Thailand Live Tuesday 10 Dec 2013

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RT @tulsathit: My TL is being flooded with tweets about Yingluck tears.

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RT @tulsathit: Tearful Yingluck: I don't know how to retreat any further. RT @jeerapong_nna: 9.55 am #nna http://t.co/DwyWeuPIvV

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RT @tulsathit: Surapong, rather ironically quoting the Constitution, insists caretaker Govt can't resign as demanded by protesters.

RT @tulsathit: TR @jeerapong_nna: What triggered Yingluck's tears was the question "How do you think of calls for Shinawatras to leave Thailand?

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No amnesty for Phuket foreigners waiting for work permits
Phuket Gazette

Having handed the necessary paperwork into the PPEO is not enough for foreigners to start working; they must have their work permit in hand. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- While illegal taxi, tuk-tuk and tour van drivers continue to work freely in Phuket under a government pledge of immunity from arrest, foreigners waiting for work permits will receive no such protection.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687878-no-amnesty-for-phuket-foreigners-waiting-for-work-permits/

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RT @tulsathit: The standoff remains. Yingluck, tearful as she is, won't quit. She calls on protesters to stop so an election can be held.

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RT @tulsathit: YL: I've backed off. I've basically agreed to everything. Why is it getting to the family? Can't we live on this land? -@jeerapong_nna

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Suthep tells Yingluck to step down from caretaker role



BANGKOK: -- Anti-Thaksin protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban Monday night told Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her entire cabinet to step down from the caretaker role within 24 hours.

In the second announcement at 10.30 p.m., Suthep, secretary-general of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee ( PDRC), gave the 24-hour ultimatum to the prime minister to return sovereign power back to the committee which he declared is now legitimate body, to reform the country to full democracy.

He also said that after the prime minister stepped down from her caretaker role, no one would be appointed to replace her.

He said the PDRC would then consult with the people to establish the people’s council and find a person to take on the role and form a provisional government in office and hold an election and appoint a government to rule the country.

The announcement read by the PDRC secretary-general, however, did not elaborate further action to take if the demand was not met with by the deadline.

But in the address to several thousands of supporters, he urged them to stay on for another three days to accomplish the mission to regain the sovereign power back to the people from what he called the illegitimate government of Prime Minister Yingluck.

Suthep said that the PDRC had to issue the second announcement after the first announcement demanding the Yingluck government to return sovereign power to the people was ignored.

He said if the call to step down was not responded again, the PDRC would consider tougher action to pressure the caretaker government.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/suthep-tells-yingluck-step-caretaker-role/

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-10

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Yingluck insists to stay on as caretaker PM
By English News



BANGKOK, Dec 10 - Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today reaffirmed she will continue her duties until a new Cabinet takes office even as anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban gave her a 24-hour deadline to step down from the caretaker premier role, paving the way for the establishment of a 'people's council'.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687882-yingluck-tearfully-insists-to-stay-on-as-caretaker-pm/

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PM holds cabinet meeting in Army compound today



BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today called a meeting of her caretaker cabinet at the First Infantry Army Division to discuss their performance in a caretaker role.

Apart from assessing the current protest situation and the caretaker role, she would also discuss the general election with the Election Commission.

The 24-hour ultimatum issued last night by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban for the prime minister and her cabinet to step down from the caretaker role would also be discussed with the National Security Council (NSC) at the meeting.

Earlier NSC secretary-general Lt-Gen Paradorn Pattanathabutr said although the government now becomes a caretaker government, it still can function as usual.

He also strongly believed that the current anti-government demonstrations would not prolong as now the number of supporters was declining.

He said that the PDRC’s order calling on government officials to report to the PDRC was merely Mr Suthep’s wish and so far no official listening to such order.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pm-holds-cabinet-meeting-army-compound-today/

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-10

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Foreign media closely monitoring political situation in Thailand

BANGKOK, 10 December 2013 (NNT) – Foreign media have been monitoring the political situation in Thailand, paying very close attention to the Thai House dissolution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687889-foreign-media-closely-monitoring-political-situation-in-thailand/

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Thai PM rejects protesters' demand to step down
by Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI

BANGKOK, December 10, 2013 (AFP) - Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Tuesday refused demands by anti-government protesters to resign ahead of upcoming elections, urging them to abandon their "people's revolution".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687882-yingluck-tearfully-insists-to-stay-on-as-caretaker-pm/#entry7142552

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CAPO says PDRC’s demand illegal



BANGKOK: -- The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) Monday night issued a strong statement reiterating that the demand of the PDRC secretary-general is unconstitutional as now the royal decree scheduling the election has become law after endorsement by His Majesty the King.

