Thailand Live Saturday 21 Dec 2013

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Chiang Mai Reds Vow Support For US Ambassador


Anti-government protesters confronting police officers in front of the US Embassy in Bangkok, 19 December 2013

BANGKOK: -- Representatives of Redshirts in Chiang Mai province have issued a statement vowing support for US Ambassador to Thailand in the aftermath of anti-government rally in front of US Embassy in Bangkok yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690858-chiang-mai-red-shirts-vow-support-for-us-ambassador/

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Thai navy sues Phuketwan.com website over Rohingya report: editor

BANGKOK, (AFP) - Thailand's navy has launched a criminal defamation lawsuit against a Phuket-based news website, its editor said Friday, over a report alleging military involvement in networks smuggling Muslim Rohingya boat people from Myanmar.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690813-thai-navy-sues-phuketwancom-website-over-rohingya-report-editor/

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Election Commission goes ahead with Feb 2 election
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 21 – The Election Commission (EC) announced yesterday to go ahead with a snap poll on February 2 amid escalating calls for national reform before such an election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690860-thai-election-commission-goes-ahead-with-feb-2-election/

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POLITICS
People show support by handing over cash to Suthep
Chanon Wongsatayanont
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Apart from addressing social issues, the People's Democratic Reform Committee led by former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban has now started focusing on collecting donations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690861-people-show-support-by-handing-over-cash-to-suthep/

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POLITICS
Military urged to choose 'the side of righteousness'
The Nation

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

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

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Expats' view on political chaos
Nophakhun Limsamarnphun
The Nation


Marc Spiegel, left, and Nandor von der Luehe, centre.

Leaders voice support for fresh election, reform

BANGKOK: -- Several long-time expatriate business leaders based in Thailand have been voicing their opinions on the country's latest round of political confrontation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690862-expats-view-on-political-chaos-in-thailand/

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Tourism council still upbeat on 2014 foreign arrivals
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Despite the ongoing political tension, the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) is still optimistic about next year's performance and projects 29.92 million foreign tourist arrivals, against an estimated 26.69 million for this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690863-thai-tourism-council-still-upbeat-on-2014-foreign-arrivals/

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Baht in biggest weekly fall in four months after Fed move
Chairat Srisuk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The baht has had its sharpest weekly decline in four months, following the US Federal Reserve's announcement that it would reduce its monetary stimulus programme during the course of next year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690864-thai-baht-in-biggest-weekly-fall-in-four-months-after-us-fed-move/

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Sorajak quits top THAI post
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation


Sorajak

Cites poor health following 'board's disappointments'

BANGKOK: -- In office for just 14 months, Sorajak Kasemsuvan, president of Thai Airways International, the national carrier, resigned from the top post yesterday, citing poor health.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690865-sorajak-quits-top-thai-post/

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Thai opposition weighs poll boycott in crunch weekend

BANGKOK, December 21, 2013 (AFP) - Thailand's opposition is meeting Saturday to mull a possible boycott of snap elections in a crunch weekend for the crisis-gripped kingdom as protesters prepare to ramp up rallies aimed at toppling the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690866-thai-opposition-weighs-poll-boycott-in-crunch-weekend/

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NACC expects to lodge charges on rice pledging frauds in Jan

BANGKOK, 21 December 2013 (NNT) – The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is accelerating its investigation into irregularities behind the government’s rice pledging program, expecting charges to be filed against culprits within January.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690867-nacc-expects-to-lodge-charges-on-thai-rice-pledging-frauds-in-jan/

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UPDATE:

US expresses wish to see peace process in Thailand

BANGKOK, 21 December 2013 (NNT) – The US Embassy in Bangkok has confirmed its neutrality towards the Thai political situation while emphasizing its support for a peace dialogue between conflicting parties.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690858-chiang-mai-red-shirts-vow-support-for-us-ambassador/#entry7186352

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EDITORIAL
Men in uniform keep country in suspense
The Nation

The military's every move is being scrutinised and interpreted, but confusion over their role in the current crisis reflects a new era of Thai politics

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690869-men-in-uniform-keep-country-in-suspense-thai-editorial/

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Police Distribute Police Science Calendars To Improve Crime Prevention



The commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau has designed calendars to be distributed around police stations and educational institutes to increase effectiveness in preventing crime.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690871-thai-police-distribute-police-science-calendars-to-improve-crime-prevention/

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Tough routine for 'Kamnan Suthep'
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation



