Thailand Live Monday 13 Jan 2014

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RT@ChadapornLin: 45 bank branches near protest sites closed. PTT closes 14 NGV stations close to protest sites

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RT@RichardBarrow: 1:45pm Ratchaprasong intersection - RT @Nalinee_PLE: แยกราชประสงค์ แน่นขึ้นเรื่อยๆ pic.twitter.com/AkwwOUmYJw

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Thais in New York rally at Time Square

NEW YORK: -- A hundred of Thai citizens and students living in New York City staged a rally at Time Square to give support to anti-government protesters in Thailand.

They called their rally as "occupy New York". It was held at 2 pm in New York or 2 am Monday in Bangkok.

-- The Nation 2014-01-13

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PCAD Guard Arrested On Drugs Charge
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- 8 people, among them an anti-government protest guard, have been arrested for using and producing illegal drugs in their apartment, police said.

Police raided the apartment, which is located in Soi Sanprasert of Bangkok′s Wang Thonglang district, at 02.10 today after receiving tips that illegal activities were being held there.

In the raid the officers arrested Mr. Wichai Mongphra, 24, the owner of the apartment room, along with his friends, Mr. Banpot Daengchu, 31; Mr. Pongsakorn Lamleuklai, 22; Mr. Haris Nhuchusuk, 24; Mr. Haneef Nhuchusuk, 24; Mr. Ahmeen Yanning, 25; Mr. Ahnaf Tamad, 19; and Mr. Boonlert Charoenwathee, 29.

The police also confiscated an amount of marijuana, a gas stove, krathom leaves, equipment to produce krathom juice, and other narcotics equipment. Officers claimed the suspects were taking drugs when the police made the arrest.

Mr. Banpot told police he works as a part time musician and security guard for the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), while the owner of the apartment, Mr. Wichai, identified himself as a regular attendant of the PCAD protests.

The police charged the suspects with possession, using, and producing of illegal drugs.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNE9UVTRPVFV5Tnc9PQ==

-- Khaosod English 2014-01-13

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RT@RichardBarrow: 1:58pm RT @nikornsachdev: Sukhumwit Soi 3. Dead town. Never this empty even at 4am. pic.twitter.com/MiSUvN421u

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RT@georgehenton: Skywalks over protest areas jammed due to protestors camping out - very slow / very frustrating.

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Surat Thani's TAT office closed by protesters

SURAT THANI, 13 January 2014 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority office in Surat Thani has made known that anti-government protesters have set up blockades to prevent government officials from going to work on Monday; however, it insisted that the impact on local tourism is minimal.

Supporters of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) moved to occupy many key state buildings in the province on Monday, the same day the PDRC movement in Bangkok shut down the capital by gathering at major intersections.

The TAT office in Surat Thani said most of foreign visitors who stay in coastal islands including the popular Koh Samui have not been affected by the ongoing siege. Locals or tourists can contact the office at 077-288817 – 9 for more information.

Travelers who wish to travel to the province and Koh Samui can directly fly in from abroad or from Bangkok’s airports. However, visitors travelling by buses from Bangkok may experience delay due to severe traffic congestion in the inner city and greater Bangkok.

-- NNT 2014-01-13

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RT@RichardBarrow:RT @DuaRansel: Live from #Bangkok: Colorful umbrellas at Victory Monument pic.twitter.com/H2wlVZLiqV

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RT@CoconutsBangkok: RT @bm_ Soi Cowboy has a big "Safe Zone" banner. I think it's a trap.

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CAPO expects Bangkok Shutdown rallies to continue for 4 or 5 days

BANGKOK: -- The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order announced Monday that it expected the "Bangkok shutdown" rally would last for 4 or 5 days.

Three rally sites, including Chaeng Wattana, Lat Phrao intersection, and Victory Monument are concerned spots of possible clash, it announced.

-- The Nation 2014-01-13

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Protesters March On Chalerm's Office
By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protesters have marched to the Ministry of Labour this morning to pressure governmental officials into joining the protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696296-protesters-march-on-chalerms-office/

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RT @tulsathit: Bluesky: Protesters leaving sizeable tips for maids at Big C Rajprasong after using toilets.

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The Rama 8 bridge is being blocked by People's Democratic Force to Overthrow Thaksinism protesters /Bangkok Post

DSI resummons 55 anti-govt protest leaders to acknowledge charges on Jan 22-24 for insurrection, inciting unrest /MCOT

Anti-govt protesters targets Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, Thai bourse if caretaker PM Yingluck refuses to resign before deadline /MCOT

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DSI summons 55 protest leaders to hear charges

BANGKOK, 13 January 2014 (NNT) - The Department of Special Investigation is summoning 55 core leaders of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to hear their charges.

The DSI last month sought arrest warrants from the Criminal Court against the movement’s leading members. The court, however, rejected the DSI’s requests and ordered the agency to summon those accused to acknowledge their charges before proceeding with the issuing of the arrest warrants.

The DSI has increased the number of PDRC leaders indicted in connection with violating Sections 113, 116, and 215 of the Criminal Code, which include insurrection and public disturbances, from 33 to 55.

