Thailand Live Monday 20 Jan 2014

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King Bhumibol visits Kaeng Krachan Dam

BANGKOK, 20 January 2014 (NNT) - His Majesty the King on January 17 travelled to Kaeng Krachan Dam in Phetchaburi Province to observe the progress of the dam’s water management system.

Upon his arrival, His Majesty anointed the dam’s name plate to commemorate its 48th anniversary. Kaeng Krachan Dam was built across the Phetchaburi River as the first earthen dam to facilitate agriculture and solve water shortage. It is 760 meters long and 58 meters high and comprises a reservoir that has a maximum capacity of storing 710 million cubic meters of water. The dam was opened by Their Majesties the King and Queen in 1966 and since then had received 15 royal visits, during each of which Their Majesties gave useful advice leading to better living conditions of local people. At present farmers in the area harvest rice twice a year, earning 2.8 billion baht in profit annually and also earn several million baht more from orchards of different fruits.

During the visit, His Majesty also released a number of native fish into the reservoir to increase sources of protein food for villagers. His Majesty watched the water level with satisfaction as it filled 90% of the dam’s capacity on the day.

His Majesty then proceeded to the dam’s reception building where an exhibition was put up to show the history of royal visits to the dam. His Majesty appeared joyful as he moved around the display, reminiscing about the days of his visits.

He also watched the demonstration on the latest technique of artificial rainmaking procedure conducted by four Cessna Caravan aircraft. The technique was initiated by His Majesty the King in 2000 for rainmaking in difficult weather conditions. The royal rainmaking project actually started in the late 1950s, and because of the several techniques he had developed, His Majesty has been recognized as the ‘Father of Thai Technology’, the title bestowed upon him by the Thai government. After spending two hours at Kaeng Krachan Dam, His Majesty returned to Klai Kangwon Palace in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.


-- NNT 2014-01-20

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Second grenade attack

SUPACHAI PETCHTEWEE

The Nation

A series of images from a surveillance camera appear to show a man throwing a grenade at the anti-government rally site at Victory Monument yesterday.

Two grenades thrown at victory monument protest site; at least 28 hurt

BANGKOK: -- SOME 28 people, including a number of anti-government protesters, were wounded yesterday afternoon when two grenades were thrown at a rally site at Victory Monument.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697881-second-grenade-attack-rocks-bangkok/

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Most residents expect violence to continue, survey finds
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE MAJORITY of respondents to a poll in Bangkok - taken before yesterday's grenade attack - thought the political situation would tend to become even more violent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697865-most-bangkok-residents-expect-violence-to-continue-in-capital-survey-finds/

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Rice farmers from Phichit, other provinces demand payment from government
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- RICE FARMERS from Phichit and nearby provinces yesterday laid siege to the Bueng Na Rang District Office to demand long-overdue payment for their last crop under the government's controversial pledging scheme, while others continued demonstrating on a major highway.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697866-rice-farmers-from-phichit-other-provinces-demand-payment-from-government/

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NATION'S PAGE-ONE COMMENT
No political goals can justify violence
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democracy - which all of us are calling for - can never be achieved through violence. Those who resort to violence to further their struggle are incompetent and cowardly. A victory - even for one day - achieved on the bodies of the dead will never be an honourable one.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697867-no-political-goals-can-justify-violence-thai-comment/

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Nation Group, Eleven Media to launch English daily in Myanmar, plus online version
The Nation


Pana Janviroj with Myanmar Eleven hard copy.

BANGKOK: -- Nation Multimedia Group will launch an English-language daily paper in Myanmar in a joint venture with a leading local publisher in a bid to expand its regional business and share its expertise with a neighbouring country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697868-nation-group-eleven-media-to-launch-english-daily-in-myanmar-plus-online-version/

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EDITORIAL
Is a genuine watchdog just a pipe dream?
The Nation

The controversial protest by the PDRC aims to create a cleaner political system, but it has opened the door to violence

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697869-is-a-genuine-watchdog-just-a-pipe-dream-thai-editorial/

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Four people were killed during protests since December 26



BANGKOK: -- Four people were killed and 238 others were injured as a result of violent incidents in Bangkok during anti-government protests between December 26 and January 18, according to the Department of Medical Services.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697870-four-people-were-killed-during-protests-in-bangkok-since-december-26/

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Foreign Man Found Unconscious on Beach Road

PATTAYA – January 18, 2014 [PDN]; at 5.00 p.m. Pol. Sub. Lt. Phutthiphong Chuenchom (Investigation officer of Pattaya city police station)

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697799-foreign-man-found-unconscious-on-beach-road/

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Police officers from North, NE removed from Govt House
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The police have agreed to withdraw about two of their companies from the Government House area after being asked to leave by the Students and People Network for Thailand's Reform (STR). The policemen were mainly from provinces in the North and the Northeast.

