Thailand Live Wednesday 11 Dec 2013

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RT @Nattha_ThaiPBS: 11.12.13

11.12.13.14.15

ว่ากันว่าวันนี้วันดี

( 11 เดือน 12 ปี 13 เวลา 14.15น.)

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Rice farmers threatened to block roads in 26 provinces if govt fails to pay money owed to them from 2013/2014 main crops

Motor Expo 2013 organiser reported 20% fall in new vehicles bookings which was affected by anti-govt protests

/The Nation

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Immigration opens applications for Permanent Residency

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688140-immigration-opens-applications-for-permanent-residency/

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'Chadchart' ready to work as interim minister



BANGKOK, 11 Dec 2013, (NNT) - Acting Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt is ready to work as an interim minister until the next administration has been formed.

The acting minister visited employees of the Thai Airways International Public Company Limited at Suvarnabhumi Airport after hearing that they would go on strike on the day. His concerns were particularly the check-in counter receptionists and baggage unloading employees, who primarily serve the Thai Airways as well as other airlines.

According to Mr. Chadchart, there are no irregularities in the number of employee taking a day off, and the Thai Airways continued its operation normally. He thanked civil servants, the Transport Ministry's employees and officials for considering the benefit of the public first and expressing their political opinions without disrupting their works.

He said that as an acting minister he would do his duty the best of his ability, specifically in managing civil servants and employees of his ministry, until the next administration is formed as stated in the Section 180.


-- NNT 2013-12-11

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Flooding eases in South; cold to be sustained in North & Northeast

PATTANI, 11 December 2013 (NNT) — The high pressure cell covering Thailand's upper region is forecast to contribute to sustained chilly weather and morning fog in the North. In the meantime, flooding in the southern provinces of Phatthalung and Pattani has started to recede.

In Pattani, flooding has lifted in most parts except for the plains in Paka Harang and Baraho sub-districts in Mueang district and areas immediately adjacent to Pattani River. Flooding is expected to lift completely in 2-3 days if no additional rainfall adds to the inundation level and there is no discharge of water from Bang Lang Dam in Yala.

In Phatthalung, the inundation level was subsiding in Mueang, Khwuan Khanun and Bang Kaew districts. However, some plain areas remain flooded. Around 150 households still needed to use boats to commute from their village, as the water level prohibited other types of transport. Provincial authorities expect flooding to lift within 2 weeks providing that there is no further rainfall.

Meanwhile, locals in the northern and northeastern provinces have become afflicted by the cold. In Phrae, residents have been seen to clutter around bonfires in the mornings to alleviate the cold. Chiang Rai, however, has seen an increase in the number of visitors because of the cold weather. Accommodation near Doi Phu Pha Tang is Wieng Kan district has been fully booked, boosting income for lodge owners there. The Meteorological Department reported that the moderate-strength high pressure area covering upper Thailand will result in sustained cold weather and morning fog. People are advised to take caution when traveling through areas with dense fog. For the southern region, little rainfall is forecast for this period.


-- NNT 2013-12-11

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Khlong Toey boy survives family massacre
By Coconuts Bangkok


Graphic: Lerdsuwa

BANGKOK: -- A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot in the head by his own father yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688148-bangkok-khlong-toey-boy-survives-family-massacre/

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Farmers to blockade roads over unpaid rice



BANGKOK: -- Rice farmers in 26 central and northern provinces threatened to blockade several roads after the government failed to pay for their rice pledged under the 2013/2014 main crop.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688151-thai-farmers-to-blockade-roads-over-unpaid-rice/

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Phuket Governor affirms Phuket Prison's 'white' status
Phuket Gazette


Though he praised the drug-free status of the prison, Gov Maitri expressed concern about overcrowding at the facility. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- A pre-dawn search of Phuket Prison today failed to uncover any drugs or contraband being hidden by prisoners.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688169-phuket-governor-affirms-phuket-prisons-white-status/

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Suthep targets Shinawatra clan

BANGKOK: -- Rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Tuesday night announced that Shinawatra family members would become the next targets of the anti-government protesters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688170-suthep-targets-shinawatra-clan/

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Motor Show ends with Toyota recording highest car orders

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688172-motor-show-ends-with-toyota-recording-highest-car-orders/

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Thai political unrest,Typhoon Haiyan (Philippines) prompted Asian Development Bank to cut SE Asia growth forecast to 4.8% in 2013,5.2% in 2014

/The Nation

Former defence minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan says he had not had any discussion with Suthep Thugsuban, and media reports that he had talked with him were wrong.