The announcement was read by CAPO head Surapong Tovichakchaikul, also deputy prime minister and foreign minister, on TV broadcast at 9.00 p.m.

Surapong said the ruling Pheu Thai-led government would stay in office as a caretaker government until a general election is held and the new government comes in to power.

He said as the royal decree has become law after it was published in the Royal Gazette, the PDRC’s claim of Article 3 in the Constitution to demand sovereign power be returned to it was unconstitutional.

The CAPO head said Article 3 states that the sovereign power belongs to the Thai people and the King as the head of state shall exercise such power through the Legislative, Administrative and Judicial bodies.

He said sovereign power belong to all Thais and not only the PDRC and his supporters.

He said the PDRC secretary-general’s demand is a repeated defiance of the law as he is now a criminal wanted on insurrection charge for violating Article 113 of the Criminal Code over his seizures of government offices, and ordering government officials to report to the PDRC.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/capo-says-pdrcs-demand-illegal/

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-10

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UPDATE:

Tearful PM seeks justice for her Shinawatra family



BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra burst into tears during a press conference at the Army Club after the first meeting of her caretaker cabinet late today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687882-yingluck-tearfully-insists-to-stay-on-as-caretaker-pm/#entry7142594

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Jarupong confident Pheu Thai will win next general election

BANGKOK, 10 December 2013 (NNT) – Pheu Thai leader Jarupong Ruangsuwan is confident that his party will win the next general election, while affirming that the government has to act as a caretaker.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687916-jarupong-confident-pheu-thai-will-win-next-general-election/

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Chinese, Thai armies kick off joint military drill
By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 10 (Xinhua) - The Chinese and Thai army special forces kicked off a 14-day joint anti-terror training in Thailand on Monday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687917-chinese-thai-armies-kick-off-joint-military-drill/

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Protest crowds start dwindling

BANGKOK, 10 December 2013 (NNT) — The number of protesters joining the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) have begun to dwindle.

According to Thailand's National Security Council Secretary, General Lt. Gen. Paradorn Pattanathabutr, demonstrators have been kept under control in order to prevent any violence from breaking out, adding that the number of PDRC protesters have started to drop after the House of Representative was dissolved on December 9.

In regard to protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban’s demand that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resign within 24 hours, Lt. Gen. Paradorn said he was somewhat worried about it. However, a mutual understanding may be made as Mr. Suthep has repeatedly extended his ultimatums so far, added the General.

He also believed negotiations could still be made, and that the people would eventually elect the leader they want through a democratic process.


-- NNT 2013-12-10

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Body believed to be western woman retrieved from water off Ranong, brought to Phuket
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- The body of a woman believed to be a westerner was found by a fishing boat off Ranong on November 30, and brought to Phuket yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687920-body-believed-to-be-western-woman-retrieved-from-water-off-ranong-brought-to-phuket/

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UPDATE:

Foreign trio reenact bungled Phuket ATM robbery
Eakkapop Thongtub


Gang leader Arturo Marin, kneeling, and Guarin Suta, in the foreground, prepare to show how they cracked the ATM.

PHUKET: -- Two Colombians and a Mexican, arrested in Bangkok on Sunday, have reenacted the way they broke into an Phuket ATM last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687874-patong-atm-thieves-caught-with-skimming-equipment-re-enact-crime/#entry7142723

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RT @tulsathit: Thai Rath: Yingluck has had tears in her eyes 5 times in public since becoming PM.

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THAI-US RELATIONS
US expresses strong support for Thailand after House dissolution

BANGKOK: -- The US strongly supported democratic institutions and the democratic process in Thailand, a long-time friend and ally, the State Department said in a statement Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687923-us-expresses-strong-support-for-thailand-after-house-dissolution/

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Tuesday 10 December 2013 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

The high pressure over Thailand is weakening, but cool weather remains in the area. Morning fog, as well as isolated thick patches, is expected in the North and the Northeast. Travelers especially in the North and the Northeast should beware of poor visibility. Less rain is likely in the South.

