Thailand Live Wednesday 15 Jan 2014

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THAI: No flight delays caused by BKK protests

BANGKOK, 15 January 2014 (NNT) – National flag carrier Thai Airways International (THAI) has confirmed that all flights are operating as usual without delays despite the current demonstrations across Bangkok while reminding passengers to arrive at the airport 4 hours in advance.

Acting President of THAI Chokchai Panyayong stated that since the mass protests began in the capital on January 13, no significant effects had been seen on the operations of the airline as well as its lower-cost carrier THAI Smile and all flights were still departing on schedule. Nonetheless, he encouraged all passengers to reach the airport at least 4 hours before departure time.

Mr Chokchai noted that the ticket offices at the THAI Headquarters and the Government Complex were still closed. Customers can instead contact other offices on Lan Luang Road, Silom Road and at Suvarnabhumi Airport, 4th Floor, for ticket services.

For flight information, seat reservation and check-in, passengers can log on to www.thaiairways.com or www.thaismileair.com for more convenience. The mobile application THAI Flight Check is also available for download while the THAI Contact Center can be reached at 02-356-1111.


-- NNT 2014-01-15

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THAI POLITICS
Grabbing global attention
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government protests have grabbed global attention, with major newspapers and agencies ranging from The New York Times, CNN, BBC to Al Jazeera reporting on the "Bangkok shutdown".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696761-bangkok-shutdown-grabbing-global-attention/

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POLITICS
AeroThai and SET are in protesters' sights
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation


Manorah, a famous traditional show indigenous to the South, is performed at the anti-government rally site at Victory Monument, which has been occupied by protesters.

Hardline group warns of blockade if PM doesn't step down by 8pm

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696762-aerothai-and-set-are-in-protesters-sights/

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POLITICS
Delay poll, hold reform forum: top Justice man
Jeerapong Prasertpolkrung,
Anapat Deechuay,
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation

Push for later election gains momentum; EC and others opt out of meeting today

BANGKOK: -- A second top official has called for the election to be set back and a forum organised to focus on political reform. He also urged the government to review its role as a caretaker administration.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696764-delay-thai-poll-hold-reform-forum-top-justice-man/

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EDUCATION
Shutdown, floods, disease - tutorial schools won't close
Chanon Wongsatayanont
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A number of tutorial schools in the heart of Bangkok are determined not to suspend their business in the face of the "Bangkok shutdown", which kicked off on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696765-bangkok-shutdown-floods-disease-tutorial-schools-wont-close/

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Bomb hit Abhisit Vejjajiva's home after midnight, no injuries reported. Shooting at Ratchathevi injured 2 security guards and a bus burned at Nang Loeng. /Bangkok Post

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CHIANG MAI ZOO
Panda embryo found on ultrasound, but no vital signs yet
Supachai Wisetsan
The Nation



CHIANG MAI: - THERE HAS been a further twist in regard to Chiang Mai Zoo's giant panda Lin Hui and her pregnancy. The zoo's team of veterinarians said yesterday the latest ultrasound had found a 9cm x 3cm embryo in her womb - but they had not been able to detect any vital sign or movement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696766-panda-embryo-found-on-ultrasound-but-no-vital-signs-yet-chiang-mai-zoo/

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EDITORIAL
No matter who 'wins', without reconciliation, Thailand will lose
The Nation

We need an antidote to the hatred that's running deeper and deeper on both sides of the political divide

BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protesters kicked off their ambitious campaign to shut down Bangkok on Monday, stepping up pressure on the Yingluck administration. Huge crowds turned up for the rallies, but the government appears to be standing firm. What happens next is anyone's guess. The only certainty after the protesters' bold move is that political tension has heightened.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696768-no-matter-who-wins-without-reconciliation-thailand-will-lose/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Don't let politics shut friendship down
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- There must be other "perfect" pro-Suthep or pro-election people out there, but I'll stick to the ones I really know. My former colleagues - Patcharee and Daeng - care deeply about each other. Before the latter resigned from work recently, they literally ate rice from the same pot. They took turns bringing food to the office, sharing the cost and transport. When one got sick, the other would be there. Any kind of trouble and they would try to help each other out.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696769-dont-let-politics-shut-friendship-down-thai-opinion/

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Incident near Hua Chang Bridge

BANGKOK: -- At 0.10am, the Erawan Centre reported an explosion near Hua Chang Bridge, on Phyathai Road.

An injured man and a woman were transported to Chulalongkorn Hospital.