PDRC members charged with the crimes can report to the DSI from January 22-24. All failed to show up for the previous hearing, claiming they were too busy leading the protest movement.


-- NNT 2014-01-13

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Bangkok Shutdown: PCAD Closes Additional Roads
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government protesters′ plan to "shutdown" Bangkok has extended beyond their original plans.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has previously vowed to "shutdown" the capital city by occupying 7 major intersections, landmarks, and roads, in the bid to pressure the government Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into resignation.

The PCAD has also demanded that the general election on 2 February be scrapped in favour of the establishment of an unelected ′People′s Council′ to implement series of "reforms" deemed necessary by the PCAD leadership.

The 7 sites the PCAD has previously marked for occupation are the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road; Ladprao Intersection; Victory Monument; Saladaeng Intersection and the nearby Lumpini Park; Asoke Intersection, Ratchaprasong Intersection; and Pathum Intersection, where PCAD has erected their ′main′ rally stage.

Apart from those 7 sites, however, additional roads had been closed down by PCAD protesters and their affiliated groups.

For instance, the People′s Force of Democracy to Overthrow Thaksinism (PEFOT) have closed down both inbound and outbound lanes of Rama VIII Bridge, using big lorries and other barricades to block the road. The protesters there say they will "spend the night" on the bridge.

Protesters on Ratchaprasong Intersection had also rallied in front of the nearby Royal Thai Police Office.

Traffic on Rama IV Road has been severely affected after Wireless Intersection, Saladaeng Intersection, Henri Dunant Intersection, Sam Yan Intersection were all closed by PCAD protesters, including Thai-Belgium Bridge and Thai-Japan Bridge.

On Chaengwattana Road, the protesters have set up additional "temporary" stages in front of Constitutional Court Office and TOT Public Company Limited. It is reported that PCAD protesters have blocked Chaeng Wattana Road with sandbags, car tyres, and iron fences.

Ploenchit Intersection and some stretches along New Petchaburi Road have been likewise closed down by the protesters.

It is difficult to keep track of locations occupied by protesters, as many of them have fanned out from their major rally sites to neighbouring areas.

Meanwhile, many parts of downtown Bangkok are unnaturally quiet, devoid of the usual busy traffic, since many office workers have chosen to work from home to avoid the "shutdown" while a number of schools have also been closed.

Although public bus routes have been severely affected by the shutdown, It is reported that public transports are still available in many area, and many commuters have relied on BTS and MRT systems.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNE9UWXdNVGN4TVE9PQ==


-- Khaosod English 2014-01-13

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Interior Minister thanks UN

BANGKOK, 13 January 2014 (NNT) - Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan yesterday thanked United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon for his concerns over possible violence in Thailand and his offer to act as a mediator between the government and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

According to the Interior Minister, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra decided to dissolve the House when the demonstrations began last year, to prevent any clashes and to push the country forward; compared to The Abhisit government refusing to dissolve the House immediately even though 99 people had been killed during the demonstrations, and dissolved the House in 2011; only when he had no other options.

More than 95 percent of the Thai people are for the general election, so that the democratic system in the country may be sustained. Therefore, the only solution to this conflict is to follow the voice of the majority and not to abide by the wish of only one group.


-- NNT 2014-01-13

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Phongthep assigned to hold meetings on proposed election postponement
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana has been assigned by the prime minister to hold meetings with all sides regarding the Election Commission's proposal to postpone the February 2 election, PM's Secretary-General Suranand Vejjajiva said.

Suranand said caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra consulted Phongthep on the EC's proposal and felt that the proposal was still unclear.

Yingluck thus assigned Phongthep to hold discussions with all the sides concerned, Suranand said.

Suranand said Phongthep would invite representatives of five groups - the EC, political parties, the group that wants the election to be held, the group that is against the election and the group that supports the election, which is the government.

Suranand said Phongthep would send out invitations to all sides to attend a discussion Wednesday morning.

He said the government hoped that the five EC commissioners and political parties' representatives as well as the Democrat leaders and representatives of the People's Democratic Reform Committee would attend the meeting.


-- The Nation 2014-01-13

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RT @RichardBarrow: 3:45pm Lower Sukhumwit fast moving both ways from Bang Na to just north of Emporium where there is a roadblock #Bangkok

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Airport taxis with orange stickers to provide 24 hrs service



BANGKOK, JANUARY 13, 2014 (NNT) - Over 6,000 taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport will provide 24-hour service to passengers in Bangkok during the PDRC rally, and they will carry orange stickers on windscreens, both back and front, for easy notice to passengers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696312-suvarnabhumi-airport-taxis-with-orange-stickers-to-provide-24-hrs-service/

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Between 2-3,000 Red Shirts rally at Three Kings Monument in Chiang Mai, they will march to the Municipal Stadium later. https://www.facebook.com/chiangmaimail

[chiangmaimail]2014-01-13[/chiangmaimail]

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Bangkokians avoid commuting to protest areas
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 13 - Bangkokians this morning avoided commuting to protest areas, resulting in a smaller number of commuters than usual for public transport such as Skytrain and underground services.

