit

BANGKOK: -- Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt Gen Khamronvit Thupkrajang told Channel 7 Tuesday morning that the protesters would be welcomed to stay inside the compound of his bureau as long as they want.

He said since he is a main target of protesters, he was willing to lose face rather than seeing protesters killed or injured.


-- The Nation 2013-12-03

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Metropolitan Police chief orders police to open way for protesters wanting to intrude into HQ; no tear gas, other arms, to be used against them /MCOT