Thailand Live Tuesday 17 Dec 2013

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Protest leaders demand poll agency postpone election
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 17 - Protest leaders met with the Election Commission (EC) today demanding that the general election scheduled for Feb 2 be postponed.

Protest leader Somsak Kosaisuk went to the EC headquarters this morning to meet with poll agency chairman Supachai Somcharoen and the commissioners in person.

Mr Somsak read a petition, signed by People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leader Suthep Thaugsuban, urging postponement of the election.

The anti-government allies however emphasised that they were not rejecting the election, but that they support the country's reform first before the election is held.

Without the reform, there will be chaos and fraud during the upcoming election, the key protest leader said.

Meanwhile, National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general Lt Gen Paradorn Pattanathabut said the continuing political rally will persist but the protest leaders might scale down their activities
during the New Year celebrations.

The NSC chief said the anti-government protest leaders will mobilise their crowds again after New Year celebrations.

Currently, he said, the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand, a PDRC ally, has been spearheading active moves against the interim government.

They have shown some signs of violence, but Gen Paradorn said he believes that the Thai public will be able to celebrate their New Year as usual, as no violence has occurred recently,. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-12-17

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Advance voting for Thai expatriates to be held from Jan 13 to 26

BANGKOK: -- Advance balloting for the February 2 election for Thai expatriates will take place between January 13 to 26, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Tuesday.

Sek said the Thai embassies and consular offices would announce time and places for holding the advance balloting on the www.khonthai.com for Thai expatriates living nearby.

The advance balloting can be held at polling booths to be set by the embassies and consular offices or by mails, Sek said.

He said the Foreign Ministry has sent handbooks for organising the advance voting to foreign embassies and consular offices.


-- The Nation 2013-12-17

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RT @tulsathit: Just love this one. RT @TheWorldStories: Hey Man Everything gonna alright http://t.co/uihnuTEIPl

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RT @BBCWorld: Angela Merkel confirmed for third term as chancellor by German parliament and will lead grand coalition http://t.co/uTQM7h7y3K

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SET index closed 1,337.18, up 8.78; Bt/USD31.93; GBP52.00; AUD28.39; EUR43.85; CAD30.03; HKD4.11; SGD25.30; JPY30.87

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15 politicians from small parties applied for membership at Pheu Thai party head office today /The Nation

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POLITICS
Election postponement possible if parties agree: EC
The Nation


File photo : Somchai

BANGKOK: -- Election Commission member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said on Tuesday that the EC is ready to postpone the election from February 2 if political parties reach an agreement to delay it and if it is permitted under the law.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689878-election-postponement-possible-if-parties-agree-thai-ec/

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Authorities to expedite assistance for cold snap-hit provinces

BANGKOK, 17 December 2013 (NNT) - The Interior Ministry has been assigned to expedite relief efforts for northern and northeastern residents affected by lingering wintry conditions.

During the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the cabinet was briefed on plummeting temperatures in Thailand’s upper parts and the villagers’ lack of warm clothes and blankets. It was agreed that provinces which see the mercury dropping lower than 15 degree Celsius for more than three consecutive days could withdraw emergency funds to assist the affected communities.

The Meteorological Department has warned that a strong high pressure from China is covering the North and extending to the Northeast. The mercury will drop further by 3-5 degree Celsius.

In the Northern province of Lampang, the temperature in Muang district has dropped to 11 degree. The province’s mountain peaks are experiencing temperatures as low as 5 degree.

Chiang Mai provincial authorities are requesting additional budget to cope with a cold snap that has shrouded roads with thick fog. Residents have also been advised against creating bonfires to warm themselves as the fire could spread.


-- NNT 2013-12-17

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Participants of today's 2nd political reform forum hosted by govt,support Feb.2 general election,PM's Office secretary Thongthong Chandransu said /The Nation

15 politicians from small parties applied for membership at Pheu Thai party head office today /The Nation

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Thai opposition undecided on election boycott

BANGKOK, December 17, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's opposition party said Tuesday it remained undecided over whether to boycott snap polls called by the government to mollify massive street protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689886-thai-opposition-undecided-on-election-boycott/

[Lite Beer]

Lesbian Celebrities To Be Married In Western Country

BANGKOK: -- The famous Thai actress ′Aew′ Ampha Phusit has announced that she will marry her girlfriend in an unidentified Western country.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689891-lesbian-celebrities-to-be-married-in-western-country/

[Lite Beer]

Child murderer apologizes to Nong Cartoon’s parents
By Coconuts BangkokDecember 17, 2013 / 18:14 ICT

BANGKOK: -- This afternoon authorities took Nui, the child murder suspect who confessed to killing and raping a 6-year-old girl named Cartoon earlier this month to kneel before the girl’s parents for an apology ceremony (kor kama) in front of the press at noon.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689922-child-murderer-apologizes-to-nong-cartoons-parents/

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Police to target foreigners at night
Phuket Gazette -

Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Peerayuth Karachedi (right) has prepared his officers to target foreigners at night. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: Foreigners passing through checkpoints at night will be stopped and searched as part of a new effort to ensure the safety of people and property on Phuket, police announced today.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689928-phuket-police-to-target-foreigners-at-night/

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: Suthep said that if the Pheu Thai govt comes back,it will revive the amnesty bill which will let Thaksin come back.

[george]

To sum up what’s happening: [suthep:] Dec 19-20 new rallies, 21st Dems decide to run in elex, 22nd “must get YL out!”, 23rd MP registration deadline. /@Saksith

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to continue:

Thailand Live Wednesday 18 Dec 2013

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/689986-thailand-live-wednesday-18-dec-2013/