Thailand Live Monday 30 Dec 2013

[webfact]

Seven more people executed in North Korea

SEOUL: -- Seven more people were executed along with the North Korean leader’s uncle Jang Song-thaek on 12 December, the South Korean newspaper The JoongAng Ilbo reports.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692862-seven-more-people-executed-in-north-korea/

[webfact]

NSPRT leader says he is followed by gunmen



BANGKOK: -- Nitithorn Lamlua, a leader of the Network of Students and People for the Reform of Thailand (NSPRT), said a group of armed men followed him while he left the protest site at Chamai Maruches bridge last night.

He said that after giving a speech to the crowds, he left the stage with his driver along the Phitsanulok road.

He said his driver told him several cars were following behind.

As the car was passing the Yommaraj bridge and was approaching Urupong intersection, one of the following cars tried to overtake his car with the men inside pointing guns at his car.

His driver then decided to jump the red-light traffic signal and returned to the protest site immediately.

The NSPRT legal advisor and leader said he suspected that the group of armed men was not police but a group of ill-intentioned armed men trying to abduct him.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/nsprt-leader-says-followed-gunmen/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-30

[webfact]

DIW ask factories to conserve energy

BANGKOK, 30 Dec 2013, (NNT) - The Department of Industrial Works (DIW) has asked factories to conserve energy from December 31st to January 14th, during which Myanmar will temporarily suspend its natural gas delivery from Yetagun to Thailand.

According to Mr. Nuttapol Nuttasombul, factories in Thailand might face power shortages during the period unless they take part in power-conservation measures, adding that after the New Year long holidays period, his ministry would evaluate how much energy factories had conserved.

Meanwhile, Mr. Weerapong Chaiperm, Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), stated that his agency is negotiating with Myanmar on another rescheduling of the suspension; however, the IEAT is ready for the worst case scenario.


-- NNT 2013-12-30

[webfact]

Songkhla EC forced to suspend candidate registration



BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission (EC) officials in Songkhla province suspended registration of constituency candidates today after protesters sealed off registration office and forced it to stop the registration.

It was the third unsuccessful registration by the EC officials when registration opened Saturday.

EC held the constituency candidates registration at the Tinsulanonda sports stadium in Muang district of Songkhla since Saturday but could not proceed due to the seizure of the office by several hundreds of supporters of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

It held registration again this morning but still was blocked and forced to give up the registration.

Candidates of the ruling Pheu Thai party came to apply for registration to contest in all eight constituencies this morning but could not register due to the protest.

Registration of constituency candidates opens December 29-January 1.

Protesters vow to block the registration again if EC officials attempt to continue registration tomorrow.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/songkhla-ec-forced-suspend-candidate-registration/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-30

[webfact]

Abe's shrine visit affronts world
Li Wei
China Daily

Shinzo Abe visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine that honours 14 World War II Class A war criminals on Thursday, making him the first sitting Japanese prime minister in seven years to set foot in the shrine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692864-abes-shrine-visit-affronts-world/

[webfact]

Suthep leads protesters to clean Ratchadamnoen Avenue
By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 30 - People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban led protesters this morning to clean Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the group's main protest site, to welcome the New Year.

Demonstrators gathered at 9am to also clean five roads surrounding the main Ratchadamnoen Avenue protest venue.

The 'Big Cleaning Day' activity is to say goodbye to Year 2013 and to drive away bad deeds out of the country.

The cleaning started from in front of Wat Ratchanaddaram to Phan Fah Leelat Bridge where Mr Suthep is leading protesters for the cleaning up to Dinso Road, Bangkok City Hall, in front of Satriwithaya School, behind the stage of the main protest site and and at Khok Wua intersection.

