Thailand Live Sunday 15 Dec 2013

[Lite Beer]

South Africa holds state funeral for Mandela
CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA

Guests and family members arrive for the funeral service for former South African president Nelson Mandela in Qunu, South Africa, Sunday, December 15, 2013.

QUNU, South Africa:-- Big guns fired a salute in the rural village where Nelson Mandela grew up and military servicemen marched stiffly behind his casket on a winding dirt road Sunday as South Africa said goodbye for the last time to the man who reconciled the country in its most vulnerable period.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689298-south-africa-holds-state-funeral-for-mandela/

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Today's govt forum is practically shunned by the other side. And vice versa for Suthep's meet-the-military forum yesterday.

[Lite Beer]

PDRC: No representatives to join Govt's political reform as it's only a sham
By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 15 - A spokesman from the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) said the group did not send any representatives to join today's government's political reform as it is only a sham.

Ekanat Prompan, the spokesman, said the political reform held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) today was only the government's ploy to maintain its power, judging from the selection of participants of which the list had been announced beforehand.

He said the PDRC believes the government already has its solution in mind, while commenting that the government has no legitimacy to hold such a forum today.

The PDRC stood firm on its stance that political reform should come before a general election.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit praised Supreme Commander and military top brass that organised a forum yesterday, opening way for protest leader/PDRC Secretary-General Suthep Thaugsuban and the civil society to participate.

Mr Prompong said that Mr Suthep had announced that he would do anything to block the planned election is deemed unlawful and will be further investigated.

The Pheu Thai spokesman also denied rumours of conflicts within the party on who will be nominated to contest and become MPs in the Feb 2 election. He said the party will introduce new members on Tuesday.

In a related matter, at the government's political forum on 'Where is our Thailand heading?' held at QSNCC today, participants voiced different opinions.

Senator from Ratchaburi province Kecha Saksomboon said the government should postpone the election for another year so reform could take place and create trust among all parties, he said.

Anusorn Tamajai, Director of Pridi Banomyong Institute, suggested discussions with all parties so that protesters can work with Election Commission for the aimed general election and that all should ratify that they respect the majority opinion and therefore set up a centre for Thailand's reform which is independent from the government sector for further conclusion and law enforcement.

Assoc Prof Yuttaporn Issarachai, dean of Ramkhamhaeng University's Faculty of Political Science, supported a general election to be done in parallel with reform. However, he said past reforms did not succeed, for issues were too broad and no specific questions addressed. In the end, only a report was presented and no actual result was used or implemented, he commented. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-15

[Lite Beer]

Floods recede in 10 southern provinces, while 6 others in North face temperature drop

BANGKOK, 15 December 2013, (NNT) --The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has announced improvement of flood situation in 10 Southern provinces, whereas 6 northern provinces have been declared disaster zones due to drops in temperature.

The ongoing heavy rain has continued to batter the South since November 21, causing flash floods and river bursting its banks in 12 provinces. Twenty deaths have been reported so far, with the highest number of 6 deaths reported in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Currently, flooding situation in 10 provinces in the South has eased, with the other 2 provinces of Phutthalung and Trang still being under inundation. More than 6,000 people have been affected by the ongoing floods.

Up North, 6 provinces have seen continuous drop in the mercury since December 6. These provinces are Loei, Tak, Nan, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Phanom, and Nong Bua Lamphu, with over 1.3 million people under cold spell.

The DDPM has ordered local authorities to prepare for severe temperature drop as well as to prevent local residents from gusting wind during this time of year.

-- NNT 2013-12-15

[Lite Beer]

Poll: Thais want to see reform, laws upheld

BANGKOK, 15 December 2013 (NNT) - Bangkok Poll finds that Thai people want a reform in the country, and the laws to be respected.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689303-poll-thais-want-to-see-reform-laws-upheld/

[Lite Beer]

ASEAN shows concerns over Thailand political turmoil

BANGKOK, 15 Dec 2013, (NNT) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is truly concerned over Thailand's political deadlocks.

