Thailand Live Sunday 12th Jan 2014

[Lite Beer]

Tonghthong: Election cannot be put off

BANGKOK, 12 January 2014 (NNT) - Permanent Secretary for the PM’s Office Tongthong Chandransu remarks that the government has no power to issue a royal decree or an emergency decree to postpone the general election. The government's only option is to organize the polls as planned.

The permanent secretary stressed that the constitution stipulated that a general election must take place no sooner than 45 days and no later than 60 days since the dissolution of parliament. The official also expressed his concerns over long-term effects on the country if the polls were postponed and the caretaker government ruled for an extended period of time when their activities were limited.

Mr Thonghtong added that all constituencies could have an election within 180 days although the charter stipulated that a general election must be arranged in one day.

A majority of Thais were ready to cast a ballot and those who opposed the election would rather vote No, the official said.

-- NNT 2014-01-12

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Politics still has negative effects on Thai baht and local stock

BANGKOK, 12 Jan 2014, (NNT) - The baht currency is expected to move between 32.95 - 33.3 baht per dollars next week, says Kasikorn Research (K-Research), saying internal politics and U.S. economic figures remain the key factors affecting the baht value.

K-Research predicted that the stock market outlook for the week of January 13th - 17th would still fluctuate.

The Kasikorn Assets Management Public Company Limited (K-Assets) and the K-Research both concurred that Thai political situation and U.S. key economic figures such as producer price index, real estate consumer price index, and industrial output would play crucial role dictating Thailand’s stock market directions.

K-Assets projected the the stock index resistance and support levels of 1,293 to 1,320 points and 1,235 to 1,200 points, respectively.

-- NNT 2014-01-12

[Lite Beer]

Police to not carry weapons during Jan 13 protests

BANGKOK, 12 January 2014 (NNT) – The police will carry no weapons during the planned mass rally on Monday, while members of the public have been asked not to join the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protests.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696081-police-to-not-carry-weapons-during-jan-13-protests/

[Lite Beer]

Gen Prayuth concerned over security on Jan 13

BANGKOK, 12 January 2014 (NNT) – Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has expressed his concern over security measures on January 13 when anti-government protesters will stage a mass rally.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696083-gen-prayuth-concerned-over-security-on-jan-13/

[Lite Beer]

THAI operates normal service on protest day 13 Jan

BANGKOK, 12 January 2014 (NNT) - Thai Airways International (THAI) announces that it will provide normal service during the mass rallies on 13 January 2014 in Bangkok.

The flag carrier’s public relations department confirmed the airline would operate as normal on Monday but the ticketing offices at the headquarters on Vibhavadi road and the Government Complex would be closed. Passengers are recommended to buy tickets at its branches on Lan Luang and Silom roads as well as at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

THAI also suggests passengers visit thaiairways.com and thaismileair.com for information about the airline’s service. They can also contact the THAI Call Center 02-356 -1111 or the Crisis Management Operations Center at 02-545-3181 for more information.

-- NNT 2014-01-12

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Phuket radio presenter, DJ Doris, dies in road accident

Jody Houton

PHUKET: Popular Phuket DJ Paul Norris, also known as DJ Doris to his Phuket 91.5 FM listeners, was hit by a taxi and died in the early hours of this morning (Sunday).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696088-phuket-radio-presenter-dj-doris-dies-in-road-accident/

[Lite Beer]

RT@BPbreakingnews: PDRC: Election postponement pointless

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Sunday 12 January 2014 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

The high pressure over upper Thailand leads to cool weather with fog in the morning while another active high pressure from China covers southern China. It is expected to reach the upper country during 13-16 January. Very cold weather will be likely by significantly dropping 5-7 degree Celsius. and gust over the North, the Northeast, the Central and the East.

During 13-16 January, the northeast monsoon across the South and the Gulf of Thailand will grow stronger. It affects the Gulf with strong wind. Wave 2-3 meters will be likely in the lower Gulf. All ships should proceed with caution. and small boats keep ashore.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Sunday Noon to Monday Noon

Northern Thailand Fog in the morning.Cold in the upper part, minimum temperature 13-15 degree Celsius. Elsewhere cool, minimum temperature 15-17 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 27-32 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 4-9 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool to cold with 3-4 drop and gust. Minimum temperature 11-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 8-13 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with mist in the morning. Minimum temperature 18-20 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius. Cool on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with mist in the morning. Minimum temperature 20-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Cool on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius.Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cool with mist in the morning in the upper part. Widely scattered thundershowers mostly in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 21-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Celsius.Surat Thani northward : Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.Nakhon Si Thammarat southward : Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy and isolated thundershowers mostly in Krabi, Trang and Satun.Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

