Thailand Live Monday 6 Jan 2014

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Princess Maha Chakri visits Singapore and Timor-Leste

BANGKOK, 6 January 2014 (NNT) - Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is leaving this morning (January 6) for a visit to the Republic of Singapore, to be followed by an official visit to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

According to the Bureau of the Royal Household, Her Royal Highness will be staying in Singapore from January 6 to 7 and will grant audiences to a number of well wishers at the residence of the Thai Ambassador in Singapore.

The Princess will then continue to Timor-Leste for an official visit from January 7 to 9 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of that country. In the capital of Dili, Her Royal Highness will attend the ceremonial launch of a United Nations project to eradicate famine and hunger from Timor-Leste, on January 9. Her Royal Highness will also visit places of historical importance and observe the operation of such institutes as the East Timor State Museum, the Corrections Department, a 17th-century old fort in Maubara, and an agricultural training center of the National Cooperative Business Association.

The Princess will also observe the progress of the royally-initiated school lunch project being implemented at various educational institutions in Timor-Leste.


-- NNT 2014-01-06

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POLITICS
Vote against me if you want me out: caretaker PM
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday urged her political opponents to go to the polls if they want to remove her from office.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694435-vote-against-me-if-you-want-me-out-caretaker-pm-yingluck/

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POLITICS
Pheu Thai to approach court over southern candidates
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE PHEU THAI Party will go to court today to protect the right of its 29 southern candidates to contest the February 2 election after authorities refused to extend the registration period.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694436-pheu-thai-to-approach-court-over-southern-candidates/

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'Gambler' Found Dead Near Thai-Cambodia Border
by Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- The body of a suspected Thai gambler has been found in a creek near Thai-Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694437-gambler-found-dead-near-thai-cambodia-border/

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Red shirts harass PDRC protesters in Chiang Mai

BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protesters were harassed by red-shirt followers in Muang district of Chiang Mai Sunday as the former tried to campaign for the local people to support national reform to take place before the country go to the polls.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694441-red-shirts-harass-pdrc-protesters-in-chiang-mai/

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POLITICS
Social media becomes tool for rival viewpoints
ASINA PORNWASIN
THE NATION

Shutdown campaign hot topic with each side pushing their opinions

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694438-thai-social-media-becomes-tool-for-rival-viewpoints/

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EDITORIAL
Innocent? Naive? Who are you kidding?
The Nation

Children are often noted for innocence or naivety but increasingly it's Adults who suffer self-doubt in our fast-changing world

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694439-thai-editorial-innocent-naive-who-are-you-kidding/

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BANGKOK SHUTDOWN
Decree still an option: govt
The Nation

Emergency security law may be imposed if violence breaks out, PM's aide says

BANGKOK: -- A KEY STRATEGIST of the caretaker government hinted yesterday of the possibility of imposing an emergency decree to prevent violence during the "Bangkok Shutdown" campaign by anti-government protesters next Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694442-bangkok-shutdown-decree-still-an-option-govt/

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Survival planning ahead of Shutdown
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Many people feel the anti-government protesters' planned "Bangkok shutdown", scheduled for January 13, is the kind of disaster they have experienced before, especially the flooding in 2011.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694463-survival-planning-ahead-of-bangkok-shutdown/

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VN man caught smuggling endangered species
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A Vietnamese national has been arrested at Aranya Prathet border checkpoint in Sa Kaew province for allegedly attempting to smuggle a number of two endangered living animal species into the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694465-vietnamese-national-caught-smuggling-endangered-species-sa-kaew/

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Warning on cheap skin-lightening cream
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE FOOD and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday warned teenagers and young people about substandard whitening cosmetics, which are increasingly popular due to low prices and their easy availability from the Internet and beauty salons.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694466-thai-fda-warns-on-cheap-skin-lightening-cream/

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Suthep threatens to seize Yingluck’s assets‏



BANGKOK: -- Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban threatened to seize all the assets of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra if she still defies the call of the people to resign.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694467-suthep-threatens-to-seize-yinglucks-assetsae/

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Australian tourist injured after car crushes his bike into safety barrier
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: -- Australian tourist, 27-year-old Christopher Collinge, was taken to hospital today (January 5) after a car drove into his motorbike on the Patong Hill, crushing him between the car and the safety barrier.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694468-australian-tourist-injured-after-car-crushes-his-bike-into-safety-barrier/

