Thailand Live Tuesday 14 Jan 2014

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Several Bangkok malls closed early on Monday, citing safety concerns

BANGKOK, 14 January 2014 (NNT) – Several malls in Bangkok announced earlier closing times than usual on Monday, citing safety concerns for mall customers.

According to field reporters, Siam Discovery, Siam Center and Siam Paragon malls closed at 8 pm instead of the usual time at 10 pm. yesterday. The 3 malls were to open at 10 am on Tuesday and close at 6 pm.

Central World at Ratchaprasong Intersection moved its closing time to 8 pm on Monday. The shopping center will re-open at 11.30 am on Tuesday, and close at 6 pm. Normally, Central World operates from 10 am to 10 pm.

Central Ladphrao shopping center closed at 9 pm on Monday, and Central Chaeng Watthana closed at 9.30 pm.

Big C Supercenter in Ratchadamri closed since 6 pm on Monday. The nearby Platinum Fashion Mall closed down at 7pm.


-- NNT 2014-01-14

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Passport offices to apply changes to services from Jan 14

BANGKOK, 14 January 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Consular Affairs has announced that the passport offices in Bangkok will remain operational from January 14 onwards but services will be slightly adjusted, with the pick-up of passports suspended.

According to the Department of Consular Affairs, the Temporary Passport Office in Bangna will be open for passport services from 8 am-3 pm, starting January 14, while the office in Pinklao will be open from 8.30 am-3 pm. Each passport will be ready for delivery by mail after 10 working days and the applicant will not be able to pick it up in person for the time being.

As for document verification and visa services, people will need to go to the Bangna office only.

As the Department of Consular Affairs on Chaeng Wattana Road is currently closed due to protests, those who applied for passports at the office before January 11 will be able to claim their documents whenever the office can resume services.

Meanwhile, passport offices outside Bangkok will not accept any applications until further notice.


-- NNT 2014-01-14

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Video Special: Bangkok 'shutdown'

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696466-video-special-bangkok-shutdown-protesters-fill-streets-of-thai-capital/

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POLITICS
Thaksin 'urges Yingluck to stay' as Prayuth demurs
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker PM Yingluck Shinawatra almost gave in to resignation demands by the anti-government protesters on Sunday - but changed her mind at the last minute as her brother, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, called to ask her to stay on and push for the February 2 election, sources said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696474-thaksin-urges-yingluck-to-stay-as-prayuth-demurs/

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Fewer travels made in Bangkok on Monday; ARL & boat services see more passengers

BANGKOK, 14 January 2014 (NNT) – The road blocks at 8 spots in Bangkok beginning yesterday have resulted in fewer travels overall by people, although usage of the Airport Rail Link and boat services increased.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696475-bangkok-shutdown-car-use-down;-fewer-skytrain-subway-riders/#entry7287203

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BANGKOK SHUTDOWN
Car use down; fewer Skytrain, subway riders
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Traffic was light in Bangkok yesterday, as residents avoided travelling or stayed home following the kick-off of the anti-government Bangkok Shutdown campaign, while most commuters turned to rail and other public transport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696475-bangkok-shutdown-car-use-down;-fewer-skytrain-subway-riders/

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US urges Thai dialogue, applauds restraint so far

WASHINGTON, January 14, 2014 (AFP) - The United States on Monday urged ally Thailand to find a peaceful way to resolve deep differences as it applauded restraint shown so far by authorities faced with major protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696476-us-urges-thai-dialogue-applauds-restraint-so-far/

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UPDATE:
POLITICS
Suthep turns down PM's call for talks on poll delay
The Nation



Yingluck asks Phongthep to set up meet involving all sides; EC wary of the idea

BANGKOK: -- The caretaker government, having repeatedly ignored calls for postponement of the February 2 election, yesterday softened its stance as pressure for a delay in holding the poll increased.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696413-suthep-rejects-proposed-talk-on-election-postponement/page-3?p=7287217#entry7287217

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PROTESTS
Skipping work not an option for some
Tanpisit Lerdbamrungchai
The Nation