Praying over the years events will start tomorrow morning to welcome 2014. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-12-30

[webfact]

'Paradorn' tries his hand at politics

BANGKOK 30 December 2013 (NNT) — Paradorn Srichaphan, the Thai tennis ace who was once ranked 9th in the world, has decided to try his hand at politics by registering under the banner of the Chartthaipattana Party in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692881-former-tennis-star-paradorn-to-run-for-bangkok-mp/

[Lite Beer]

Phuket officers take down taxi drivers for intimidation
Phuket Gazette -

The two drivers were arrested after intimidating an undercover police officer. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: A sting operation involving an undercover Patong Police officer disguised as a taxi driver put two men operating a hotel taxi queue behind bars yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692920-phuket-officers-take-down-taxi-drivers-for-intimidation/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Third of seven New Year holidays sees 161 deaths, 1,390 injuries
By English News

BANGKOK, Dec 30 - Road accidents on the third of seven Dangerous Days of the New Year holiday have claimed 161 lives, 1,390 injuries. Northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province records most deaths with 12 for drunk driving.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692811-474-road-accidents-kill-86-in-first-2-days-of-new-year-holidays-thailand/page-4#entry7224480

[Lite Beer]

Phuket Pheu Thai candidate braves protest to enroll
Phuket Gazette -

PHUKET: One lone candidate yesterday braved the hundreds-strong protest in front of the Community Hall in Phuket Town to register in the February 2 national election.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692922-phuket-pheu-thai-candidate-braves-protest-to-enroll/

[Lite Beer]

RT@BPbreakingnews: Baht drops to lowest since June 2010

[webfact]

Tourists flock to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park

PHITSANULOK, 30 December 2013, (NNT) -- Phitsanulok province has seen an influx of tourists who flock to Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, situated in its in Nakonthai District, during New Year to experience cold breeze and witness colorful red maple trees in the national park.

The temperature in the national park has reportedly dropped to 7 degree Celsius, with frost seen on top of the grass, creating quite an excitement for the Thai tourists who have never seen such a phenomenon.

The national park is providing a copious open space for tourists to set up tents for an overnight stay. More than 2,000 tourists visit the national park each day, as maple leaves have begun to turn red; painting the park in the colorful color of red.

The park authority believes that the foliage will remain red until early next year, making the national park more attractive to tourists.


-- NNT 2013-12-30

[webfact]

Fog covers various parts of Lampang causing poor visibility

LAMPANG, 30 December 2013, (NNT) – Heavy fogs have reportedly covered various parts of Lampang province today, disrupting both the road and air traffic. Meanwhile, A Bangkok Airway fight was delayed for about forty minutes as the sky above Lampang Airport was covered by dense fog.

Lampang saw quite a bit of traffic congestion on Monday as tourists from the Central region were flocking the province to spend their holidays. Dense fog limiting visibility to only 100 meters on the road and under 50 meters in mountainous areas was the main reason for the traffic snarls.

Lampang highways chief, Mr. Wichaya Weerakajorn, warned motorists to take extra precaution while driving along dangerous routes, including Phaholyothin Road linking Lampang and Tak provinces, Lampang-Ngao-Payao Road, Lampang-Denchai-Phrae Road, and Lampang-Chiang Mai Road.

In related news, a Bangkok Airways flight from Bangkok to Lampang was delayed by over 40 minutes due to poor visibility over the sky in Lampang, which prompted the air traffic control center in Lampang to order the plane to stay put at Suvarnabhumi Airport until the sky above Lampang opened up.


-- NNT 2013-12-30

[webfact]

N Korean media rally for Kim Jong-un on 2nd anniversary in power
By English News

SEOUL, Dec 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's state media urged people to rally around the monolithic leadership of Kim Jong-un on Monday as the country marked the second anniversary of Kim's rise to power as the top military commander.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692928-n-korean-media-rally-for-kim-jong-un-on-2nd-anniversary-in-power/

[webfact]

2013 Year in Review: a look back at Phuket's top stories
Claire Connell

PHUKET: -- Despite being a small island, Phuket sure has its fair share of big news events and 2013 was no exception. The Phuket News takes a look back at some of the top stories of the year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692930-2013-year-in-review-a-look-back-at-phukets-top-stories/

[webfact]

Police rally to demand arrest of cop killer



BANGKOK: -- About 500 policemen rallied at the Royal Plaza Monday morning in a rare show of force to express their resentment against their superiors for the lenient handling of the protesters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692932-police-rally-in-bangkok-to-demand-arrest-of-cop-killer/

[webfact]

The military is not preparing to stage a coup, deputy army spokesman Winthai Suwaree says, rejecting speculation in some media as "groundless rumour". /Bangkok Post

[webfact]

Anti-election protesters have blocked the registration centre for constituency MP candidates in Phatthalung province for the third straight day. /Bangkok Post

