Thailand Live Wednesday 8 Jan 2014

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Concerns loom for the mentally ill if Bangkok gets shut down

BANGKOK, 8 January 2014 (NNT) — The Mental Health Department has expressed concerns over the mentally ill patients that would be affected by Bangkok’s shutdown on January 13.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695037-concerns-loom-for-the-mentally-ill-if-bangkok-gets-shut-down/

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UPDATE:

NACC resolves to press charges against 308 legislators
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 8 – Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has resolved to file charges against 308 of 381 former legislators for their unlawful roles in passing a proposed charter amendment on the composition of the Senate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694890-thai-anti-graft-panel-to-charge-hundreds-of-thai-mps/page-3#entry7261676

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Thai Celeb's Lucky Name Change Goes Viral
By Khaosod English


Ms. Khakkingrak Khikkhiksaranang

BANGKOK: -- Following a name change intended to improve her fortune, famous actress Pim-Aksiphon Wintarakomintra is now known as Khakkingrak Khikkhiksaranang.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695041-thai-celebs-lucky-name-change-goes-viral/

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Bangkok Governor prepares to handle Bangkok shutdown

BANGKOK 8 January 2014 (NNT) — Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukumpan Boripat is keeping a close watch on the current developments of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)'s plan to shut down Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695044-bangkok-governor-prepares-to-handle-bangkok-shutdown/

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Farmers disperse after payment promise but vow to return



BANGKOK: -- Several hundreds of farmers blocking the Asian Highway from Phitsanulok to Nakhon Sawan agreed to remove blockades and disperse after they were promised by a caretaker minister that they will receive their money on January 15.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695046-rice-farmers-disperse-after-payment-promise-but-vow-to-return/

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Govt to quickly pay farmers participating in rice mortgage program

BANGKOK, 8 Jan 2014 (NNT) - The government vows to pay farmers who pledged their crops under its rice mortgage scheme within January 15th.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695046-rice-farmers-disperse-after-payment-promise-but-vow-to-return/#entry7261867

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Exports expected to grow by 5% in 2014

BANGKOK 8 January 2014 (NNT) — The Thai National Shippers' Council has forecast that the nation’s exports will grow by 5% in 2014 due to the recovery in the global economy.

According to Thai National Shippers' Council president Nopporn Thepsitta, the export industry saw a 0.5 % negative growth in 2013. However, 2014, he said, should see a turnaround as the global economy is recovering, with a 5% growth in exports expected.

Mr. Nopporn further stated that even though the economic outlook for 2014 seems to be positive, it is still necessary to appropriately adjust the nation’s exporting strategies to achieve long-term success.

The Commerce Minister reported the forecast to the Cabinet last December; meanwhile, the Thai National Shippers’ Council has already come up with a strategy to effectively promote growth in exports. The next step would be to meet with industry representatives to further plan an efficient cooperation.


-- NNT 2014-01-08

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Thai woman turns up in Arizona, stuffed inside suitcase
By Coconuts Bangkok

ARIZONA: -- We know U.S. visas aren't easy to obtain, but there's got to be an easier way to bring your wife into the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/694958-usa-mexico-border-patrol-man-tried-to-smuggle-thai-woman-in-suitcase/#entry7261973

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Angry Dennis Rodman defends North Korea visit

(BBC) Dennis Rodman has angrily defended his visit to North Korea, ahead of a basketball game to mark leader Kim Jong-un's birthday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695050-angry-rodman-defends-n-korea-visit/

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Bangkok immigration opens additional offices during demonstrations

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695053-bangkok-immigration-opens-additional-offices-during-demonstrations/

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Court shuns Pheu Thai Party petition
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 8 – The Supreme Administrative Court today rejected a complaint by the Pheu Thai Party, seeking the Election Commission’s renewal of election registration in Thailand’s eight southern provinces.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695063-court-shuns-pheu-thai-party-petition/

[Lite Beer]

Policeman apprehended with gun, 'ice' drug at Rajdamnoen rally site to be fired

BANGKOK: -- A policeman who was apprehended by security officers of the People's Democratic Reform Committee Tuesday night for carrying a gun into the rally site will face dismissal from police service, a police spokesman said Wednesday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695070-policeman-apprehended-with-gun-ice-drug-at-rajdamnoen-rally-site-to-be-fired/

[Lite Beer]

DSI delays asks Court to issue arrest warrants for 33 protest leaders
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 8 - The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) delayed the process to seek arrest warrants for 33 anti-government leaders to tomorrow to prepare the necessary paperwork.