/Bangkok Post

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Suranand: PM will not resign

BANGKOK, 11 December 2013 (NNT) – The Prime Minister's secretary general Suranand Vejjajiva has insisted that the premier will not resign ahead of the general elections.

Mr Suranand said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra cannot concede to protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban’s demand which called for her immediate resignation. Ms Yingluck is bound by section 157 of the Constitution to remain as caretaker Prime Minister until the new election in February.

The secretary-general urged Mr Suthep to review his demands and to run for the election in a bid to resolve the situation in a democratic manner.

He elaborated that the decision whether Ms Yingluck will compete in the next election will be determined on Thursday at a party meeting.


-- NNT 2013-12-11

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CAPO: Police will carry out duties as usual

BANGKOK, 11 December 2013 (NNT) – The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) says the police will carry out their duty as usual, while asserting that police will not serve the outlaws.

CAPO Spokesman Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo has revealed that police forces would carry out their duty as usual to maintain law and order as the anti-government demonstrations were expected to prolong. He said there had been a number of reports on damaged properties caused by the protesters, including the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road.

Asked for his comment on protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban’s statement made yesterday, the spokesperson said the police, as law enforcers, could not accept or serve the outlaws as the demonstrators had neither rights nor the authority to give orders.

Mr. Suthep earlier demanded that police arrest Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for treason because she did not meet the protesters’ orders. The ex-Democrat executive also threatened to escalate demonstrations against the caretaker government.


-- NNT 2013-12-11

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Bangkok schools earlier affected by protests reopen

BANGKOK, 11 Dec 2013 (NNT) - Schools in Bangkok earlier affected by political protests reopened today after deeming the situation has improved and is unlikely to post any threats to students and staff nor difficulty to their traveling to the schools.

The schools include Wat Bowonniwet School, Makudkasattriyaram School, Wat Sangwet School, Benchamabopit School, Rajawinit School, Satriwittaya School and Wat Rajadhiwat School.

The Rajawinit School Director stated that the school simply cannot postpone classes any further as students have expressed their desire to return to school. The school therefore decided to reopen today, although not all of its students would be able to make it.

The school would use the feedback from the parents to determine whether more school closure is required. The director reiterated however that the school would avoid doing so without a good reason.

Meanwhile, Satriwittaya also reopened today despite some difficulties to the traveling of students and staff to the school. It added the school already has prepared make-up classes for its students.


-- NNT 2013-12-11

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RT @TheLilyfish: Outside Govt House now. Suthep is really, really upping his game: http://t.co/sXGU3Gmz51

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Baht up 0.3pct at 31.98 early Wed. after PM Yingluck dissolved House to defuse anti-govt protests

/The Nation

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Ex-defence minister Prawit denied any meeting w/ anti-govt leader,Suthep as reported by the local media

/The Nation

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Abhisit ready to defend murder case in Criminal Court



BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is ready to defend murder case in the Criminal Court tomorrow.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688184-abhisit-ready-to-defend-murder-case-in-criminal-court/

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Receptionist drugged and lockers broken-into at Central Pattaya Hotel

PATTAYA:--Police were called to a Central Pattaya Hotel early on Tuesday morning to investigate reports that the receptionist had been drugged and lockers had been broken-into.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688121-receptionist-drugged-and-lockers-broken-into-at-central-pattaya-hotel/

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Protesters to pressure police to pull out



BANGKOK: -- The People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) today announced to take tougher action on the police after the national police chief defied its order to pull out all police force from government office by the 12 hours deadline.

The PDRC issued a statement last night demanding the National Police Office commissioner to pull out all its police force from government offices by 10.30 a.m. today and replace them with military personnel which they said were more gentle in dealing with protesters.

However by 10.30 a.m. the anti-riot police are still remaining inside several major government offices thus prompting the PDRC to consider taking tougher action on the defiance of the police commissioners to its legitimate order protected by the Constitution.

It was not immediately what tough action was going to be taken but a protest leader had earlier hinted of protest rallies to encircle the government offices again. Their target was the National Police Office.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/protesters-pressure-police-pull/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-11

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Pheu Thai Spokesman Threatens Suthep With Lese Majeste

By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party spokesman has accused the leader of the anti-government protests of disrespecting the monarchy in his campaign to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck.

In a press conference, Mr. Prompong Nopparit criticised the secretary-general of People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State (PCAD), Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, for refusing to stop his protests even though the Prime Minister has already dissolved the parliament and called new election.

Mr. Suthep has previously claimed to have seized power of the government in accordance with Article 3 of the Constitution, which stated that the sovereign powers of Thailand belong to the citizens. Mr. Suthep has also demanded directors of state agencies to report to the PCAD and acknowledge it as the legitimate transitional government.

