Thailand Live Thursday 16 Jan 2014

[webfact]

Several universities in BKK to stay shut

BANGKOK, 16 January 2014 (NNT) – Decisions have been made by many educational institutes in Bangkok to continue to suspend classes due to the prolonged demonstrations, with Chulalongkorn University to remain closed for two more days.

During their meeting today, Deans of Chulalongkorn University came to an agreement that all faculties should be closed for another two days or until Friday, January 17. The extension was made after classes had already been suspended for two days from January 14-15 amidst the anti-government protests taking place near the university compound. Despite the closure, security guards will be on duty as usual.

Apart from Chulalongkorn University, other institutes to remain shut until this Friday include Srinakharinwirot University, Silpakorn University (Wang Tha Phra Campus), Pathumwan Institute of Technology and Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok (Uthenthawai Campus).

Meanwhile, Kasetsart University (Bang Khen Campus) and Kasetsart University Laboratory School will be closed until Sunday, January 19.


-- NNT 2014-01-16

[webfact]

Violence fears realised
The Nation


Anti-government leader Suthep Thaugsuban is protected by bodyguards linking arms, as a group of admirers welcome him during his march yesterday along a Sukhumvit Road section.

Abhisit's home attacked; 4 held in 'unrelated' weapons seizure

BANGKOK: -- THE STAKES in the months-long political rally are rising, as more violence is directed at anti-government protesters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697024-bangkok-shutdown-violence-fears-realised/

[webfact]

Vicinity of Sa Pathum Palace monitored
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Army chief yesterday instructed security officials to pay special attention to the area near Sa Pathum Palace after gunshots were heard in the early hours of yesterday close to a nearby bridge. The palace is just a stone's throw from the main anti-government rally site at Pathum Wan intersection.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697025-vicinity-of-bangkoks-sa-pathum-palace-monitored-shutdown/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Angry farmers to protest as government misses another payment promise
Business Reporters
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- GROUPS OF MORE than 2,000 farmers from the North will escalate their protests after the caretaker government failed to meet its promise to pay for the pledged rice yesterday by the deadline.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696945-northern-farmers-to-blockade-asian-highway/page-2?p=7297408#entry7297408

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Feb 2 elections will go ahead: Yingluck
HATAIKARN TREESUWAN,
ANUPHAN CHANTANA
THE NATION

Says her decision backed by most of those attending multi- party meeting yesterday; urges EC to do its duty

BANGKOK: -- AFTER HOLDING a meeting with representatives from different political parties and officials from agencies related to the election, caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra decided yesterday to go ahead with the February 2 poll.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/696879-february-2-election-to-go-ahead-as-scheduled-pm-yingluck/page-4#entry7297415

[webfact]

Germany offers work for qualified Thais
Thammarat Kitchalong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THAI SKILLED workers now have a greater chance of landing jobs in Germany, which has introduced new regulations to address labour shortages there.

The regulations seek to attract skilled workers from foreign countries to fill vacancies on German soil.

"Thais will be able to enter 18 occupations in Germany if their qualifications, including vocational-education background, meet the requirements," Labour Ministry permanent secretary Jeerasak Sukonthachart said yesterday.

He said these occupations were in fields including macrotronics, electronics, transportation and logistics.

He added that Thais who worked in Germany would receive the same employment conditions as local workers.

Jeerasak advised interested Thais to check if their vocational degrees were recognised in Germany before heading to the country for a job.

"Visit www.anerkennung-ideutschland.de/html/de/downloads.php for more information," he said.


-- The Nation 2014-01-16

[webfact]

THAI TALK
New forum on postponing the election is too little, too late
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- For some inexplicable reason, the caretaker government has been a few steps behind the fast-moving political developments, rendering every major move it has taken futile and even embarrassingly defensive.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697026-new-forum-on-postponing-the-election-is-too-little-too-late-thai-talk/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Reform should also aim for a just society
The Nation

It's time to bring an end to the era of "one law for the rich and one law for the poor"

BANGKOK: -- The picture is a familiar one: People have once again taken to the streets in the belief they are being unfairly treated. They complain of double standards and unfair laws designed to benefit certain groups of people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697027-reform-should-also-aim-for-a-just-society-thai-editorial/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Does the EC have a hidden agenda over poll date?
ATTAYUTH BOOTSRIPOOM
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The question of whether the February 2 election should be postponed lingers on. And this has led to another question: If the poll has to be postponed, who will do it and by what legal means?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697028-does-the-ec-have-a-hidden-agenda-over-poll-date/

[webfact]

Clashes and casualties
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- EIGHT PEOPLE have been killed, several injured and 11 people arrested in 25 separate incidents since the People's Democratic Reform Committee launched its campaign against the government on October 31.