DSI director general Tarit Pengdith said the investigators are preparing the documents and reviewing the petitions to seek court's approval for arrest warrants for 33 leaders of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) who failed to appear before DSI investigators to acknowledge charges related to their anti-government protest without appropriate reasons.

He said the DSI would postpone the original plan to submit the petitions from today to tomorrow at 9am to allow investigators to examine the documents.

Mr Tarit said the tripartite working committee comprising the DSI, the Attorney General's Office and police have mutually agreed that it was unnecessary to re-issue the summons as the protest leaders continued to violate the law.

They also announced holding mass rallies as the "Bangkok Shutdown" on Monday which would severely damage the economy, he said.

The PDRC planned to organise demonstrations at seven major locations in Bangkok to paralyse the capital to pressure the caretaker government to resign, opening the way for political reform before general election. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-01-08

[Lite Beer]

Thai students win awards at Chinese Ice and Snow Festival
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 8 – Thai vocational students once again have won awards at an international ice carving and snow sculpture competition at the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China.

Vocational Education Commission (VEC) secretary-general Chaiyapruk Serirak said two teams of Thai students won two awards at the "6th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest 2014” held January 4th through yesterday in Heilongjiang province in China.

The World Championship award went to a team of four Thai students from Saraburi Vocational College for their creation of the”Wonder of Thailand”, a work comprising a Thai-styled pagoda, chapel and a three-wheeled Thai taxi, a samlor or tuk-tuk.

Students from Trat Technical College were awarded second runner-up for their creation of “Friendship”, comprising characters from Thai and Chinese literature.

This year, 61 teams from 13 countries gathered to take part in the four-day Harbin International Ice Carving event, then themed “Inspiration Snow Dream”. They were given three days to create their masterpieces in a minus 10 degrees Celsius temperature.

According to Mr Chaiyapruk, this is the fifth consecutive year since 2010 that Thai students won first prize in this ice carving and snow sculpture competition. It shows that their skills learned at vocational schools are practical. The awards would boost the students’ confidence and sense of pride.

Thai students and team are scheduled to return to Thailand later today. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-01-08

[Lite Beer]

Insurance companies won’t cover damages from 'Bangkok Shutdown'
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- If you’re planning to participate in Monday’s street skirmish, we hate to say it, but you might consider leaving that new Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 at home.

Anon Wangwasu, the president of Thai General Insurance Association has advised citizens to keep their vehicles safe and home and reveals insurance doesn't apply to the damage caused by social unrest.

Read More: http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2014/01/08/insurance-companies-wont-cover-damages-bangkok-shutdown

-- Coconuts Bangkok 2014-01-08

[Lite Beer]

Charupong urges EC to review decision to disqualify four Pheu Thai candidates

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai leader and caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan Wednesday called on the Election Commission to review its decision to disqualify four Pheu Thai party-list candidates.

Charupong said the Pheu Thai had carefully considered the qualifications of its candidates so it was confident that all the party-list candidates were qualified.

The four disqualified candidates included Arisman Pongruangrong and Wiroon Fuensaen.

-- The Nation 2014-01-08

[Lite Beer]

Police Insist Non-Lethal Weapons Used Against PCAD

By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- Thai police once again insist that they had not employed any lethal weapons against PCAD protesters at the clash at Thai-Japan Stadium on 26 December 2013.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695075-police-insist-non-lethal-weapons-used-against-pcad/

[Lite Beer]

RT@veen_NT: Suthep said Pathumwan would be PDRC's main stage after leaving Rajdamnone on "Bangkok Shutdown" Day. via @satien_nna

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Information center to be set up for tourists amid political protests

BANGKOK, 8 Jan 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will set up an information center to help tourists who might be affected by the anti-government protests expected to paralyze Bangkok on January 13th.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695088-information-center-to-be-set-up-for-tourists-amid-political-protests-bangkok/

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Foreign envoys assured of safety during Bangkok Shutdown
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 8 - The Thai Foreign Ministry today clarified the tense political situation to foreign envoys and said it would ensure their safety as several embassies are located in the "Bangkok Shutdown" protest areas.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695028-foreign-ministry-to-brief-envoys-on-bangkok-shutdown/#entry7262700

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PRESS RELEASE
Stage is set for Thailand's biggest marathon



