Thailand Live Wednesday 4 Dec 2013

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Thai exports likely to grow only 0.5% this year
By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 4 – Thailand’s exports are predicted to increase 5 per cent next year despite a disappointing growth of only 0.5 per cent this year, according to the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC).

TNSC chairman Nopporn Thepsitthar said the value of exports in October was US$19.39 billion, a 0.67 per cent decrease and the value in Thai currency was Bt603 billion, a 0.94 per cent increase.

He said next year’s strengthened economy worldwide will contribute to a jump in Thai exports by at least 5 per cent.

The TNSC has mapped out an export strategy to boost Thailand’s efficiency and synchronise the manufacturing of 13 major industrial sectors such as rubber and related products, furniture, auto and parts.

He said the TNSC has proposed a restructuring of Thailand’s export sector including the logistics system and infrastructure, trade-related regulations, human resource and labour development, as well as research and development. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-12-04

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People show support for the Govt.

LAMPHUN, 4 Dec 2013 - (NNT) Representatives of local administrations and Feminist Groups in several provinces have showed support for the Government and civil servants.

More than 500 village heads and community leaders in Lamphun gathered in front of the Province's city hall, handing out a letter expressing their support for the Yingluck Administration and its officials. They also showed their disagreement with the protesters' move to seize various government agencies.

Similarly, Nan's members of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) traveled to the provincial city hall to hand out a letter of support for the Government. The group said that they disapprove the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)'s movement to ban official news agencies from presenting government related news. The group then visited police reinforcements who were leaving for Bangkok to guard official premises.

Also in Amnat Charoen Province's Senangkhanikhom District, a band of 500 farmers and females assembled in front of the city hall to show support for the Government, as well as the Amnat Charoen Governor and local civil servants.


-- NNT 2013-12-04

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Anti-govt protesters marching to national police headquarters; security tightened, police negotiating team on standby; commuters advised to avoid Rama1 Rd /MCOT

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Trooping the Color rehearsal for the King’s birthday

BANGKOK, 4 December 2013 (NNT) - His Majesty the King’s guards from the three Armed Forces yesterday (Dec 3) staged a rehearsal of their parade to mark the King’s birthday on December 5. The rehearsal was led by Major General Warah Bunyasidh, commander of the First Infantry Division of the Royal Guards, and participated by combined military forces from 12 battalions including horse guards.

The Trooping the Color and oath taking ceremony of the Royal Guards on HM the King’s Birthday this year will be different in pattern as this is the first time in history that His Majesty the King will take the salute from the Ratchapracha Samakhom Pavilion in Klai Kangwon Palace, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

On the day, the Royal Guards will march from Klai Kangwon Palace to Phetchakasem road and take two right turns to come to a designated point next to the Ratchapracha Samakhom Pavilion. There, the Supreme Commander of the Three Armed Forces will lead an oath-taking ceremony. A royal speech is also expected. The ceremony is to demonstrate the unity of the Royal Guards and their loyalty to His Majesty the King.


-- NNT 2013-12-04

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Trooping the Color rehearsal for the King’s birthday

BANGKOK, 4 December 2013 (NNT) - His Majesty the King’s guards from the three Armed Forces yesterday (Dec 3) staged a rehearsal of their parade to mark the King’s birthday on December 5. The rehearsal was led by Major General Warah Bunyasidh, commander of the First Infantry Division of the Royal Guards, and participated by combined military forces from 12 battalions including horse guards.

The Trooping the Color and oath taking ceremony of the Royal Guards on HM the King’s Birthday this year will be different in pattern as this is the first time in history that His Majesty the King will take the salute from the Ratchapracha Samakhom Pavilion in Klai Kangwon Palace, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.

On the day, the Royal Guards will march from Klai Kangwon Palace to Phetchakasem road and take two right turns to come to a designated point next to the Ratchapracha Samakhom Pavilion. There, the Supreme Commander of the Three Armed Forces will lead an oath-taking ceremony. A royal speech is also expected. The ceremony is to demonstrate the unity of the Royal Guards and their loyalty to His Majesty the King.