During 12-16 December, the westerly trough from Myanmar will cover the North, the upper Central and the upper Northeast of Thailand. Thundershowers with isolated gust and hail, are likely first following with cooler weather by 6-8 degree Celsius. drops.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Tuesday Noon to Wednesday Noon

Northern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas. Minimum temperature 16-20 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Celsius.Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 5-12 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas.Minimum temperature 15-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 8-14 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with fog in the morning.Minimum temperature 19-20 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 13-19 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning.Minimum temperature 20-23 degree Celsius.Maximum temperature 32-33 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 13-18 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Partly cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 20-25degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Partly cloudy and isolated thundershowers mostly in the lower part. Minimum temperature 24-25 degree Celsius.Maximum temperature 32-33 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meters.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Tuesday 10 December 2013

Rainfall Criteria and Amount (mm) From 0700 LST Monday to 0700 LST Tuesday
Northern No rain reported.
Tn 5.0 at Doi Inthanon, A.Chom Thong, C.Chiang Mai
Tx 31.5 at A.Mae Sot, C.Tak, A.Lom Sak, C.Phetchabun and A.Mueang, C.Phichit
Northeastern No rain reported.
Tn 8.0 at National Park, A.Phu Kradueng and Phu Luang Sanctuary, A.Phu Rua, C.Loei
Tx 32.2 at A.Sawang Wirawong, C.Ubon Ratchathani
Central No rain reported.
Tn 16.8 at T.Bua Chum, A.Chai Badan, C.Lop Buri
Tx 32.4 at A.Tha Rua, C.Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Eastern No rain reported.
Tn 13.3 at Khao Yai National Park A.Muang C.Nakhon Nayok
Tx 33.0 at A.Mueang, C.Chon Buri
Southern (East Coast) Widely scattered rain. Maximum 16.3 mm. at A.Waeng, C.Narathiwat
Tn 18.5 at T.Nong Plub, A.Hua Hin, C.Prachuap Khiri Khan
Tx 33.2 at A.Phra Saeng, C.Surat Thani
Southern (West Coast) Isolated rain. Maximum 3.5 mm.at A.Mueang, C.Satun
Tn 21.1 at A.Nuea Khlong, C.Krabi
Tx 33.4 at A.Mueang, C.Satun
Bangkok and Vicinity No rain reported.
Tn 20.8 at A.Khlong Luang, C.Pathum Thani
Tx 32.6 at Don Mueang Airport Khet Don Mueang, Bangkok
On Tuesday Bangkok Metropolis
: Sun rises at 6.30 a.m. Sun sets at 5.51 p.m.
: High water at 12.46 p.m. and at 11.21 p.m.
: Low water at 5.39 a.m. and at 7.32 p.m.
On Wednesday Bangkok Metropolis
: Sun rises at 6.31 a.m. Sun sets at 5.51 p.m.
: High water at 1.00 p.m. and at --.-- p.m.
: Low water at 5.52 a.m. and at 8.57 p.m.

-- NNT 2013-12-10

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RT@RichardBarrow: [bangkok Post] A budget of 38 billion baht will be allocated for the Feb 2 general election in #Thailand

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Statement by the Prime Minister on the Dissolution of the House of Representatives

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on 9 December 2013 in the morning appeared on television and delivered a statement on the dissolution of the House of Representatives.

In her statement, the Prime Minister said, “[i,] Miss Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister, would like to inform fellow citizens that following discussions and listening to opinions from all sectors, I have decided to present a draft Royal Decree to dissolve the House of Representatives B.E. 2556 (2013) to His Majesty the King for Royal Assent, for the following reasons:

“1. Dissolution of the House of Representatives is a normal process in the system of parliamentary democracy, as is evident in many countries using this system. Thailand has always adhered to this customary practice, as evidenced by the fact that all constitutions of the Kingdom of Thailand have provided for the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the House of Representatives has been dissolved many times, such as in B.E. 2539 (1996), B.E. 2543 (2000), B.E. 2549 (2006) and B.E. 2554 (2011).

“2. The Government took office to administer the country from 23 August B.E. 2554 (2011) with the important tasks of solving numerous internal crises, be it the great flood or the impact from the crisis of global economic turbulence, as well as the revival of democracy in the country, trying to build reconciliation and restoring international relations to ensure confidence in the democratic system with the King as Head of State. The Government has acted to the best of its ability and successfully resolved various problems.

“However, with regard to the political conflict, this still persists and even though the Government has tried to build understanding, whether by proposing approaches to amend the Constitution, opening a forum on political reform, or holding a referendum, there are still those who hold different views and object. The Government stands ready to listen if such objections are in line with parliamentary democracy. But it appears that a number of objectors, including members of the opposition party, have chosen an approach of protesting outside the parliamentary framework. The Government has handled the protests leniently and with a conciliatory position, which respects the basic right to freedom of expression at all times in order to preserve the Constitution of the Kingdom of“Thailand, because the Government does not want further losses for the country and the people as Thailand has already suffered enough.

