Thailand Live Monday 30 Dec 2013

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DEMONSTRATION
PDRC protesters disrupt second day of registration in South
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Anti-government supporters of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) continued to disrupt constituency registration of MPs in the South on the second day of registration yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692798-pdrc-protesters-disrupt-second-day-of-registration-in-thai-south/

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ATTACK ON PROTESTERS
New attack on guards at STR rally site injures six
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation


A man injured after a giant firecracker was thrown at the rally site near Makkhawan-Rangsan Bridge is treated at Ramathibodi Hospital.

Injuries caused by two men hurling giant firecrackers at students' protest base

BANGKOK: -- Bloody incidents have continued at the rally sites of anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok, with six more civilians injured yesterday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692800-new-attack-on-guards-at-str-rally-site-in-bangkok-injures-six

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FEB 2 ELECTION
MP total 'could fall short' if blockades continue
The Nation

Fears that protests will keep 95% minimum from being met; EC to discuss possible poll delay with govt, PDRC

BANGKOK: -- A former election commissioner warned yesterday of an impending political deadlock that could make a new House of Representatives unable to function properly.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692801-mp-total-could-fall-short-if-blockades-continue-feb-2-election/

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HEALTH
Cold-weather boozing dangerous: doctor
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Heavy drinking in cold weather can cause life-threatening symptoms, a doctor in Kalasin warned yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692803-cold-weather-boozing-dangerous-thai-doctor/

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House falls after water level drops
The Nation



ANGTHONG: -- A house in Angthong has crumbled and fallen down, very likely because of a sudden change in water level in the Noi River, according to provincial disaster-prevention-and-mitigation chief Chatnarong Siriporn na Ratchasima.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692805-house-in-angthong-falls-after-water-level-in-noi-river-drops/

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Bangkok finds a place in '100 Resilient Cities'
The Nation


Filipino victims of super-typhoon Haiyan repair their damaged houses in the devastated city of Tacloban.

Aim of Rockefeller Foundation is to build urban resilience via cooperation and cities learning from each other about how best to deal with disasters

BANGKOK: -- In 2011, Bangkok suffered from its worst flooding in decades, while Jakarta's main thoroughfare was later inundated. By any standards, both cities coped poorly with the crises.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692806-bangkok-finds-a-place-in-100-resilient-cities/

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Rapid growth in Thai green building since 2007
The Nation


The Energy Complex is a green building with an LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) platinum accreditation.

BANGKOK: -- The use of "green buildings" has increasingly formed a key part of efforts by large firms to improve their corporate image and show their corporate social responsibility (CSR), resulting in more and more of these types of buildings being constructed in Thailand since 2007.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692808-rapid-growth-in-thai-green-building-since-2007/

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EDITORIAL
Will small parties fade further - or benefit from reform?
The Nation

Restrictions that stop factions jumping to other political sides have served big parties more than national interest

BANGKOK: -- In the past, they could effect serious political changes. Those were the days when smaller parties had some significant say in Thai politics. There were times when a few "absent votes" at the end of a no-confidence debate forced the ruling party to make Cabinet changes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692809-will-small-parties-fade-further-or-benefit-from-reform-thai-editorial/

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Road accidents kill 86 in first 2 days of holidays
Pongphon Sarnsamak,
Prasit Tangprasert
The Nation


Rescue workers tend to people injured in a car accident in Phitsanulok yesterday. Six people were injured in the crash after a speeding pickup crossed a traffic island and hit this sedan head-on.

BANGKOK: -- Police say 474 road accidents killed 86 people and injured 885 between Friday and Saturday, the first two days of the so-called "seven dangerous days".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692811-474-road-accidents-kill-86-in-first-2-days-of-new-year-holidays-thailand/

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Swede accuses karaoke parlour of rip-off
The Nation

CHIANG MAI: -- A Swedish businessman lodged a complaint against a Chiang Mai karaoke parlour for alleged overcharging yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692812-swedish-businessman-accuses-chiang-mai-karaoke-parlour-of-rip-off/

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UPDATE:

13 Russians injured in tourist bus accident in Thailand

PHUKET: -- Thirteen Russian citizens were injured in a road accident involving a tourist bus. The group was travelling near Patong beach on Phuket Island in Thailand, Southeast Asia, said Consul at the Russian Embassy in Thailand, Andrey Dvornikov on Sunday.

