Thailand Live Monday 23 Dec 2013

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35 political parties eligible to draw for party-list numbers;9 parties registered party-list candidates,the rest registered intention at Din Daeng police stn when protesters blocked them /The Nation

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H1N1 kills 6 people, leaves 14 critically ill in Texas

HOUSTON: -- Six people died from H1N1 in the Houston area and at least 14 people have become critically ill in Harris, Montgomery and Jefferson counties, according to the local health officials.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691283-h1n1-kills-6-people-leaves-14-critically-ill-in-texas/

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RT @RichardBarrow: 12:09pm Lunch time at Thai-Japanese stadium - RT @nikhon_: มื้อเที่ยงหน้าประตู 6 ด้านหลังสนามกีฬาไทย-ญี่ปุ่น http://t.co/pvV27AfsjG

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RT @tulsathit: RT @jin_nation: 34 parties have filed charges with Din Daeng police to maintain registration rights. via @Naya_nbc #nationtv

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RT @RichardBarrow: 12:15pm Riot control police in front of DSI on Chaeng Wattana - RT @Sn_Nueng: แนวตร.หน้าDSI http://t.co/QC81ImocJJ

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Demonstrators announce their stance at the general elections application venue

BANGKOK, 23 December 2013 (NNT) — The demonstrators have announced that they will not leave the general election candidate registration venue held at the Thai-Japanese Din Daeng sports stadium until the registration process is completed.

Protesters have been increasing in the first morning of the registration period, with crowds blocking the entrance and exit areas of the stadium.

The group announced that they would not leave until the end of the registration period and called on the general public to first understand the political reform before casting votes in the election.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has also dispatched public-toilet buses to service the protesters in the area.


-- NNT 2013-12-23

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Demonstration reports and routes to avoid

BANGKOK, 20 December 2013 (NNT) — The Traffic police has reported that a group of demonstrators are heading out of Ratchadamnoen Avenue towards the DSI on Chaeng Watthana Road.

To avoid traffic obstructions, motorists are advised to stay clear of Yommarat Intersection, Phetchaburi Road, Ratchaprarop Road, Din Deang Road, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and Chaeng Watthana Road.

Traffic remains cordoned off at Nang Lerng intersection, causing heavy traffic for those exiting the tollway from Yommarat exit.


-- NNT 2013-12-23

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POLITICS
Thaksin Regime to return after election : Democrat
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party has intended to inherit Thaksin Regime as it has proposed caretake Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra as the No 1 party-list MP candidate, deputy Democrat Party spokesman Jurit Laksanawisit said Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691284-thaksin-regime-to-return-after-election-thai-democrat/

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CAPO says attempts to interrupt registration process illegal

BANGKOK, 23 December 2013 (NNT) – The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) says any attempt to interrupt the registration process of the general election is illegal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691285-capo-says-attempts-to-interrupt-registration-process-illegal-thailand-general-election/

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RT @veen_NT: EC is checking registration document inside DinDaeng Pol station (via @satien_nna ) http://t.co/iPHBRkQenV

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Four Chinese tourists in terrifying ordeal in jammed Phuket elevator
Eakkapop Thongtub


Rescue workers use a crowbar to open the stuck door.

PHUKET: -- Four Chinese tourists, including a 9-year-old girl, had a traumatic start to their Phuket holiday when they spent around 45 minutes trapped in an elevator at The Album hotel in Patong at 5am yesterday morning (December 22).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691288-four-chinese-tourists-in-terrifying-ordeal-in-jammed-phuket-elevator/

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Authorities speed up help in 22 winter-hit provinces

BANGKOK, 23 December 2013 (NNT) – Authorities are now speeding up help for residents in 22 winter-hit provinces in the North and Northeast.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has disclosed that more than 2.5 million families in 22 provinces have so far been hard hit by the recent cold spell. Out of the 22 provinces, 11 are in the North, 10 in the Northeast, and 1 in the Central plain.

The DDPM has also ordered provincial authorities in those areas to set up help centers and distribute winter clothes and blankets to victims who could not afford them.

The DDPM has also warned all Thais against forest fires and heavy smog during this time of year, while calling on those setting up bonfires to be extremely careful as the fire could burn down their homes.

Those in need of assistance have been urged to call Hotline 1784 round the clock.


