Thailand Live Tuesday 31 Dec 2013

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New Year tourists get thrills from chills
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- As chilly temperatures linger in the North and Northeast, New Year holidaymakers are visiting high altitude attractions for the chills and views.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693024-new-year-tourists-get-thrills-from-chills-thailand/

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UPDATE:

Govt bid to have police, Army host registrations
The Nation


Anti-government protesters

Use of bases would require EC approval; applications blocked in South for third day

BANGKOK: -- The government has suggested registering election candidates for constituencies in the South at local military bases or police stations if the process continues to be disrupted by anti-government protesters - but such a move would require the approval of the Election Commission, Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692950-caretaker-govt-advises-ec-use-of-army-police-venues-for-election-registration-in-south/page-2#entry7227025

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UPDATE:

EC disagrees with Govt's idea to arrange election sign-up at military bases

BANGKOK (NNT) - Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has predicted that the Election Commission (EC) might not accept the government’s suggestion that the EC use military or police buildings as venues of the election registration in the South. He stressed that the EC will still use the registration venues owned by civilians.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692950-caretaker-govt-advises-ec-use-of-army-police-venues-for-election-registration-in-south/page-2#entry7227029

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STR leaders chased by unknown group
The Nation

Tensions rise as protest chiefs return to rally site for safety

BANGKOK: -- The atmosphere at the anti-government rally site near Government House became very tense yesterday after protest leaders said they were chased by a group of men on Sunday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693027-bangkok-str-leaders-chased-by-unknown-group/

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UPDATE:

Police fight for their dignity, honour slain colleague
Phathinya Iamtan
The Nation


Female police line up with hundreds of their colleagues in a rally at the Royal Plaza yesterday

BANGKOK: -- Hundreds of police gathered at the Royal Plaza yesterday to commemorate the death of a fellow officer and to call on their bosses to take care of them at the operational level.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/692932-police-rally-in-bangkok-to-demand-arrest-of-cop-killer/page-5#entry7227046

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Good health for the King top New Year wish
The Nation

Good health for His Majesty the King is at the top of people's New Year wishes, according to Suan Dusit Poll.

BANGKOK: -- Following goodwill for the monarch at 37 per cent were fortune and felicity for their own family at 32 per cent and good things and good luck at 31 per cent. These answers came from 6,759 people across the country in an opinion survey conducted from December 10-29.

The happiest moment was His Majesty's birthday (49 per cent), holidays and festivities (43 per cent) and Thailand excelling in sports competitions (8 per cent).

Among the saddest memories, the political conflict and division among Thais were most prevalent at 41 per cent, while the passing away of the Supreme Patriarch (36 per cent) and violence in the deep South at 24 per cent.

On their hopes for next year, the respondents cited peace and unity for the country (47 per cent), a better economy and prosperity (34 per cent) and an end to unrest in the far South (19 per cent).

Abhisit tops the list

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (55 per cent), Thaksin Shinawatra (24 per cent) and Suthep Thaugsuban (21 per cent) led the list of top male politicians, while Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (62 per cent), Paveena Hongsakul (21 per cent) and Sudarat Keyuraphan (17 per cent) headed the women's roster.

In entertainment, the most popular male musicians were Toon Bodyslam (38 per cent), Singto Namchoke (37 per cent) and Stamp (24 per cent).

The most popular female musicians were Da Endorphine (56 per cent), Parn Tanaporn (29 per cent) and New & Jew (15 per cent).

The best liked luk thung singers were Pai Pongsathorn (53 per cent), Baowe (29 per cent) and Pee Saderd (18 per cent) among male artists and Ying Lee (42 per cent), Bai Toey R Siam (36 per cent) and Takkatan Chollada (23 per cent) among the women.

On the screen, Nadech Kugimiya (37 per cent), James Jirayu (34 per cent) and Boyd Pakorn (29 per cent) were voted the most favourite heartthrobs. Yaya Urassaya (39 per cent), Aum Patcharapa (36 per cent) and Chompoo Araya (25 per cent) took the top honours among actresses.


-- The Nation 2013-12-31

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Investigators to assess fire damage at Khon Kaen hotel
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A crime-scene investigation team will today inspect Khon Kaen's five-star Kaen Inn Hotel, which caught fire on Sunday night and led to some 10 people being slightly injured. The hotel is in Muang district.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693028-investigators-to-assess-fire-damage-at-khon-kaen-hotel/

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Road deaths, injuries higher in first 3 days of break
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 yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693030-road-deaths-injuries-higher-in-first-3-days-of-the-seven-dangerous-days/

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'No-vote is one of 3 options if poll goes ahead'
Chanon Wongsatayanon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- According to many protesters led by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), there will be only three options left for them if there is an election on February 2: register a "no vote", spoil the ballot, or just don't turn up at the election at all.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693032-thailand-election-no-vote-is-one-of-3-options-if-poll-goes-ahead/

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Annual 'alias' declaration cancelled
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The customary annual bestowing of satirical aliases on politicians by journalists covering Government House and Parliament has been suspended this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693033-annual-alias-declaration-on-thai-politicians-cancelled/

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Australian journalist says he's prepared for prison over Thai navy row

