Thailand Live Friday 10 Jan 2014

[webfact]

PM discuss with CAPO on planned Jan13 Bangkok Shutdown at police HQ; says she's ready to clarify issues with media /MCOT

[webfact]

Ministry of Finance allows officials to work from home during January 13 rally

BANGKOK, 10 January 2014 (NNT) — Deputy Finance Minister Rungson Sriworasat has issued an order to move work outside of the Ministry of Finance to another location in order to avoid the January 13 rally. Government officials are also allowed to work from home.

Mr. Rungson stated that the Ministry of Finance has come up with contingency plans to handle the January 13 rally by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) that would attempt to immobilize Bangkok.

The Deputy Finance Minister has ordered officials to prepare a second work station in case the Finance Ministry became cordoned off - ensuring the public that work will go on as usual during the rally.

As the government has delegated each ministry to look after the welfare and safety of government officials, Mr. Rungson stated that the Finance Ministry has allowed officials to work from home if need be, and to locate other suitable areas to temporarily move to during the rally.

Mr. Rungson has also confirmed that governmental budget disbursements and procurement will be carried out as usual, whereas tax declarations handled by the Revenue Department can be done through backup stations or via the internet.


-- NNT 2014-01-10

[webfact]

Murder fugitive in Phuket land dispute surrenders to police
Phuket Gazette


Supongdeth Vetchatam, 53, told police that he shot dead land-rival Echa Yala in self-defense. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- The man wanted for shooting dead a rival in a land dispute yesterday surrendered to Phuket police last night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695602-murder-fugitive-in-phuket-land-dispute-surrenders-to-police/

[webfact]

Buriram and Yasothorn farmers demand rice payment by January 15



BANGKOK: -- Over 100 farmers from three districts of Buriram province rallied in front of the city town hall to demand the payment of the rice they sold to the government under the rice-pledging scheme but were not yet paid for over three months.

The rice they sold was harvested during the 2013/2014 harvest year.

Farmer leader Pramual Bothong said farmers now have no money to pay for necessary items needed for planting new crop and their daily expenditures.

He said if the government does not pay them by January 15, farmers will have no choice but to either shut down government office center in Buriram or to join the Bangkok Shutdown protest in Bangkok.

At the same time farmers in Yasothorn province also rallied at the city town hall demanding same payment by January 15.

Yasothorn deputy governor Chanya Sukonkantachart told farmers that the Finance Ministry has allocated the first payment of 417 million baht and is now paying to 4,000 farmers, while the rest 40,000 farmers would have to await the next allocation which is expected soon.

Farmers agreed to disperse but would return if they did not get the money as were promised.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/buriram-yasothorn-farmers-demand-rice-payment-january-15/


-- Thai PBS 2014-01-10

[webfact]

Army urges all sides not to make negative assumptions

BANGKOK, 10 Jan 2014 (NNT) – The Army is urging all sides not to make negative assumptions or jump to any conclusions, saying it does not want to see violence take place on or after January 13th.

Deputy Army Spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree revealed that the military’s main duty, assigned by the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), was to protect government offices and assist members of the public who may need medical attention.

He also urged all sides not to draw any conclusions or make negative assumptions following the planned mass rally by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) on January 13th.

The deputy spokesman also assured the public that the army would abide by the rule of law as well as serving both the people and the nation. Col Winthai asked everyone not to force the army to take side and always put the nation’s interest first before making any decisions.


-- NNT 2014-01-10

[webfact]

300 taxi-vans operators parked their vans near anti-govt rally at Victory Monument to oppose Jan.13 Bangkok shutdown /

Prolonged Bkk shutdown by anti-govt protesters could cut Thai GDP growth by 0.1-0.2 pct,UTCC said /

Pathumwan intersection will be main protest site when anti-govt protesters begin Bangkok shutdown Jan. 13 /

Thai political impasse expected to depress SET index to 1,150-1,200; rebound unlikely until 2nd half 2014, Asset Plus Securities said /

Private jets of the wealthy/famous has stopped flying into Bangkok to avoid potential violence next week when anti-govt protesters shutdown Bangkok /

/The Nation

[webfact]

One-way bus system trial for Phuket's death hill
Wiparatana Nathalang


Buses coming from the north of the island into Patong will be barred from the red route and will have to go via the green route.