-- NNT 2013-12-23

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Maltese Man Beaten Up By 7 Motorbike Taxi Riders

PATTAYA: -- A Maltese man who was angry that the ATM machine swallowed his bank card started to attack the ATM machine. The nearby motorbike taxi riders shouted verbal abuse at him to stop but he carried on attacking the machine. So 7 of them came over armed with bottles, steel pipes , chairs and pieces of wood and beat him severely. He then reported it to the police.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691291-maltese-man-beaten-up-by-7-motorbike-taxi-riders/

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RT@RichardBarrow: 1:20pm Protesters hand out food to media & police trapped inside Din Daeng police station (Pic @AMatichon) pic.twitter.com/RNK6UBtlY3

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Monday 23 December 2013 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

The rater strong high pressure still covers Thailand with cool to cold weather while the rater strong northeast monsoon prevails across the Gulf of Thailand and the South. The strong wind-waves about 2-3 meters high in the lower Gulf from Songkhla southward. 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 Monday Noon to Tuesday Noon

Northern Thailand Cold with fog in the morning and thick fog isolated. Minimum temperature 8-12 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 23-27degree Celsius.Very cold on mountaintops with isolated frost. Minimum temperature 2-6 degree Celsius.Northerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cold with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 11-14 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 24-25degree Celsius. Very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 3-8 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Upper part cold and lower part cool with fog in the morning.Minimum temperature 13-16 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 26-29degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning.Minimum temperature 16-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 27-31 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 9-13 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and about 2 meters offshore.

Southern Thailand East Coast Nakhon Si Thammarat northward: cool with fog in the morning.Minimum temperature 17-23 degree Celsius.Maximum temperature 27-30 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters.Songkhla southward: isolated thundershowers.Northeasterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cool with fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 19-23 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 fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 26-28 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Monday 23 December 2013

Rainfall Criteria and Amount (mm) From 0700 LST Sunday to 0700 LST Monday
Northern No rain reported.
Tn 2.0 at Doi Angkhlang, A.Fang, C.Chiang Mai // Tx 27.5 at A.Mae Sariang, C.Mae Hong Son andA.Wichain Buri C.Phetchabun
Northeastern No rain reported.
Tn 4.0 at National Park, A.Phu Kradueng, C.Loei // Tx 29.3 at A.Mueang, C.Surin
Central No rain reported.
Tn 12.3 at A.Thong Pha Phum, C.Kanchanaburi // Tx 27.8 at A.Tha Rua, C.Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Eastern No rain reported.
Tn 8.4 at Khao Yai National Park A.Muang C.Nakhon Nayok // Tx 31.5 at A.Khlong Yai, C.Trat
Southern (East Coast) Isolated rain. Maximum 1.0 mm.at A.Ranot, C.Songkhla
Tn 14.3 at T.Nong Plub, A.Hua Hin, C.Prachuap Khiri Khan // Tx 30.5 at A.Sadao, C.Songkhla
Southern (West Coast) No rain reported.
Tn 19.5 at A.Mueang, C.Ranong // Tx 32.1 at A.Takua Pa, C.Phangnga
Bangkok and Vicinity No rain reported.
Tn 16.9 at A.Khlong Luang, C.Pathum Thani // Tx 28.3 at Sirikit Center, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok
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.
On Tuesday Bangkok Metropolis
Sun rises at 6.37 a.m. Sun sets at 5.56 p.m.
High water at 11.39 a.m. and at 9.09 p.m.
Low water at 4.45 a.m. and at 5.35 p.m.

-- NNT 2013-12-23

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EC announces 34 political parties register on first day of registration for general election

BANGKOK, 23 December 2013 (NNT) – The Election Commission (EC) announced that as of 8.30 am, 34 parties have registered to contest in the February 2, 2014 general election. Nine parties were able to submit the lists of party list candidates at the Thai-Japanese Youth Center while the rest filed complaints with Din Dang Police Station for being prevented from getting to the venue.

The nine parties included 1. Pheu Thai, 2. Chatthaipattana, 3. Kasikorn Thai, 4. Damrong Thai, 5. Prachathippatai, 6. Tin Ga Khao, 7. Prachathippatai Mai, 8. Chatpattana, and 9. Farmers’ Network of Thailand.

Anti-government protesters are currently blocking the entrance of the registration venue, therefore 24 parties have made their ways to Din Dang Police Station to record the complaints of such obstruction, which can be submitted to the EC later on to prevent them from being disqualified from the election registration.

