RT@RichardBarrow: 12pm - RT @ChrisG_BKK: Protesters causing a jam at Krung Thonburi BTS in #Bangkok pic.twitter.com/mjspLFB5P5

RT@Tulip_Oum: 12:05PM @fm91trafficpro reports Ladprao intersection is closed by protesters. (Interconnect of Vipavadi, Paholyothin, Ladprao rd.)

RT@RichardBarrow: 12pm Airport Rail Link City Line very crowded. Best to avoid (Pic @Nalinee_PLE) pic.twitter.com/sLi1CvxWBT

Yingluck urges Democrats to adhere to parliamentary system
By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 22 - Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today called on the Democrat Party to adhere to the parliamentary system over its decision to boycott the general election set for February 2.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691044-democrats-slam-door-on-poll/page-3?p=7191516#entry7191516

RT@tulsathit: Traffic advice: 1. Motorcycle taxis. 2. Walk. 3. Don't go anywhere. 4. Take out your car at your own risks.

RT@veen_NT: At Ramkhamheang station: Commuters couldn't get in as train packed from Lat Krabang cc @Airport_Link pic.twitter.com/b3wfPHktf1

RT@RichardBarrow: Bangkok Symphony Orchestra has just announced that "Concert in the Park" is CANCELLED #Bangkok pic.twitter.com/19o6edj72K

RT@191Thailand: Motorcycle bomb at two locations in Songkhla this morning - TR @aodbu: 10:45 จยย.บอมม์ 2จุด pic.twitter.com/xBLuOKVWRO

RT@RichardBarrow: 12:18pm Latest picture in front of BACC near MBK - RT @nikhon_: เวทีใหญ่หน้าหอศิลป์ฯ เวลานี้ pic.twitter.com/20u5LpBdZR

RT@191Thailand: The motorcycle bombs exploded in front of two different police stations in Sakao district of Songkhla - TR @idongphoto

RT@veen_NT: 12.27pm BTS is okay- not as crowded as APL.

RT@RichardBarrow: 12:20pm The Asoke-Sukhumwit intersection now closed to traffic - RT @NR_TRnews:

UPDATE:

Thai opposition to boycott polls

BANGKOK: Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party on Saturday announced it would boycott snap elections in the crisis-gripped kingdom, piling further pressure on the government as protesters prepare to ramp up rallies aimed at suspending democracy.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691044-democrats-slam-door-on-poll/page-3?p=7191616#entry7191616

UPDATE:

Thai opposition protesters gear up for fresh mass rally

BANGKOK, December 22, 2013 (AFP) - Thousands of Thai anti-government protesters massed ahead of a major rally Sunday aimed at suspending democracy, paralysing parts of central Bangkok a day after the main opposition party declared a boycott of snap polls.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691101-anti-govt-protesters-rally-across-thai-capital/#entry7191636

RT@Tulip_Oum: 12:35PM Ramkumhang unis students rally to Pheu Thai party HQ on Petchburi, passing through Prompong int.-@kt_wt pic.twitter.com/48ozLcFRGB

RT@RichardBarrow: 12:43pm Long queues at Skytrain stations with people heading into #Bangkok. This at BTS On Nut (Pic @Puijinta) pic.twitter.com/zq4ULORoV4

RT@RichardBarrow: 12:45pm Subway trains arriving full at stations. Long queues on the platforms. This is MRT Rama 9 (Pic @news1005fm) pic.twitter.com/HbrZn0GAJm

Yingluck monitors protest at her residence

During her train journey from Udon Thani to Nong Khai, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Sunday watched anti-government protesters staging protest at her residence in Ramintra area.

She monitored the situation via iPad, which was linked the signal from camera circuit at her home via Internet. She told the media to tell the protesters that the house’s owner was not there.

