Thailand Live Monday 13 Jan 2014

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POLITICS
Stage set for huge 'Bangkok shutdown'
The Nation


Demonstrators led by the People

CAPO lists eight buildings and 7 key intersections as out of bounds

BANGKOK: -- The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) will today begin their Shutdown operation to try to seize seven sites in Bangkok at 9am after a series of blockades at state agencies - in a bid to paralyse Yingluck Shinawatra's administration until she steps down.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696183-stage-set-for-huge-bangkok-shutdown/

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Shutdown will be a flop, says Thaksin aide
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation


Watana

'Decree for reforms would take away legitimacy for campaign against govt'

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee, led by Suthep Thaugsuban, believes the people will succeed in overthrowing the "Thaksin regime". They are hoping the planned "Bangkok shutdown" will force caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra out of her post soon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696185-shutdown-will-be-a-flop-says-thaksin-aide/

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POLITICS
Medical workers support Narong in fight with govt
Suriyan Panyawai
The Nation


Thousands of medical workers yesterday offer support to Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr Narong Sahamethapat, who last Thursday publicly challenged the Yingluck administration

BANGKOK: -- Thousands of medical workers yesterday gave support to senior Public Health Ministry officials who last Thursday rejected the Yingluck administration's right to govern, saying they did not want to work with the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696186-medical-workers-support-narong-in-fight-with-govt/

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THAI POLITICS
Govt thanks Ban; Abhisit sends letter to UN
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan yesterday thanked United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon for his bid to head off a violent "Bangkok shutdown" and for his concern over the country's political situation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696188-thai-govt-thanks-ban;-abhisit-sends-letter-to-un/

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Gunmen fired at the headquarters building of the Democrat Party at 2.30am on Monday, but the bullets caused no reported injuries . /Bangkok Post

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POLITICS
Pheu Thai: Why delay vote till May 4?
The Nation


Anti-government protesters march to the house of caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yubumrung in Bangkok
Party wants EC to explain why later poll date would be preferable

BANGKOK: -- Pheu Thai Party leader and caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan said the government was ready to consider the Election Commission (EC)'s proposal that the election be postponed, but said the agency should state why it believed the election would go smoothly if it was held on May 4.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696189-pheu-thai-why-delay-vote-till-may-4/

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CAPITAL OUTFLOWS
Capital outflows set to continue amid imbroglio
Achara Deboonme
The Nation


A Thai investor reacts as he monitors share prices data displayed on electronic boards at a stock brokerage in Bangkok, Thailand, 06 January 2014. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) main index went down 13.07 points or 1.07 percent at the end of midday

BANGKOK: -- More foreign capital will flow out of Thailand as continued protests exacerbate a situation already under pressure from the United States' tapering of its quantitative-easing policy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696190-capital-outflows-set-to-continue-amid-imbroglio/

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EDITORIAL
Economy to stay hostage of divisive politics
The Nation

Outcome of upcoming political turmoil should give an idea of how businesses will do this year

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696192-economy-to-stay-hostage-of-divisive-politics-thai-editorial/

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Threat to Prayuth's daughters
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Army has slammed Sutchai Boonchai, leader of the Friends of Thaksin group, for a message he posted on his Facebook page asking members of the public to take hostage the twin daughters of Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, if Prayuth tries to stage a coup.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696194-threat-to-thai-army-chief-prayuths-daughters/

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38% of capital's residents want PDRC to go home: survey
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Of 1,344 respondents to a survey on the Bangkok Shutdown, 38 per cent said they wanted to tell demonstrators to end their rallies quickly and go back to their lives.

They were responding to the question, "What would you like to tell the People's Democratic Reform Committee, which is preparing to close down the capital?"

Suan Dusit Rajabhat University surveyed residents of Bangkok and its adjacent provinces between January 9 and January 11.

Of those polled, about 25 per cent said they wanted to ask all sides to engage with each other and explore solutions together.

-- The Nation 2014-01-13

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Rival groups on the move upcountry

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- On the eve of the Bangkok Shutdown, supporters of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee and pro-government red shirts poured onto the streets yesterday to promote their causes in many provinces.

The PDRC is pushing for reform of the country before the next general election. If it gets its way, the poll will not take place on February 2 as scheduled.

The red shirts are trying to drum up support for the February 2 ballot by marching through provinces such as Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani.

