Thailand Live Friday 13 Dec 2013

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UPDATE:

Armed Forces to host public forum for sake of peace

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688642-suthep-announces-saturday-meeting-with-armed-forces-commanders/#entry7154526

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'Yingluck' says coming to Chiang Mai has boosted her morale

CHIANG MAI, 13 December 2013 (NNT) — Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yingluck Shinawatra stated that arriving in Chiang Mai has helped boost her morale.

After being greeted by her elated supporters in Chiang Mai, the premier thanked them and told the media coming to her hometown, Chiang Mai, has lifted her spirits - adding that she had gone through so many things recently.

Ms. Yingluck is in Chiang Mai for a meeting to help ease and find a solution to floods in the South.

According to Chatchai Promlert, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Chief, there have been 12 provinces in the South affected by flooding; however, 9 of them were reported to have been dealt with - leaving only 3 more flood stricken provinces.


-- NNT 2013-12-13

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Army Chief thanks Gen. Boonlert for his concerns

BANGKOK, 13 December 2013 (NNT) — Deputy Army spokesman Col. Winthai Suvaree disclosed that Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha had expressed his thanks to retired Army general, Gen. Boonlert Kaewprasert, who led the anti-government group called Pitak Siam, for his concerns about the current political situation.

The Army chief stated that he would ensure that all Army personnel would adhere to the rule of law and perform their duties appropriately.

Gen. Prayuth further stated that he acknowledged the retired general's concerns - adding that the current situation requires understanding from both the domestic community and the international arena.

He also pointed out that the Army is ready to consider opinions and ideas of all sides in order to help find a solution to the current political conflicts.


-- NNT 2013-12-13

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UPDATE:

Foreign Ministry denies report of hiring a US lobby firm
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign Ministry has denied report that Foreign Minister Surapong Tohvichakchaikul hired a US firm to lobby Washington to build a naval base in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688694-govt-hires-us-firm-to-lobby-us-govt-to-set-up-naval-base-in-thailand-us-department-of-justice/#entry7154641

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Weather Advisory No. 8 (411/2013) Subject: Westerly Trough

Weather Advisory No. 8 (411/2013) The westerly trough from Myanmar is moving cover the North. Thundershowers with isolated gust are likely in the North at first and then have affect to upper Central and the upper Northeast of Thailand during 13-15 December, 2013. People should beware of thundershower with gust. Cooler weather with 6-8 degree Celsius drops is likely in the areas during 16-18 December, 2013. People should take care healthy of cooler weather.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Friday to 6.00 a.m. Saturday.
Northern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and widely scattered thundershowers with isolated gust mostly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Tak. Minimum temperature 20-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 25-31 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 5-10 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas.Minimum temperature 17-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-31 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 8-13 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 20-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 13-18 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-25 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 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.
Southern Thailand East Coast Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla. Minimum temperature 20-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Ranong, Phang-nga and Satun. Minimum temperature 23-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 22-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-12-13

weather forecast for all Thai provinces: http://weather.thaivisa.com

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UPDATE:

Protest leader thanks the Supreme Commander for hosting forum

BANGKOK: -- Anti-Thaksin protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban last night thanked the Supreme Commander for hosting the public forum to allow the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to clarify its stand and purposes to the armed forces leaders and the private sector at its headquarters on Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688642-suthep-announces-saturday-meeting-with-armed-forces-commanders/page-2#entry7154775

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Perm Sec for PM Office: 100 representing different sectors invited to join Sunday forum; hopeful to find solution prior to Feb 2 election

S'pore banned alcohol sales/consumption this weekend in district w/ large S.Asian workers where S'pore's 1st riot in over 40 yrs erupted last Sun.

Anti-govt PDRC will send representative to join govt-proposed political reform forum on Dec.15,PM Office Minister Varathep said

/The Nation

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Pheu Thai affirms it will send original representative for elections

BANGKOK, 13 December 2013 (NNT) — The Pheu Thai party has affirmed that it will send its same representatives to take part in the next general elections - adding it has no worries about a pending decision by the National Anti Corruption Commission which might find its 312 MPs and senators guilty of violating the constitution and banish them from politics.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688745-pheu-thai-affirms-it-will-send-original-representative-for-elections/

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Man caught exposing his 'big gun' to Patong ladies
Phuket Gazette


Sutin Khamkom (center) told police that he showed his gun in his pants to the ladies to impress them. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: -- A man who thought it was a good idea to show all the ladies along his street in Patong that he had a big gun in his pants has been arrested and charged with possession of an illegal firearm.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688746-man-caught-exposing-his-big-gun-to-patong-ladies/

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Convicted cop dodges 800 year jail sentence
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- You do the crime, you do the time. For a 39-year-old former police officer convicted of skimming from official fees that almost meant a year in prison for every THB114 taken.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688747-convicted-thai-cop-dodges-800-year-jail-sentence/

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NACC invites Constitutional Court to testify



BANGKOK: -- The National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) today invited Constitutional Court judges to testify in cases related to amendments to the Constitution involving the composition of the Senate.