-- NNT 2013-12-04

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RT @RichardBarrow: 10:30am Protesters start to arrive at the National Police HQ near CentralWorld (Pic @Papimon_w) http://t.co/AgkDgXk49n

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CAT Telecom reports 300 million baht in damage after electrical cutout



BANGKOK, 3 December 2013 (NNT) — CAT Telecom Public Company Limited has reported as much as 300 million baht in damage after suffering from an electrical cutout.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686438-cat-telecom-reports-300-million-baht-in-damage-after-electrical-cutout/

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Don't try this at home....

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686440-dont-try-this-at-home/

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Temporary Thai truce on eve of king's birthday

by Anusak KONGLANG

BANGKOK, December 4, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's anti-government protesters and security forces on Wednesday observed a temporary truce as the nation prepared to mark the birthday of the revered king, after police stepped back in a dramatic move to calm violent clashes.

Demonstrators joined Bangkok authorities to clean up the area around Democracy Monument, where tens of thousands have camped out in more than a month of rallies against the embattled government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The area is a focus for the celebrations on Thursday for the 86th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej -- a date normally observed in a spirit of calm and reverence for the ageing monarch.

Some debris has been cleared at battle-scarred areas around key government buildings which saw ugly clashes with police earlier in the week.

Several days of street battles in the Thai capital abruptly paused Tuesday as protesters gave police flowers after security forces said they would no longer use force against demonstrators trying to storm Yingluck's offices as well as the city police headquarters.

The unexpected about-turn in tactics followed two days of violent clashes between stone-throwing mobs and police firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets.

Protest leaders say they have not abandoned their campaign to overthrow Yingluck's administration and curb the political influence of her billionaire brother Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed by royalist generals in a coup seven years ago.

Despite the apparent respite, groups of marchers began Wednesday to arrive at the headquarters of the national police in Bangkok's glitzy downtown shopping district, although the rally there was expected to be brief and peaceful.

Authorities were not worried about the gathering, said Paradorn Pattanatabut, head of Thailand's National Security Council.

"Their movement today is merely to display their power and show that the protests are still continuing," he added.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest-serving monarch, is treated as a near-deity by many in Thailand and any violence on his birthday would be viewed as a serious sign of disrespect.

The elderly king has suffered from a range of ailments in recent years. In August, he left the Bangkok hospital where he had lived for several years and moved to his coastal palace in the seaside town of Hua Hin with Queen Sirikit.

At the main rally site, protesters began to sweep up rubbish in preparation for the royal festivities.

"We're helping to clean up for the King as it is nearly his birthday," said Palita Nutchoei, 37, wielding a wooden broom at Democracy Monument.

But "we will keep protesting because we feel that we haven't won yet", she added.

Thailand's long-running political conflict broadly pits a Bangkok-based elite backed by the military and the palace against rural and working-class voters loyal to Thaksin, a billionaire businessman turned populist politician.

The demonstrations, aimed at toppling Yingluck's government and replacing it with an unelected "people's council", are the biggest and most violent since dozens of people were killed in a crackdown on mass pro-Thaksin rallies in Bangkok three years ago.

The rallies were triggered by an amnesty bill, since abandoned by the ruling party, which opponents feared would have allowed Thaksin to return to his home country. He fled in 2008 to avoid jail for a corruption conviction he contends is politically motivated.

Four people have been killed and about 250 wounded in the street violence since Saturday.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy premier, late Tuesday said the fight to unseat the government was not over.

"After the king's birthday, we will start fighting again until we achieve our goal," he told AFP explaining that victory would only be secured when "Thailand is rid of the Thaksin regime".

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-12-04

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3 Indian Men Deceived At Massage Parlour



PATTAYA:--A gang of thieves lay beneath the beds of a massage parlour and stole money and property from 3 Indian men totalling more than 60,000 THB.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686441-3-indian-men-deceived-at-massage-parlour/

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Demonstrators clean Ratchadamnoen Avenue



BANGKOK: -- After almost two weeks long of occupation of the Democracy Monument, anti-Thai demonstrators today laid down their bottles, towels, sticks and turned to brooms, shovels, buckets to join the Big Cleaning day this morning to clean the Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

The cleaning of this historic and symbolic road for almost all past demonstrations and fights for democracy came after the protest leaders ended their street battles with the anti-riot police temporarily yesterday to enable people to celebrate the significant event with happiness.