PHUKET: -- Despite grumbling from some bus owners, a scheme to limit the use of buses on Patong Hill will be introduced soon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695631-one-way-bus-system-trial-for-phukets-death-hill/

[webfact]

The Election Commission has submitted an urgent letter to caretaker PM asking that she considers issuing a royal decree postponing the Feb 2 polls, reports say. /Bangkok Post

[webfact]

Philippines tells nationals to shun red, yellow in Thailand

MANILA, January 10, 2014 (AFP) - Filipinos travelling to Thailand have been told to shun red or yellow items to avoid being caught up in the political unrest there, the Philippine embassy in Bangkok said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695575-filipinos-in-thailand-cautioned-vs-wearing-red-yellow/

[webfact]

Taxi driver finds Russians cash on back seat

PATTAYA – January 10, 2014 [PDN]; at 4.00 a.m. Mr. Chananat Seangwan, aged 42, address 148 Moo 3 Tambon Ban Phraek, Amphur Meung Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi province, who is a taxi driver from Suvarnnabhumi airport, had brought a large amount of foreign cash approximately 100,000 THB to Pol. Lt. Jakkrit Jantakham (Investigation police on duty of Pattaya city police station) in order for it to be returned to its rightful owners.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695637-taxi-driver-finds-russians-cash-on-back-seat/

[Lite Beer]

National Defense College 2006 hands out funds for soldiers and police injured and killed in South

PATTANI, 9 Jan 2014 (NNT)- Students of the Thai National Defense College class of 2006 have handed to ISOC funds for soldiers and police who have been injured and killed in southern border provinces.

Students of the Thai National Defense College (NDC) 2006 yesterday handed to Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command ( ISOC) Region 4 two million baht to be given to soldiers and police injured and killed from violence in the three southernmost provinces.

They were welcomed by ISOC Region 4 Deputy Director, Deputy commissioner of Southern Border Provinces Police Operation Center and related officials. The funds had been raised from a charity boxing event for soldiers and police who fell victims to violence in the South.

The two-million baht funds was presented as a gesture of appreciation, in the hope of boosting the morale of soldiers and police deployed in the restive southern region to protect southerners and handle violence in the South.

-- NNT 2014-01-10

[Lite Beer]

Senate and House speakers ask for postponement to hear charges

BANGKOK: -- Former speakers of the Senate and the House of Representatives Nikhom Wairatpanich and Somsak Kiatsuranont today sought postponement from the National Anti-Corruption Committee (NACC) to acknowledge charges for malfeasance in office and abuse of power in connection with the charter amendment regarding the composition of the Senate.

Both were indicted by the NACC of the charges and were summoned to acknowledge the charges today at 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. respectively.

But the NACC was notified today that they were not convenient to arrive for acknowledgement of the charges and would be available next month.

Somsak reasoned that he was busy in election campaign in the provinces, while Nikhom said he was busy with personal work in the North.

NACC commissioner Vicha Mahakhun said the NACC will meet all relevant officials in the inquiry cases to discuss the postponement.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/senate-house-speakers-ask-postponement-hear-charges/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=senate-house-speakers-ask-postponement-hear-charges

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-10

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Auditor-general asks EC to review February 2 election

BANGKOK: -- The Office of Auditor General of Thailand (OAG) has urged the Election Commission (EC) to review hosting the February 2 general election saying a large sum of money will be wasted should the election result voided.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695573-going-ahead-with-feb-2-poll-could-be-waste-of-money-oag/#entry7271034

[Lite Beer]

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Friday 10 January 2014 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

The nearly active high pressure from China has extended to upper Thailand and the South China Sea. Cooler weather by dropping 1-2 degree Celsius is forecast to affect the eastern North, the Northeast, the Central include of Bangkok Metropolis and the East. The stronger northeast monsoon prevails over the South and the Gulf of Thailand leading to more rain over the South with wave 2-3 meters high in the Gulf. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats especially in the lower Gulf keep ashore during 10-16 Jan, 2014.

The westerly through has moved pass Myanmar covers to the North. Isolated light rains at first and then 3-5 degree Celsius drops are likely in the areas.
During 13-16 Jan, 2014, the another active high pressure from China will extend to upper Thailand. 4-6 degree Celsius drops with windy are likely in the areas.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Friday Noon to Saturday Noon.

Northern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Light rain mostly in the upper part. Minimum temperature 16-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-32 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 4-9 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cold in the upper part, minimum temperature 14-15 degree Celsius. Cool elsewhere, minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius. Slight drop in temperature. Maximum temperature 29-31 ?C. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 8-13 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with light fog in the morning and 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 16-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 degree Celsius. Cool on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool in the morning and 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 18-20 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius. Cool on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cool with light fog in the morning. Scattered thundershowers mostly in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 19-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Phang-nga, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 23-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool in the morning and 1-2 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 21-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-33 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

-- NNT 2014-01-10

[Lite Beer]

Chiang mai Provincial Land Transport Office prepares auction of “Super number” license plates

CHIANG MAI, 9 Jan 2014 (NNT) - Chiang mai Provincial Land Transport Office is set to auction off “Super number” license plates, the proceeds of which will go to the Road Safety fund for road accident victims assistance.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695653-chiang-mai-provincial-land-transport-office-prepares-auction-of-super-number-license-plates/

[Lite Beer]

MRT prepares for more passengers during rally

BANGKOK, 9 January 2014 (NNT) - Underground train operator BMCL is gearing up for a spike in passenger numbers after January 13, as Bangkok commuters have been urged to use public transport during the protest.

