Thailand Live Wednesday 18 Dec 2013

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Commercial banks start reserving cash for their ATMs

BANGKOK, 18 Dec 2013 (NNT) - Commercial banks have started reserving cash for their Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) across the nation, preparing for the rising public spending during the long New Year holidays.

Bangkok Bank reported that it has reserved 50 billion baht for its 8,300 ATMs nationwide, ensuring that the bank would top up its machines more frequently during the period. It also promises to pay extra attention to the machines located in tourist attraction areas.

Similarly, Krungthai Bank has prepared 70 billion baht for its ATMs, a 23.8% increase from last year. Krungsri Bank also sets aside 8 billion baht for the bank's machines. Meanwhile, Kasikorn Bank plans to supply 40 billion baht to its ATMs, an increase of 6 billion baht from last year. On the other hand, the Siam Commercial Bank and the Thai Military Bank are allocating 50 billion baht and 8 billion baht respectively for their ATMs during the holidays.

The New Year period, as termed by the banks, this year starts from December 26th 2013 to January 2nd, 2014.


-- NNT 2013-12-18

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Land prices may be affected if 2.2 trillion baht infrastructure project does not realize

BANGKOK, 18 Dec 2013, (NNT) - Mr. Pirat Monthapan, President of the Thai Valuers Association (TVA), expressed his concerns over the 2.2 trillion baht infrastructure development projects, saying that they still lack clarity and progress.

He made an assumption that the projects are either waiting for the Constitutional Court to rule on its constitutionality or the royal endorsement, adding that the latter can only be done by the next administration.

Regarding the general election, Mr. Pirat said that if the national polls were cancelled, investment for the infrastructure projects would have to be delayed, causing prices of lands located near the projects to drop.

The longer the mega projects were put off, the lower the land prices would be. However, the prices would only be slightly adjusted, as the current prices of land are determined by the purchase date, aside from its location, said the association president.


-- NNT 2013-12-18

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Wednesday 18 December 2013 Time issued 0500 LST

General Situation
The rater strong high pressure from China extends to the upper Thailand. The westerly trough covers the Northeast. Cool to cold weather with light fog and 1-3 degree Celsius drops is likely. People should beware of the severe weather. The rater strong northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf of Thailand and the South causes more rains in the lower south and wind-wave will intensify. All boats should procedure with caution.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 A.M. Wednesday to 6.00 A.M. Thursday.
Northern Thailand Cold, 1-3 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 8-14 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 20-28 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops with isolated frost. Minimum temperature 1-3 degree Celsius. Northerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cold, 2-3 degree Celsius drops and windy. Minimum temperature 11-14 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 17-26 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 3-6 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool to cold with light fog in the morning, 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 15-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-30 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-14 degree Celsius. Northerly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with light fog in the morning, 1-2 degree Celsius drops and isolated thundershowers. Minimum temperature 17-20 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-30 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters offshore.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cloudy and scattered thundershowers mostly in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 22-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-32 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy and scattered thundershowers mostly in Phang-nga , Krabi, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool with light fog in the morning, 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 18-20 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 degree Celsius. Northerly winds 15-30 km/hr.


-- NNT 2013-12-18

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

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Anti-government protesters march to the Royal Thai Police HQ to follow up on the investigation into the death of Ramkhamhaeng University student on Nov 30. /Bangkok Post

PM inspects military airport in Surin, boards train to Si Sa Ket to survey northeast rail tracks /MCOT

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TAT expects 18 billion baht of cash flow during New Year

BANGKOK, 18 Dec 2013 (NNT) - Tourism will generate 18 billion baht in revenue during the New Year holidays from December 28th to January 1st, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). TAT's Director of Souvenir Division Wilaiwan Tawitchasri said that out of the expected revenue, about 16.35 billion baht will come from domestic tourism with 2.48 million travelers, a 5% increase from the same period last year.