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American involved in knife incident at Central Pattaya Plaza



PATTAYA: -- On Saturday Morning Pattaya Police detained a 49 year old American who was accused of using a knife and allegedly attempting to indecently assault a Thai shopkeeper.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694469-american-involved-in-knife-incident-at-central-pattaya-plaza/

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2 dead, 3 injured in Pattaya Highway horror crash

PATTAYA: -- A 32 year old woman and 4 year old child were killed and 3 others were injured after a car came off the main carriageway of Highway 36 in East Pattaya after the driver was suspected of falling asleep at the wheel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/694471-2-dead,-3-injured-in-Pattaya-Highway-horror-crash

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Tourist Police say they need 2,000 more men
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Tourist Police want the government to add 2,000 new officers to the force to secure their role in meeting the country's tourism-revenue target of Bt2.2 trillion by next year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694473-thai-tourist-police-2000-more-officers-needed/

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Bag containing B500k and iPad returned to Phuket tourist
Eakkapop Thongtub


Alfredo De Santi is reunited with his lost bag.

PHUKET: -- Italian tourist Alfredo De Santi, 37, was fortunate to get his bag containing B500,000 cash, a mobile phone, passport and iPad back, after he left it in a taxi.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694494-bag-containing-b500k-and-ipad-returned-to-italian-tourist-phuket/

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Shooting at anti-government protesters injures a Burmese employee

BANGKOK: -- A motorcycle gang threw ping pong bombs and fired several shots at security guards giving protection to the protesters of the Network for Students and People for the Reform of Thailand ( NSPRT) early this morning seriously wounded a Burmese employee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694498-burmese-man-injured-during-shooting-at-anti-govt-protestors-in-bangkok/

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Protest leader strengthens readiness for 'Bangkok shutdown' action
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 6 – Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban will lead another city march tomorrow to urge Bangkok people to jointly seize the capital on Jan 13 in an escalated pressure against the embattled government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694499-protest-leader-strengthens-readiness-for-bangkok-shutdown-action/

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Army to move up its planned heavy artillery/armaments into Bangkok tonight to avoid anti-govt Bangkok shutdown next Monday /The Nation

Security measures in place to manage anti-govt protest groups planned Bangkok shutdown Jan.13,National Security Council chief said /The Nation

Current political unrest will delay fiscal 2015 budget allocation, Comptroller-General's Dept said /The Nation

Another cold wave from China expected to cover N, NE Thailand Jan. 9-11 w/ lower temperature, thick morning fogs /The Nation

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Security chief: Emergency Decree probable if turmoil deepens
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 6 - The government will not impose an emergency decree in Bangkok unless the political turmoil escalates to casualties or terrorism, according to the National Security Council (NSC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694442-bangkok-shutdown-decree-still-an-option-govt/#entry7252453

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Suthep says CAPO’s drug and gun allegations “a lie”

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694499-protest-leader-strengthens-readiness-for-bangkok-shutdown-action/#entry7252476

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Youngsters’ group inviting Bangkok residents to vote on Feb 2

ฺBANGKOK, 5 January 2014 (NNT) – A group of young art-loving people calling themselves ANTs’ Power launched a campaign on Sunday inviting Bangkok voters to exercise their rights on February 2nd.

The youngsters organised a street event in which they launched white balloons, a symbol of equal civil rights, into the capital city's sky, to call on Bangkok residents to vote.

The group’s representative said a large number of Bangkok residents who used to show no stance in the political conflict have increasingly expressed their demand for democracy. The representative said his group is one among them and called on different sides to air their views through the general elections.

ANT's Power said the election would be the only way to amend the rift in Thai society. The group organized its campaign in front of the Bangkok Art and Culture Center in one of the busiest districts of the capital.