But in Nakhon Ratchasima, about 80 PDRC backers briefly blocked a road in front of the luxury vacation home of Tarit Pengdith, director-general of the Department of Special Investigation. They accused Tarit of catering to political favourites and a corrupt government, but he was not there.

After demonstrating for about 20 minutes, they joined a stream of PDRC supporters from several provinces heading to Bangkok to help out with the Bangkok Shutdown activities.

From Surat Thani, Si Sa Ket and Roi Et, PDRC supporters were seen jumping on Bangkok-bound buses. About 500 Phitsanulok people boarded the train to the capital. They are preparing to help the PDRC pile up pressure on the caretaker government by staging the Bangkok Shutdown.

However, red shirts in Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi gathered and vowed to prevent the Shutdown.

In Udon Thani, red-shirt leader Kwanchai Sarakham pledged to protect Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra if violence breaks out in the capital.

"Supporters of the government from 20 northeastern provinces will gather here in Udon Thani where Yingluck is definitely welcome," he said. In the evening, he joined a candlelit vigil to promote peace, saying about 500 red shirts on motorcycles will hit Udon Thani roads today to campaign against a coup.

-- The Nation 2014-01-13

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Many social-media users planning to work as usual
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Most people gave feedback yesterday that they will go to work as usual today, even though the Bangkok Shutdown campaign has started.

However, some people will not work today. Some will be absent on their own, and some can't go to their office because it is closed. Some people said they are not joining the shutdown rally but are staying home for work or to relax.

Seeking people's opinion on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Line, to the question "What will you do tomorrow?" drew a lot of answers.

Most of them will go to work as usual. Pattima Kallapanayut said she will still drive to work, while Songkram Kingklang and TuKta Bheungnoi said they will go to work as usual but leave their cars behind as some traffic routes are closed.

Most respondents said they would proceed with their lives as usual. For example, Narudom Roongsiriwong has to stand by his office since he lives nearby. Plern Plern said she'll stay home after taking her children to school in the morning.

Sarinyal Loyprasit said she would not take the day off. "I need to take responsibility by going to work as usual."

On-uma V Rerkpattanapipat said she does not support the shutdown campaign and she will report for work as always today.

Some will stay in today. Janin Ninwadee will watch movies. Pim Nuch Lek Woracharttawechai will monitor the situation since her house is near a rally site. Chyu Srimattayakul will keep one eye on work and the other on the shutdown. People joining the protest include Piyawan Anan, Chananun Kongtanarit and Suphol Tantisiriwat.

Some people will work at home, such as Oweera Chearanaipanit and Metha Punwaratorn. Aon Poonsri said she will head to the office as usual but if commuting is impossible she would work at home. Some people will do both - go to work and join the shutdown rally - such as Ratty Naka and Nael Kung.

Nunongha Na Bangkapi will join the rally after work. Nuttaputch Wongreanthong will work as usual. Since his office is located on the same soi of a rally site, he would also join the rally.

Nui Siriwan will still work today but at her home and also join the rally.

Siripon Jak Mektanatip will go to the temple to make merit. @kafaak will go to get a driving licence since his office is closed.

Michael Will chose whichever option supports democracy in Thailand, so "A" cannot be an option. Maurice Edwards chose C, working from home and following twitter for the latest information.


-- The Nation 2014-01-13

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Firms, govt take steps to minimise economic disruption
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Economic authorities and businesses said yesterday that they were taking steps to ensure minimum disruption to businesses and individuals as a result of the anti-government Bangkok Shutdown, due to start today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696195-firms-thai-govt-take-steps-to-minimise-economic-disruption/

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Protester from Nakhon Si Thammarat shot near Chaeng Wattana rally site
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A protester was shot and seriously injured while he was guarding a barrier at the Chaeng Wattana rally site late Sunday night, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696196-protester-shot-near-bangkok-chaeng-wattana-rally-site/

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Finnish nationals told to avoid BKK

BANGKOK: -- The Finnish Ambassador to Thailand, Kirsi Westphalen, is urging Finnish nationals to avoid the capital Bangkok, according to a Finnish media website.

YLE reported that she urges those in the Thai capital now to stay clear of demonstrations and to stay indoors after nightfall if possible.

Westphalen told Yle early Sunday Finnish time that the situation in Bangkok is becoming more serious. Early Saturday, seven people were injured when gunmen fired at demonstrators in two separate incidents. Opposition protesters have vowed to take over major highway intersections in an effort to shut down the city on Monday.