She explained an additional holiday announced by the government is credited for the increasing number of domestic travelers and public spending, as it offers tourists more time to prepare and execute their travel plans.

According to her, the North is the most popular destination with well over 690,000 travelers planning to visit the area, followed by the East at 600,000 and the southern region at 300,000 visitors. Bangkok is likely to welcome 300,000 tourists during the New Year holidays.

Ms. Wilaiwan brushed off effects of the current political conflicts on tourism, saying that the number of international flights does not show signs of declining. The expected number of foreign visitors during the New Year period is 500,000, with a total spending of 2 billion baht.


-- NNT 2013-12-18

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‘Jaturon’ undecided about running for next elections

BANGKOK, 18 December 2013 (NNT) — Education Minister Jaturon Chaisang stated that he has not yet decided whether or not to run in the February 2 general elections.

Mr. Jaturon pointed out that if the Democrat Party members refuse to participate, the elections would mean nothing - adding that the government has no authority to postpone this election as it would go against the constitution.

Should the Democrats, indeed, decide to not participate, Mr. Jaturon stated that the country will lose its credibility in the international community and the absence would stir up public anxiety about the country’s political conflict.

Therefore, the best solution, added Mr. Jaturon, is for the Democrats to enter the elections and resolve each party’s differences within Parliament. However, Mr. Jaturon mentioned that should the Democrats refuse to run, then he too would refuse, as the election would be meaningless.


-- NNT 2013-12-18

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Anti-govt protest leader Suthep to lead another rally Dec.19,20 before another mass rally this Sun. to press caretaker PM to resign /The Nation

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Over half of businesses surveyed not aware of AEC



BANGKOK: -- The lack of interest in Asean developments among business communities within Asean has been cited as a possible cause behind the slow progress of implementing the Asean Economic Community (AEC) 2015, said the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690050-over-half-of-businesses-surveyed-not-aware-of-aec/

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State union workers begin campaign to oust PM Yingluck



BANGKOK: -- The State Enterprises Workers Relations Confederation (SEWRC) today kicked off a street campaign in Bangkok to persuade all state union workers to join the People’s Democratic Reform Council (PDRC).

Led by its leader Komsan Thongsin, hundreds of the state union workers are now gathering at the head-office of the Thai Airways International to rally support from the THAI workers union. They were warmly welcomed by the THAI union employees.

THAI employees supported the ouster move reasoning that their organization has long suffered after it came under the regime rule a decade ago with financial loss and patronage system.

The SEWRC demonstration will move out from THAI to other state enterprises, namely, TOT, CAT and EGAT, to persuade all union worker to take part in the anti-Thaksin regime mass rally to be called by the PDRC on Sunday.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/state-union-workers-begin-campaign-oust-pm-yingluck/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-18

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UN secretary-general calls on all sides in Thailand to refrain from violence

NEW YORK, 18 December 2013 (NNT) – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, at his year-end press conference, stressed the need for everybody involved to quickly act to improve the humanitarian situation in Syria, and also called on all sides in Thailand to refrain from violence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690053-un-secretary-general-calls-on-all-sides-in-thailand-to-refrain-from-violence/

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Anti-govt protesters heading to Nation Police HQ,Rama I Rd today to follow up on probe of Ramkhamhaeng U. student shot dead in Nov.30 clash near campus /The Nation

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AFTERMATH
Police urged to speed up investigation into Ramkhamhaeng clash



BANGKOK: -- Hundreds of protesters protested on Wednesday at the Royal police headquarters on Pathumwan road to protest delay in investigation into fatal shootings at Ramkhamhaeng University early this month.

The protesters who arrived at the headquarters at about 11am were members of the People's Democratic Reform Committee and led by PDRC leaders Thavorn Seneam and Issara Somchai.

They conducted one minute’s silence in memory of four men killed in the clash that happened on the night of November 30 until morning of December 1. More than 50 were injured.