-- NNT 2013-12-23

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Private sector strongly backs national reform
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 23 – Thailand's private sector today offered to mediate among diverse sectors of society to help resolve Thailand’s political conflicts and national reform.

Vichai Assarasakorn, vice-chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the network of seven private organisations will host a so-called “Reform Now” forum to listen to opinions from the private sector, academics, political factions and civic groups in an attempt to seek solutions to the tension.

Mr Vichai, who acts as the network spokesman, said the private sector is willing to organise a central forum and facilitate talks among all factions in Thai society to find a peaceful resolution without bias.

He did not elaborate on the schedule of the forum.

Wallop Witanakorn, deputy chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the private organisations network has concentrated more on political reform than the timing of the snap elections.

He said the reform can be held either before or after the elections as agreed by political parties which will have to jointly enter an agreement for national and political reforms.

It is impossible to set the duration of the reform, he said.

Mr Wallop said foreign investors have closely monitored the political situation in Thailand and may shift their holdings to other countries if the conflict is prolonged.

Domestic consumption has dropped significantly, resulting in declining sales and production volume, while the tourism sector must continue boosting confidence among foreign visitors, he said.

The political dispute has yet to affect the export sector, but it may have a negative impact in the long run given foreign importers’ concern over the situation in Thailand.

He admitted that a pre-election political reform will boost foreign investor confidence for it will be a display of Thailand’s attempt to solve the crisis and end conflicts among different factions. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-23

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DIT monitoring prices of consumer products

BANGKOK, 23 December 2013 (NNT) – The Department of Internal Trade is closely monitoring prices of consumer goods in the market ahead of and during New Year Festival.

The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has ordered its officials to randomly and regularly inspect prices of products and services throughout the nation in order to prevent consumers from being taken advantage by unscrupulous retailers as they tend to raise prices of consumer products during holidays.

The DIT will mainly focus on retailers located where the number of travelers is normally high during the peak season such as tour bus and train depots as well as and airports.

According to the department, all products must bear price tags and the prices must be in line with market mechanism. If no price tag is found on a product, the store owner will face a 10,00-baht fine. And if the prices are found to be higher than those selling in the markets, violators will face maximum penalties of 7-year imprisonment or 140,000 baht fine, or both.

-- NNT 2013-12-23

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EC: No relocation of election registration venue, no extension of registration period
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Dec 23 - Thailand's Election Commission (EC) today reaffirmed that the election registration venue will not be relocated and that there will be no extension of the registration period despite the venue blockade by anti-government protesters.

EC chairman Supachai Somcharoen said the poll commissioners have resolved to proceed with the party-list MP candidacy registration at the Thai-Japanese sports stadium which started today until Friday although the protesters of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) have blocked the venue entrance since early morning.

Mr Supachai said candidates from nine parties managed to enter the compound, including the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition Chartthaipattana Party.

He said 25 other parties could not reach the venue and have filed complaints at Din Daeng police Station to notify their intention to contest in the party-list election, while another party filed a complaint at the Police's Crime Suppression Division.

The EC chairman however said today's registration by 34 parties cannot be considered as complete process as the agency still has to verify the documents, receive registration payment and endorse the applications.

He said drawing lots to distribute party-list numbers will not be carried out today. He reaffirmed that the registration venue will not be relocated and the registration period will not be extended, but said the EC will assess the situation closely and inform the public of any change.

The EC chairman brushed aside allegations that the EC cooperated with the parties to allow them to register candidacy as early as 3am, saying that political parties have turned up at the venue so early as they want to get lucky numbers or one digit number.

Any party that came before 8.30am would be recorded as arriving at 8.30am and would draw lots to arrange the order before the lot-drawing to choose numbers for parties running in the election.

Mr Supachai said the Din Daeng Police Station is not the venue of election candidacy registration, but political parties were asked to go there to file police complaints as evidence that they could not enter the Thai-Japanese sports stadium.

He said that the EC commissioners and staff tried to enter the compound since early morning but were blocked by protesters. The five commissioners have not discussed moving the venue and do not want to do anything to incite the public. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-12-23

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Protesters threaten television reporter

BANGKOK: -- A Thai PBS reporter had to seek refuge in his broadcasting van from angry protesters at the Thai Youth Centre in Din Daeng Monday morning after he was mistaken as an electoral candidate.