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

Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Sunday 12 January 2014
Northern No rain reported.
Tn 4.2 at Doi Angkhlang, A.Fang, C.Chiang Mai // Tx 32.5 at A.Thoen, C.Lampang
Northeastern No rain reported.
Tn 8.5 at Phu Luang Sanctuary, A.Phu Rua, C.Loei // Tx 31.6 at A.Sawang Weera Wong and A.Muang, C.Ubon Ratchathani
Central No rain reported.
Tn 16.3 at T.Thong Pha Phum, C.Kanchanaburi // Tx 33.4 at A.Tha Rua, C.Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Eastern No rain reported.
Tn 13.8 at Khao Yai National Park A.Muang C.Nakhon Nayok // Tx 34.3 at A.Khlung, C.Chanthaburi
Southern (East Coast) Scattered rain. Maximum 305.0 mm. at A.Waeng, C.Narathiwat
Tn 18.9 at T.Nong Plub, A.Hua Hin, C.Prachuap Khiri Khan // Tx 32.0 at A.Mueang, C.Songkhla
Southern (West Coast) No rain reported.
Tn 21.2 at A.Nuea Khlong, C.Krabi // Tx 33.8 at A.Takua Pa, C.Phangnga
Bangkok and Vicinity No rain reported.
Tn 20.5 at A.Khlong Luang, C.Pathum Thani // Tx 33.7 at Sirikit Center, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok and A.Khlong Luang, C.Pathum Thani
On Sunday Bangkok Metropolis : Sun rises at 6.45 a.m. Sun sets at 6.08 p.m.
: High water at 9.19 p.m. and at --.-- a.m.
: Low water at 11.34 p.m. and at --.-- p.m.
On Monday Bangkok Metropolis : Sun rises at 6.45 a.m. Sun sets at 6.08 p.m.

-- NNT 2014-01-12

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-- The Nation 2014-01-12

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RT‏@georgehenton: Walking around rally site near gov house - crowds waiting with packed bags ready to move. #bangkok pic.twitter.com/QP4c1HPU3Y

[Lite Beer]

Health officials show force to support health permanent secretary

BANGKOK: -- About 3,000 health officials from across the country showed up at the Office of the Public Health Permanent Secretary Sunday morning to give morale support to Health Permanent Secretary Dr Narong Sahamethapat who is facing an investigation for supporting the anti-government protests.

Dr Narong recently chaired a meeting of health officials who called themselves Public Health Community. After the meeting, the PHC issued a statement calling the immediate resignation of the government saying that it lacks legitimacy and demanding that reform must take place before the election.

Dr Narong who later met with his supporters offered his thanks and said that today was one of his happiest day. He said his mother phoned him asking him about the probe against him.

His father, said Dr Narong, said he had done the right thing and should continue doing it but warned him to be more cautious.

The embattled permanent secretary said he was not worried about the prospect that he might be sacked, adding that he had made up his mind since the day he chaired the meeting with the health officials.

He warned that his successor, whoever he or she is, will not be accepted by the staff if he lacks good governance.

Meanwhile Dr Prachumporn Booncharoen, head of the Public Health Community, said that the health officials would continue to do their jobs on Monday.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/health-officials-show-force-support-health-permanent-secretary/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=health-officials-show-force-support-health-permanent-secretary

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-12

[Lite Beer]

UDD holds counter protest in Nonthaburi

About 1,000 red-shirt followers staged a procession in Nonthaburi province Sunday morning to oppose the planned Bangkok Shutdown tomorrow in Bangkok.

The procession which involved 200 motorcycles and 60 cars were led by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship chairwoman Mrs Thida Thavornseth, Weng Tochirakarn and Yoswarit Chuklom.

The procession started at Thaicom ground station to King Rama VII bridge, Nonthaburi clock tower, Nonthaburi market, Pakkred, Muang Thong Thani and finally returned to the starting point.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/udd-holds-counter-protest-nonthaburi/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=udd-holds-counter-protest-nonthaburi

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-12

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Protesters mobilise ahead of planned Thai capital 'shutdown'

BANGKOK, January 12, 2014 (AFP) - Thai anti-government protesters began mobilising in Bangkok Sunday, a day ahead of their planned "shutdown" of the capital as they step up efforts to topple the government and halt upcoming elections.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696094-protesters-mobilise-ahead-of-planned-thai-capital-shutdown/

[Lite Beer]

Caretaker PM discusses with CAPO plan to handle Bangkok shutdown tomorrow; SERC demonstrators move to Chalerm's house in Bang Bon area /MCOT

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Pheu Thai Party leader questions EC on election postponement
By English News

BANGKOK, Jan 12 – Pheu Thai Party leader/caretaker Interior Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan said he was curious of the Election Commission (EC)'s proposal to postpone the general election date, originally set for Feb 2.