STR security chief Nasser Yeema led network supporters to Government House to ask the police to maintain only two companies from Samut Sakhon |and Suphan Buri inside the compound.


-- The Nation 2014-01-20

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Suthep, Issara march to boost support for PDRC
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), yesterday led protesters on a march along Lat Phrao Road as part of his campaign inviting people to shut down Bangkok.

Suthep and Issara Somchai, a PDRC leader at Lat Phrao Intersection, led the crowd from the five-way junction, calling on people to join the anti-government protest movement.

Another group of PDRC protesters from Chaeng Wattana Road, led by Luang Pu Buddha Isara, joined the Lat Phrao demonstration.

From the intersection, the marchers headed along Phahonyothin Road to Ratchayothin Intersection. They then went to Kasetsart Intersection before returning to Phahonyothin Road.


-- The Nation 2014-01-20

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Political storm to come
The Star
Malaysia

All parties locked in Bangkok strife seem oblivious to growing peril

BANGKOK: -- Violent upheaval in Thailand is set to grow, getting a lot worse before (and if) things get any better.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697872-political-storm-to-come-thailand/

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Policy rate may be trimmed to 2%, but timing not known
SUCHEERA PINIJPARAKARN
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- SOME economists expect the Bank of Thailand to cut its benchmark interest rate at Wednesday's meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) as prolonged political protests have hurt confidence in the economy and dented consumption amid weak exports.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697873-policy-rate-may-be-trimmed-to-2-but-timing-not-known-thailand/

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One man injured at Makkawan rally site late Sunday night

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)'s Erawan Emergency Medical Services Centre reports that a man was injured from an unknown object at the Makkawan area at 10.15 pm on Sunday.

The man was sent for treatment for a burnt wound on his chest at Vachira hospital and was discharged. No death was reported.


-- The Nation 2014-01-20

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TAT: Tourists will be back for Chinese New Year



BANGKOK, Thailand - The Tourism Authority of Thailand has said Chinese New Year should be a good holiday period for the country even with the current political turmoil in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697874-tat-tourists-will-be-back-for-chinese-new-year/

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NSPRT protest volunteer guard wounded in gun attack at Makhawan Bridge; PDRC to cordon off Government Saving Bank, preventing farmer payment /MCOT

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US urges Americans to avoid Thai protest sites

WASHINGTON, January 20, 2014 (AFP) - The United States urged its citizens Sunday to stay away from protest sites in Thailand, amid an upsurge in deadly violence during anti-government demonstrations.

Unknown attackers have killed several people during the months-long protests intended to oust the embattled government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Each side has blamed the other for the bloodshed.

"US citizens are cautioned that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence," the State Department said in a travel alert.

"You should avoid protest sites, demonstrations and large gatherings. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to local news media reports."

The warning came on the same day that 28 people were injured in an attack on a rally in central Bangkok, the second such assault in recent days.

The twin blasts followed by gunshots at a busy intersection occupied by the protesters heightened fears of growing violence before elections called by Yingluck for February 2.

"The situation is unpredictable and ongoing demonstration activity, primarily in the greater Bangkok area and occasionally elsewhere in Thailand, is expected to continue," the State Department said.

"Some protest sites are located near tourist attractions and popular shopping malls, which at times have closed or shortened hours unexpectedly," said the alert, which expires on February 14.

"Protests may occur in other areas with little or no prior notice."

Thailand has been rocked by bouts of bloody unrest since just before a 2006 military coup that ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-01-20

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RT @tulsathit: RT @Tulip_Oum: Sutep to lead Victory Monument PDRC rally to Govt Saving Bank HQ in Saphan Kwai at 10AM. (fm96.5)

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Anti-govt protesters to surround Govt Saving Bank today to block rice pledging payments to rice farmers /The Nation

Anti-govt protest leader Suthep vowed to intensify protests by urging supporters nationwide to shut down state agencies this week, beginning in the South /The Nation

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Violinist Vanessa Mae set to compete at Winter Olympics
By Ollie Williams
BBC Olympic sports reporter

LONDON: -- Violinist Vanessa Mae is set to ski for Thailand at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, which start next month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697893-vanessa-mae-is-set-to-ski-for-thailand-at-the-sochi-2014-winter-olympics/

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Minister Thanusak to meet BAAC board as farmers’ protests escalate
in Business



BANGKOK: -- Deputy Finance Minister Thanusak Lek-uthai is due to meet with the board of Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives today (Monday) to discuss the government’s request for the bank to advance its customers’ deposits for use to repay rice farmers.