But demonstrators will continue holding out at the place with no anti-government activities during the celebration day.

Meanwhile demonstrators gathering at the Government Complex began marching out of the complex heading for the National Police Office to conduct what they called symbolic occupation.

Protest leader Suthep Thuagsuban announced to seize the office to cripple the Yingluck governments only remaining powerful arm.

But it was not immediately known if the police would allow them to enter same as at Government House and at the Metropolitan Police Bureau or not.

Demonstrators scheduled to arrive at the office before noon.

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/demonstrators-clean-ratchadamnoen-avenue/

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-04

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Thai Premier reassures Al Jazeera amnesty bill off the table

BANGKOK, 4 December (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has reassured Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera that the controversial amnesty bill is now off the table.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686455-thai-premier-yingluck-reassures-al-jazeera-amnesty-bill-off-the-table/

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RT @RichardBarrow: 11:40am Protesters at Police HQ on Rama I try to climb the wall (Pic @Thairath_News) http://t.co/QFtrnFvwC2

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RT @Tulip_Oum: 11.50AM at Royal Thai Police HQ.-RT @news1005fm: ทวงถามจุดยืนผบ.ตร.ว่าจะรับใช้ปชช.หรือรบ. http://t.co/I0IDghf0f1

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RT @Tulip_Oum: 11.50AM PDRC's guard move concrete barrier at Royal Thai Police for protester.-@Neaw_NBC

RT @ChannelNewsAsia: MT @JackBoard: Protestors trying to storm Thai Police HQ in #Bangkok- cutting barbed wire, scaling front gate with ladders.

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RT @Tulip_Oum: 12PM Protesters are pulling out barriers at Royal Thai Police HQ, trying to get in the premises.-@ittipat_Rw

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Thai exports to grow only 0.5% this year;projected to grow by 5% in 2014 on improved global economy,Thai National Shippersθ Council said /The Nation

Anti-govt headed to national police HQ,while police boost security;commuters advised to avoid Rama1 Rd Wed. /The Nation

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No arrests for work permit delays caused by protests
Phuket Gazette


PPEO chief Yaowapa Pibulpol says that no arrests are to be made for those unable to renew their work permits due to the protests. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO), responsible for issuing work permits to foreigners on the island, remains closed today, but those with work permits set to expire or in process need not fear arrest, PPEO chief Yaowapa Pibulpol told the Phuket Gazette this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686456-phuket-no-arrests-for-work-permit-delays-caused-by-protests/

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PM returns to work at Government House first time in days, chairs economic ministers meeting to evaluate economic impact of protests /MCOT

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RT @RichardBarrow: 11:50am The front gates to the National Police HQ are opened to allow protesters in (Pic @news1005fm) http://t.co/mYVaUTCbai

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Navy chief assures armed forces wont stage coup; believes political turmoil has not yet reached dead end /MCOT

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Thailand slips in global corruption survey

BANGKOK: -- Corruption in Thailand remains rampant with global corruption survey revealing that the country falling from 88th in 2012 to 102nd this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686457-thailand-slips-in-global-corruption-survey/

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Two Vietnamese sought for B1.6m Phuket ATM heist
Eakkapop Thongtub


Wanted suspects: Tran Dano Hoa and Nguyen Thanh

PHUKET: -- Police have issued arrest warrants for two Vietnamese men wanted for breaking into an ATM at Boat Lagoon a month ago and stealing B1.65 million.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686458-two-vietnamese-sought-for-b16m-phuket-atm-heist/

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Khao San Road hostels suffer 50% room cancellations

BANGKOK, 4 December 2013 (NNT) — Khao San Road hotels and hostels have reported that 50% of their room reservations have been cancelled, thanks to the ongoing protests and the country's political uncertainty.