The bridge is metres away from the Pathumwan rally site.

It was unclear if the explosion was a result of a ping pong bomb.


-- The Nation 2014-01-15

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Motorcycle taxis warned against overcharging
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police warned taxi motorcyclists yesterday against overcharging passengers at this time, as protesters need their service if they want to visit other rally sites or switch venues.

Two senior policemen called a meeting of 4,165 teams of Bangkok taxi motorcyclists yesterday at which they said the standard fees set in 2005 should be strictly followed. According to the 2005 regulations, motorcyclists are allowed to charge Bt25 for the first 2 kilometres and Bt5 for every kilometre thereafter or a fee mutually agreed upon. Those overcharging will be subject to a Bt5,000 fine and/or a six-month suspension of their public-transport driving licence, assistant national police chief Pol Lt-General Ruengsak Jarit-ek said.

The Taxi Motorcyclists' Association, which represents about 300,000 of the taxi motorcyclists, signed an agreement yesterday to not overcharge passengers. The association's chairman Chalerm Changthongmadan, however, said the body had no authority to regulate those operating without permission at protest sites, who mostly overcharge protesters.

-- The Nation 2014-01-15

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LAT PHRAO RALLY SITE
Isaan PDRC supporters add spice
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Som Tam (papaya salad) with pickled fish is the most popular dish at the anti-government protesters' stage set up at Lat Phrao Intersection.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696771-isaan-pdrc-supporters-add-spice-lat-phrao-intersection/

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Setting up a reform forum is prime minister's duty: Democrats
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Deputy Democrat Party leader Nipit Intarasombat yesterday expressed support for the idea of issuing of an executive decree setting up a reform committee as proposed by 25 private organisations.

If caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is sincere about wanting to end the political crisis, her government should issue an executive decree to set up a forum as soon as it can, Nipit said.

He said the Cabinet had the authority to do so, but it had to persuade all stakeholders - including the big parties, the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) and the private sector - to join the forum if it did not want charges filed against the caretaker government.

PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban has said he personally would not negotiate with the government or any mediator. He also said, however, that anything that could lead to peace should be done for the country.

Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, another deputy Democrat Party leader, admitted that members of 25 private organisations had tried to persuade Democrat leaders to back the issuing of an executive decree to set-up a reform body - but it was not her party's duty to join as a main player.

"We are ready to join any forum, if it is useful, and provides a solution to end the problems. But the big crisis happened because the caretaker government created it, so it must take responsibility and solve it first," she said.


-- The Nation 2014-01-15

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Day 2: what's been happening
The Nation


Anti-government protesters relax yesterday morning as they camp near a pedestrian flyover at Asoke intersection.

BANGKOK: -- The highlights of the second day of the "shutdown campaign" and its impact on the capital and provinces across the country were anti-government protesters' campaign for civil disobedience:

About 1,000 protesters marched to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, as they claimed that the PM's secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva would use the place to work. They blew whistles and urged officials there to stop work for five days. About 100 officials walked out of their office as protesters cheered and blew whistles. Having found no one left in the NESDB office, they closed the gate with a big lock.

l PDRC protesters laid siege to the Customs Department from morning till 6pm, urging them to stop work and join their campaign to oust the PM.

l Many educational institutes have suspended classes. They include Srinakharinwirot University, Pathumwan Institute of Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology's two campuses, Bangkok University's Rangsit campus, Chulalongkorn and Thammasat universities, plus Kasetsart's Bang Khen campus, Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep, Rajabhat University's Suan Dusit and Suan Sunandha, and St John University. Ramkhamhaeng University has postponed exams till Friday.

l Protesters marched to the Commerce Ministry in Sanambinnam Road but left after they were told it was closed for three days.

l Protesters marched to the Department of Export Promotion after learning the permanent secretary for the PM's Office would use this place as his office. However, after learning that the protesters were marching there, the high-ranking official did not turn up.

l Protesters continued to block seven intersections in Bangkok: Pathum Wan, Ratchaprasong, Asoke, Sala Daeng, Victory Monument, Lat Phrao and the the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road.

l As many as 8,000 PDRC protesters rallied in nine southern provinces, according to CAPO spokesman Pol Maj-General Piya Uthayo. He said another 50,000 - supporters of the government - had rallied in 32 provinces across the country in support of the government holding an election.