Westphalen notes that trains should continue running but that they are likely to be overcrowded. She adds that Finnish tourists arriving in Bangkok were able to reach their hotels normally.

-- The Nation 2014-01-13

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Protesters block Wireless Road Intersection, Saladaeng Intersection

BANGKOK: -- Protesters blocked the Wireless Road Intersection and the Saladaeng Intersection Monday morning, Channel 3 reported.

It said protesters started blocking the intersections early in the morning and they also blocked the Thai-Belgian Friendship Bridge.


-- The Nation 2014-01-13

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200,000 Baht break-in at Oil Workers South Pattaya Luxury Home



PATTAYA: -- On Saturday Morning Police were called to a house in the Pratamnuk area in South Pattaya to investigate reports of a break-in.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696207-200000-baht-break-in-at-oil-workers-south-pattaya-luxury-home/

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Is Thailand ready for Asean Economic Community?
Kavi Chongkittavorn

BANGKOK: -- Much has been said about the AEC (Asean Economic Community) and its far-reaching implications for Thailand. During the past two years, the country has been the most active within Asean as far as the AEC campaign is concerned. As much as 8 billion baht in various forms were spent to "raise awareness and preparedness of Thailand and the Thai people for the AEC."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696208-is-thailand-ready-for-asean-economic-community/

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Many Stolen cars found at East Pattaya secure compound



PATTAYA: -- 28 vehicles, all suspected of being stolen, were discovered in a secure compound in East Pattaya on Saturday afternoon.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696209-many-stolen-cars-found-at-east-pattaya-secure-compound/

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Protesters close Phetchaburi-Asoke Intersection

BANGKOK: -- Protesters closed the Phetchaburi-Asoke Intersection to traffic at 6 am Monday, Channel 3 reported.

Inbound traffic was completely halted on the Phetchaburi road from the intersection, the station said.


-- The Nation 2014-01-13

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Gunmen fire on Democrat headquarters in Setsiri Road, no report of injuries; PDRC security guard shot, seriously wounded, in Chaeng Wattana /MCOT

PDRC protesters at Rajdamnoen packing belongings, prepare for Bangkok Shutdown at 7 locations /MCOT

Anti-govt protesters have blocked 7 major intersections in Bangkok by early Jan. 13 as planned /The Nation

Pro-govt UDD (Red-shirts) to hold counter rallies to Bangkok shutdown by anti-govt groups in other parts of the country /The Nation

Airports of Thailand issued special stickers to 6,000 airport taxis so anti-govt protesters would allow taxis w/ tourists to pass through /The Nation

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RT @Saksith: “Protest ahead” #BKKShutdown RT @tri26: Police putting up sign on Sathorn Rd approaching Rama 4 http://t.co/0EHUVk4Rr9

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PM to chair 9am meeting at National Police Bureau HQ to assess Bangkok Shutdown situation by PDRC protesters; many main roads closed /MCOT

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RT @Tulip_Oum: Rice farmer protesters from Pichit is joining Ladprao gathering, using 2 inbound lanes of Vipavadi rd.-@NarisKinimarn http://t.co/lNCdHmeqcM

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RT @RichardBarrow: 8:40am - RT @MonsieurSecurit: Protesters at Lumpini (Sathorn-Rama lV) so far a modest crowd http://t.co/qzQX7Xpfnf

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RT @tulsathit: RT @js100radio: RT @poom_ja: At a glance, Chatuchak park this morning looked like a camping tourist spot. http://t.co/PkxlXDz4km

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RT @CoconutsBangkok: 2h More protestors are joining the area. #BKKShutdown @CoconutsBangkok http://t.co/xuaakXlXfT Photo: @zanyasan

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RT @8td: 9.10a.m. Suthep has begun leading the march from Ratchadamnoen.

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RT @tulsathit: Yingluck has reportedly changed her Defence Ministry schedule and gone to Chon buri instead. via @WassanaNanuam

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RT @RichardBarrow: 9:15am Protesters at the Ladprao site now marching to the Labour Ministry (Pic @TonGlassHeart) http://t.co/33Qx5THg18

RT @georgebkk: RT @RichardBarrow: 9:15am Protesters at the Ladprao site now marching to the Labour Ministry (Pic @TonGlassHeart) http://t.co/cmx5HmuXxl