According to Mr. Surat Wongchansin, the consultant for the Khao San Road Business Association, foreign tourists who have planned to visit Thailand and stay in the Khao San Road area have begun to cancel their travel plans.

More than 50% of room cancellations have been made so far, stemming from recent violence in demonstrations.

Mr. Surat reported that restaurants, entertainment establishments, and souvenir shops have suffered as much as a 70% drop in sales.

As next year's room bookings for December and January have all but disappeared, hotels and hostels are scrambling to roll out recent promotions of as much as 50% discounts on rooms - with some nights being discounted from 150-200 baht down to 100 baht per night.


-- NNT 2013-12-04

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Nigerian cook sinks with ship, found alive in air bubble after 3 days

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/686465-nigerian-cook-sinks-with-ship-found-alive-in-air-bubble-after-3-days/

[Lite Beer]

Former Chart Thai executives return to the fold

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister and Chart Thai Pattana Party chief adviser Banharn Silapaarcha and 14 former Chart Thai executives whose five-year political ban has now expired have applied for Chart Thai Pattana Party membership.

Their ban expired on Monday and they were welcomed on Thursday by party leader Theera Wongsamut.

Banharn said he has no suggestions about the political turmoil and would not help to find a solution to the current conflicts, as no one listened to him.

He added that he hoped that all parties would take a middle way out of the political conflict.

-- The Nation 2013-12-04

[Lite Beer]

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Wednesday 4 December 2013 Time issued 0500 LST

General Situation

The high pressure from China over Thailand has weakened. Slight rise in temperature is likely in Thailand except for 1-2 degree Celsius drops in the North and the upper Central.

The rather strong northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf of Thailand and the South, and the low pressure over Malaysia is moving to Malaca Strait. Isolated heavy rain is expected over Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Trang and Satun. People should beware of the heavy rain. The wind wave in the Gulf is expected 2-3 meters high. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats keep ashore during this period.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 A.M. Wednesday to 6.00 A.M. Thursday.

Northern Thailand Cool to cold with fog in the morning and 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 14-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-30 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 7-13 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with light fog in the morning and slight rise in temperature. Minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-30 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 7-13 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with light fog in the morning and slight drop in temperature. Minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-30 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with light fog in the morning and slight rise in temperature. Minimum temperature 19-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters and about 2 meters off-shore.

Southern Thailand East Coast Upper part from Chumphon northward : cool in the morning. Minimum temperature 21-25 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters. Lower part from Surat Thani southward : fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Northeasterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters. Maximum temperature 28-31 ?C.

Southern Thailand West Coast Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 23-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-31 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1-2 meters and about 2 meters off-shore.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool with mist in the morning and slight rise in temperature. Minimum temperature 21-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-12-04

[Lite Beer]

Provinces kick off events to honor the King on his upcoming birthday

BANGKOK, 4 December 2013 (NNT) - Nationwide provincial authorities have started various kinds of events on Thursday to honor His Majesty the King on his upcoming birthday.

The much-revered King Bhumibhol Adulyadej will turn 86 on Thursday and the whole nation will celebrate the auspicious occasion for the monarch, who has long been dubbed the Father of Thais.

The provinces of Ayuthaya, lopburi, Nakorn Nayok, Singburi have held the similar ceremony, releasing one million fish into rivers on Wednesday morning.

As releasing fish into the natural habitat is considered by local Buddhists as great merit making, the event is meant for those residents to express their well wishes to His Majesty the King.

Moreover, the event is also aimed to express the people's gratefulness to the King, who started breeding Nile Tilapia in his palace and then gave the fish out to the Fisheries Department in order to breed more and give them out to Thai farmers for free.

-- NNT 2013-12-04

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RT@tulsathit: Protesters: We are accumulating victories _ killing Amnesty bill and charter amendment and raising awareness over Thaksin system.

[Lite Beer]

RT‏@CoconutsBangkok: Forget booth babes, #Bangkok car show fields the realm's prettiest pretties http://goo.gl/7pVsHW | pic.twitter.com/Tb3rX2PVuO