Thailand Live Monday 16 Dec 2013

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Thai opposition torn between elections and 'revolution'
by Daniel ROOK

BANGKOK, December 16, 2013 (AFP) - She is a poster child for a Thai elite campaigning to freeze democracy. But when Chitpas Bhirombhakdi is not on stage cheerleading for a self-styled "people's revolution", she is quietly preparing a bid for parliament.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689515-thai-opposition-torn-between-elections-and-revolution/

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Korn posts in Facebook account he'll not take executive board position in Democrat Party; wants to see political reform before election /MCOT

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Army chief worried by violence in southern region, assigns 4th Army Region commander to supervise situation; no plans to visit /MCOT

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UPDATE:

Suthep: Defence chief’s endorsement of Feb 2 election untrue
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 16 – Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban stood firm that the military brass has not endorsed Thailand’s general election on February 2 as claimed by a senior defence officer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689487-protest-leader-suthep-discredits-defense-permanent-secretarys-statement/#entry7166234

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CAPO claims ASEAN backs February 2 Election



BANGKOK: -- The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) this morning announced today on TV Pool saying ASEAN backs the February 2 election in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689521-capo-claims-asean-backs-february-2-election/

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Cost of living for expats on the rise in Yangon

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689519-cost-of-living-for-expats-on-the-rise-in-yangon/

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UPDATE:

Security at US embassy tightened on reports of oncoming protest

BANGKOK, 16 December 2013 (NNT) - Security measures have been tightened around the US embassy in Bangkok after anti-government demonstrators announced plans to march to the embassy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689486-anti-thaksin-demonstrators-to-protest-at-us-embassy-in-bangkok/#entry7166319

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Does THAI Scandinavia have the best "premium economy"?

BANGKOK: -- Most travellers outside Scandinavia will be unaware that Thai offers probably the best “premium economy”

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689524-does-thai-scandinavia-have-the-best-premium-economy/

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Army Chief orders strict measures for southern unrest

BANGKOK, 16 December 2013 (NNT) —The army C-in-C is concerned over the southern violence and is keeping a close watch on current developments, says the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).

According to Col. Banpot Poonpian, Spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), Army Chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha is reportedly concerned over the ongoing southern unrest; however, due to the political situation in Bangkok, he has been unable to visit the South himself.

Nonetheless, Col. Banpot reported that the army chief is still working hard to ensure that all security-related agencies are cooperating with one another to resolve the issue of violence in the three southernmost provinces.

-- NNT 2013-12-16

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Abhisit testifies NACC

BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva today testified the National Court Corruption Commission (NACC) over his party’s petition seeking to impeach parliament president and lawmakers for their involvement in the constitutional amendment regarding the composition of the Senate.

Abhisit is the first to testify the NACC in the cases against a total of 383 MPs and Senators, including House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranond, and Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanich on alleged malfeasance in offices over the passage of the constitutional amendment that was said to be unconstitutional.

The Democrats sought the removal of all the lawmakers under Article 270 of the Constitution.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/abhisit-testifies-nacc/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-16

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Transport Min to carry on with BTS green line project

BANGKOK, 16 December 2013 (NNT) – Despite the dissolution of parliament, the Transport Ministry will forge ahead with its long-awaited BTS’ green line extension project connecting Mor Chit, Saphan Mai, and Khu Kot.

According to Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt, the green line extension project will be up for auction despite the House dissolution, because the previous cabinet has already approved the implementation of the project.

The 38 billion baht extension line is 18.7 kilometers long, which includes 12 train stations from Mor Chit to Saphan Mai and 4 stations from Saphan Mai to the end of the line, Khu Kot.

The minister said the project will commence in 2014, while expecting the construction to take approximately 4 years to complete; the green line will be ready for services by 2018.


-- NNT 2013-12-16

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Gold prices drop 50 baht per gold baht-weight

BANGKOK, 16 December 2013, (NNT) -- Buying and selling prices for gold bar and gold ornament have seen a drop of around 50 baht per gold baht-weight on December 16 compared to yesterday's closing prices.

This morning, the Gold Traders Association reported a drop in gold prices for both gold bars and ornaments.

Buying price for gold bar is at 18,700 baht per gold baht-weight, a drop of 50 baht from the closing price of 18,750 baht per gold baht-weight on Saturday.

Buying price for gold ornament is reported at 18,434.56 baht per gold baht-weight this morning, a drop of 45.48 baht compared to buying prices of 18,480.04 on Saturday.

Selling prices for gold ornaments, meanwhile, closed at 19,250 baht per gold baht-weight on Saturday and opened this morning at 19,200 baht. Gold bar selling prices closed at 18,850 baht, and opened with a drop of 50 baht at 18,800 baht per gold baht-weight.