In the meantime, bank employees will wear black today as a gesture of protest against the government’s plan to use the bank’s liquidity to repay the farmers for their harvests pledged since last October.

Mr Thanusak, also chairman of BAAC board, said Sunday that about 160 billion baht worth of rice crops had already been pledged under the rice pledging scheme for the 2013-14 crops and the BAAC has, so far, paid about 50 billion baht to the farmers.

The minister asked dissenting farmers to stay calm, insisting that all of them would definitely get paid as the government, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong, is to meet with the Election Commission tomorrow (Tuesday) to discuss the Finance Ministry’s plan to secure 130 billion baht fund for BAAC to pay the farmers.

The bank’s president and the union have voiced their opposition to the government’s plan to use the bank’s deposits for fear that it may spark off a deposit run by depositors.

Mr Thanusak claimed that the bank had used 180 billion baht of its liquidity to pay the farmers for the previous harvests before and, therefore, this will not be the first practice by the bank. He also assured that the bank would get its money back for every baht spent plus interest as soon as the government has received revenue from rice sales.

Protesting farmers from lower northern provinces are still blocking the in-bound Asian highway No 117 at Po Sai Ngarm intersection in Bung Na Rang district of Phichit to put pressure on the government for their delayed payments. In Buri Ram, about 1,000 farmers from 23 districts have been rallying in front of the provincial complex for the past three days.

It was reported that farmers in Uttradit have planned to block the out-bound Asian highway between Uttradit and Phitsanuloke at Ban Nong Kwang intersection in Pichai district.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/minister-thanusak-meet-baac-board-farmers-protests-escalate/


-- Thai PBS 2014-01-20

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RT @Rajprasong_News: Gen Paradon: Govt is ready to use Emergency Degree, if the situation gets worse and the situation calls for "@ch 3

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Election unaffected by protesters’ shutdown of ballot printing shop
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 20 – The blockade of government-run Kurusapa printing shop, responsible for printing election ballots, will not jeopardise the approaching election, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana has reassured.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697899-election-unaffected-by-thai-protesters-shutdown-of-ballot-printing-shop/

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Protesters blockading Government Savings Bank, cripple southern provinces administration today
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 20 – Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has vowed to lead anti-government protesters to seal off the Government Savings Bank (GSB) today as people in 14 southern provinces are set to paralyse the provincial administrative system.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697900-protesters-blockading-govt-savings-bank-cripple-southern-provinces-administration/

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,290.95, falls 4.46 points /MCOT

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RT @mpoppel: BREAKING -- GeoNet: 6.3-magnitude earthquake strikes the North Island of New Zealand, centered 15 kms east of Eketahuna

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A LETTER TO THE US PRESIDENT
Mr President: Some facts you should know about the Thai political crisis

To Barack Obama President of the United States of America January 17

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697904-to-barack-obama-mr-president-some-facts-you-should-know-about-the-thai-political-crisis/

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One guard shot and several giant firecrackers were tossed at protest sites

BANGKOK: -- One protest guard was shot at Makkawan bridge and giant firecrackers were tossed into protest sites at the Lumpini park and Nang Lerng Sunday night in the latest spate of violence to intimidate protesters.

At about 10 pm last night, an assailant fired a gunshot into a crowd of protesters of the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform at Makkawan bridge. Fortunately, the shot hit an amulet worn on the chest of a guard, 27-year old Sitthichai Maleethong, who only suffered bruises.

The victim was given first-aid treatment at Wachira hospital and was already discharged.

Giant firecrackers were also tossed at protest site of the NSPTR at Nang Lerng.

Meanwhile at the Lumpini park protest site, several giant firecrackers were tossed at Andre Dunant road and near the park where protesters were rallying. There were no casualties however.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/one-guard-shot-several-giant-firecrackers-tossed-protest-sites/


-- Thai PBS 2014-01-20

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Police publicise photos of Victory Monument bombing suspect
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 20 -- National Police Bureau has publicised the photos of a suspect in Sunday's grenade attack at the Victory Monument protest site on Sunday, wounding almost 30 people.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697881-second-grenade-attack-rocks-bangkok/page-3#entry7316958

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RT @mpoppel: Some reports of damage coming in following New Zealand quake, New Zealand Herald reporting possible fires. No injuries so far.