-- The Nation 2013-12-22

RT@RichardBarrow: 1pm Motorists now advised to avoid Rama IV at Sala Daeng intersection due to protesters on the road (Pic @kat_TRnews) pic.twitter.com/eCJroYjGJl

RT@veen_NT: 1pm Chula march has left - approaching Pathumwan intersection

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Sunday 22 December 2013 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

The rater strong high pressure still covers upper Thailand with cool to cold weather over the country, while the rater strong northeast monsoon prevails across the Gulf of Thailand and the South. Rain remains in the lower south, as well as strong wind-waves about 2-3 meters high in the lower Gulf. 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 Sunday Noon to Monday Noon

Northern Thailand Cold with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 10-13 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 24-26 degree Celsius. Very cold on mountaintops with isolated frost. Minimum temperature 2-6 degree Celsius.Northerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cold in the morning with windy. Minimum temperature 10-15 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 24-26 degree Celsius. Very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 3-8degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool to cold with mist in the morning.Minimum temperature 14-16 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 27-28 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with mist in the morning.Minimum temperature 16-20 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 27-30 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-14degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters offshore.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cool with mist in the morning.Minimum temperature 18-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-30 degree Celsius.Surat Thani upward: partly cloudy. 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 Cool with mist in the morning.Isolated thundershowers mostly in the lower part. Minimum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and 1-2 meters offshore.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool with mist in the morning. Minimum temperature 17-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-29 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Sunday 22 December 2013
Rainfall Criteria and Amount (mm) From 0700 LST Saturday to 0700 LST Sunday
Northern No rain reported.
Tn 0.5 at A.Omkoi, C.Chiang Mai // Tx 28.0 at A.Lom Sak, C.Phetchabun
Northeastern No rain reported.
Tn 4.0 at National Park, A.Phu Kradueng and Highland agriculture A.Phu Rua, C.Loei // Tx 27.8 at A.Mueang, C.Mukdahan
Central No rain reported.
Tn 11.3 at T.Bua Chum, A.Chai Badan, C.Lop Buri // Tx 28.7 at A.Thong Pha Phum, C.Kanchanaburi
Eastern No rain reported.
Tn 7.8 at Khao Yai National Park A.Muang C.Nakhon Nayok // Tx 30.6 at A.Khlong Yai, C.Trat
Southern (East Coast) Widely scattered rain. Maximum 22.0 mm. at A.Mueang, C.Narathiwat
Tn 13.7 at T.Nong Plub, A.Hua Hin, C.Prachuap Khiri Khan // Tx 31.2 at A.Phra Saeng, C.Surat Thani
Southern (West Coast) No rain reported.
Tn 20.5 at A.Nuea Khlong, C.Krabi // Tx 32.1 at A.Takua Pa, C.Phangnga
Bangkok and Vicinity No rain reported.
Tn 16.8 at Suvarnabhumi Airport, A.Bang Phli, C.Samut Prakan // Tx 28.2 at Sirikit Center, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok
On Sunday Bangkok Metropolis
: Sun rises at 6.37 a.m. Sun sets at 5.56 p.m.
: High water at 11.07 a.m. and at 8.09 p.m.
: Low water at 4.16 a.m. and at 4.12 p.m.
On Monday Bangkok Metropolis
: Sun rises at 6.37 a.m. Sun sets at 5.56 p.m.
: High water at 11.27 a.m. and at 8.34 p.m.
: Low water at 4.32 a.m. and at 4.54 p.m.

-- NNT 2013-12-22

People in Surin flock to buy secondhand winter clothes

SURIN, 22 December 2013 (NNT) – As the weather is cold in the morning in any places, including Surin, the residents as well as merchants have come to Surin’s Chong Jom Border Market to buy secondhand winter clothes to stay warm.

Many people, both the locals and merchants, flocked to Chong Jom Border Market in Surin to buy winter clothes to resell and use to protect themselves from the cold winter. Secondhand blankets are popular. The prices are around 50-200 baht per blanket.