The judges will testify to the NACC’s inquiry panel on eight cases which were lodged with the NACC against a total of 383 lawmakers for their passage of the amendment.

Earlier the NACC received five complaint cases against 312 lawmakers, but three more cases with same charges were lodged.

The NACC later combined all the cases into one case for inquiry with total 383 lawmakers to face inquiry.

A NACC commissioner Prasart Pongsivapai said earlier that the NACC board chairman Parnthep Klanarongran has advised officials to formally notify all the accused 383 lawmakers for questioning of their roles.

They are required to testify within 15 days of receiving the notification from the NACC.

Petitioners of all the eight cases will be invited to testify. They included Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Jurin Laksanavisit, Thavorn Senniem, Wanchai Sornsiri, and also the secretary-general of the House of Representatives Mr Suvichak Narkwatchara.

Mr Prasart said all the 383 accused lawmakers would be allowed to defend themselves but the NACC would cut short unnecessary procedure in the inquiry process so as to conclude the cases as soon as possible.

But he declined to confirm if the inquiry could finish before the scheduled general election on February 2, but promised to ensure justice for all accused.

After finishing the inquiry and there were strong evidence of malfeasance, then the NACC would file report to the Senate Speaker to pass it on to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to make judgment.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/nacc-invites-constitutional-court-testify/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-13

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Protest leader says Feb 2 election must be put off



BANGKOK: -- People’s Democratic Reform Committee secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said today that the upcoming general election scheduled on February 2 must be put off if the democratic reform could not be accomplished in time.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688749-protest-leader-suthep-says-feb-2-election-must-be-put-off/

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First Viang Chiang Saen Port to become Chiang Rai cruise hub
By Digital Content



CHANG RAI, Dec 13 – The 1st Viang Chiang Saen Port in Thailand’s northernmost province of Chiang Rai has officially been promoted as a tourist port, as part of the province’s attempt to boost tourism in the Mekong River Basin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688753-first-viang-chiang-saen-port-to-become-chiang-rai-cruise-hub/

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UPDATE:

Phuket’s Mr Cool lands in hot water after trying to impress the ladies
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- Kathu police yesterday evening (December 12) arrested a Phuket man after he was seen swaggering around Sai Nam Yen Rd with a gun tucked into the waistband of his trousers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688746-man-caught-exposing-his-big-gun-to-patong-ladies/#entry7155006

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UPDATE:

Suthep says early election will see same corrupted parliament



BANGKOK: -- Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban reiterated his call for the postponement of the February 2 general election saying early election while democratic reform is still underway would only bring about corrupted people back to the parliament.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688749-protest-leader-suthep-says-feb-2-election-must-be-put-off/#entry7155071

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Defense Ministry to organize activities celebrating HM the King’s 86th anniversary

BANGKOK, 13 December 2013 (NNT) – The Ministry of Defense is set to organize activities to celebrate His Majesty the King’s 86th birthday anniversary. The activities will be held on December 17th.

The Defense Ministry will on December 17th hold performances of grand marching bands from the armed forces and 9 high schools. The activities are to show loyalty to HM the King on the occasion of His Majesty’s 86th birthday. There will also be an exhibition entitled “The Great Composer” depicting His Majesty’s musical talent. The performances will begin at 4pm on December 17th.

In addition, the ministry, in collaboration with the three armed forces, will on December 21st organize firework displays. The highlights of the event will be the colorful fireworks from Japan and Switzerland. The event will be held in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.


-- NNT 2013-12-13

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PDRC to join government-sponsored public forum Sunday



BANGKOK: -- The People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) will designate two of its leaders to take part in the public forum hosted by the caretaker government on Sunday.

Suriyasai Katasila, a PDRC leader, said Sathit Wongnongtoey and Ekkanat Promphan, would represent the PDRC in the forum

He said that Saturday’s public forum held by the PDRC at Thammasat University has received warm respond from all parts of the societies with more than 3,000 representatives from farmers, business sector, NGOs, accepting the invitation to join.

The forum will begin from 9 .00 a.m. till 4.00 p.m.

After the session, 20 PDRC leaders will then join the Armed Forces-organized public forum at the Armed Forces Headquarters at 5 p.m..