But Mr. Prompong said such actions clearly amount to organising an insurrection against the state and violating the Royal Power of His Majesty the King.

According to Mr. Prompong, since Article 3 of the 2007 Constitution stated that His Majesty the King exercised the sovereign power via the Parliament, the Cabinet, and the Court as a Head of State, Mr. Suthep has disrespected the monarch by claiming to exercise the sovereign power on his own as PCAD leader.

He said he would file lese majeste charge against Mr. Suthep with the Division of Special Investigation (DSI).

Lese majeste, or insult of monarchy, can be punished with a maximum of 15 years in prison per offence under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Codes.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNE5qYzBNVEk1Tmc9PQ==


-- Khaosod English 2013-12-11

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Excise Tax Collection Below Goals
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- Excise Department Director-General, Mr. Somchai Wongsawat, said on Monday that excise tax collected in Q1 of the 2014 fiscal year falls beneath its goal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688191-excise-tax-collection-below-goals-thailand/

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Police won't withdraw from key establishments as demanded by protest leaders; state assets,personal property reported lost during occupation /MCOT

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RT@Reuters: Thai 'red shirts' prepare rally to back PM against protesters reut.rs/J4kh2Z

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RT@RichardBarrow: [bangkok Post] Suthep won't report for indictment as he is too busy

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Foreign countries fear political situation will exacerbate

BANGKOK, 11 December 2013 (NNT) – Several foreign countries fear that the current political conflict in Thailand will escalate, while voicing support for the general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688205-foreign-countries-fear-political-situation-will-exacerbate/

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Thailand holds trade talks with Philippines, Canada, Israel
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 11 - The Philippines was asked to buy more rice from Thailand after importing less than the annual quota of 100,000 tonnes this year, a Thai Cabinet member said today.

Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisarn, caretaker deputy premier/commerce minister, said the proposal was made to Philippine Secretary of Trade and Industry Gregory Domingo on the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation meeting last week.

He also asked the Philippines to lift its ban on imported chicken meat from Thailand, imposed since the bird flu pandemic several years ago.

Philippine officials have given a green light to importing Thai chicken meat again after inspecting the farms in Thailand several times, but the ban has yet to be removed, Mr Niwatthamrong said.

The Philippine minister will visit Thailand on December 20 , he said, noting that the neighbouring country would possibly import 20,000-30,000 tonnes of chicken meat from Thailand each year.

He received a letter from the Philippine minister requesting an acceleration of a court case on cigarettes and promised to forward it to an agency concerned.

Mr Niwatthamrong also held talks with Canadian International Trade Minister Edward Fast, seeking an extension of the Thai-Canadian generalised system of preferences which is due to expire on January 1, 2015.

The free trade agreement between the two countries has yet to finalise pending an approval by the Thai Parliament, he said.

Mr Niwatthamrong informed the Canadian minister that Thailand was concluding its investigation on the ban on import of pork from Canada after finding ractopamine in the produce.

The Thai minister explained that the ban was to protect Thai consumers and in accord with international regulations.

In his meeting with Israeli Economy Minister Naftali Bennett, Mr Niwatthamrong said Thailand and Israel agreed to discuss a free trade agreement in a bilateral trade meeting scheduled for the first quarter next year.

Thailand asked Israel to support the exploration of natural gas in its territory and offered the kingdom as a window for Israeli investment in Southeast Asia, he said. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-11

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RT@UDD_English; Pravit told press he did not talk to Suthep as claim and has no intention to be caraetaker PM via @SpringNews_TV pic.twitter.com/kT96gYyLXo

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RT@UDD_English: Baanharn said he did not met with Suthep and remain that he is still an ally of Pheu Thai party pic.twitter.com/IcJHfiC1ty

[Lite Beer]

South Crisis
Four policemen gunned down in Pattani

In Yala, a police officer was also fatally shot

Four policemen were killed and many others injured in the latest insurgency attack in in Pattani’s Kha Poh district today.

Meanwhile four armed men gunned down a police officer on a crowded road on Wednesday morning in Yala's Krong Pinang district.

Four armed men on two motorcycles followed Pol Sub Lt Montree Saengmolee, 59, a traffic unit commander, as he drove a Toyota from his house in Yala municipality to his police station in Krong Pinang district.

The assailants opened fire as he slowed upon approaching a busy road full of students and members of the public.

The initial investigation revealed that Montree's body was riddled with bullets. He still had his 9mm pistol in his hand, apparently trying to fight back.

Witnesses said the assailants checked the victim to make sure that he was dead, then snatched his handgun and M16M4 rifle.

-- The Nation 2013-12-11