-- NNT 2013-12-16

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Karon Beach named deadliest Phuket beach
Phuket Gazette


Kata-Karon chief lifeguard Uten Singsom says hundreds were saved on Phuket's deadliest beach over the last fiscal year. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- Karon Beach was marked as the deadliest beach in Phuket after eight people drowned between October 2012 and September 2013, said Karon Police Superintendent Weerawat Jantarawichit on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689532-karon-beach-named-deadliest-phuket-beach/

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Legal actions sought against financial backers of anti-govt protesters
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 16 – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will probe an allegation against 20 financiers who supported the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), a senior official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689533-legal-actions-sought-against-financial-backers-of-anti-govt-protesters/

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Bt12 billion earmarked to upgrade power at eastern industrial park
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 16 – The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) will invest Bt12 billion to solve the problem of power outages at Thailand’s eastern industrial park which contains more than 100 manufacturing plants, according to a senior Energy Ministry official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689534-bt12-billion-earmarked-to-upgrade-power-at-eastern-industrial-park/

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UPDATE:

45 countries voice support for Thailand to seek solutions through democratic means

BANGKOK, 16 Dec 2013 (NNT) – 45 countries have so far voiced their support for Thailand to seek political solutions through democratic means.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689521-capo-claims-asean-backs-february-2-election/#entry7166647

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's nephew in France lays low after Jang's execution
Kim Han-sol goes under the radar after the man who raised his exiled father is executed
Audrey Yoo

HONG KONG: -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s nephew, who is now studying in France, has gone under the radar after the execution of Pyongyang’s No 2 man, reported South Korean media.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689553-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-nephew-in-france-lays-low-after-jangs-execution/

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More than 50 local indie bands to perform at Stone Free III
By Coconuts Bangkok

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689556-kanchanaburi-more-than-50-local-indie-bands-to-perform-at-stone-free-iii/

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'Suud Soy' Named Political Word Of The Year
By Khaosod Online

BANGKOK: -- As 2013 is coming to an end in few weeks, Kasetsart University′s Faculty of Political Science has released the list of nicknames for political actors who have graced the headlines in Thailand throughout the year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689560-suud-soy-named-political-word-of-the-year-thailand/

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Boat services along Phasi Charoen canal to be available soon

BANGKOK, 16 December 2013, (NNT) -- In order to provide more convenience for Bangkok commuters, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is currently working on a project to link boat transportation along the Phasi Charoen canal with BTS sky train services.

According to the BMA, it has hired Krungthep Thanakom Co.,Ltd. to prepare boat services in the Phasi Charoen canal in order to connect it with BTS extension stations along Silom Line, starting from Saphan Taksin Station to Bang Wa Station. In addition, the company has erected 2 meters long walls along the 18 kilometers canal in order to prevent houses from waves of water that may occur during boat rides.

Subthananakorn Co.,Ltd. has been contracted to provide boat services for all the 15 piers along the Phasi Charoen canal, with up to 3,000 passengers projected to avail themselves of the service each day. Commuters can also transfer to the BTS sky train services, which, in turn, will help ease traffic congestion in Bangkok as well as decreasing commuting time.

It is predicted that travelling from Phetkasem 69 pier at the beginning of the Phasi Charoen canal route to Saphan Taksin-Phetkasem pier should take no more than 55 minutes. Passengers will be able to transfer to BTS Bang Wa Station and can easily get around the city from there, whereas it would take them as long as 1.30 minutes to travel by car from Phetkasem Road to Bang Wa Station.

-- NNT 2013-12-16

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Democrat party’s executive committee to be expanded

BANGKOK: -- The Democrat party will increase the number of its executive committee members from 19 and 35 at its general meeting tomorrow (Tuesday).

Party spokesman Chavanont Intharakomarasut said Monday that the new executive commit would be made up of one leader, ten deputy leaders five of which are regional leaders and the rest will be responsible for assignments delegated by the party leader, one secretary and five deputies, a treasurer, a spokesman, seven for general affairs, five to be selected from branch leaders and three from local community leaders.

The decision to enlarge the executive committee because the party wants to expand its operations and to increase communication with people in the localities, said Chavanont.

He dismissed the suggestion that the party’s new executive committee was modeled after the Pheu Thai party’s executive committee in order to interact more closely with the grassroot people.

Asked about the report that former secretary-general of Asean Surin Pitsuwan might be approached as the new party leader succeeding Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chavanont said he was not aware of such move.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/democrat-partys-executive-committee-expanded/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=democrat-partys-executive-committee-expanded

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-16

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Two Chiang Mai districts declared cold-spell disaster zones

Two districts in Chiang Mai have been declared cold-spell disaster zones after the temperature there plunged between four to seven Celsius degrees Monday, a senior official said.

Phatthanida Sadudee, chief of the Chiang Mai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, said the Om Koi and Fang districts were declared cold-spell disaster zones.

Monday saw the mercury on top of the Doi Inthanon drop to 3 Celsius degrees.

Phattanida said the cold spell affected 95 villages in six tambon of Omkoi and affected two villages in Fang.

-- The Nation 2013-12-16

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15-20% of Thai students suffering from depression

BANGKOK, 16 December 2013 (NNT) – The Public Health Ministry has revealed that around 15-20 percent of Thai students are suffering from depression, especially during this time of year when admission tests are near.