According to ASEAN official messages sent to the Government yesterday, the Heads of State and Governments of ASEAN Member States have been closely following the current development in the Kingdom of Thailand.

The ASEAN member countries wish to reiterate that political stability in the kingdom is essential to achieving a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN community, the message read.

Thus, the Governments of ASEAN nations are calling on all parties concerned to resolve the current situation through dialogue and consultations in a peaceful and democratic manner.

-- NNT 2013-12-15

[Lite Beer]

EU High Representative call on all Thais to abide by democracy principles

BANGKOK, 15 Dec 2013, (NNT) - Catherine Ashton, the European Union High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, has called on all sides in Thailand to abide by democracy principles.

The comment was made by Ms. Catherine Ashton' s spokesperson, who was referring to the current ongoing political instability in Thailand.

According to the spokesperson, Ms. Catherine's concerns rose following her visit to Thailand on November 13th, 2013, and several other incidents that have since unfolded. The EU High Representative said all parties should abide by democratic principles in order to avoid escalation of violence and to resolve their differences through peaceful means.

High Representative Catherine has called on everyone involved to seize the opportunity of the February 2nd's general election to move forward peacefully within Thailand's democratic and constitutional framework.

-- NNT 2013-12-15

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: RT @fazonnuch: My folks back in (censored) expect more cash this election, the most coming fr (censored), as (censored) only offers Bt300.

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

POLITICS
NSC supports election
The Nation

National Security Council (NSC) chief Paradorn Pattanatabut

BANGKOK: -- National Security Council (NSC) chief Paradorn Pattanatabut believed that the government-hosted reform forum's messages would reach the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689280-nsc-chief-believes-protest-ambience-will-improve-positively/#entry7163309

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Red shirt leader Thida proposes a national referendum on Feb 2 along w/ election. Topic: Should we write a new Constitution?

[Lite Beer]

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Sunday 15 December 2013 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Sunday Noon to Monday Noon

Northern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain with gust mostly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae and Nan. Minimum temperature 18-22 degree Clesius.Maximum temperature 27-33 degree Clesius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 5-10 degree Clesius. Westerly winds 15-20 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and widely scattered rain mostly in Loei, Nong Kai and Ubon Ratchathani.Minimum temperature 18-21degree Clesius. Maximum temperature 30-33 degree Clesius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-15 degree Clesius. Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and isolated thundershowers in the upper part.Minimum temperature 20-23degree Clesius. Maximum temperature 32-33degree Clesius.Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 15-18 degree Clesius.Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Partly cloudy with fog in the morning and isolated rain in the shore line.Minimum temperature 23-24 degree Clesius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Clesius.Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 15-18 degree Clesius. Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 22-24 degree Clesius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Clesius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Partly cloudy and isolated thundershowers mostly in Trang and Satun.Minimum temperature 22-25 degree Clesius. Maximum temperature 31-34 degree Clesius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Partly cloudy with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 22-23 degree Clesius. Maximum temperature 31-33degree Clesius.Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.
Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Sunday 15 December 2013
Rainfall Criteria and Amount (mm) From 0700 LST Saturday to 0700 LST Sunday
Northern Widely scattered rain. Maximum 67.6 mm.at A.Tha Wang Pha, C.Nan
Tn 6.9 at Doi Inthanon, A.Chom Thong, C.Chiang Mai
Tx 33.5 at A.Wichain Buri C.Phetchabun
Northeastern Isolated rain. Maximum 10.0 mm.at A.Nam Yuen, C.Ubon Ratchathani
Tn 11.0 at National Park, A.Phu Rua, C.Loei
Tx 33.7 at A.Mueang, C.Ubon Ratchathani
Central No rain reported.
Tn 20.0 at A.Tha Rua, C.Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya andT.Bua Chum, A.Chai Badan, C.Lop Buri
Tx 33.5 at A.Tha Rua, C.Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Eastern Isolated rain. Maximum 11.0 mm.at A.Ko Chang, C.Trat
Tn 16.4 at Khao Yai National Park A.Muang C.Nakhon Nayok
Tx 34.0 at A.Khlung, C.Chanthaburi
Southern(East Coast) Widely scattered rain. Maximum 36.5 mm.at A.Kapho, C.Pattani
Tn 19.8 at T.Nong Plub, A.Hua Hin, C.Prachuap Khiri Khan
Tx 33.5 at A.Phra Saeng, C.Surat Thani
Southern(West Coast) Isolated rain. Maximum 10.5 mm.at A.Yan Ta Khao, C.Trang
Tn 22.0 at A.Nuea Khlong, C.Krabi
Tx 33.9 at A.Mueang, C.Trang
Bangkok and Vicinity No rain reported.
Tn 22.7 at A.Khlong Luang, C.Pathum Thani
Tx 34.0 at Sirikit Center, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok and A.Khlong Luang, C.Pathum Thani
On Sunday : Sun rises at 6.33 a.m. Sun sets at 5.52 p.m.
Bangkok Metropolis : High water at 7.45 a.m. and at 3.27 p.m.
: Low water at 0.05 a.m. and at 12.20 p.m.
On Monday : Sun rises at 6.33 a.m. Sun sets at 5.53 p.m.
Bangkok Metropolis : High water at 8.18 a.m. and at 4.16 p.m.
: Low water at 0.55 a.m. and at 1.36 p.m.