Blockade makes life difficult for many, but some also finding opportunities

BANGKOK: -- Many Commuters in Bangkok are struggling to find their way to work, no matter what protest is going on.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696477-bangkok-shutdown-skipping-work-not-an-option-for-some/

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RALLY
Pathum Wan rally stage picked for its good 'feng shui'
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Pathum Wan intersection was chosen as the new main rally site for the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) because of its good "feng shui", Dangkamon Na-Pombejra, head of Chulalongkorn University's Department of Dramatic Arts, said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696478-pathum-wan-rally-stage-picked-for-its-good-feng-shui/

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STREETWISE
What does the future hold for Thailand?
Achara Deboonme

It seems that no matter how chaotic our politics get, the economic outlook for Thailand remains bright.

BANGKOK: -- Yesterday, global insurer ACE announced its Bt6.15-billion move for a 61 per cent stake in Siam Commercial Samaggi Insurance. Evan G Greenberg, chairman and chief executive officer, said "Thailand is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia and at the heart of Indochina - a region that includes Vietnam and Myanmar."

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696479-what-does-the-future-hold-for-thailand/

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Most people in the Northeast back the February 2 election, poll finds
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- As many as 72 per cent of those surveyed in the Northeast have said they will vote on February 2, though 6.4 per cent said otherwise and 21.2 per cent said they were unsure.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696480-most-people-in-isaan-back-the-february-2-election-poll-finds/

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Negative publicity does not deter protesters
Veena Thoopkrajae
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Despite the controversial nature of the "Bangkok shutdown", there was no shortage of protesters, with many arriving early from the provinces to stake their place.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696481-negative-publicity-does-not-deter-protesters-bangkok-shutdown/

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Bangkok siege a boon for Skytrain
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Skytrain should draw a record number of passengers during the Bangkok Shutdown, while shareholders welcomed the Bt0.20 dividend declared by BTS Group Holdings Plc on Friday, brokerages said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696482-bangkok-siege-a-boon-for-skytrain/

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BANGKOK SHUTDOWN
Cautious reliance on social media needed while Bangkok paralysed
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Social media are destined to become the mainstay channel of communication during the "Bangkok shutdown", according to Frost & Sullivan.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696483-cautious-reliance-on-social-media-needed-while-bangkok-paralysed/

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Woman executed on Pattaya Beach in front of well-known Hotel

PATTAYA: -- A 27 year old office worker, who was preparing to start her working week, was gunned down on Pattaya Beach Road, in front of a popular Hotel early on Monday Morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696488-woman-executed-on-pattaya-beach-in-front-of-well-known-hotel/

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33 villages in South flooded; Bangkok cooler today
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Some 12,400 people were affected by one-metre-deep floodwaters inundating 33 villages and six communities in Narathiwat's Waeng, Sukhirin and Sungai Kolok districts - but heavy rainfall, which previously drenched the southernmost province, has stopped.

Forest run-off from the Sankalakhiri mountain range poured into the Sungai Kolok River until it overflowed farmlands and homes. In Sungai Kolok district, 28 households were evacuated to shelters, while Ban Buketa in Loh Jood sub-district of Waeng district was closed to protect students. Sukhirin district's 14 rural roads were also impassable due to high flood.

The Meteorological Department yesterday reported that, as the strong high-pressure system from China continues to cover upper Thailand, the area can expect windy and cooler conditions with temperatures dropping dramatically, by 5-7 degrees Celsius. Frost was expected on mountaintops from yesterday through to Thursday.

Meanwhile, the strong northeast monsoon across the South and the Gulf of Thailand will cause strong wind and waves in the Gulf, especially in the lower Gulf area, which could see waves of 2-4 metres. The department warns all ships to proceed with caution and small boats to come ashore for the next two or three days.

While scattered thundershowers were forecast for Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, Bangkok and vicinity areas would also have cool weather and fog in the morning, the department predicts. It says temperatures will drop by 1-3C.

Minimum temperatures yesterday were 19-20C, and maximum 31-33C.