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pdrc-join-government-sponsored-public-forum-sunday/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-13

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Federation of Thai Industries concerned political conflict will drag down Thai economy; less than 3 per cent growth this year likely /MCOT

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Singapore's Little India alcohol ban criticised

SINGAPORE: -- Rights activists and opposition politicians on Friday slammed an alcohol ban imposed by the Singapore government in an district hit by rioting last weekend.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688767-singapores-little-india-alcohol-ban-criticised/

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Protesters fence off Government House with national flag

BANGKOK: -- Anti-Thaksin regime protesters today used what they described as the longest national flag to fence off Government House to prevent rotation of police force from outside.

The move by the protesters led by the Network of Students and People for the Reform of Thailand, came after leaders accused the police of rotating fresh reinforcement to Government House at night even though they had earlier prohibited the police form inside to move out, or from outside to move in.

The protesters demanded the police inside Government House to leave the guarding of the compound to soldiers alone. The police ignored their demand, prompting the protest leaders to impose entry and exit bans.

They also threatened to fence off Government House of over a kilometer long radius with national flag, which they said was meant to tell the police that the entry and exit bans now takes effect.

Source; http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/protesters-fence-government-house-national-flag/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-13

[Lite Beer]

Weather Advisory No. 9 (412/2013) Subject: Westerly Trough

Weather Advisory No. 9 (412/2013) The westerly trough from Myanmar covers the North of Thailand.

Thundershowers with gust occurs, as well as isolated frost, are in the North first following with the Central and the Northeast during 13-16 December. People should beware of the thundershower with gust. During 16-18 December, cooler weather by 7-9 degree Celsius drops is likely in the upper country. People should keep healthy with thick clothes.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Friday Noon to Saturday Noon

Northern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and widely scattered thundershowers with isolated gust mostly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Chiang Mai and Tak. Minimum temperature 18-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 27-32 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 5-10 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas. Minimum temperature 17-20 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 8-13 degree Celsius.

Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 19-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 13-18 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 21-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-33 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 13-18 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla. Minimum temperature 20-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-31 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy and isolated thundershowers. Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-33 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 22-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-12-13

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Retired general urges army to act as mediator

BANGKOK, 13 December 2013 (NNT) — A retired army general, Gen. Boonlert Kaewprasert, who led the anti-government group Pitak Siam, has called on leaders of the three armed forces to act as mediators in the current political turmoil.

The retired general stated his support for the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and demanded the current government to leave office.

Gen. Boonlert went on to say that the current government has abused its power and offended the monarchy, which is a violation of the Lese Majeste law.

Moreover, the retired general and his peers stated their gathering was to show their intention to urge military leaders to act as mediators in the current political turmoil.

Gen. Boonlert once led a failed anti-government movement attempting to oust the Yingluck administration. He later called off the protest and vowed to end his involvement with Pitak Siam.

-- NNT 2013-12-13

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Police Deny Reports Of Ramkhamhaeng Gunman Arrest

BANGKOK: -- The police have denied the claim of an anti-government protest leader that a gunman who shot dead one of its supporters during the clashes in Bangkok has been arrested.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688801-police-deny-reports-of-ramkhamhaeng-gunman-arrest/

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Caretaker PM Yingluck denies taking leave; assigns caretaker deputy PM Phongthep to supervise Sunday's govt-proposed political reform forum /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Elderly foreigner hurt in bike-car smash in Phuket

PHUKET: An elderly Western car driver and a Thai bike rider were taken to hospital this afternoon (December 13) after they collided at the intersection of the bypass road and Bangyai Rd.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688803-elderly-foreigner-hurt-in-bike-car-smash-in-phuket/

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Yingluck denies she taking leave

Chiang Mai - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Friday denied that she is on a business leave as reported.

The prime minister also denied that she had assigned Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana to be in charge on her behalf.

Speaking to reporters at the Chiang Mai railway station, Yingluck said she only assigned Phongthep to take charge of the reform talk that the government would hold at the Queen Sirikit's Convention Hall on Sunday.


-- The Nation 2013-12-13

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Suthep outlines Thailand's political future to media
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 13 – Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban stood firm today that Thailand’s next general election will not be held unless political reform takes place first.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688804-suthep-outlines-thailands-political-future-to-media/

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Yingluck denies she's taking leave
The Nation
Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday denied that she is taking leave, as widely reported in the press.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688806-yingluck-denies-shes-taking-leave/

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Petition To Expel Student Activist Attracts 3,000 Signatures
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- Over 3,000 Thammasat University students and alumni have signed the petition calling for the expulsion of an outspoken student activist, Matichon has reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688809-petition-to-expel-thammasat-student-activist-attracts-3000-signatures/

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PM inspects northern rail line



CHIANG MAI: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today inspected the northern rail line from Chiang Mai to Lampang after it reopens to rail service early this month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/688812-caretaker-pm-yingluck-shinawatra-inspects-northern-rail-line/