Thailand Live Sunday 8 Dec 2013

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RT@Aim_NT: A non-elected govt is a big issue. If protesters insist on People' Council, a national referendum is needed: Yingluck Via @boomy_NT 12.30

RT@Aim_NT: If the protesters still refuse, it will only prolong the conflict and might lead to a military coup like in 2006: Yingluck

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Family Mart opens 100th Phuket store

SiamFamilyMart CEO Mr Nath Vongpanich (standing, 4th from right) with representatives of the Family Mart chain’s top-selling product brands and store staff at the official opening of Phuket’s 100th Family Mart store on Saturday (November 23) at Central Festival Phuket.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687427-family-mart-opens-100th-phuket-store/

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POLITICS
Yingluck offers House dissolution Sunday

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday said she is ready to dissolve the House and organises a national election within 60 days as stipulated by the laws and under fair rules if that is what the majority of people wanted.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687430-pm-offers-house-dissolution-and-national-election/

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9,000 foreigners holding work permits for Phuket

PHUKET: Figures from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office show that at the end of September this year, 9,141 foreigners held permits to work on the island. The number excludes labourers from neighbouring countries.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687431-9000-foreigners-holding-work-permits-for-phuket/

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PM adamant, won't cling to power; ready for House dissolution/ resignation if it leads to end of deadlock; proposes public hearing process /MCOT

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UPDATE:

Sathit challenges PM to dissolve House right away

BANGKOK: -- Protest leader Sathit Wongnongtoey Sunday challenged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives right away.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687430-pm-offers-house-dissolution-and-national-election/?p=7134454#entry7134454

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Thai private sector network to meet tomorrow amid political conflicts
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 8--- Representatives from seven leading Thai business institutes are scheduled to meet tomorrow, intending to foster peaceful negotiation and suggest resolutions for the current political disputes.

Paiboon Nalinthrangkurn, chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations, has expressed concern about the multi-pronged march to Government House led by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee on Monday morning, and feared that the protest may turn violent.

Responding to the ongoing political rows, the leading business network will meet tomorrow to help map out resolutions and plans to end the deadlock, Mr Paiboon said, explaining that the network is ready to foster peaceful negotiations between all factions as well as to open a forum for academics and other organisations to jointly find political resolutions.

The seven business institutes are Board of Trade of Thailand, The Federation of Thai Industries, Tourism Council of Thailand, The Thai Bankers’ Association, The Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations, The Stock Exchange of Thailand and Thai Listed Companies Association.

Previously, the group has been discussing the political turbulence and has agreed to help speed up putting an end to the political turmoil, Mr Paiboon said, adding that if the situation prolonged, the violence might occur.

Details of the network’s plan to help resolve the political crisis will be concluded tomorrow, he said.

Regarding the planned long march from several locations in the capital to Government House which may cause heavy traffic congestion, Suvarnabhumi airport officials advised air travellers to arrive at the airport four hours prior to departure or to use the Airport Rail Link service.

In addition, the Suvarnabhumi airport office also sets up a call centre to give advice and assist affected passengers. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-08

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RT@KrisKoles: via @UDD_English gov urged independent org, private, and media to come to gov house and inspect the actions of the protestors tomorrow

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Demonstrators' 9 routes to Government House

BANGKOK: -- Leaders of the anti-government demonstrators have announced their march towards Government House on December 9th. Local residents have been warned to brace for heavy traffic congestion on 9 areas.

According to Suthep Thuagsuban, one of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leaders, the march is set for 8.39 a.m., when the protesters set out on their march to Government House. The reason he picked December 9 to fight against the Thaksin regime is that it is the International Anti-Corruption Day, said the former MP.

The 9 routes that the protesters plan to take to reach the Government House include are as follows:

1. From the Government Complex on to Vibhavadi Road, passing Victory Monument, Rama Hospital, and finally to Dusit Zoo (Khao Din) to Government House.

2. From the SCB building on Ratchayothin Road moving pass Fortune Tower, Victory Monument, on to Sri Ayutthaya road and to Government House.

3. From Ekamai then to Thonglor, Rachaprasong intersection, passing the Royal Thai Police Headquarters, New Petchaburi Road, then passing the Uruphong intersection, moving on to Yommarat, Pitsanulok Road and to Government House.

4. From Wong Wian Yai on to Sathorn Raod, then to Charoen Krung Road, passing Bo Bay Tower and to Government House.

5. From the Ministry of Finance on to Rama 6 Road, passing Pradipat Intersection, Kiak Kai Bridge, Rachineebon School, Vachira Hospital, moving to the Ministry of Education and finally to Government House.

6. From Ratchadamnoen Avenue at Democracy Monument, crossing Pinklao Bridge, San Hee Bridge, on to Samsen Road, passing the Ministry of Education and to Government House.

7. From Silom Road on to Rama 4 road to Hua Lamphong station, passing Odean Roundabout, on to Yaowarat, then to Burapa Intersection, Nang Lerng, then finally to Government House.