-- The Nation 2014-01-14

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Medical workers threaten speed-up of anti-govt protest
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THOUSANDS OF medical workers joined the anti-government demonstration to shut down Bangkok and block one of the capital's main areas, the Lat Phrao five-way intersection.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696490-medical-workers-threaten-speed-up-of-anti-govt-protest/

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British police plan to arrest three burglars in Madeleine McCann case, according to UK report

Nick Miller

Europe Correspondent

LONDON: -- British police plan to arrest three burglars who made many phone calls after the disappearance of Madeleine McCann in Portugal in 2007, a British newspaper has reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696494-british-police-plan-to-arrest-three-burglars-in-madeleine-mccann-case-uk-report/

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RT @RichardBarrow: 9:04am - RT @AskAaronLee: Just got to my hotel from Don Meuang Airport to Pratunam in 25 minutes

RT @RichardBarrow: 9:05am - RT @Whittox: 20 minutes from Sathorn Road to Don Muang Airport this morning. Traffic a breeze

RT @RichardBarrow: 9am - RT @bevbkk: Silom intersection. Voice announcing that they will be cleaning the streets. http://t.co/0oHrkhmh70

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RT @RichardBarrow: 9:15am - RT @thinink: Rama IV is indeed open again. Traffic still light compared to a typical work day though http://t.co/DNKYI2vybT

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RT @RichardBarrow: 9:15am Looking down on the Asok-Sukhumwit intersection - RT @Hui_Nation: แยกอโศก-สุขุมวิท http://t.co/eIcCV2564j

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Experts: Thailand’s largest internet service provider ‘compromised’

BANGKOK, THAILAND (BNO NEWS) — Some customers of True Internet, Thailand’s largest internet service provider, have been served popups with advertisements for months after a hacker allegedly compromised the company’s transparent proxy, potentially allowing hackers to spy on users.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696419-experts-thailands-largest-internet-service-provider-compromised/

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PDRC protesters block access to Customs Department; EC commissioner Somchai notes EC resignation can delay election but could have more negative results /MCOT

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No tourist complaints made at Tourist Police help desks at BTS stations so far

BANGKOK, 14 January 2014 (NNT) – Tourist Police disclosed on Monday they had so far not received any tourist complaints or requests for assistance as a consequence of the political demonstration, at the tourist help desks arranged specifically for the Bangkok rally period at 4 BTS stations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696521-no-tourist-complaints-made-at-tourist-police-help-desks-at-bts-stations-so-far/

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Bangkok's peaceful protest surprises tourists
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 14 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was instructed to post photos of Bangkok shutdown on its online media to show the world the non-violent political protest in the capital, a senior official said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696524-bangkoks-peaceful-protest-surprises-tourists/

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RT @RichardBarrow: Don't panic if you see Thai soldiers in full gear. It's Armed Forces Day on Saturday (Pic @duangtip_TPBS) http://t.co/wPgfbbDNl5 #Thailand

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Thai stock index opens on Tuesday at 1,279.06, falls 4.50 points /MCOT

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EC member brushes aside govt-initiated forum on election
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 14 – An Election Commission (EC) member disagreed with the government’s initiative to hold a large-scale meeting among at least 70 people to discuss resolution of the political stalemate and the Feb 2 general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696532-ec-member-brushes-aside-govt-initiated-forum-on-election/

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Overseas balloting begins for Feb 2 snap poll
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 14 – Eligible Thai voters in 21 countries began casting their ballots for the Feb 2 general election, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said overseas voting in 67 countries began yesterday and continues through Jan 26 with a total of 146,000 voters registered to exercise their franchise.

Voters started to mail their ballots to their embassies including in Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, France, Russia, Germany, Czech Republic, US, Canada, Argentina and Peru.

Mr Sek said civil servants in the Foreign Ministry have moved from Sri Ayutthaya Road to a temporary office, awaiting an assessment of the situation before returning to the ministry.

He said the Consular Affairs Department on Chaeng Wattana Road was sealed off by protesters, but people could apply for passports at Pinklao and Bang-na branch offices. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-01-14