Longterm MP who has quit politics now aims to end rival's career also

BANGKOK: -- "Kamnan Suthep" (Tambon headman) has become Suthep Thaugsuban's popular alias after he decided to step down from public office and lead protesters against Yingluck Shinawatra's government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690872-tough-routine-for-kamnan-suthep/

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Taking voting rights away from poor and uneducated not the answer: election commissioner
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- TALK AMONG the educated middle class and the elite about taking away people's right to vote is unacceptable, Election Commission member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said, adding that this went against the fundamental values of equality.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690873-taking-voting-rights-away-from-poor-and-uneducated-not-the-answer-thai-election-commissioner/

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Temperature plummets to below freezing in Loei and Phitsanulok
The Nation


Frost blankets the roof of a car in Phitsanulok

BANGKOK: -- The temperature dropped to minus-1 degree Celsius in Loei's Phu Rua district yesterday, with frost spreading over the soccer field of a local school.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690874-temperature-plummets-to-below-freezing-in-loei-and-phitsanulok/

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NEWS OF THE YEAR 2013
News about His Majesty most sought after this year
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- News reports about His Majesty the King brought the most delight to Thais, according to "News of the Year 2013", a survey of this year's most popular news reports.

Conducted by Bangkok Poll, the survey found that 64.5 per cent of respondents were most delighted by news reports about His Majesty's discharge from Siriraj Hospital and his return to Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. His Majesty's public appearance on December 5, his 86th birthday, was just as popular.

The survey, which covered 1,283 people across the country, found that 49.2 per cent believed the saddest news of the year was the one about clashes between Ramkhamhaeng University students and the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship and the use of tear gas against anti-government demonstrators.

Of those polled, 58.7 per cent said they were most interested in news coverage about anti-government rallies led by Suthep Thaugsuban. When asked about the most creative element of the rallies, 53.5 per cent answered "whistles".

To date, a total of 22.4 per cent said they felt caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was the most admirable person of the year.

The survey also addressed "the most … of the year" in other areas, including broadcasting.

For example, it asked which TV series respondents liked the most in 2013, and 67 per cent gave the thumbs up to TV3's "Thong Nua Kao". Respondents also chose Lamyong - the lead actress in the series - as their favourite TV character of the year.


-- The Nation 2013-12-21

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Electronic hookahs 'harmful to lungs'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A prominent anti-smoking activist yesterday warned new smokers and young people to avoid using the electronic barakus or hookahs that are fast becoming popular among students, saying the fruit-flavoured liquids used in the devices were dangerous to the respiratory system.

Professor Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit, secretary-general of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation Thailand, said vendors who sold electronic baraku devices without a licence faced a Bt20,000 fine.

"[Teenage] smokers will only be wasting money and health if they buy these devices," he added.

"As a pulmonologist, I confirm that this liquid aromatic substance is an alien element and can be harmful to the lungs and bad for health," he said. Pulmonology is concerned with disease of the respiratory tract.

As to the vendors' claim that these aromatic devices are not addictive, Prakit said there were no official studies to confirm this.

Electronic hookah devices are becoming popular among school and university students, because of their alleged non-addictive nature and fruit flavours. Schools in Bangkok and major provinces have also been having a tough time curbing students' widespread use of electronic cigarettes for several years.

Prakit advised electronic-hookah smokers to disassemble the device and sniff the compartment containing the aromatic liquid.

"Once you do that, you will stop smoking the electronic baraku," he said.


-- The Nation 2013-12-21

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Livestock dept finds no sign of H10N8 on farms
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- No animal-disease outbreaks have been found on farms around the country, including bird-flu, the Livestock Department said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690875-livestock-dept-finds-no-sign-of-h10n8-on-thai-farms/

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Saturday 21 December 2013 Time issued 0500 LST

General Situation
The rater strong high pressure still covers upper Thailand leading to cold weather remaining, while the rater strong northeast monsoon prevails across the Gulf of Thailand and the South of the country. Rain remains in the lower south, as well as stronger wind-waves. All ships should proceed with caution.
Another high pressure from China continues extending to upper Thailand and make cold weather stay until the New Year’s Day.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a,m. Saturday to 6.00 a.m. Sunday.
Northern Thailand Cold with mist in the morning. Minimum temperature 9-13 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 23-26 degree Celsius.Very cold on mountaintops with isolated frost. Minimum temperature 2-6 degree Celsius. Northerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cold with windy. Minimum temperature 10-15 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 24-27 degree Celsius. Very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 3-8 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool to cold with mist in the morning.Minimum temperature 13-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 26-28 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius. Northerly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with mist in the morning.Minimum temperature 16-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-31 degree Celsius.Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-14 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters offshore.