As winter is approaching, many people started purchasing for winter clothes and some opt for second hand clothes because the prices are a lot lower. The officials has warned people of three major diseases; mycosis, allergy, and skin disease such as ringworms, that come with the old clothes.

Because buyers do not know if there are any germs or bugs on the clothes, the officials advised people to wash the clothes or boil them for 15-60 minutes before wearing.

According to the Public Health Ministry, used clothes are very popular in Thailand, and up to 20 million kilograms of second hand winter clothing were imported to the country each year.

-- NNT 2013-12-22

Tourism in North, South lively

BANGKOK, 22 December 2013 (NNT) – The tourism atmosphere in both the north and the South are lively, ahead of the New Year holiday season.

In the north, tourist provinces such as Chiang Rai enjoy having huge crowds as the temperatures drop. People flocked to the 10th Chiang Rai Flower Festival at Suan Tung Lae Khom Chiang Rai Park. Lilies, tulips, and camellias are particularly popular among tourists. The Flower Festival will be held until January 20th, 2014. Every Saturday, there will be “Music in the Park” for visitors as well.

Meanwhile in Phetchabun, a new tourist destination was recently opened. The Phu Pha Daeng in Lom Sak District is the new attraction, located just 20 kilometers from Nam Nao National Park. The Phu Pha Daeng is a stunning viewing point. With the cliff being an eagle-like ledge, visitors can see the scenery of Nam Nao. The scene is as beautiful as Pha Lom Sak on top of Phu Kradueng in loei.

As for the South, tourists from Sweden, Malaysia, China, as well as Thailand flocked to Lipe and Tarutao National Marine Park in Satun. More officials have been called in to ensure safety of tourists. Local tourism entrepreneurs revealed that the hotels are fully booked until New Year.

-- NNT 2013-12-22

QE taper and Thai political situation weaken baht

BANGKOK, 22 December 2013 (NNT) - The baht is expected to depreciate further at the end of the year due to the Fed’s tapering of the QE and political problems in Thailand. The currency is forecast to move between 32.40 – 32.75 baht against the U.S. dollar next week.

Kasikorn Research Center on Saturday reported that the baht might weaken from 23 – 27 December 2013 and suggested a close watch kept on the domestic political situation and the market’s position adjustment at the end of the year amid the Fed’s preparations to cut back on the QE.

The center also suggested investors in Thailand keep abreast of the country's export figures and other key economic data in November 2013.

Last week, the baht made a 3-year record low at 32.645 baht to the U.S. dollar, depreciating in line with other currencies in the region after the Fed resolved to decrease its bond purchase by 10 billion USD a month to be effective in January 2014.

-- NNT 2013-12-22

RT@tulsathit: Prompong call protesters "barbarians" for bringing funeral flowers (Jan flowers) to YL house. via @nnanews

Facebook group aims to keep Phuket visa runners safe
Phuket Gazette -

A Filipina singer was killed in this visa van crash in October. Photo: Supplied

PHUKET: A new Phuket Facebook group was born on Thursday night with the goal of protecting the lives of resident expats during visa runs.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691110-facebook-group-aims-to-keep-phuket-visa-runners-safe/

RT@191Thailand: Explosion at Oliver Hotel in Sakao, Songkhla - RT @kapookdotcom: เกิดเหตุระเบิดที่โรงแรมโอริเวอร์ อ.สะเดา สงขลา pic.twitter.com/8p2MM7kajp

RT@RichardBarrow: 1:20pm - RT @NickyB_247: Picture of protest at Asoke. All peacefully blowing their whistles pic.twitter.com/0zNuvcmBP3 #Bangkok

RT@Tulip_Oum: 1:21PM Expressway Silom exit ramp is closed, Tanon Chan stays open.-@fm91trafficpro

RT@Tulip_Oum: Jarupong Ruangsuwan to lead PheuThai members to apply for party-list election at Thai-Jap stadium DinDaneng Jan 23.-@Theppakit