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693036-australian-journalist-says-hes-prepared-for-prison-over-thai-navy-row/

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Thailand's Army Moves to Ease Coup Fears
Reuters

BANGKOK — Thailand's powerful but politicized army sought to ease fears on Monday it might step in to resolve a festering political crisis, while anti-government protesters entrenched positions around Bangkok as they seek to disrupt a February election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693037-thailands-army-moves-to-ease-coup-fears/

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Thailand to Host World's Tallest New Year's Eve Ball Drop
By JOANNA PRISCO via GOOD MORNING AMERICA

NEW YORK: -- The ball drop in New York's Times Square has long been a mainstay of New Year's Eve celebrations, but the sparkling ritual extends far beyond the United States to other countries and continents too.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693039-thailand-to-host-worlds-tallest-new-years-eve-ball-drop/

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Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria injured in ski accident in Italy

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693038-swedens-crown-princess-victoria-injured-in-ski-accident-in-italy/

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Serial Shoplifter caught at Central Pattaya Supermarket



PATTAYA: -- On Monday afternoon Pattaya Police were called to a Central Pattaya Supermarket to arrest two suspected female shoplifters, one of them later found to be wanted on seven arrest warrants for similar offences.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693043-serial-shoplifter-caught-at-central-pattaya-supermarket/

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RT @ChadapornLin: Thai TV will be broadcasting HM the King's New Year wishes to all Thais tonight at 8pm

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Voluntary guard shot, injured near STR rally site
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Erawan Emergency Medical Services Center reported on Tuesday that as of 11.50 pm on Monday's night a 43-year-old man was shot at his arms and right chest.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693057-voluntary-guard-shot-injured-near-str-rally-site-bangkok/

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All EC officials in Surat Thani resign

The election chief and 35 other officials in Surat Thani have resigned, Channel 3 reported.

They cited intimidations and obstructions to their duty by the protesters as the main reasons behind their resignations.


-- The Nation 2013-12-31

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Candidacy registration in Nakhon Si Thammarat completed

The registration of constituency-based candidates in Nakhon Si Thammarat was completed Tuesday morning after the provincial election committee switched to use a border patrol police base for registration, Channel 3 reported.

It said candidates of Pheu Thai and Chart Thai Pattana parties and other smaller parties managed to register their candidates at the base. They and EC officials were later flown off in helicopters.


-- The Nation 2013-12-31

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'Chadchart' warns holidaymakers of heavy traffics on Bangkok routes

BANGKOK, 31 Dec 2013, (NNT) - Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt has warned holidaymakers of heavy traffic on Bangkok's outbound routes, as massive crowd has been pouring out of the capital since the long holidays started last week.

The Transport Minister recommends travelers to plan ahead for their return trip to Bangkok , suggesting they check the current traffic situation via 1586 hotline of the Department of Highways or the highway police hotline at 1193. Motorists can also report on operators of public transportation who violate traffic law at 1584. Mr. Chadchart added that transportation-related information can be obtained at 1356 hotline.

He has also assured the public that various government agencies have been working around the clock to ensure safety and to facilitate motorists during the long holidays.


-- NNT 2013-12-31

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BTS, MRT, Airport Link will remain open until 2am tomorrow for the public's convenience in celebrating New Year /MCOT

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Protesters demand govt explanation of shootings
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 31 – Anti-government protesters have demanded the authorities’ clarification over shootings at demonstrators by police and men in black at the Thai-Japanese stadium on December 26.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693070-protesters-demand-thai-govt-explanation-of-shootings/

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Thailand’s renewable energy policy unsuccessful
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 31 – The Thai private sector has called on the government to sustainably promote its renewable energy policy in light of failures in several projects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693073-thailands-renewable-energy-policy-unsuccessful/

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Thai lifestyle products enjoy 5% growth in 2013
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 31 – Thailand’s lifestyle products grew 3-4 per cent this year and will possibly expand by 5 per cent next year, according to a local manufacturer.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693075-thai-lifestyle-products-enjoy-5-growth-in-2013/

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RT @RichardBarrow: 209 road deaths in the first 4 days of new year holiday in #Thailand => Day 4: 48 deaths & 541 injuries in 496 accidents

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

Day 1: 39 deaths (33 in 2012)

Day 2: 47 (38)

Day 3: 75 (77)

Day 4: 48 (54)

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Provincial EC in Nakhon Si Thammarat switches to use Border Patrol Police base for candidacy registration; Songkhla registrations suspended for 4th day /MCOT

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RT @RichardBarrow: Bunker at Misakawan intersection in #Bangkok where a taxi driver was shot last night (Pic @ArmMatichon) http://t.co/ef3lBxhv1I

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NY road toll has risen to 209 killed and 1,931 injured in 1,818 accidents on Dec 30, the fourth day of the seven dangerous days of NY /Bangkok Post

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One protest guard shot on Ratchadamnoen Nok road



BANGKOK: -- One protest guard was shot and seriously wounded by unidentified gunmen at a protest site at Suan Miksakawan on Ratchadamnoen Nok road late Monday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/693057-voluntary-guard-shot-injured-near-str-rally-site-bangkok/#entry7228115