Thailand Live Friday 20 Dec 2013

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RT @RichardBarrow: The Butterworth-Bangkok train has derailed in Phetchaburi (Via @Nalinee_PLE) http://t.co/abU4WJVnDM

[Lite Beer]

“Thailand Spectacular Year End” campaign launched to attract tourists

BANGKOK, 20 December 2013 (NNT) –In a bid to boost the country’s tourism industry, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a tourism campaign entitled “Thailand Spectacular Year End.”

The TAT, in cooperation with the Airports of Thailand (AOT), introduced the first of its kind “Thailand Spectacular Year End” campaign, which will run until February 15th, 2014. The campaign is aimed at boosting spending of tourists during the New Year Festival.

According to the TAT, the campaign is in line with the government’s policy to trigger the economy and regain confidence among foreigners in light of the ongoing political stalemate in Thailand.

Other than the campaign mentioned above, the TAT is also hosting events called “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2014” in major provinces nationwide including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chonburi, Songkhla, Phuket, and Khon Kaen. These events will serve as venues for both Thai and foreign entrepreneurs to discuss business opportunities.

-- NNT 2013-12-20

[Lite Beer]

Noppadon: General elections can be organized without Democrats

BANGKOK, 20 Dec 2013 (NNT) - Mr. Noppadon Pattama, Legal Adviser of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, indicated the general election can be done without the Democrat Party.

According to his online media massages, Mr. Noppadon views that the decision whether or not to join the election race is up to each political party, adding that currently there are numerous number of political parties in Thailand and the absence of the Democrats would not make much difference.

He was referring to the Democrat Party's pending decision on boycotting the general election scheduled for February 2 next year.

Mr. Noppadon also pointed out that the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)'s demand for a political reform before the election is unnecessary, saying that both matters can be done side by side. However, he stated a more important problem lies in what must be reformed and who would be qualified to make such an important decision.

Therefore, he proposed that all sectors should participate in the reform by submitting realistic ideas with clear outlines or steps for voters to decide. He stated that by allowing the PDRC to make the final call on the subject matter would still create backlash from the parties that oppose the movement.

Instead, Mr. Noppadon suggested the PDRC to break down the reform proposal into smaller and clearer articles for political parties to choose and present them to the public in their election campaign. He explained that by this way, people can make the decision by themselves which aspects of political reform they want.

-- NNT 2013-12-20

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck leaves Army club, expected to be on way to meet EC

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has left the Army Club and is is on the way to the Government Complex where the Election Commission head office is located.

She is expected to discuss with the Election Commission about the election dare rescheduling.

Her car has exited the expressway near the Government Complex.

-- The Nation 2013-12-20

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RT@veen_NT 1.25pm: Warm welcome: Surhep is surrounded by his supporters at Silom, many giving him money pic.twitter.com/xQ8AFFRF16

[Lite Beer]

Beggars Arrested in Rayong

RAYONG:--Rayong police have arrested beggars in Rayong market due to many local people complaining that they were annoying tourists.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690699-not-so-disabled-beggars-arrested-in-rayong/

[Lite Beer]

Protesters march across Bangkok inviting public to Sunday's mass rally
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 20 - Anti-government protesters marched across the Thai capital on the second day to invite Bangkokians to join forces with the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) mass rally on Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690667-dprc-rally-in-bangkok-capo-tightens-security-at-27-embassies/#entry7184406

[Lite Beer]

Anti-graft group advocates reform before election
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 20 – A counter-graft advocacy group today urged Thailand's embattled caretaker government to postpone the scheduled February 2 general election pending a fight against widespread corruption and what is seen as a vicious cycle among politicians.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690708-anti-graft-group-advocates-reform-before-election/

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Yingluck reaches EC head office

Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reached the head office of the Election Commission at 1:48 pm Friday.

She was welcomed by the EC secretary general.

She is expected to discuss the election with the EC. The EC has earlier recommended the government to reach an agreement with the opponents on a new election date.

-- The Nation 2013-12-20

[Lite Beer]

RT@sunaibkk: PM Yingluck, DPM Surapong (as CAPO chief) & Defense Perm-Sec Gen. Niphat are now meeting Election Commission.