-- NNT 2013-12-15

[Lite Beer]

RT@veen_NT: 3.45pm: Govt reform seminar has just ended.

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Phuket volunteer expresses anger over Garry Halpin’s drug arrest
Claire Connell

PHUKET: The head co-ordinator of the Royal Thai Police Region 8 volunteers says he’s “p****d off” about the actions of arrested Tourist Police volunteer Garry Halpin and is concerned for the flow on effects for his volunteers.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689269-phuket-tourist-police-expat-volunteer-arrested-on-crystal-meth-charges/page-3?p=7163429#entry7163429

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: In a rather controversial move, military has offered to help ensure clean and fair election. via @WassanaNanuam

[Lite Beer]

RT@devonmaylie: Nelson #Mandela's body now being taken to the stone plot where he will be buried. The event will be private and observed by only 450 guests.

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Garry Halpin ‘an ex Phuket Tourist Police volunteer’ says top cop
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan

PHUKET: Pol Maj Urumporn Koondejsumrit, an inspector with the Tourist Police, has confirmed Garry Halpin was not a Tourist Police volunteer at the time of his arrest on crystal methamphetamine charges.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689269-phuket-tourist-police-expat-volunteer-arrested-on-crystal-meth-charges/page-4?p=7163697#entry7163697

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Police have arrested a man for the rape & murder of Nong Cartoon - RT @TanisornKag: จับแล้ว! คนร้ายลัก น้องการ์ตูน สารภาพฆ่าข่มขืน

RT@veen_NT: The murderer confessed that he strangled her until she was unconscious. He said he didn't know Cartoon was dead. via @Chu_SpringNews

[Lite Beer]

Redshirts Parade In Support Of Feb 2 Election

Thousands of Redshirts have paraded in a large convoy around the northeastern city of Khon Kaen today to affirm their support for the next general election, scheduled to take place on 2 February 2014.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689358-redshirts-parade-in-support-of-feb-2-election/

[Lite Beer]

His Majesty takes trip to Petchaburi

His Majesty the King feeds a young cow, which is part of the royal project "Chang Hua Man" in Petchaburi province.

During the unofficial trip on Sunday, December 15, he observed the project’s cattle farm management system.

-- The Nation 2013-12-15

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RT@Aim_NT: Suthep said the protest will end if Yingluck quits as the caretaker PM and appoints no one to be in charge. Via @Atavit 9.40pm 15 Dec 2013

[webfact]

to continue:

Thailand Live Monday 16 Dec 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689431-thailand-live-monday-16-dec-2013/