8. Moving out from Democracy Monument, passing Satriwit School, Teacher's Council of Thailand, and proceeding to Government House.

9. Starting from the Pheu Thai party headquarters towards Government House.

-- NNT 2013-12-08

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Sunday 8 December 2013 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

The moderate high pressure area from China still over Thailand. Cool to cold weather with light fog in the morning is likely over Thailand.

The rather strong northeast monsoon remains over the Gulf and southern Thailand with wave 2-3 meters high in the lower Gulf. All ships should proceed with caution, and small boats in the Gulf form Nakhon Si Thammarat downward keep ashore during this period.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Sunday Noon to Monday Noon

Northern Thailand Cool to cold with light fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 14-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 27-30 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 light fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 13-16 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-30 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 5-10 degree Celsius.

Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with light fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 15-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-31 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-14 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with light fog in the morning.Minimum temperature 18-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 12-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and 1-2 meters off-shore.

Southern Thailand East Coast Upper part from Surat Thani northward: cool in the morning. Minimum temperature 19-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters.Lower part from Nakhon Si Thammarat southward: widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.Northeasterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 20-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 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 light fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 20-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-31 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Sunday 8 December 2013 Time Issued 1100 LST
Northern No rain reported.
Tn 4.0 at Doi Inthanon, A.Chom Thong, C.Chiang Mai
Tx 30.5 at A.Wichain Buri C.Phetchabun
Northeastern No rain reported.
Tn 4.5 at Phu Luang Sanctuary, A.Phu Rua, C.Loei
Tx 30.7 at A.Sawang Wirawong, C.Ubon Ratchathani
Central No rain reported.
Tn 15.0 at T.Bua Chum, A.Chai Badan, C.Lop Buri
Tx 31.0 at A.Tha Ruea, C.Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Eastern No rain reported.
Tn 12.5 at Khao Yai National Park A.Muang C.Nakhon Nayok
Tx 32.3 at A.Sattahip, C.Chon Buri
Southern (East Coast) Scattered rain. Maximum 26.0 mm. at A.Thung Yai, C.Nakhon Si Thammarat
Tn 17.9 at T.Nong Plub, A.Hua Hin, C.Prachuap Khiri Khan
Tx 32.1 at A.Sadao, C.Songkhla
Southern(West Coast) Isolated rain. Maximum 0.5 mm.at A.Na Yong, C.Trang
Tn 20.9 at A.Takua Pa, C.Phangnga
Tx 33.1 at A.Takua Pa, C.Phangnga
Bangkok and Vicinity No rain reported.
Tn 20.0 at A.Khlong Luang, C.Pathum Thani
Tx 31.5 at A.Khlong Luang, C.Pathum Thani
On Sunday Bangkok Metropolis
: Sun rises at 6.29 a.m. Sun sets at 5.50 p.m.
: High water at 12.01 p.m. and at 9.05 p.m.
: Low water at 5.08 a.m. and at 5.32 p.m.
On Monday Bangkok Metropolis
: Sun rises at 6.30 a.m. Sun sets at 5.50 p.m.
: High water at 12.26 p.m. and at 10.10 p.m.
: Low water at 5.28 a.m. and at 6.30 p.m.

-- NNT 2013-12-08

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POLITICS
The government has invited foreign diplomats in Thailand to observe security measures at the Government House on Monday as the anti-government massive rally is scheduled to lay siege the venue.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687437-govt-invites-foreign-diplomats-in-thailand-to-observe-security-measures-at-govt-house/

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UPDATE:

Thai PM offers election to end political crisis

BANGKOK, December 8, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's embattled premier said Sunday she was willing to call an election to end the political crisis gripping the country -- but only if protesters seeking her overthrow accept the result.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687430-pm-offers-house-dissolution-and-national-election/page-2?p=7134711#entry7134711

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Passengers advised to reach Suvarnabhumi airport four hours earlier

BANGKOK: -- The Suvarnabhumi Airport Sunday advised passengers to travel to the airport four hours before their departure times on Monday.

The airport expects traffic snarls because of mass protests. Passengers are advised to use Airport Rail Link electric train to reach the airport.

-- The Nation 2013-12-08

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Aid provided for needy in cold snap

BANGKOK, 8 December 2013 (NNT) - The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has set up special centers to help people affected by cold snaps nationwide.

Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Chatchai Phromlert said the department was working with all sectors to proactively assist the people based on their needs. Winter clothes and blankets were being handed out to them, the official said.

The department encourages people to contact its provincial offices or the special centers for help. They can also conveniently contact the department’s hotline 1784, which operates around the clock.

-- NNT 2013-12-08

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Suan Dusit poll: Over half of poll respondents oppose to anti-government rally

BANGKOK, 8 December 2013 (NNT) -- More than half of people polled expressed their opposition to the ongoing anti-government rally and suggested the government not retaliate, Suan Dusit poll said Sunday.