[Lite Beer]

Russian repays cross dresser’s hotel-room surprise with broken nose

PATTAYA:--A Russian tourist embarrassed to find the woman he hired for sex was really a man was arrested after breaking the cross dresser’s nose.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690710-russian-repays-cross-dressers-hotel-room-surprise-with-broken-nose/

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TOURISM
Foreign confidence remains despite protests: TCT
The Nation


Tourism Council of Thailand president Piyaman Tejapaibul

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Council of Thailand president Piyaman Tejapaibul foresees the continued increase in tourist arrivals and tourism revenue in 2014 despite political chaos.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690714-foreign-confidence-remains-despite-protests-tourism-council-of-thailand/

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Sorachak resigns as THAI president

BANGKOK: -- Sorachak Kasemsuwan has stepped down as the president of Thai Airways International.

He informed the THAI board of directors that his resignation would take effect on January 2. He cited health problems as his reason for resignation.


-- The Nation 2013-12-20

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Chiang Mai Man Killed By 'Jealous Boyfriend' In Trang
By Khaosod Online

BANGKOK: -- A jealous man reportedly shot dead a friend of the man who talked to his girlfriend at a bar restaurant in Trang province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690716-man-killed-by-jealous-boyfriend-in-trang/

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N Korea threatens to strike South without warning

SEOUL: -- North Korea has threatened to strike South Korea without warning. A spokesman for the South Korean Defense Ministry said on Friday that the North's powerful National Defense Commission on Thursday sent a fax to South Korea's National Security Council through the western coastal military hotline to threaten to strike the South "without any notice."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690742-n-korea-threatens-to-strike-south-without-warning/

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Facebook used to monitor human migration patterns, many tracked to Thailand
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Some expats are sent here by employers. Some are retreating from poor prospects back home. Others make the move for want of adventure, love or the tropical sun.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690744-facebook-used-to-monitor-human-migration-patterns-many-tracked-to-thailand/

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Many Aluminium Pots 'Fail' Safety Standard
By Khaosod Online



BANGKOK: -- The Office of Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has warned that Thais are at risk of suffering chemical contamination from kitchenware made of sub-standard aluminium alloy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690750-many-aluminium-pots-fail-thai-safety-standard/

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SET index closed 1,342.72, down 3.91; Bt/USD32.48; GBP53.00; AUD28.66; EUR44.16; CAD30.31; HKD4.18; SGD25.52; JPY30.96

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Nida Pol shows 55.34% of 1,254 people polled nationwide believe Feb.2 general election is unlikely to be smooth /The Nation

Cambodian PM Hun Sen rejected opposition calls for dissolution of National Assembly,his resignation to allow a new general election /The Nation

Caretaker PM Yingluck met Election Commission to discuss election options amid ongoing political impasse /The Nation

PM Yingluck urged armed forces to remain neutral throughout current political conflict,Defence Ministry spokesman said /The Nation

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Caretaker PM Yingluck hold talks with election commissioners
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 20 – Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra called on the Election Commission (EC) this afternoon to discuss election options amid escalating political conflicts.

Accompanied by some Cabinet members and state officials, she is to seek the EC's explanations on the February 2 snap poll while anti-government protesters have occupied several thoroughfares in Bangkok since this morning to call for the caretaker government to resign and terminate the February 2 general election.

Puchong Nutrawong, EC secretary general, said the EC has mapped out a contingency plan to relocate the election registration site in case the location is blocked by anti-government protesters.

Dec 23-27 is scheduled for candidates in the February 2 nationwide poll to submit their applications. The Thai-Japanese Stadium at Din Daeng is the registration location.

EC chairman Supachai Somcharoen said he is willing to meet every party to discuss the election procedure and assured that election commissioners will do their best to organise the general election, if held.

Meanwhile, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul urged all factions to hold talks to find resolutions to Thailand's political turmoil.

He urged leaders of political parties and election commissioners to jointly hold talks at the Sukosol Hotel tomorrow afternoon.

“We don’t have much time. If everything goes on smoothly, we can apply for candidacies on Monday,” he said.

“We want political parties to agree and promise that the election will be in accordance with the law and traditional practice.” (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-12-20

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Election Commission announces after talks with caretaker PM: Feb 2 election to be held as planned; concern over insufficient budget /MCOT

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Mayor 'cannot' move businesses off Phuket's Surin Beach
Wiparatana Nathalang


The Mayor of Cherng Talay, Ma-ann Samran.