-- The Nation 2014-01-15

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Criteria for issuing permits to foreign teachers to be standardised, made stricter, Education Ministry says
Supinda Na Mahachai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE EDUCATION MINISTRY is considering amending the criteria for issuing permits to foreign teachers - so it is standardised and stricter - to attract more capable teachers here, Churairat Sangboonnum, deputy permanent secretary at the ministry, said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696772-criteria-for-issuing-permits-to-foreign-teachers-to-be-standardised-made-stricter-education-min/

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Man hurt at Lat Phrao site; police officer injured at Pathum Wan
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A passer-by was attacked and injured by anti-government protesters near the rally site at the Lat Phrao intersection yesterday, the Public Health Ministry reported. The man was later admitted to Paolo Hospital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696773-man-hurt-at-lat-phrao-site;-police-officer-injured-at-pathum-wan/

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Rice sale to China delayed by legal limbo over 'caretaker' powers
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE CARETAKER government is likely to face a new threat of more protests by farmers, who have suffered from the delay of payments for their pledged rice.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696775-thai-rice-sale-to-china-delayed-by-legal-limbo-over-caretaker-powers/

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Protesters urged to look after their health
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Protesters have been advised to maintain their health by consuming enough water, not missing meals and getting enough sleep.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696776-thai-protesters-urged-to-look-after-their-health/

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RT @ChadapornLin: Grenade thrown at Democrat leader Abhisit's house, shattering a window

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RT @RichardBarrow: 7:05am Thai-Japanese overpass & Thai-Belgium overpass have been closed both inbound & outbound. Motorists must use Rama IV - TR @js100radio

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Health Ministry to sue over raid; CAPO summons Narong
Suriyan Panyawai
The Nation

Senators question security agency's right to question senior official

BANGKOK: -- PUBLIC HEALTH Ministry deputy permanent secretary Chanvit Tharathep is seeking legal action against members of the Public Health Society (PHS) for their raid of a government office and alleged intimidation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696777-thai-health-ministry-to-sue-over-raid;-capo-summons-narong/

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RT @ChadapornLin: Car overturned on outbound lane of bridge over Lasalle intersection on Srinakarin; motorists urged to avoid

RT @ChadapornLin: Bus torched at Royal Turf Club (Nangloeng) at 3am

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RT @RichardBarrow: Video clip of shooting incident last night near Asia Hotel just north of the Phathumwan rally site http://t.co/8K28vXPv8z

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Motorcycle taxis warned against overcharging
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Police warned taxi motorcyclists yesterday against overcharging passengers at this time, as protesters need their service if they want to visit other rally sites or switch venues.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696778-bangkok-police-warns-motorcycle-taxis-against-overcharging/

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Call 1197 for traffic updates
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Motorists are being encouraged to call the 1197 hotline for the latest on traffic before heading out. Fresh blockades or emergencies associated with gatherings can be reported via the 191 or 1599 hotlines, police said.

The protesters have blockaded 12 main roads in the capital, including Silom, Ratchaprasong and Asoke intersections, as well as the Pathum Wan intersection, which is the main rally venue.


-- The Nation 2014-01-15

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Thai passport services curtailed during protest
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai passport services offered by the Foreign Ministry are only available at the Bang Na and Pinklao offices, as the Consular Department's head office has been shut down due to the antigovernment protest, ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said yesterday.

The Bang Na and Pinklao offices can issue only 2,500 passports per day, Sek said, adding that passport issuing in other provinces were also shut down, as links with the department headquarters had been cut.


-- The Nation 2014-01-15

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Some schools stay closed
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Some Bangkok-based schools remain closed, though some have started reopening since the Bangkok shutdown campaign kicked off on Monday, the Office of Basic Education Office (Obec) announced yesterday.

Of the 52 schools that closed on Monday, 38 will open today as the campaign organised by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) has proved to be non-violent. A few others might remain closed depending on how close they are to the rally sites, Obec chief Apichart Jeerawuth said.


-- The Nation 2014-01-15

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RT @RichardBarrow: At 9am this morning, Suthep will lead protesters from Asoke along Sukhumwit, turn left on Thong Lo, turn left on Phetchaburi & return Asoke

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RT @Juarawee: 4 incidents reported lastnight: 1.)firecracker- Abhisit's house2.)shooting Huachang Bridge 3.)fake bomb in Silom 4.)bus burned at Nang Lerng

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Pheu Thai asks CSD to act against Bangkok governor

BANGKOK: -- The Pheu Thai party will ask the Crime Suppression Division police to take legal action against Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra for supporting the protest led by the Peoples Democratic Reform Committee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696706-pheu-thai-asks-csd-to-act-against-bangkok-governor/