RUNNING: The commercial, cultural and political centre of Northeastern Thailand is set to welcome runners from 40 countries around the world during the 11th Khon Kaen International Marathon 2014 on 26 January.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695095-khon-kaen-stage-is-set-for-thailands-biggest-marathon/

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POLITICS
Embassies, diplomats concerned at Bangkok shutdown
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign embassies, and particularly those located near rally sites, on Wednesday expressed concern at the political situation ahead of the mass rally and Bangkok shutdown on January 13, Foreign Ministry's permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkaew said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695028-foreign-ministry-to-brief-envoys-on-bangkok-shutdown/#entry7262797

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Suthep Told To Attend Court For 2010 Crackdown Trial
By Khaosod English

Soldiers firing their weapons at Redshirts protesters in Bangkok, 14 May 2010

BANGKOK: -- The Office of Attorney General has given a deadline for PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban to meet with the prosecutors and proceed with his murder charges, according to the court spokesman.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695105-suthep-told-to-attend-court-for-2010-crackdown-trial/

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Thailand to deploy 15,000 police, troops for 'shutdown'

BANGKOK, January 8, 2014 (AFP) - Nearly 15,000 police and soldiers will be deployed in the Thai capital next week for the planned "shutdown" of Bangkok by demonstrators trying to overthrow the government, officials said Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695107-thailand-to-deploy-15000-police-troops-for-shutdown/

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THAI employees to wear black tomorrow



BANGKOK: -- The labor union of Thai Airways International today called for all employees to wear black tomorrow to show their opposition to the chairman and demand his immediate resignation.

In a statement issued today the union called on THAI board chairman Amphon Kittiamphon to step down and to remove the acting THAI president Mr Chokchai Panyayong.

The union also urges all employees to join the January 13 Bangkok shutdown protest at Ha Yaek Lardprao junction to show their support to the People’s Democratic Reform Committee as it is the joint resolution of the State Enterprise Workers Relation Confederation which it is a member.

Earlier THAI union president Damrong Waiyakanee accused both executives of underperforming that led to heavy loss of the national flag carrier.

He said the acting president had proposed business strategies to improve THAI operations since 2009 but nothing has improved and instead worsened.

Meanwhile THAI competitors expanded and business growing, he said.

He also doubted why THAI has to close its profitable operations in Ubon Ratchathani airport and allowed other airline to operate.

This was a wrong decision of the board under Mr Amphon and acting president Chokchai.

The union president said THAI share value also plummeted as if it was a conspiracy to devalue it and pave the way for takeover at low prices.

At present, he said, employees would only ask if they would get salary increase or not with none asking for bonus which they never received long ago.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thai-employees-wear-black-tomorrow/


-- Thai PBS 2014-01-08

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Thailand Windsurfing Championships & Pattaya International Windsurfing Cup 2014

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695111-pattaya-international-windsurfing-cup-2014-10th-till-12nd-january/

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Policeman Arrested For Bringing Gun, Drugs To Protests
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- A policeman has been arrested after he attempted to carry a handgun and crystal meth into anti-government protests at Ratchadamnoen Avenue last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695070-policeman-apprehended-with-gun-ice-drug-at-rajdamnoen-rally-site-to-be-fired/#entry7263220

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SET index closed 1,257.73, down 4.63; Bt/USD32.94; GBP53.87; AUD29.20; EUR44.74; CAD30.38; HKD4.24; SGD25.78; JPY31.27

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POLITICS
Ex-MP denies voting 'several times' on loan bill
Chanikarn Phumhiran
The Nation


Narisorn//Photo : Tatchadon Panyaphanitkul

BANGKOK: -- A former Pheu Thai MP accused of illegally voting to pass the Bt2trillion loan bill insisted the MP identification cards he used for the vote were all his, not those of his colleagues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695123-former-pheu-thai-mp-denies-voting-several-times-on-loan-bill/

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Article 190 amendment bill unconstitutional, court rules
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Constitutional Court Wednesday ruled that the amendment to Article 190 of the Constitution was unconstitutional.

The amendment bill was aimed at allowing the government to sign international deals without having to seek legislative approval on a negotiating framework.

It was to allow the government to bypass the legislature to negotiate any deals except those impacting territorial integrity, sovereignty, relevant laws enacted by Parliament and the opening up of free trade.

The court ruled that the amendment bill and the amendment method violated Article 68, which prohibited the unconstitutional way of acquiring state power.

The complaint against the Article 190 amendment bill was filed by former Democrat MP Wirat Kalayasiri.


-- The Nation 2014-01-08