November 30-December 1: Clashes erupted between the red shirts and Ramkhamhaeng University students. Student Thaweesak Phokaew died from a gunshot wound; red supporter and solider Thanasit Wiangkam was shot dead at the entrance of Ramkhamhaeng Soi 24; Wirot Kemnak's body was found near the Rajamangala National Stadium; while Suradej Kamplaengjai's corpse was found in a burned down bus outside the Sports Authority of Thailand office. WIsanu Praopu was shot to death.

December 2: A police helicopter was shot at while trying to land in the Royal Plaza area.

December 6: Motorcycle racers opened fire at PDRC guards on Rama VI road; two people were injured.

December 13: Supass Meetham was injured after assailants opened fire at him.

December 26: Protester Wasu Suchantabut was shot dead in a clash between police and protesters at the Thai-Japanese Stadium. Traffic police officer Narong Pitisit was shot dead by so-called men in black who were allegedly hiding on top of a building. An investigation into his death continues, though the national police chief has dismissed claims that police were responsible for his death, as they were only using rubber bullets on the day.

December 28: Protester Yottana Aongard was killed and three others injured in a shooting incident near Chamaimaruchet Bridge.

January 10: Four people were injured in an explosion during a clash between red shirts and PDRC guards in Pathum Thani.

January 11: Seven people were injured when an unknown number of gunmen fired at protesters near Democracy Monument.

January 12: Gunmen sprayed the Democrat Party headquarters with bullets and Samran Chanthong-on was injured in a separate shooting incident on Chaeng Wattana Road.

January 14: A bomb was lobbed at Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva's home on Sukhumvit Road.

January 15: A man and a woman were injured in gunfIre near a protest site at Hua Chang Bridge.


-- The Nation 2014-01-16

[webfact]

Man accused of sexually assaulting unconscious woman who later killed herself
Thirapon Khumsuk
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A RESCUE worker has been arrested for allegedly trying to rape an unconscious woman he was entrusted to transport to a hospital, and who reportedly drowned herself after the attack.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697029-man-accused-of-sexually-assaulting-unconscious-woman-who-later-killed-herself/

[webfact]

Ailing hotels beckon protesters
SAWITREE RINWONG,
BAMRUNG AMNATCHAROENRIT
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- MANY HOTELS in areas near anti-government demonstrations have launched promotions, especially discounts, to attract protesters participating in the "Bangkok shutdown", to compensate for a significant drop in foreign tourists coming to the city.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697026-new-forum-on-postponing-the-election-is-too-little-too-late-thai-talk/

[webfact]

Abhisit says bomb attack was well organized



BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the bomb attack at his home was well organized.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697031-abhisit-says-bomb-attack-at-his-home-was-well-organized/

[webfact]

PDRC must 'face up to being a minority'
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

ACADEMIC SAYS BANGKOKIANS MUST BE READY FOR A LONG STRUGGLE

BANGKOK: -- THE ANTI-GOVERNMENT People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) should be prepared for a longer and more protracted fight than it imagined - but its supporters should be willing to endure, renowned scholar Thirayuth Boonmee said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697032-pdrc-must-face-up-to-being-a-minority-thirayuth-boonmee/

[webfact]

Medical workers told to avoid insulting words on stage
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- MEDICAL workers who have joined the anti-government protest are being warned not to use rude words to insult their rivals as it can be construed as a violation of human rights, the National Human Right Commission (NHRC) said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697033-medical-workers-told-to-avoid-insulting-words-on-stage/

[webfact]

Weapons, arrests not linked to attack on Abhisit home
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Police yesterday arrested four people allegedly for unauthorised possession of explosives and firearms, found while their pickup truck was stopped at a checkpoint.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697031-abhisit-says-bomb-attack-at-his-home-was-well-organized/#entry7297553

[webfact]

Parents unhappy about schools being closed
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Education Ministry has received complaints from parents that some schools in the South closed down without explanation.

The closures are believed to be linked to the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), which is currently occupying several major intersections in Bangkok in its challenge to the government.

The PDRC movement has support in the South.

Caretaker Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang yesterday threatened to launch a probe into why the schools had shut down.


-- The Nation 2014-01-16

[webfact]

Several state hospitals hoist 'reform' flags
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Several state hospitals are now flying banners reading "Reform Before Election", a stance promoted by anti-government demonstrators.

Dr Prachumporn Booncharoen, president of the Thai Federation of Medical Centre and General Hospital Doctors, said the banners were installed in line with the resolution of the Public Health Society (PHS).

Recently, the PHS issued a statement calling for the immediate resignation of the caretaker government and for political reform before an election is held.

Public Health Ministry permanent secretary Narong Sahametapat also endorsed the statement.


-- The Nation 2014-01-16

[webfact]

German victim of necklace snatch in Jomtien




PATTAYA: -- A 36 year old German national was caught-up in a necklace snatch on the Sukhumvit Road in front of Makro’s on Wednesday afternoon. Police were able to detain two suspects and two others aged 14 and 16 were were thought to be part of the same gang.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697034-german-victim-of-necklace-snatch-in-jomtien/

[webfact]

Forest mystery continues with 2 more dead gaurs
Janjira Pongrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Two more gaur skeletons were found yesterday in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Kui Buri National Park, bringing the mysterious death toll of wild cattle in the park to 22.