-- NNT 2014-01-06

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Travellers told to reserve 4 hours before flight departure
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 6 – Travellers flying out of Thailand via Suvarnabhumi on Jan 13 when Bangkok will be seized by anti-government protesters have been told to leave for the airport at least four hours ahead of their flights, according to the Airports of Thailand (AoT).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694505-bangkok-shutdown-travellers-told-to-reserve-4-hours-before-flight-departure/

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Poll reveals violence at “Bangkok Shutdown” and economy hurt



BANGKOK: -- Most people feared that “Bangkok Shutdown” could lead to violence and that the country's economy will be negatively affected.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694512-poll-reveals-fear-of-violence-during-bangkok-shutdown/

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Phuket loses Sek's appeal
Phuket Gazette


Phuket Red Cross President Pawinee Inthusut (center right, Red Cross black jacket) attempted to talk the protesters into disbanding. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Hundreds of angry anti-government protesters last night forced the organizers of the annual Phuket Red Cross Fair to cancel a live concert by Thai rock star Sek Loso, who was to perform the closing show at the fair.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694513-phuket-loses-seks-appeal/

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Deported Thai Girl and Mother now back in Denmark

BANGKOK: -- On Saturday January 4 the 8-years old girl Im and her mother Suthida from Thailand landed in Aalborg airport in Denmark. They were welcomed by family and friends from their hometown Aabybro, who had arranged a limousine to pick them up, told Danish Broadcast DR.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694517-deported-thai-girl-and-mother-now-back-in-denmark/

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'Phongthep' urges those interested in protesting to reconsider

BANGKOK, 6 January 2014 (NNT) — Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana has urged those who are interested in joining the January 13 demonstrations to reconsider, saying that a reform must take place “after” the general election.

Mr. Phongthep stated that according to his evaluations and judgement of the current movement of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), he believes that the planned January 13 shutdown will violate other people’s rights and freedom.

Moreover, shutting down Bangkok will have adverse effects on the economy. Mr. Phongthep therefore has urged those who are thinking to join the demonstrations to reconsider.

In addition, the issuance of Emergency Decree is the duty of the state to maintain peace and order. The government will enforce the decree only at the suggestion of the National Security Council. He further stated that the prime minister has also held a meeting to determine the appropriate measures to handle the upcoming protests.

The state, according to Mr. Phongthep, is trying its best to remain neutral - adding that a reform must come after the election and not before.


-- NNT 2014-01-06

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RT @tulsathit: Suthep told Thai Rath "Bkk shutdown" will primarily target govt offices&vehicles, making govt "dysfunctional". (1) via @chavarong

RT @tulsathit: Q: More opposed to Bkk shutdown now.
Suthep: U can't get 10 mn ppl to agree w/u always. We hope to cause least trouble 4 ordinary ppl.(2)

RT @tulsathit: Q: Are you courting a coup?
Suthep: Up to u to think. I just want get democracy back to the ppl (3)

RT @tulsathit: Q: Poll will "definitely" take place on Feb 2.
Suthep: It won't happen in many areas. When House is incomplete, govt can't be formed (4)

RT @tulsathit: Q: Don't u have trust in the system at all?
Suthep: Of course I do, but TS destroyed it, so I want to rebuild it. (5)

RT @tulsathit: Q: They say u'll give up if not enough ppl come out to back shutdown.
Suthep: I don't give up easily. (6)

RT @tulsathit: Q: Govt's afraid "3rd hand" will provoke violence.
Suthep: There are only our hands and govt's hands. U knw who's violence expert. (7)

RT @tulsathit: Q: Many want to know when this ends.
Suthep: Funny, when ppl come to me they don't ask when. They just want me to go till the end. (8)

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Chiang Mai-Lamphun police protecting their dignity

BANGKOK, 6 January 2014 (NNT) – Chiang Mai and Lamphun police have gathered to show support to whichever side that abides by the law and regulations as well as to protect the police's dignity.

Over 1,000 police and former police officers yesterday gathered at Chiang Mai Provincial Police Headquarters to show power and to express that they were ready to protect the honor and dignity of the Thai police. They said they would be on the same side as those playing by the rule.

Chiang Mai and Lamphun police have recently been deployed in Bangkok to help the government maintain law and order following the rallies by People's Democratic Reform Committee protesters who tried to cause disturbances during the registration period of the upcoming general election.

They said they could not stand watching fellow officers, unarmed, being viciously attacked by the protesters. They were however proud of their fellows who were exercising restraints and patient with the rally-goers. This is the reason why the police came out to show their support to the police who served this nation with honor and dignity.


-- NNT 2014-01-06