Thavorn and Issara were allowed to enter the compound to submit a letter which demanded speeding up of the investigation into the incident to the police chief.


-- The Nation 2013-12-18

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Caretaker Deputy PM Surapong: 50 countries have expressed concern over Thailand's political situation, says UN chief urges all parties to refrain from violence /MCOT

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Good Shepherd school opens in Phuket



PHUKET: -- After 18 months of hard work, The Good Shepherd School on the outskirts of Phuket Town finally opened its doors on December 6.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690057-good-shepherd-school-opens-in-phuket/

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UPDATE:

'Abhisit' undecided about running in general elections

BANGKOK, 18 December 2013 (NNT) — Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva revealed that he would hold a meeting of the managing body of the party to decide the party’s participation in the next general elections held on February 2.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690039-dems-remain-split-over-thai-election-boycott;-bigwigs-to-decide-saturday/#entry7174907

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RT @RichardBarrow: MISSING CHILD: Have you seen this 7 year old boy? He went missing las month in Loei. Call 080-775-2673 http://t.co/npmLyRBLGN

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UPDATE:

Thai Protesters Say They Will Rally to Hound Yingluck From Office

An anti-government protestor sits in front of a gate at Government House in Bangkok. (Photo: Steve Tickner / The Irrawaddy)

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690006-bangkok-mass-anti-government-protest-on-sunday/page-2?p=7174975#entry7174975

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China reports first human death from new bird flu strain

JIANGXI: -- A 73-year-old woman in China has been confirmed as the first person to die from a new strain of avian influenza, reports on Wednesday cited health experts as saying.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690065-china-reports-first-human-death-from-new-bird-flu-strain/

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Still no sign of missing Phuket child, Nong Dear
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan


Nong Dear in a photo taken a year ago, the most recent one the family have of her.

PHUKET: -- More than two weeks since she disappeared, six-year-old Nong Dear is still missing, police confirmed today (December 18).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690066-still-no-sign-of-missing-phuket-child-nong-dear/

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Teaching in Phuket: the warning signs
Eric Haeg


If Phuket language schools don’t follow the law, they might very well have empty classrooms.

PHUKET: -- Red flags – they’re clearly visible on Phuket’s beaches but not at Phuket’s schools.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690072-teaching-in-phuket-the-warning-signs/

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Surapong claims now 50 countries support February 2 election



BANGKOK: -- The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) announced at noon today that a total of 50 countries and the United Nations have supported the government’s scheduled election on February 2.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690081-surapong-claims-now-50-countries-support-february-2-election/

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PM Yingluck affirms her leadership in interim govt is obligatory

BANGKOK, 18 Dec 2013 (NNT) - Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reaffirmed that she would not quit her post until the general election is over and a new government is formed.

The Prime Minister clarified her reasons for staying in power in her online media message, saying that the cabinet acts as a single unit, and its members are taking joint responsibilities. Thus, when the House dissolution takes place, the Prime Minister and cabinet members have to remain in their positions until the next administration is formed, as stated in the Section 171 and 181 of the Constitution.

The Prime Minister said that she would do the best of her ability to assist the Election Commission in organizing the national polls scheduled for February 2nd in transparent, fair, and peaceful manners.

Prime Minister Yingluck said she has not completely ruled out the resignation option, and she is always listening to all opinions, majority or not. However, such views must be conformed to the boundary of the kingdom's democracy under the constitutional monarchy.


-- NNT 2013-12-18

[Lite Beer]

Temperatures to drop 1-3 more degrees

BANGKOK, 18 December 2013 (NNT) – Temperatures in the upper part of Thailand are expected to drop further 1-3 degrees Celsius, due to a high pressure area extending from China.

People in Thailand's central, northeastern and northern regions have been experiencing cooler temperatures for several days, and according to the Meteorological Department, they will face colder weather from Wednesday.