Vatana Pornprasert, director of the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department's Protected Areas Regional Office 3 in Phetchaburi, said officials and villagers found the additional carcasses.

They had been searching the forest to check on the remaining gaur population in the park, following a spate of mysterious deaths of the animals since December 2.

A team of veterinarians would later inspect and collect samples to determine cause of the deaths, he added. Vatana said 80 officials and villagers had worked together on the forest-scanning mission by dividing into 10 teams to check on living gaurs and to look for any more gaur remains in the forest.

A previous report had indicated a herd of 22 gaurs had been frequenting the area for food, he said, but he could not yet confirm if these 22 dead animals were the same herd.


-- The Nation 2014-01-16

[webfact]

RT @ChadapornLin: Grenade lobbed at protesters at Lardprao intersection; gunman in a car opened fire at Nanglerng-no one injured

[webfact]

RT @RichardBarrow: 9:10am - RT @beemababy: What was open yesterday is closed today. Rama 4 gridlock leading to Silom Rd flyover http://t.co/jaVZI1ZPWN

[webfact]

RT @RichardBarrow: 9:20am - @pandson: Very few people at the Ratchaprasong stage http://t.co/N81eZfPsyg

[webfact]

RT @RichardBarrow: 8:30am Phathumwan in front of MBK - RT @natty_tang: ปทุมวัน (หน้า MBK ) http://t.co/EgUBlUiB2B #Bangkok

[webfact]

RT @thomaswanhoff: Army post at Chitlom... this looks like a new development... http://t.co/4BvJDgIIfp

[webfact]

Ko Tee: I Am Not Ko Tee The Redshirt
By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- A famous TV personality has asked the public not to confuse him with a Redshirt leader who goes by a similar nickname.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697063-ko-tee-i-am-not-ko-tee-the-redshirt/

[webfact]

DIT: No shortage of goods so far; pork more expensive as Chinese New Year nears

NAKHON PATHOM, 16 January 2014 (NNT) – Internal Trade Department Director-General Somchat Soithong revealed on Wednesday that the political situation has yet to result in shortage or hoarding of goods, although pork was starting to become more expensive as the Chinese New Year is drawing near.

According to Mr. Somchat, retailers have reported their sales have dropped by around 5% since the mass rally in Bangkok commenced; this was believed to have been due to the worsened mood of consumers during the shutdown period. Nonetheless, the DIT was continuing to inspect prices of common items, which are expected to rise during the Chinese New Year. The farm price of pork has risen to 71 baht per kilogram, and retail price has risen to 121-122 baht per kilogram. Mr. Somchat explained this was due to heightened demand during the Chinese New Year's coupled with lessened supply because of the slower growth of pigs due to less favorable weather.

The director-general indicated his department had asked swine raisers to hold the price steady, and refrain from raising the price in excess of 2-3 baht per kilogram, so that the price charged on customers would not exceed 130-150 baht per kilogram. The department was also monitoring the prices of other protein sources, such as hen eggs and chicken to prevent opportunistic price raising during the Chinese New Year's festival.


-- NNT 2014-01-16

[webfact]

UPDATE:

More gunshots and bombs hit anti-government protests



BANGKOK: -- Two bombs were hurled at security guards of anti-government protest on Lard Prao intersection and gunshots were sprayed at protesters near Chamaimaruches bridge in Dusit area late last night, but nobody was harmed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697024-bangkok-shutdown-violence-fears-realised/#entry7298038

[webfact]

Protest leader Suthep rejects compromise, negotiation
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 16 – Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has vowed to fight unrelentingly without compromise despite the government’s latest decision to continue with the Feb 2 general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697064-protest-leader-suthep-rejects-compromise-negotiation/

[webfact]

Around 500 people per day receive service from Traffic Police help desks in Bangkok

BANGKOK, 16 January 2014 (NNT) – The Traffic Police revealed around 500 people per day utilize the service offered at its 7 help points situated in the vicinity of the PDRC road block spots.

Police Major General Chirasan Kaewsaeng-ek, commander of the Traffic Police, said most of the visits to the help points involved asking for directions and ways to get to places. Around 50 people visit the help points for medical attention each day. Bangkok Police will continue to operate the help desks at the 7 spots, namely Pathumwan Intersection, Ratchaprasong Intersection, Asok Intersection, Lumpini Park, Victory Monument, Ladphrao Intersection and Laksi Intersection on Chaengwatthana Rd.

People can visit the help points for emergencies, travel inquiries or medical attention. Alternatively, requests for assistance about traffic, accidents or emergencies can be made to the Traffic Police hotline 1197 around the clock.


-- NNT 2014-01-16