PHUKET: -- The Mayor of Cherng Talay, Ma-ann Samran, this week admitted he cannot organise the messy businesses operating on Surin Beach, nor tackle the alleged encroachment on land next to the sand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690756-mayor-cannotmove-businesses-off-phukets-surin-beach/

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Phuket water bills to rise from Jan 1

PHUKET: -- Phuket municipality is to increase water fees for the first time in 13 years to cope with the rising cost of buying water from the private sector, according to Phuket Town Mayor Somjai Suwansupapana.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690781-phuket-water-bills-to-rise-from-jan-1/

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UPDATE:

Former Pheu Thai MP Chaovarin gets 2-year jail term for fraud
By English News

BANGKOK: -- BANGKOK, Dec 20 – Thailand’s Criminal Court on Friday sentenced former Pheu Thai member of parliament Chaovarin Latthasaksiri, 65, to two years in jail without parole for fraud related to selling "Jatukam Ramathep" talismen.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690687-court-sentences-former-ratchaburi-mp-two-years-in-prison/

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UPDATE:

More human remains found believed to be those of missing Phuket 7-year-old
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: More human remains were found today in the pine woods where family members of missing 7-year-old Nong Dear and villagers yesterday discovered fragments of a human skull, along with shorts and a pair of slippers that matched those the girl was wearing at the time of her disappearance.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690619-skull-fragment-found-in-phuket-believed-to-be-of-missing-7-year-old/

[Lite Beer]

Petrol and gasohol prices raised

BANGKOK: -- PTT and Bangchak Petroleum will raise petrol and gasohol retail prices by Bt0.50 per litre, effective on December 21.

The diesel price will be maintained.

In Bangkok, 95-octane petrol will be retailed at Bt47.45 a litre, while gasohol 95 will cost Bt39.93.

The price of gasohol E85 will be Bt0.30 per litre higher, to Bt23.88

-- The Nation 2013-12-20

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Military must choose 'the side of righteousness' say retired officers

BANGKOK: -- A group of retired police and military officers Friday issued a statement, urging the military's top brass to choose "the side of righteousness" and demand the government implement political reforms, before holding elections on February 2.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690789-military-must-choose-the-side-of-righteousness-say-retired-officers/

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Election Commission goes ahead with Feb 2 election
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 20 – The Election Commission (EC) announced today to go ahead with a snap poll on February 2 amid escalating call for a national reform before the election.

EC chairman Supachai Somcharoen said after a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra that the EC did not offer to mediate among different factions in light of political conflicts.

He said the prime minister and election commissioners agreed that an election is essential and should be held fairly but the EC would not give its opinions whatsoever.

Five election commissioners share the same opinions on an election and would not suggest a public forum to discuss the issue, he said.

He said Ms Yingluck inquired if the election budget would be sufficient and wanted to ensure safety and conveniences to voters on the election day.

Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, one of the election commissioners, said different quarters in society should jointly resolve the political tension with dialogue.

The prime minister promised to do her best to solve the problem and said she has been aware of the people’s sentiment, he said.

Puchong Nutrawong, EC secretary general, said the EC has mapped out a contingency plan to relocate the election registration site in case the location is blocked by anti-government protesters.

Dec 23-27 is scheduled for candidates in the February 2 nationwide poll to submit their applications. The Thai-Japanese Stadium at Din Daeng is the registration location.

He said the EC will definitely not move to an army building as reported and did not request additional security personnel.

Meanwhile, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul urged all factions to hold talks amid political uncertainty and chaos

He said the EC is not empowered to organise a political dialogue, urging leaders of political parties and election commissioners to jointly find a resolution at the Sukosol Hotel tomorrow afternoon.

“We don’t have much time. If everything goes on smoothly, we can apply for candidacies on Monday,” he said.

“We want political parties to agree and promise that the election, if held, will be in accordance with the law and traditional practice.” (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-20

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RT@SteveInCM: Nida Poll predicts election trouble ahead | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

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UPDATE:

'Singha Heiress' Undeterred By Tycoon's Warning: Abhisit

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government socialite Ms. Chitapas Bhirombhakdi will not cease her political activities despite warning from her family patriarch, said chairman of the Democrat Party.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690391-singha-beer-brewery-distances-itself-from-anti-govt-socialite/page-5?p=7185199#entry7185199