According to the Department of Mental Health, high school students may be very depressed from preparing themselves for college admission examinations. Students whose parents have high hopes can experience high level of stress as parents tend to overestimate their children's potential.

The department said failing to live up to their parents' expectations could lead to children developing mental disorders like depression and anxiety. And if the children have to go through the feeling of disappointment repeatedly, their lives could be affected when they become adults.

At present, around 15-20 percent of children of students in Thailand are depressed and the number will likely rise by 3 percent annually.

The Mental Health Department has therefore urged parents to be open-minded and listen more to their children, as some of them may be afraid to talk to their parents about certain issues; adding that all parents should be encouraging and act as counselors, not dictators.

-- NNT 2013-12-16

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Pheu Thai asks EC to take legal action against Suthep

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai Party Monday petitioned the Election Commission to launch an investigation against the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) for having allegedly violated the election law.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit filed the petition after PDRC secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban announced his intention to obstruct election process. Suthep also announced that he would pus for postponement of the snap election from four to eight mounts.

Prompong noted that Suthep had said Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (STR) adviser Nitithorn Lamlua would lead protesters to obstruct party-list candidacy registration next week. As a result, Suthep and Nitithorn had clear intention to obstruct election process, Prompong alleged.

-- The Nation 2013-12-16

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Korn says he will not accept party's position

BANGKOK: -- Former deputy Democrat leader Korn Chatikavanij on Monday posted on his Facebook that he will not accept a party executive post in the new executive members scheduled to be elected Tuesday.

"I had informed party leader [Abhisit Vejjajiva] my intention. It will be the first time I won't carry any executive post since I first joined the party," he wrote.

Korn, who resigned from the deputy post in late October to fight against the controversial amnesty bill, said the fight has not been over yet so it won't be appropriate to resume to his post.

"I want to see national reform before an election like others. I admit I have some different opinions from key party leaders but it's not matter because we have the same goal to see the better future for the country," he wrote.

-- The Nation 2013-12-16

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2010 POLITICAL VIOLENCE
Suthep to face court on January 8

BANGKOK: -- The Attorney General's Office has set January 8 as the day for anti-government rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban to report in connection with the political violence in 2010.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689569-suthep-to-face-court-on-january-8/

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Digital TV auction date to be announced soon

BANGKOK, 16 December 2013 (NNT) — The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) has announced that the digital TV auction date will not be extended beyond January 11, 2014.

NBTC broadcasting committee chairman Col. Nathee Sukolrat revealed that the NBTC will soon announce the official auction date of the 24 digital channels after it officially declared on December 12 that all the 29 companies applying to compete in the auction are qualified. NBTC regulations require the auction must take place within 30 days after the official announcement of the qualified candidates.

The auction will be carried in one of the 3 proposed methods: a one-day auction, a 2-day auction with 2 categories per day, and separate auctions for the four categories which will start from the HD channel, variety channel, news channel, and children’s channel.

Col. Nathee added that he believes every option will be ready by the actual auctioning day, as all sides have been well prepared for the event.

The 29 companies submitted a total of 41 applications to bid for licenses for the 24 digital channels

-- NNT 2013-12-16

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Former top military brass calls PM to resign, back reform

BANGKOK: -- The former commanders-in-chief of the Army, Air Force and Navy today called on caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down to pave the way for peaceful reform of the country as called for by the people.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689570-former-top-military-brass-calls-pm-to-resign-back-reform/

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Transgender student provocateur unhappy with media's use of 'Mr'
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Thammasat University's student activist, Sarun “Aum Neko” Chuichai, who earned attention in both Thai and international media by replacing the Thai national flag with a black flag at the university’s Rangsit campus, expressed her unhappiness on Facebook for the Bangkok Post’s decision to refer to her as "Mr. Saran.”

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689575-thai-ladyboy-student-activist-unhappy-with-media-calling-her-mr/

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Government to lose popular vote if rice scheme is scrapped

BANGKOK: -- The honorary president of the Rice Millers Association Niphon Wongtra-ngarn said the government would not scrap its rice-pledging scheme because it fears losing popular support in election campaign.

The former director-general of the state-owned Public Warehouse Organization said that the government would not scrap the scheme even though it has not sufficient money to support the scheme after having over spent on buying rice from farmers in the last main crop year.

It was the matter of fearing losing popular vote in the coming election campaign, he said.

The former PWO chief then advised the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives to set aside reserves to buy cash vouchers from farmers on behalf of the government to relieve the trouble of farmers who have not get money from the rice they sold.

He said farmers from 26 provinces have received cash vouchers but the vouchers could not be turned into cash yet because the bank has not yet obtained money from the government for rice sold under the 2012/2013 crop and 2014 crop years.

The government has over spent its cash limit for the scheme last crop season while the new round of budget of 270 billion baht earlier endorsed by the Cabinet has not yet been allocated.

He said there was attempt to shift budget from many sources to support the scheme.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/government-lose-popular-vote-rice-scheme-scrapped/

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-16