According to Bangkok Metro Plc, due to a number of road closures from Monday onwards, commuters are expected to mainly use the MRT and BTS skytrain to reach their destinations.

The BMCL had earlier reported a 60% rise in the number of commuters on December 22 last year, when anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban called a city-wide rally.

The company has also prepared a contingency plan to ensure quality services to passengers despite higher ridership figures. More personnel will be assigned to work from Monday on, and prepaid tokens will be available at crowded stations. Safety checks on electrical equipment and control systems will also be conducted.

Passengers who wish to make unlimited trips during the day can purchase one-day passes at ticket booths of all MRT stations. For more information, commuters are advised to contact the BMCL public relations office at 0-2624-5200.

-- NNT 2014-01-10

[Lite Beer]

Sangha Assembly to prohibit monks and novices from driving and hitchhiking

BANGKOK, 10 January 2014, (NNT) --Out of concerns over a number of improper incidents reported in the past few years, the Sangha Assembly on December 8 held a meeting to consider issuing regulations prohibiting monks and novices from driving and hitchhiking.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695655-sangha-assembly-to-prohibit-monks-and-novices-from-driving-and-hitchhiking/

[Lite Beer]

CAPO opens centres nationwide to receive complaints 24 hours from those affected by Jan 13 Bangkok Shutdown /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Phuket shooter surrenders to police
Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: Suphongdet Waetchatam, 53, from Phuket, has surrendered to police and admitted to killing E-cha Tala yesterday (January 9) after a furious row in Mr E-cha’s garden in Koh Kaew.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695602-murder-fugitive-in-phuket-land-dispute-surrenders-to-police/#entry7271153

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: MT @Rawee_TRnews: A group people rallying outside Thairath newspaper's (also tv) HQ. #ไทยรัฐ pic.twitter.com/ULEd6KKF5U

[webfact]

BREAKING

US Embassy in Bangkok advises citizens to stock a two week supply of cash, food and medicine

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695668-us-embassy-in-bangkok-advises-citizens-to-stock-a-two-week-supply-of-cash-food-and-medicine/

[webfact]

Tourist 'near strangled' in mid-air during freak parasailing accident in Phuket
Claire Connell


Marium Saleem before she took off from Kata Beach.

PHUKET: -- -- Marium Saleem’s first time parasailing on Kata Beach turned to horror last week when she says she almost died after being strangled by the harness mid-air and blacking out twice, causing serious bruising to her neck.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695677-tourist-near-strangled-in-mid-air-during-freak-parasailing-accident-in-phuket/

[webfact]

Thai caretaker PM Yingluck urges military to mediate with protesters
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 10 – Embattled Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today left the option open for the military to mediate with anti-government protesters in resolving Thailand’s political stalemate in light of the anticipated seizure of the capital on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695678-thai-caretaker-pm-yingluck-urges-military-to-mediate-with-protesters/

[webfact]

Yingluck denies CAPO to be relocated to Nakhon Pathom
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said Friday that she will monitor the simultaneous mass rallies in Bangkok on Monday by herself.

She also denied that the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order would be relocated from the Royal Thai Police to the Police Academy in Samphan district, Nakhon Pathom.

She was speaking at a special interview session.


-- The Nation 2014-01-10

[webfact]

Bangkok Airways to close headoffice

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Airways will close its head office and ticket office on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road during January 13 - 15 January 2014.

In an announcement, it said reservations during the days can be made via Bangkok Airways’ 24-hour Call Centre 1771, www.bangkokair.com, or at Bangkok Airways Ticket Office, Suvarnabhumi Airport located on the 6th floor.

-- The Nation 2014-01-10

[webfact]

The EC says it had not sent the letter to the caretaker PM asking the govt to issue a royal decree postponing the Feb 2 polls, as was reported by some media. /Bangkok Post

[webfact]

Election Commission denies sending letter asking caretaker government to issue royal decree to postpone Feb 2 snap poll /MCOT

[webfact]

Fearing Unrest Kuwaitis Urged To Leave Thailand
Hotlines Set For Emergencies

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/695697-fearing-unrest-kuwaitis-urged-to-leave-thailand/

[webfact]

SET index closed 1,255.45, down 2.81; Bt/USD32.89; GBP54.07; AUD29.04; EUR44.62; CAD30.16; HKD4.23; SGD25.75; JPY31.22

[webfact]

Pheu Thai not involved in anti-shutdown campaign: Prompong

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit denied a rumour that his party was behind the campaign against the "Bangkok shutdown".

He insisted that the party’s members or the government have no part in the campaign, which could be initiated by any social groups.

"Affected by Suthep (Thaugsuban)’s movements, several silent groups have voiced their opposition, including students and lecturers. Some also complained to Pheu Thai they had to stock up food, in preparation for the shutdown which may extend for days. What’s Suthep doing is anti-democratic," he said.


-- The Nation 2014-01-10