Southern Thailand East Coast Surat Thani upward: cool with mist in the morning.Minimum temperature 18-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-31 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters.Nakhon Si Thammarat downward: widely scattered thundershowers.Northeasterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy and isolated thundershowers mostly in the lower part. Minimum temperature 22-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-33 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool with mist in the morning. Minimum temperature 17-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-29 degree Celsius.Northerly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Today : Maximum temperature 29 degree Celsius.
: Sun rises at 6.36 a.m. Sun sets at 5.55 p.m.
: High water at 10.45 a.m. and at 7.47 p.m.
: Low water at 3.55 a.m. and at 3.21 p.m.

-- NNT 2013-12-21

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

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PDRC prepares 11 stages across BKK for rallies against caretaker PM, female protesters to rally at her home on Sun; Bt8 million donation received /MCOT

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Toyota to shift Thai output base to Indonesia

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690889-toyota-to-shift-thai-output-base-to-indonesia/

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DSI to summon second batch of protest leaders
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 21 – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) resolved on Friday to issue summons for a second batch of 20 anti-government protest leaders and ordered commercial banks to freeze their bank accounts.

It was the second order in less than a week by DSI which told commercial banks on Wednesday to suspend the accounts of 18 protest leaders, including Mr Suthep Thaugsuban, former deputy premier and former Democrat MP for Surat Thani.

The latest order, signed by DSI chief Tarit Pengdith, involves the bank accounts of 20 people which include Singha beer heiress Chitpas Birombhakdi, Sakontee Pattiyakul, Kaewsan Atibhodi, Jirmsak Pinthong, Dr Seri Wongmontha, Dr Sombat Thamrongtanyawong, Dr Kittisak Prokkati, retired Gen Pathompong Kesornsuk, Suriyasai Katasila, Pipob Thongchai, Boonyod Suktinthai, Ong-art Klampaiboon, Tossapon Pengsom, Paiboon Nititawan, Tanom Onkatepon, Picharn Sukparangsi, Chanwit Wipusiri, Pichit Chaimongkol, Picharn Sukparangsi and Ratchayut Sirayothinbhakdi.

The second group of 20 protest leaders will be summonsed to acknowledge charges on gathering and inciting unrest and violation of the law, Mr Tarit said, adding that a date will later be set for them to report themselves to investigators.

The DSI’s action resulted in a new phenomenon yesterday where people directly handed cash to Mr Suthep during his anti-government walk along various streets in the capital yesterday to urge Bangkok residents to come out in full force tomorrow for what he called “picnic on the streets” from 1 pm to 6 pm. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-12-21

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Japan to import Thai chicken meat after lifting decade-old ban
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 21 – Japan will resume importing fresh chicken meat from Thailand after a nine-year ban due to the bird flu pandemic, according to the Thai agriculture ministry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690898-japan-to-import-thai-chicken-meat-after-lifting-decade-old-ban/

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Commerce Ministry predicts 5% export growth next year
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 21 – The Commerce Ministry is optimistic that Thailand will enjoy export growth of no less than 5 per cent next year despite the current political turmoil.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690899-thai-commerce-ministry-predicts-5-export-growth-next-year/

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Phuket: First hearing on Surat-Phuket railway
Zazithorn Ruengchinda



PHUKET: -- Overall local reaction to plans to connect Phuket to the national rail system was positive when the first public hearing on the plan was held yesterday (December 20) in The Metropole hotel in Phuket Town.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690901-phuket-first-hearing-on-surat-phuket-railway/

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NIDA poll says trouble lies ahead of February 2 election

BANGKOK: -- The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) says the upcoming February 2 election will not go smoothly but plagued with troubles.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690904-nida-poll-says-trouble-lies-ahead-of-february-2-election/

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Yingluck voted as Darling of Isan People



BANGKOK: -- Caretaker prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been voted “Darling of the Isan People” for the year 2013 by Isan people in a poll conducted by Isan Poll.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690907-yingluck-voted-as-darling-of-the-isaan-people/

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More free bus and train rides for New Year



BANGKOK: -- The Transport Company and the State Railway of Thailand are increasing buses and trains to cope with increasing passengers during the New Year festival. This included free bus and train services.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690908-more-free-bus-and-train-rides-for-new-year-thailand/