-- Hua Hin Today 2013-12-30http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692700-two-dead-after-phuket-bus-crashes-on-patong-hill/page-2#entry7223129

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F1 champion Michael Schumacher in coma after ski accident

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692804-f1-champion-michael-schumacher-in-coma-after-ski-accident/

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Thai AirAsia to offer 3rd direct air link w/ China from Chiang Mai, w/ start of non-stop daily flight to Hangzhou in Feb. 2014 /The Nation

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AirAsia launches daily direct Chiang Mai-Hangzhou flight

BANGKOK, Thailand – AirAsia is ready to be the first and only airline to provide daily direct flights between Chiang Mai and Hangzhou in an affirmation of its leadership in connectivity to the Chinese market as well as in support of Chiang Mai becoming Thailand’s northern air travel hub.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692832-airasia-launches-daily-direct-chiang-mai-hangzhou-flight/

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King visits a royally initiated cooperative in Prachuap Khiri Khan

BANGKOK, 30 December 2013 (NNT) - His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 28 visited people in Tambon Huay Sat Yai, in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The villagers of Huay Sat Yai welcomed the King with a play they performed in the open, reminiscing about His Majesty the King’s benevolence in establishing a cooperative in the village in 1967.

At that time, His Majesty the King, with the help of police paratroopers, recruited hill tribe villagers to live permanently in a settlement for easy development and to persuade them into turning away from shifting cultivation and slash-and-burn agriculture. His Majesty asked related government units to help provide occupational training, education and medical treatment to villagers. In 1977, the Cabinet lent support to the royal project by setting aside a budget to promote an agricultural cooperative system in the village. Villagers were encouraged to raise milk and beef cows, pigs and egg hens as well as growing such economic crops as rubber, durian and mangosteen.

The Huay Sat Yai Pa-deng Pa-La-oo (ห้วยสัตว์ใหญ่ป่าเด็ง-ป่าละอู) Cooperative was registered three years later with a register capital of 400,000 baht granted by HM the King. At present the cooperative has 1,070 members. Ten years later, a Thai-Danish Milk Cow Cooperative was also registered and currently produces 36 tons of milk daily to be supplied to its pasteurized milk producing plant. This cooperative also has an animal feed plant, enabling the 318 cooperative members to earn averagely 700,000 baht a year each. The income allows the cooperative members to have a better living condition and become self reliant.

And in order to ensure sustainable development of the two cooperatives, four reservoirs have been built in the area. Her Royal Highness the late Princess Mother also provided a royal fund to establish a school for children at the cooperatives in 1966. At present the school has 400 children studying from elementary to lower secondary levels (or up to Mathayom Suksa 3). This year His Majesty the King donated personal funds for the construction of living quarters for teachers and as scholarships to students.

Before his return to Klai Kangwon Palace, His Majesty had conversations with farmers and members of the cooperatives, asking them about their living conditions and results of the royal project.


-- NNT 2013-12-30

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EC provincial directors’ resignation explained

BANGKOK, 30 Dec 2013 (NNT) – Provincial election directors of at least 18 constituencies have resigned due mostly to pressure from protesters, according to Secretary-General of the Office of the Election Commissioners Phuchong Nutrawong.

The constituencies affected are in Ratchaburi, Nonthaburi, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Phanom, Rayong, Phichit, Songkhla, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Krabi.

Mr. Phuchong said their reasons behind the resignations vary. Some cited urgent important engagements. Some cited lack of desire to further carry on the jobs. One has been accused of breaching EC regulations while many of them have been pressured by the protesters and unable to do the jobs amidst conflicts in the society.

He pointed out that most of the southern constituency directors resigned due the protesters’ demonstration while the rest had quit before the registration of the constituency MPs began.


-- NNT 2013-12-30

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UPDATE:

Runaway Phuket tour bus leaves two dead, 26 injured
Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Seven people remain in hospital after a runaway Phuket tour bus slammed into five vehicles, including one motorcycle, killing two people and leaving 26 others injured late yesterday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692700-two-dead-after-phuket-bus-crashes-on-patong-hill/page-2#entry7223578

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UPDATE:

Giant panda to deliver baby, second cub for Thailand
By English News



CHIANG MAI, Dec 30 – Lin Hui, a giant panda on loan from China, is due to give birth next month after being artificially inseminated, according to an official announcement by Chiang Mai Zoo in Thailand’s North.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692645-chiang-mai-zoo-giant-panda-lin-hui-pregnant/#entry7223638

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Thai interior minister rules out postponing Feb 2 election
By English News



BANGKOK, Dec 30 – Election officials who fail to perform their duty and resign amid disruptions of the poll registration process are liable to legal punishment, Caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan has warned.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692852-thai-interior-minister-rules-out-postponing-feb-2-election/

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Fire blazed through 5 floors of a 5-star Kaen Inn hotel late Sunday;10 people sustained minor injuries;staffs,hotel guests evacuated /The Nation

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Core protest leader arrested
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police on Sunday arrested one of core leaders of Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform on charge of having invaded into Foreign Ministry compound.

