Thailand Live Saturday 18 Jan 2014

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Ratchaprapa Dam unscathed by recent tremor

SURAT THANI, 18 January 2014 (NNT) – Authorities have confirmed that the January 16 earthquake in Surat Thani province caused no damages on the Ratchaprapa Dam, claiming that the structure has the capacity to withstand a much larger quake.

On January 16 at 12.18 pm, an earthquake measured at 4.0 on the Richter scale struck Ban Ta Khun district of the southern province of Surat Thani, with the epicenter located 19 kilometers to the northwest of the Ratchaprapa Dam.

In the wake of the incident, officials from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand’s Ratchaprapa Hydro Power Plant inspected the facility and confirmed that it was still in good condition with no damages. Assistant Director of the Ratchaprapa Dam Suchon Tantipisit revealed that, during the tremor, the peak ground acceleration was measured at only 0.0049, whereas the dam was capable of handling up to 0.1, an equivalent to a quake with a magnitude of 9-10.

The assistant director assured the public that the dam is equipped with a maintenance team and is constantly under inspection. He thus urged all to have confidence in the dam’s integrity.


-- NNT 2014-01-18

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PCAD Halts Ballot Papers Printing

By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protesters have forced publishers of ballot papers to close down.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697487-pcad-halts-ballot-papers-printing-bangkok/

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Angry farmers to demand their rice back as government defaults on payments
Sayan Chucham,
Surachai Piraksa
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Phichit-based farmers are planning to take their rice back from the government's rice-pledging scheme today because it has delayed the payment for far too long.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697488-angry-rice-farmers-to-demand-their-rice-back-as-thai-govt-defaults-on-payments/

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SPECIAL REPORT
'Clashes could intensify'
Pakorn Puengnetr
The Nation


Police find a cache of weapons inside a deserted building believed to be the hiding place of people behind recent attacks.

'Group of trained people collecting resources to foment violence'

BANGKOK: -- With anti-government protests looking set to continue, Bangkok appears likely to witness intensifying violence as days go by.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697490-bangkok-shutdown-clashes-could-intensify/

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Dozens injured in grenade attack
The Nation


Two of the people injured in yesterday

Protest leader expects more attacks; weapons found in deserted building

BANGKOK: -- Violence heightened yesterday afternoon when a march by anti-government protesters in central Bangkok was hit by a grenade attack that left at least 36 people injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697491-dozens-injured-in-grenade-attack-in-central-bangkok/

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South hit hard by PDRC shutdown campaign
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A huge number of offices in Thailand's southern provinces have been in limbo over the past week in response to the 'shutdown' call by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697492-thai-south-hit-hard-by-pdrc-bangkok-shutdown-campaign/

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Businesses worry over surge in protest violence
Business Reporters
The Nation

More mayhem feared in run-up to election, as kingdom nears 'failed state' status

BANGKOK: -- Renewed violence, reflected in the latest bomb attack at Banthad Thong Road yesterday, has fuelled concerns among the private sector, which fears this will hurt the country's image and the economy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697493-businesses-worry-over-surge-in-protest-violence/

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NACC probe on PM a big setback to image of govt: Teerachai
Erich Parpart,
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Theerachai

BANGKOK: -- The anti-graft agency's decision to investigate caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in connection with alleged irregularities in the rice-pledging scheme has tarnished the image of both her administration and the country, a former finance minister said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697494-nacc-probe-on-pm-yingluck-a-big-setback-to-image-of-govt-teerachai/

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NATION ANALYSIS
Another problem rears its head for government
Samudcha Hoonsara
The Nation

Rice farmers may protest over payments

BANGKOK: -- Farmers who had joined the rice-pledging scheme issued an ultimatum that they would stage a massive protest if the authorities failed to pay them soon after January 15 as promised.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697495-another-problem-rears-its-head-for-thai-government-analysis/

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Ratchaprasong businesses offer up to 90% discounts to lure customers
Somluck Srimalee,
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Protesters gathering in front of Siam Center shopping complex on Rama I Road in Bangkok.

BANGKOK: -- Businesses in the Ratchaprasong area have launched a promotion campaign offering discounts of up to 90 per cent in an attempt to lure shoppers and tourists back to the protest-plagued zone.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697496-bangkoks-ratchaprasong-businesses-offer-up-to-90-discounts-to-lure-customers/

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EDITORIAL
Protesters party, and a familiar dread rises
The Nation

We can only hope that the carnival atmosphere continues, but we all know it is never going to last

BANGKOK: -- Concerts. Walking streets. Vendors selling "cool" protest accessories like iPhone cases featuring cartoons of Suthep Thaugsuban and colourful whistles in the shape of Thailand. Face-painting services. Famous artists on the stages.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697497-protesters-party-and-a-familiar-dread-rises-thai-editorial/

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Suspicious gaur deaths in national park
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Tissue samples collected from a number of dead gaurs in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Kui Buri National Park were found to be contaminated with high levels of a nitrate compound and the bacteria Clostridium novyi, as well as the Anaplasma spp pathogen, which leads to the disease anaplasmosis - causing sudden death in animals, according to the National Institute of Animal Health.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697498-suspicious-gaur-deaths-in-thai-national-park/

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Army, police break up red-shirt, PDRC clash on Chaeng Wattana
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Many red-shirt supporters arrived on motorcycles and in vans yesterday to challenge the anti-government protesters rallying on Chaeng Wattana Road.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697499-thai-army-police-break-up-red-shirt-pdrc-clash-on-chaeng-wattana/