The weather bureau indicated that a medium-strength high-pressure cell still covers the upper parts of Thailand, causing chilly weather and morning fog in the areas, including Bangkok.

In the North, temperatures will drop 1-3 degrees Celsius, with the lowest of the day being around 8-14 degrees and the highest of around 20-28 degrees. In the Northeast, temperatures will drop a few more degrees and the day’s temperatures are between 11 - 26 degrees Celsius. The South will experience more rain with high sea waves.

-- NNT 2013-12-18

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Supreme Commander supportive of election

BANGKOK, 18 December 2013 (NNT) – Supreme Commander Gen Thanasak Patimapragorn has confirmed he is backing the upcoming general election, saying the military is ready to support any mechanism that will benefit the nation.

Gen Thanasak is currently on a visit to the Deep South to give moral support to local security officers ahead of the New Year holiday. Prior to his departure, he remarked it would be a good thing if the February 2 election could take place as planned. However, he insisted that every proceeding must be in accord with the rule of law and talks should always be the means to thrash out differences.

On the military’s part, the Supreme Commander said it was willing to provide support as requested, on the condition that it was allowed to adhere to its duty.

Many sides were anticipating Gen Thanasak’s statement in regard to the military’s stance on the next election after confusion about the issue was recently spread in the society.

-- NNT 2013-12-18

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Right to fight back: Women push government to legalize pepper spray for self-defense
By Coconuts Bangkok;

BANGKOK: -- Although all research indicates strangers are only responsible for a small percentage of sexual assaults, this week’s horrifying news of a serial rapist-murder preying on young girls has women thinking about how to fight back.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690086-right-to-fight-back-women-push-government-to-legalize-pepper-spray-for-self-defense/

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Court sends 8 cops convicted of robbing, raping woman to prison
By Coconuts Bangkok

Eight police officers found guilty of robbing and raping a woman are going to jail for a long time.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690088-court-sends-8-cops-convicted-of-robbing-abusing-woman-to-prison/

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UPDATE:

50 countries express concern about Thailand’s political situation
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 18 -- Some 50 countries have expressed concern about Thailand's political situation and given support to Thailand in its political movement to uphold democracy under the Thai Constitution, according to caretaker Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690081-surapong-claims-now-50-countries-support-february-2-election/#entry7175367

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Corrections Department test-runs ankle monitor on 57 child, youth detainees

BANGKOK: -- The Corrections Department is test-running electronic ankle monitor on 57 child and youth detainees, the department chief said Wednesday.

Ruenwadee Suwanmongkol, the director-general of the Corrections Department, said the pilot project of ankle monitor will involve 57 young detainees has started on December 1 and will last until February 28.

Her department Wednesday demonstrated the use of ankle monitors at the Government Complex and the event was witnessed by caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri.

-- The Nation 2013-12-18
The ankle monitors can put detainees under house arrest and prevent them from entering prohibit zones.

The demonstration showed that the monitor immediately alerted the control centre when a wearer tried to destroy or remove it or enter a prohibited zone or leave his restrict area.

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BAAC union proposes end to rice scheme

BANGKOK: -- Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives' labour union Wednesday hosted a press conference, saying the bank now has only Bt12 billion cash to cover the rice-pledging scheme.

The union said that the amount would be sufficient to cover the pledging until the end of this month.

It also urged for the abolition of the scheme and proposed rice mortgages. Some farmers may be enlisted for rice pledging. It said that this would lower the rice price, to be more in line with market prices.

-- The Nation 2013-12-18

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7 Year Old Girl Beaten And Drown By Thief

A 7 year old girl was beaten and drowned to death by a thief after he broke into a house and stole property. He was apprehended by local people.

KRABI – December 18, 2013 [PDN]; at 00.15, Pol.Capt.Boonsong Longwaree, detective of Khao Panom, Krabi

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690121-krabi-7-year-old-girl-beaten-and-drowned-to-death-by-a-thief/