Pichit Chaimongkon was rounded up at 8.55pm as he was in Seacon Square Deparment Store on Srinakarin Road.

Pichit was alleged of leading a group of anti-government protesters to raid the ministry.

He was a former secretary general of Students’ Federation of Thailand in 2003 and he is a close aide of Suriyasai Katasila, a former coordinator of People’s Alliance for Democracy.


-- The Nation 2013-12-30

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Former PM Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh expresses concern about maximum political conflicts, believes solution possible, urges all to negotiate /MCOT

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8 southern provinces still unable to register candidates

BANGKOK, 30 December 2013 (NNT) — 38 constituencies in 8 southern provinces are still unable to register election candidates due to obstructions from political demonstrators.

Election Commission (EC) secretary-general Puchong Nutrawong revealed that there are currently 38 out of 56 constituencies in 8 provinces of the southern region still unable to register their constituency-based candidates. Those provinces include Krabi, Chumphon, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Phuket, Songkhla, Surat Thani.

Mr. Puchong went on to say that the chairperson, the director and other EC related committee members in each constituency are still unable to enter the registration vicinity as protesters have put steel chains around the area barring anyone from going in.

Despite the obstacles, Mr. Puchong insisted that the registration process will be carried out until January 1 of next year, and should there be no registrations, he stated that the EC will decide on a proper action to be taken in accordance with the law.

Mr. Puchong also called on the Election Committee to stop all registrations should violence erupt during the process.


-- NNT 2013-12-30

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EC holds talks with govt representatives to mediate conflicts

BANGKOK, 30 December 2013 (NNT) - The Election Commission (EC) has revealed details of the meeting between its members and government representatives yesterday, which was held to devise a solution to the current political deadlock.

EC head Somchai Srisuthiyakorn has let on that the panel is to act as a go-between in the dispute between the government and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protest group in a bid to defuse tensions.

Mr Somchai said that during the discussion with government representatives, suggestions and action plans have been mapped out which could end the current wave of protests and ensure a smooth election. The precise details of the plan cannot be publicly revealed until all sides start a dialogue.

The EC elaborated that the PDRC has yet to contact the agency to determine a date for the meeting. It is widely expected that negotiations will begin after New Year’s Day.

The EC is also scheduled to hold talks with executive members of the opposition Democrat party tomorrow.


-- NNT 2013-12-30

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Cold spells and fog still ahead

BANGKOK, 30 December 2013 (NNT) — The Meteorological Department has revealed that the whole of Thailand will still be experiencing cold spells with some fogs in certain areas - especially in the North. Motorists are advised to be cautious on the roads.

The Meteorological Department has reported more high pressure winds moving in from China - rendering Thailand to continue to have cold spells and fog, particularly in the North, during the early mornings.

Motorists are advised to be cautious on the roads, as some areas are reported to experience thick fog.

Waves in the Gulf of Thailand from Songkhla province downwards are said to be as high as 2-3 meters. Fishermen are therefore advised to stay alert and be on the look out for high waves when out at sea.

Bangkok and the metropolitan area are experiencing fog and cold weather of as low as 16-17 degrees Celsius, and reaching up to 27-28 degrees during the day.


-- NNT 2013-12-30

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NSA intercepts data on Thailand and other countries

BANGKOK, 30 December 2013 (NNT) - German news magazine Der Spiegel revealed that the US National Security Agency has been collecting sensitive data on key telecommunications cables between Europe, North Africa and Asia, which include Thailand and neighbouring countries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692857-nsa-intercepts-data-on-thailand-and-neighbouring-countries/

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RT @RichardBarrow: 7 Dangerous Days on #Thailand’s Roads:

Day 1: 39 deaths (33 in 2012)

Day 2: 47 deaths (38)

Day 3: 75 deaths (77)

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Thai minister lashes out at Democrats, election opponents
By English News



BANGKOK, Dec 30 – Minister of the PM’s Office Varathep Ratanakorn said the majority of the Thai people will oppose ongoing attempts to disrupt the February 2 general elections.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692860-thai-minister-lashes-out-at-democrats-election-opponents/

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The Trang Election Committee has cancelled registration of constituency MP candidates as protesters surrounded the provincial application centre. /Bangkok Post

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RT @RichardBarrow: Bangkok Governor, wearing black shirt, at rally site to give morale support for Big Cleaning Day (Pic @Joyday_napas) http://t.co/Kf7YSNEGiX