Ronachit Yaemsaard, deputy governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), said the subway is monitoring passenger safety, particularly at stations near protest sites.

He said usually some 200,000 persons commute by underground trains daily. However, the months-long ongoing demonstrations have resulted in an increased number of passengers to around 270,000 persons/day. The MRT underground can currently support as many as 300,000 passengers.

Meanwhile, at BTS Skytrain stations, stations were especially packed at some stations this morning.

Dr Anat Abhaphirama, director of the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc, said the number of commuters using BTS services in general was not unusual this morning. However, passengers were most packed at starting stations at Bang Wa and Bearing Stations and slight at Mo Chit Station, for they avoided travelling and passing protest sites.

The State Railway of Thailand today was sending trains to the suburbs every 15 minutes, while the atmosphere at Don Mueang was not as busy compared to usual days. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-01-13

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Thai Army chief orders tightened security, shed uniforms
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 13 - Thai army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha instructed army personnel to tighten security to prevent any untoward incident as the anti-government protesters came out on streets to shut down the city today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696318-thai-army-chief-orders-tightened-security-shed-uniforms/

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Superstore assures goods supply sufficiency
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 13 – Big C, one of Thailand’s superstores, has reaffirmed there is a sufficient supply of consumer products available during the Bangkok shutdown, starting today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696319-big-c-superstore-assures-goods-supply-sufficiency/

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SHUTDOWN
Banks temporarily close 123 branches
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A number of 123 bank branches were closed as of 3.30pm, according to the Bank of Thailand. Over half, 76, belong to TMB Bank. Krungthai Bank closed 16 branches.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696321-thai-banks-temporarily-close-123-branches/

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SET index closed 1,283.56, up 28.11; Bt/USD32.84; GBP54.04; AUD29.51; EUR44.78; CAD29.99; HKD4.22; SGD25.84; JPY31.60

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Democrat leader: Attack on party HQ an intimidation
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 13 – Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said today that today's early morning shooting into the coffee shop at the party headquarters was a political intimidation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696344-democrat-leader-abhisit-attack-on-party-hq-an-intimidation/

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Voting for Thai expats begins January 13-26

BANGKOK, 13 January 2014, (NNT) --Early voting for Thai expatriates kicks off today and will run until January 26, ahead of the general election inside the country on February 2. The Foreign Ministry has disclosed that the Overseas Election Coordination Center is in charge of assisting such voting in 68 countries around the world.

According to Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sek Wannamethee, 160,000 voters living outside of Thailand have registered for the advance balloting for the February 2 general election.

The Overseas Election Coordination Center has been working closely with 92 Thai embassies in 68 countries to ensure transparency. Voters living abroad can cast their votes by either visiting polling stations located at embassies or designated spots in their countries of residence, or mailing in their ballots.

Ballots and ballot boxes have been sent to all designated locations since January 3. Countries where the polling will be held today include Belgium, Russia, Taiwan, and the Czech Republic.

However, polling stations have different instructions, details, and time frames. Eligible voters should visit www.consular.go.th for more information.


-- NNT 2014-01-13

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Caretaker Interior Minster firm on general election proceeding as scheduled
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 13 – Caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan stood firm today that the law does not allow the government to postpone the February 2 general election.

Despite mounting pressure on the government, Mr Charupong, who is concurrently Pheu Thai Party leader, said he would discuss with the Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday about possible Interior Ministry assistance to conduct the election, not to delay it.

He said the EC has asked for personnel to be stationed at polling booths in the South – a request which the Interior Ministry is willing to support.

He said the Ministry has asked district chiefs in the South to help find qualified people to work as election committee members in the region.

“If we exercise our duty to (allow) postpone the election, it will set a precedent for exploiting loopholes in the law. In the future, anyone who wants to delay an election can simply put pressure (on the government),” he said.

Mr Charupong said the government will refrain from using force, facilitate the public and monitor the situation in today’s Bangkok shutdown, spearheaded by the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee.

“If we harm them, there’ll be violence which will lead to a coup. We don’t want that. The government will stay calm and let peace (prevail) in every action. We won’t retaliate whatsoever,” he said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-01-13

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NBTC: Thaicom satellite signals disturbed

By English News

BANGKOK, Jan 13 - Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) secretary-general said today that signals from the Thaicom satellite have been disturbed, causing low streaming quality on televisions, possibly countrywide.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696354-nbtc-thaicom-satellite-signals-disturbed/

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Phuket tour bus avoids car, but clips motorcyclist near Kata Hill
Phuket Gazette


The tour bus clipped a motorcyclist while swerving to avoid hitting a car near Kata Hill. Photo: Chalong Police

PHUKET: -- A man parking his motorbike by the side of the road near Chalong Circle escaped with minor injuries this morning when a Phuket tour bus clipped him while trying to avoid an accident.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696357-phuket-tour-bus-avoids-car-but-clips-motorcyclist-near-kata-hill/