Suan Dusit Rajabhat University's opinion poll has based their result on interviews with 1,588 people nationwide between December 6 and 7.

According to the poll, 56.38 % of the respondents said they opposed to the rally because it would cause disorder, while 39.60% of respondents wanted to take part in the anti government rally on December 9.

Previously, Suthep Thuagsuban, the protest leader, has invited Thais to occupy the Government House and city halls nationwide on December 9, which has been seen as his last attempt to topple the Pheu Thai government .

On the question of what they want the government to do, 34.52% recommended that the government refrain from any kind of retaliation, and 27.92% said the government should refrain from using violence.

When asked about the Thai political situation after December 9, the day rally goers plan to seize the House, 42.42 % of the respondents saw no changes and the political rift in the country would continue as usual; while nearly 30% thought it would be better because the government had learned its lessons not to be oblivious to people's dissatisfaction, and would improve itself.

-- NNT 2013-12-08

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RT@thomasfullerNYT: Apirak, former governor of Bangkok, just tweeted that all Democrat MPs plan to resign from parliament. Thailand's political crisis deepens.

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Chinese woman arrested at Suvarnabhumi airport for attempting to smuggle about 2 kgs of crystal meth worth 7.2 million baht into Thailand /MCOT

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RT@Rajprasong_News: A reporter told RN last night about Democrat MPs' planned mass resignation today, they are voting on them now, info confirmed by @Thepthai intwitter

RT@SteveInCM: RT @veen_NT Breaking: Democrat Party announced the party's decision: ALL to resign as MPs.

RT@veen_NT: The decision is aimed at denying the Parliamentary under Thaksin regime. Democrat has completed its duty as opposition. TR @SansernDemocrat

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RT@veen_NT: Prior to the decision: Democrat members vote for their future (via @Theptai) pic.twitter.com/X4bV7FX6la

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RT@veen_NT: Dem MP Nipit Intarasombat told #nationchannel that there is no point to stay on as they can't work with illegitimate govt.

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RT@RichardBarrow: Unanimous decision for all Democrat MPs to resign - RT @Apirak_DP: พรรคประชาธิปัตย์มีมติเอกฉันท์ ให้ ส.ส.พรรคฯลาออก !!

RT2RichardBarrow: Due to 153 Democrat MPs resigning, that now leaves 347 MPs left in Parliament - TR @top10thai

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RT@RichardBarrow: Unanimous decision for all Democrat MPs to resign - RT @Apirak_DP: พรรคประชาธิปัตย์มีมติเอกฉันท์ ให้ ส.ส.พรรคฯลาออก !!

RT2RichardBarrow: Due to 153 Democrat MPs resigning, that now leaves 347 MPs left in Parliament - TR @top10thai

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Thai opposition says all its MPs to resign

BANGKOK, December 8, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's main opposition party announced on Sunday that all of its lawmakers would resign en masse, deepening the kingdom's political crisis as anti-government protesters prepare for another major rally.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687465-thai-opposition-says-all-its-mps-to-resign/

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RT@veen_NT: Abhisit: The problem solving must start from government. They have to show responsibility. So far, they have not sent any sign.

Abhisit: The government still distorts the fact and try to buy time without solving problems.

Abhisit: We regret that the majority that represents Thai people betray the people. We have done what we could but time is up.

Abhisit: We still adhere to parliamentary system but we don't agree with holding the parliament hostage.

Abhisit: We will not agree with any solution which is undemocratic.

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RT@veen_NT: Abhisit: Govt never aacrpted its mistakes as it pushed Amnesty bill an d moreover They also seek impeachment of Constitution Court judges

RT@tulsathit: Abhisit: We will fight as Thai citizens tomorrow (against YL govt).

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RT@tulsathit: Abhisit: In addition to not accepting Amnesty Bill & charter amendment mistakes, this govt is seeking to impeach Constitution Court.

RT@Aim_NT: I don't see how not to show any responsibility (by the govt) will be able to solve the problems: Abhisit. 4.52pm 8/12/2013

RT@Aim_NT: The government has completely lost legitimacy and I agree that listening to different opinions is good: Abhisit.

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RT@veen_NT: Abhisit: The government still distorts the fact and try to buy time without solving problems.

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RT@tulsathit: Abhisit to Yingluck: The longer you prolong the ending, the uglier the ending may become. via @nikhon_

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UPDATE:

POLITICS
Democrat Party MPs to resign en masse : Abhisit



BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party's leader Abhisit Vejjajiva announced Sunday that a party meeting resolved that all of its lawmakers would resign en masse.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687465-thai-opposition-says-all-its-mps-to-resign/#entry7135148

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RT@veen_NT: Rak Prathet Thai Party leader Chuwit Kamolvisith is to resign as MP too. he said the parliament could no longer drag on. via @Thairath_News

RT@RichardBarrow: [The Nation] Deputy House Speaker said the House still exists despite resignation of Democrat Party's 152 MPs nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/H…