Regarding the EC's proposal for the government to postpone the election date to May 4, Mr Jarupong said he would like to ask the EC what reasons or rules have been used to have considered such postponement.

‎A general election date can be postponed only in case of disasters, according to the Constitution, he noted.

The party leader commented this set of election commissioners have only been recently appointed, but had a constant standpoint to postpone the election. Mr Jarupong said he did not want to establish a precedence that a general election will have to be postponed in case of unlikely political situations.

He personally commented that election postponement will not help find solutions to the ongoing conflicts, adding there are still many Thais who want an election.

The caretaker government has set up a war room at the Royal Thai Police Bureau to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the party and its legal team submitted a letter to the Election Commission to object to its proposal on election postponement. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-01-12

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RT@Juarawee: RT@tigeryellowlive PDRC Pakchong gathers in front of Tharit Pengdit’s house in NakhonRatchsima pic.twitter.com/i1bAQluoSU

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RT@Juarawee: Plans 4 tmr by PDRC (subject to change): leave Rajdamnoen at 9AM marching to Pathumwan>>Rajprasong>>Asoke, returning Rajdamnoen area.

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Please be warned that the first stages of #BangkokShutdown will start late Sunday afternoon #Bangkok #Thailand

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Traffic police suggests commuters take detour to avoid mass rally sites

BANGKOK, 12 January 2014 (NNT) - The traffic police have expressed concerns over traffic at Lat Phrao junction and the Victory Monument where anti-government protesters will gather on Monday. Commuters are recommended to avoid the areas and use public transportation.

Chief of the traffic police Pol.Maj.Gen. Chirasant Kaewsaeng-ek said the rallies at the Victory Monument and Lat Phrao junction worried the traffic police the most. Commuter who wanted to use personal vehicles should take a detour earlier announced by the traffic police or contact the hotline 1197 for information about the suggested routes, he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) Nares Poonpium said the BMTA adjusted the public bus routes which passed Lat Phrao junction and the Victory Monument. The buses would try to reach BTS and MRT electric train stations so that passengers could transfer to other routes.

Bus traffic at the Victory Monument was the most difficult to manage since there were more than 30,000 buses passing the monument with more than 200,000 passengers a day, said Mr Nares.

-- NNT 2014-01-12

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RT@RichardBarrow: 4pm One of the protest groups already on their way to the 5-way intersection at Lad Prao (Pic @Phop_NTV) pic.twitter.com/3iYqv99Vco

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AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL: Restraints urged to ensure rights are protected during mass rallies

BANGKOK: -- Thai authorities must protect and respect human rights during mass protests planned to be held in Bangkok next week, Amnesty International said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696106-amnesty-international-restraints-urged-to-ensure-rights-are-protected-during-mass-rallies/

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RT@Juarawee: Sudchai Boonchai, leader of Friends of Thaksin, tells his fb fans 2 hold Gen. Prayuth’s daughters hostage as eye-for-eye method against coup

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BKK Governor expresses concerns over tomorrow's protests, orders department stores, main protest sites; BMA's Perm-Sec to monitor situation /MCOT

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RT@SteveInCM: Chalerm’s house, Lat Phrao to close first | Bangkok Post: breakingnews

RT@terryfrd: Sathit from Dem Monument says protesters already at Chalerm's house, but there is no indication he is there.

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RT@jonrussell: It begins… “@NickDay13: Another photo from Chaengwattana Rd. closed by protesters. Via @Chu_SpringNews: pic.twitter.com/5aRyqkTctv”

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RT@RichardBarrow: 4:40pm Motorists advised to avoid inbound & outbound Chaeng Wattana. Protesters on their way to block the road in front of Govt. Complex

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RT@RichardBarrow: 4:55pm Ladies & gentleman, the #BangkokShutdown has officially started (Pic @ake_newsfocus) pic.twitter.com/hT3NPM4Acp

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RT@RichardBarrow: 5:10pm Protesters already starting to gather at Ladprao 5-way intersection #BangkokShutdown pic.twitter.com/eZSmdl3Bxf

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RT@RichardBarrow: 5:15pm Supplies arriving at the Northern end of Chatuchak Park. Expected to close Lad Prao 5-way intersection at 6pm pic.twitter.com/wiraAbpUgC

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RT@RichardBarrow: 5:20pm News coming in that protesters are expected to close the Phatumwan intersection tonight. Waiting for confirmation