Thailand Live Saturday 4 Jan 2014

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RT@RichardBarrow: Education Ministry say that almost 1,000 schools will be affected by the “#BangkokShutdown.” Up to individual schools if they want to close.

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Transport Min opens help center for commuters

BANGKOK, 4 January 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Transport has opened up a help center to assist commuters who might be affected by the current political protests.

In the wake of the planned Bangkok shutdown by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee on January 13th, the Transport Ministry has established a help center to facilitate the travelling of motorists.

Those commuters affected by the planned mass rallies are encouraged to call 1356, 1197, 1644, or visit www.mot.go.th

-- NNT 2014-01-04

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FTI: Weakening baht triggers export

BANGKOK, 4 January 2014 (NNT) – The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) says the weakening baht will boost the country’s export, while hinting that the Bank of Thailand (BoT) should maintain the baht at the rate of 31-32 baht against the US dollar.

According to the FTI, the depreciation of the Thai baht against the greenback opened up trade opportunities for exporters, especially those in the agricultural sector, who would greatly benefit from the currency exchange.

The current exchange rate of the Thai currency averages 31-32 baht per one US dollar, which offers competitive pricing for Thai exported goods. On the other hand, the weakening baht will likely pose a threat to Thailand’s import sector, causing the prices of imported goods to go higher.

The FTI however pointed out that the current exchange rate would benefit the country in the long run, while calling on the Bank of Thailand to closely monitor and maintain the value of the baht at the current rate.

-- NNT 2014-01-04

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TAT inks MoU with Zoological Park Organization

BANGKOK, 4 January 2014 (NNT) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Zoological Park Organization.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), led by TAT Governor Thawatchai Arunyik, inked an MoU with the Zoological Park Organization under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King to launch a campaign entitled “Amazing Zoo, Amazing Thailand”.

Under the MoU, the two agencies are to work together to boost the country’s tourism by bringing in more tourists, both Thais and foreigners, to local zoos. Middle-Eastern tourists have great interest in Asian animals, says TAT governor.

The MoU is also aimed at enhancing the quality of Thai zoos, bringing it on a par with the international standard.


-- NNT 2014-01-04

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Police Find 'Stolen' Handgun On Anti-Govt Protester
By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- Police said they have arrested an anti-government protester who was carrying a handgun stolen from a police officer during the clashes in Bangkok last week.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694115-bangkok-police-find-stolen-handgun-on-anti-govt-protester/

[Lite Beer]

Protest Camp Attacked By Gunfire, Firebombs

BANGKOK: -- Unknown individuals have attacked the campsite of anti-government protesters with gunfire and Motolov cocktails last night.

The assailants fired unidentified type of firearms at the entrance to the encampment of People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) near Phan Fa Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, injuring one protester.

The protester, said to be a girlfriend of a volunteer guard stationed in the area, was shot in her leg and was later transported to Ramathibodi Hospital.

Later in the night, attackers on 2 motorcycles also hurled several Molotov cocktails at the protesters′ barricade near Nang Loeng Intersection, before fleeing the scene. The guards quickly extinguished the flame, and no injury was reported.

Responding to the attacks, the protester guards moved their barricades further around their encampment today, and reinforced the ′bunkers′ of car tires around the entrances.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNE9EZ3lOakF4T1E9PQ==

-- Khaosod English 2014-01-04

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Three youths wanted for bus terminal shootings



Bang Sue station police are seeking warrants from the Criminal Court to arrest three youths who they said were engaged in the shooting at Mor Chit bus terminal on January 1 that left six dead and five injured.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694203-three-youths-wanted-for-bus-terminal-shootings/

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Northern Fog Forces Flights To Delay

CHIANG MAI: -- Many flights bound for northern Thailand have suffered delays after swaths of thick fog have engulfed much of the northern provinces.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694204-northern-fog-forces-flights-to-delay/

[Lite Beer]

RT@Tulip_Oum: PDRC route tmrw; 10AM at Democracy monument, then Tanao, Ban Mo, Pak Khlong talat, Saphan Phut, Phahurat, Wang Burapha, Charoen Krung, Wongwoen 22, Maitri Chit, Luang road, Worachak, Bamrung Muang, Maha Chai, back to Democracy mnmnt. Total 7.59 Km.

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to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 5 Jan 2014

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694229-thailand-live-sunday-5-jan-2014/