“But in today’s situation, the Government has considered the differing viewpoints, with each side claiming to represent a large number of the people. Therefore, the Government is of the view that under a democratic system, if a point is reached where conflicting ideas may lead to divisions among the nation’s people, and violence which may lead to losses, returning power to the people so that they can decide, through dissolution of parliament and holding new elections, is an approach that is in accordance with the system of democracy with the King as Head of State, and one that is acceptable to the international community. The people can determine which approach the majority wants and who will administer the country under that approach.

“The Government would like to invite all groups and political parties who hold many different opinions to use the electoral process under the democratic system to present various options to the Thai people in the whole country.

“3. Once the House of Representatives is dissolved, the entire Cabinet shall also vacate office, according to Section 180 (2). However, the Cabinet must remain in office to carry out duties until a newly established Cabinet assumes office in accordance with Section 181, which stipulates that the Cabinet and Ministers shall perform only such duties as are necessary under the conditions prescribed by that Section.

“4. The Government asks the people to attach importance to the upcoming elections. The Government will hold consultations with the Election Commission on setting the election date as soon as possible. The Government also wishes to ask the Thai people to perform their duties and exercise their right to vote concertedly, heedfully and prudently in order for this election to be as honest and fair as possible. This would be a peaceful expression of political will in accordance with the Constitution and the democratic system of government.”

Foreign Office, The Government Public Relations Department, Office of the Prime Minister

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Caretaker govt cannot resign, acting justice minister insists

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her cabinet cannot resign but will have to perform as a caretaker government until a new administration takes office, acting Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri said Tuesday.

Chaikasem announced on TV Pool at 1pm that caretaker Cabinet was required Article 181 of the Constitution to stay in office.

He was responding to an ultimatum by Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), for the Cabinet to resign in 24 hours to pave the way for establishment of the "people’s council".

"The Cabinet is working based on the principle of collective responsibility. We have been appointed by His Majesty the King. But Suthep tried to establish another government without any legal support. The legal government considered that PDRC's actions were violating His Majesty the King’s royal prerogative power, he said.

-- The Nation 2013-12-10

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Compulsory healthcare for foreigners a matter of choice: Poll
Phuket Gazette -

The poll results highlight that nearly all respondents support foreigners' right to make their own healthcare choices. Image: Gazette Graphics

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687930-compulsory-healthcare-for-foreigners-a-matter-of-choice-poll/

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One dead as Phuket visa-run minibus hits bike in Malaysia


The badly damaged front of the bus after it smashed into the motorbike. Photo: Dmitriy Kolot

PHUKET: A visa-run minibus on its way from Phuket to Penang yesterday morning (December 9) smashed into a motorbike in Malaysia, killing the rider.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687931-one-dead-as-phuket-visa-run-minibus-hits-bike-in-malaysia/

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Thai man sexually assaults Australian female in Phetchaburi

A female Australian volunteer was sexually assaulted by a male officer who works at the same animal conservation centre. He raped her as she walked back home from a birthday party.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687939-thai-man-sexually-assaults-australian-female-in-phetchaburi/

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Pheu Thai Party to nail down protest leader Suthep
By English News



BANGKOK, Dec 10 – The Pheu Thai Party is collecting evidence to take legal action against anyone supporting the anti-government movement led by protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, a party spokesman said today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/687943-pheu-thai-party-to-nail-down-protest-leader-suthep/

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Election Commission says Feb 2 election will cost Bt3.8 billion
By English News



BANGKOK, Dec 10 - Thailand's Election Commission (EC) today said it is ready for the upcoming election which is expected to cost around Bt3.8 billion (about US$117 million).

EC secretary-general Puchong Nuttrawong said the agency is well prepared for the Senate election in terms of election process, staff and all equipment, and that can be adjusted to the Feb 2 election of the lower House.

Mr Puchong noted that Bt3.8 billion is needed to hold the general election nationwide as the number of polling stations and eligible voters has increased this time.

The poll agency chief said he is unworried by the ongoing political tension, but emphasised that the EC has strictly followed the rule of law and remained impartial.

He expressed confidence that the Election Commission will be able to conduct a free and fair election.

The secretary-general said the EC plans to set dates of constituency MP candidacy registration between Dec 23-27, and for party-list MPs between Dec 28 and Jan 1.

Advance polling is scheduled for Jan 26.

He said 48 million Thais are expected to cast ballots on Feb 2. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-12-10

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RT @Ryn_writes: Chalerm gives 48 hours deadline to police to arrest Suthep “@news1005fm: http://t.co/LExUCfzNtB”