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Drivers of taxis, commuter vans hit by this week's Bangkok protests
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Taxi and commuter-van drivers and owners are complaining about the difficulty they are facing making a living due to the anti-government campaign that has locked down much of Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697500-drivers-of-taxis-commuter-vans-hit-by-this-weeks-bangkok-protests/

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Step-Daughter reports kick in the mouth by “Red” Step-Father to Pattaya Police



PATTAYA: -- In, what appears to be, a clash of political views, a 22 year old woman reported an assault by her 40 year old step father at their South Pattaya home in the early hours of Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697502-step-daughter-reports-kick-in-the-mouth-by-red-step-father-to-pattaya-police/

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Obama orders curbs on NSA data use

WASHINGTON: -- President Barack Obama has ordered curbs on the use of bulk data collected by US intelligence agencies, saying civil liberties must be respected.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697504-obama-orders-curbs-on-nsa-data-use/

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46-year-old man succumbs to Banthad Thong blast injuries

BANGKPOK: -- A 46-year-old anti-government protester Prakong Chuchan has succumbed to the severe injuries caused by the bomb attract on Friday on Banthad Thong Road, according to the emergency medical services agency.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Erawan Emergency Medical Services Centre reported that he was sent to Ramathibodi hospital to undergo treatment and died at 01.30 am on Saturday.


-- The Nation 2014-01-18

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RT @Thai_Talk: “Enough Already Group” wants to tie white cloths around BKK and Thailand to expand space for peace. http://t.co/mKfeifhvIZ via @tonkumchoke

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RT @ChadapornLin: Bomb went off as Nakhon Si Thammarat-Bkk train was passing through near Cha-am station; no one injured

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RT @ChadapornLin: Suthep vowed on stage yesterday he will continue his march around Bkk at 10am today despite bombing yesterday

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'Respect my vote' - Thai election supporters speak out
by Apilaporn VECHAKIJ

BANGKOK, January 18, 2014 (AFP) - Angered by opposition protests seeking to thwart upcoming polls, a burgeoning pro-election movement in Thailand is taking a stand to demand their votes are respected, with candlelight vigils and Facebook campaigns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697521-respect-my-vote-thai-election-supporters-speak-out/

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Protesters vow to continue Bangkok rallies despite deadly blast

BANGKOK, January 18, 2014 (AFP) - Anti-government protesters pledged to stage a fresh march through the Thai capital Saturday, a day after a bomb attack on their rally that killed one and left dozens injured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697523-protesters-vow-to-continue-bangkok-rallies-despite-deadly-blast/

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PM: Govt not involved in Banthad Thong explosion

BANGKOK, 18 January 2014 (NNT) – The Prime Minister has defended the government following an explosion on Banthad Thong Road, saying it had nothing to do with the bombing incident that wounded at least 36 rally goers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697529-pm-yingluck-govt-not-involved-in-banthad-thong-explosion/

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Bomb at railroad track in Cha-am late last night, forces train services delay, parked waiting at Prachuap Khiri Khan /MCOT

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Blankets handed out to Nakhon Phanom residents

BANGKOK, 18 January 2014 (NNT) – A number of blankets have been distributed to folks in Nakhon Phanom Province, which has been hard hit by the recent cold snap.

Nakhon Phanom Governor Adisak Thepart yesterday gave out 490 blankets to a school situated in Muang District of the province. The blankets were to be distributed to students and residents living in the area in order for the people to keep themselves warm during the cold season that has prolonged in the upper part of Thailand.

The governor then proceeded to another school in Thatphanom District where he handed out another 490 blankets to the people.

The Governor has also ordered provincial authorities to keep a watchful eye on the weather and to be well-prepared and ready to help the cold spell victims.


-- NNT 2014-01-18

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RT @RichardBarrow: As a foreigner I don’t think it matters what colour shirt you wear as long as it isn’t a red one with Thaksin’s face. Just use common sense

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Mercury to drop 6-8 degrees Celsius during Jan 18-23

BANGKOK, 18 January 2014 (NNT) – Thailand will be in for another cold snap as temperatures in the northern part of Thailand are likely to drop 6-8 degrees Celsius during January 18-23.

The Meteorological Department has announced that a high pressure coming from China would blanket the upper part of Thailand, beginning on the night of January 18th and will last until January 23rd. The high pressure, according to the department, would cause the mercury in the north to drop by 6-8 degrees Celsius, while morning fog is also expected.

The Meteorological Department has also warned seafarers and small vessel operators along the Gulf of Thailand to stay ashore during January 19-22, saying waves could be as high as 2-3 meters during the period.


-- NNT 2014-01-18

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RT @RichardBarrow: Picture of tracks near Cha-am in Phetchaburi that were damaged in an explosion at about 3:50am (Pic @SpringNews_TV) http://t.co/pJWGPe2ddq

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Phuket taxi driver killed in Bangkok bombing

Phuket Gazette

Prakong Chuchan died from complications after shrapnel damaged a main artery and lacerated a lung. Photo: Prakong Chuchan / Facebook

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697491-dozens-injured-in-grenade-attack-in-central-bangkok/page-2?p=7308522#entry7308522

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Protest leader Suthep marching again today despite fresh bombing
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 18 – Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban declared that he was undeterred by yesterday’s explosions which killed one and injured scores of people and will march on Bangkok streets again today to urge people to join the fight against the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697523-protesters-vow-to-continue-bangkok-rallies-despite-deadly-blast/#entry7308545