EC says 8 southern provinces in disorder for MP applications, eyes other venues; Former PM Banharn believes reform achievable after election /MCOT

[webfact]

RT @RichardBarrow: 30 December: Thai Lottery Full Results - 561072 | 513 750 503 275 | 48

https://twitter.com/RichardBarrow/status/417580890840379392/photo/1

[webfact]

Chalerm asks Bangkokians not to join Suthep in shutting down Bangkok after New Year; Surapong leads politicians to meet with EC on general election /MCOT

[webfact]

TDRI sees Thailand's 2014 economy not yet recovering, advises new graduates practice different skills for job opportunities /MCOT

[webfact]

King’s birthday celebration news brings happiness to most Thais



BANGKOK: -- The celebration of His Majesty the King’s 86th birthday celebration is the most favorite news that brings happiness to most Thai people.

According to the survey conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat university from a total of 6,759 people of all occupations nationwide from December 10 to 29, 48.88% of pollsters said the King’s birthday celebration is the most favorite news that made them happy.

43.55% said Songkran and New Year festival holidays, while 7.57% pointed to the country’s sporting successes at the SEA Games.

But when they were asked what news that made them so sad, 40.65% said the political conflicts and divisions among the Thais, while 35.84% pointing to the death of the Supreme Patriarch, and 23.5% to southern violence.

When asked who is their most favorite male politician, 54.53% chose Abhisit Vejjajiva, while 24.395% gave fugitive premier Thaksin Shinawatra, and 21.08% to Suthep Thaugsuban.

Meanwhile caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was chosen most favorite female politician with 61.9% supporters, followed by Paveena Hongsakul, 20.95% and Sudarat Keyuraphand 17.15%.

On the question of what they hoped to see in the New Year, 46.9% said they wanted to see peace and national reconciliation in the country, 34.05% wants better economy and prosperity, and 19.05% wants an end to the southern violence.

Asked what would they pray and wish for in the 2014 year, 36.72% said they would wish for the King to remain in good physical health, while 32.13% wishes for their own and family’s good health.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/kings-birthday-celebration-news-brings-happiness-thais/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-30

[webfact]

ROAD ACCIDENTS
Road deaths, injuries higher in first three 'dangerous days' than a year ago
Wattana Khamchu
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A total of 1,322 road accidents on the first three of the "seven dangerous days" of the New Year holiday period claimed 161 lives and caused 1,390 injuries, the Road Safety Centre reported Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692811-474-road-accidents-kill-86-in-first-2-days-of-new-year-holidays-thailand/page-4#entry7225154

[webfact]

AoT upgrading six airports, including Phuket, to increase capacity


CG impression of the new terminal once it is complete in 2015.

PHUKET: -- Three international airports, in Bangkok and Phuket, are now being upgraded and Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Songkhla airports will also be expanded to handle the growing number of air travellers, Airports of Thailand said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692942-aot-upgrading-six-airports-including-phuket-to-increase-capacity/

[webfact]

CAPO chief Surapong: Govt wants EC to use army, police to protect premises for election registration in 8 southern provinces /MCOT

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Police demand right to self-defence in wake of protests

BANGKOK: -- The demand for the right of self-defence is specified in a statement issued by a group of 500 policemen who rallied at the Royal Plaza on Monday to voice their frustration with their superiors over the way they were told to handle anti-government protesters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692932-police-rally-in-bangkok-to-demand-arrest-of-cop-killer/page-2#entry7225290

[webfact]

Caretaker govt advises EC use of army, police venues for election registration in South
By English News



BANGKOK, Dec 30 - Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) head Surapong Tovichakchaikul says the caretaker government is advising the Election Commission (EC) to use army and police premises for election registration in 8 southern provinces where protesters are blocking the process.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692950-caretaker-govt-advises-ec-use-of-army-police-venues-for-election-registration-in-south/

[webfact]

RT @MonitaRajpalCNN: Supporters of Michael #Schumacher rally around the #F1 legend. Docs say his prognosis is unclear.

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 8:15pm If you thought all the protesters had left #Bangkok then think again (Pic @Anuphan_nna) pic.twitter.com/YbbMxwg8GK

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: The anti-government protesters will be having their own Countdown at the Democracy Monument tomorrow night. Large crowds expected.