Cold boosting Chiang Rai tourism, sickening people in Amnat Charoen

BANGKOK, 7 December 2013 (NNT) – The cold weather in the North and Northeast is having varying effects on inhabitants in the two regions, with the tourism scene in Chiang Rai clearly benefiting from the cold weather; meanwhile, people living in the mountains in several provinces have to combat the low temperature through various means.

Teachers have decided to arrange physical exercises for students at Ban Khun Nam Khap in Chattrakan district, Phitsanulok to keep them warm in the mornings. Most of the students are hilltribes children who have inadequate winter gear despite living high up in the mountains. Officials said there were more districts at risk of 'cold disasters' in Phitsanulok this year than in the past.

In Amnat Charoen province, authorities said they would declare 7 districts as cold-hit areas after the mercury dropped rapidly, afflicting numerous locals with respiratory illnesses.

Some parts of Thailand are experiencing colder weather than they did the previous year. The low temperature is affecting not only the human inhabitants in Nakhon Sawan, but also the monkeys at Kriang Krai Klang Temple. The cold-struck monkeys have been seen bathing in the sun during the day, and staying near the fires set for them by monks in the temple at night.

In Chiang Rai City, municipal workers have re-decorated parts of the city with flowers usually found in colder countries, such as tulips and lilies. The flowery scene downtown is scheduled to last until January 20. Visitors to the province can also experience the Music in the Park festival until then.

-- NNT 2013-12-07

Russia Pushing for EU Visa-Free Travel Deal in January

MOSCOW, December 6 (RIA Novosti) – Russia is pushing for a visa-free travel deal to be inked with the European Union as soon as January, but the Western bloc has yet to signal willingness to finalize any agreements and the project may be pushed back another year, a high-ranking Foreign Ministry official said Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687245-russia-pushing-for-eu-visa-free-travel-deal-in-january/

RT @Aim_NT: Channel 7 anchor Anuwat is delivering Foremost and a cat to Thonglor Ani Hosp. 12.10pm via @KHA_TII http://t.co/s3bSir8BhZ

Phuket boy, 16, murdered with throat cut and body burned in woods
Phuket Gazette


Officers inspect the scene where the youth's body was found with his throat cut and multiple stab wounds in his chest. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Police are investigating the murder of a 16-year-old boy who had been stabbed multiple times and whose throat was cut before his body was dumped and burned at a wooded location in a remote part of central Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687247-phuket-boy-16-murdered-with-throat-cut-and-body-burned-in-woods/

38 companies of police readied to handle anti-govt protesters who will march to Govt House on Monday; checkpoints set around protest sites /MCOT

Bob Dylan's iconic guitar fetches fortune

file photo

NEW YORK: -- A guitar once owned by music legend Bob Dylan fetched $965,000 Friday at Christie's, setting a new world auction record for any guitar, according to a statement from the auction house. The selling price of the guitar almost doubled the estimated range, according to Christie's.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687268-bob-dylans-iconic-guitar-fetches-fortune/

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Saturday 7 December 2013 Time issued 0500 LST

General Situation

The moderate high pressure area from China remain extend to upper Thailand. Cooler weather with 1-2 degree Celsius drops and fog in the morning is likely over Thailand.

The rather strong northeast monsoon still prevails over the Gulf and the southern Thailand causing 2-3 meters high in the lower Gulf. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats in the Gulf of Thailand form Nakhon Si Thammarat downward keep ashore during a few days.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Saturday to 6.00 a.m. Sunday.

Northern Thailand Cool to cold with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas. Minimum temperature 14-17 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-31 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 7-13 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool to cold with mist in the morning and 1-2 degree Celsius drops.Minimum temperature 13-16 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 27-31 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 7-13 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with mist in the morning and 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 18-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with mist in the morning and 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 18-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 12-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters off-shore.

Southern Thailand East Coast Upper part from Chumphon northward: cool in the morning. Minimum temperature 21-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-31 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters. Lower part from Surat Thani southward: scattered thundershowers mostly in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Northeasterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Scattered thundershowers mostly in Phuket, Krabi, 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 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 20-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-12-07

Forest runoff floods 3 districts in Phatthalung; flooding in Trang recedes; waves damage beachside road in Songkhla /MCOT

RT‏@RichardBarrow: Does anyone know these men? They are wanted for questioning in connection to the torching of the bus in Ramkhamhaeng pic.twitter.com/nbxEIsjtfw

Nine Phuket heroes due to arrive next month
Phuket Gazette


Miniatures of the 2.5m bronze statues that will be erected in Thalang. Photo: Supplied

PHUKET: -- A 50-million-baht project to honor important figures in Phuket’s history moves closer to completion next month with the arrival of nine bronze statues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687276-nine-phuket-heroes-due-to-arrive-next-month/

Thai police to rebuild barricades after protest warnings

BANGKOK, December 7, 2013 (AFP) - Thai authorities said Saturday they would rebuild barricades around key state buildings in Bangkok after opposition protesters called for a final push to topple the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687277-thai-police-to-rebuild-barricades-after-protest-warnings/

UPDATE:

Tourism Minister worries protests will drag down tourism sector growth
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 7 -- Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak expressed worry that ongoing anti-government protests would drag the tourism sector below 20% growth target.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687196-thai-tourism-ministry-adjusts-down-the-expected-tourist-arrivals-due-to-political-confrontations/page-2?p=7131707#entry7131707

American Merrill Newman heads for freedom, 'deported' from North Korea

(CNN) -- Merrill Newman -- the 85-year-old American detained by North Korean authorities earlier this fall -- is on a flight back to freedom after being locked up in North Korea.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687279-american-merrill-newman-heads-for-freedom-deported-from-north-korea/

The People's Democratic Reform Committee is ready to end its anti-govt protest if only a small number of people turn out on Monday, PDRC spokesman Akanat says. /MCOT

A small earthquake with a magnitude of 2.5 on the Richter scale was recorded in Chiang Mai's San Kampaeng district this morning, Meteorological Dept reports. /Bangkok Post

RT @RichardBarrow: If you want to go to the Motor Show at Impact, there is a free Shuttle Bus at MRT Silom, Exit 1 http://t.co/VGGCOkNZly

National Security Council Chief denies imposition of Emergency Decree to handle rallies, to summon protest backers for questioning /MCOT

RT@Nattha_ThaiPBS: 19.50 "Suthep" is announcing a "big march" on 9 Dec, nationwide in Thailand

RT@Nattha_ThaiPBS: "We must come out to show international community, this is the largest march ever in the world," Suthep.

RT@Nattha_ThaiPBS: "We will make history together, the one and the biggest in our lifetime, to tell our younger generation," Suthep

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep said the protesters will remain peaceful and would not do the counter- attack. Via @man_Rw

RT@Aim_NT: 9 December is the World's Anti- Corruption Day: Suthep.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep said he picked 9 December to fight against Thaksin Regime as it is International Anti-Corruption Day.

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep told ppl in Petchburi rd area to gather, start at Charn Issara Building via @KomNopparat

RT@Aim_NT Dec: Meanwhile, ppl in Ratchadaphisek area should first gather at SCB Park: Suthep via @KomNopparat

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep said the protesters would keep fighting to get People's Council, not quitting even the PM resigns or dissolves the House.Via @TNAMCOT

RT@Aim_NT: If brothers and sisters don't come out on 9 December, I will go to jail: Suthep. Via @MrNaling

to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 8 Dec 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687367-thailand-live-sunday-8-dec-2013/