The misunderstanding stemmed from the media ID card issued by the Election Commission that the reporter wore. According to eyewitnesses, the angry protesters then surrounded the broadcasting van and blew their whistles as a gesture of protest despite attempt by the reporter and his colleague to convince them that they were members of the media.

The chaos came to an end when Somsak Kosaisuk, a protest leader, came to the scene to convince the protesters about the true status of the reporter who eventually stepped out of the van to prove he was not a candidate. Only then that the protesters dispersed and the reporter and his staff were allowed to do their job.

However, media people were warned by protest leaders to wear their media arm bands and ID cards in order not to cause any misunderstanding. They assured that protesters had no problem with reporters covering the protests.

Earlier during the weekend, a car belonging to a Channel 3 reporter was attacked by protesters dissatisfied with the TV’s coverage of the protests.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/protesters-threaten-television-reporter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=protesters-threaten-television-reporter

-- Thai PBS 2013-12-23

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Gunshots fired at protest site

BANGKOK: -- Several gunshots were fired while anti-Thaksin regime protesters were gathering in front of the Din Daeng police station.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691305-gunshots-fired-at-din-daeng-protest-site-bangkok/

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Chuwit vows not to apply his candidacy elsewhere

BANGKOK: -- Rak Prathet Thai (Love Thailand) party leader Chuwit Kamolvisit implied Monday that he would not contest the February 2 election after he could not apply his candidacy at the Thai Youth Centre in Din Daeng this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691276-chuvit-accuses-pdrc-and-democrat-of-conspiracy/#entry7196055

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Officers at Thalang Police Station told to go after Phuket’s black taxis

Eakkapop Thongtub

The officers chit chat to Thalang Police station staff.

PHUKET: -- Region 8 Police Deputy Commissioner, Pol Maj Gen Witsanu Muangpreasri and Region 8 Police Commander, Pol Maj Gen Chasit Thinthanee paid a visit to Thalang Police Station to extend a gentle reminder about policies at the station – with the island’s black taxis top of the list.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691306-officers-at-thalang-police-station-told-to-go-after-phukets-black-taxis/

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Ramkhamhaeng Students Accused Of Killing Redshirt
By Khaosod Online


Mr. Teerapat Thongrit and Mr. Noppadol Kaewmecheen

BANGKOK: -- The police have arrested two students suspected of killing a Redshirt protester during the clashes between rival political groups in Bangkok last month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691307-bangkok-police-arrest-ramkhamhaeng-students-accused-of-killing-redshirt/

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PDRC claims 6 million people in Bangkok turn out to protest yesterday



BANGKOK: -- A leader of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) Sathit Wongnogtoey claimed that about six million people in Bangkok showed up on the streets to support the call for the ouster of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691311-pdrc-claims-6-million-people-in-bangkok-turn-out-to-protest-yesterday/

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FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
Suthep not happy with press treatment, resolves to do better
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Monday said he was not happy with the incident on Sunday in which protestors surrounded and yelled at TV journalists for what they claimed biased reporting about the protest.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691312-suthep-not-happy-with-press-treatment-resolves-to-do-better/

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Ghost riding Russian injured in Phuket motorbike crash
Phuket Gazette


Witnesses say the man was driving in a drunken manner. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: -- A ghost-riding Russian was injured in a crash just after midnight yesterday on Thepkasattri Road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691314-ghost-riding-russian-injured-in-phuket-motorbike-crash/

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80 million condoms to be distributed to solve teen pregnancy problem

BANGKOK, 23 December 2013 (NNT) – Representatives from various ministries including Public Health, Education, Interior, Culture, Labor, ICT, and Social Development and Human Security as well as related private organizations gathered today at a national forum on Reproductive Sanitation Promotion to tackle the teen pregnancy problem in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691316-80-million-condoms-to-be-distributed-to-solve-thai-teen-pregnancy-problem/

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Thaivisa launches The Lounge Bar Hua Hin

Hua Hin: -- Thaivisa is delighted to announce that The Lounge Bar will be officially opening in Hua Hin on December 24^th 2013.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/691315-thaivisa-launches-the-lounge-bar-hua-hin/

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SET index closed 1,326.14, down 16.58; Bt/USD32.57; GBP53.18; AUD28.95; EUR44.45; CAD30.48; HKD4.19; SGD25.62; JPY31.20