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Thailand Live Monday 20 Jan 2014

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webfact Grand Master Member

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Thai government considers state of emergency after weekend violence
BY AMY SAWITTA LEFEVRE
BANGKOK

(Reuters) - Thai authorities are "very seriously" considering a state of emergency after a weekend of violence in the capital where protesters have been trying for more than two months to bring down the government, the security chief said on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697972-thai-government-considers-state-of-emergency-after-weekend-violence/

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webfact Grand Master Member

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BANGKOK SHUTDOWN: CONCERT CANCELLATION
American legend Frankie Valli cancels Bangkok's show
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Due to the current political situation and its associated difficulties, and for the safety and wellbeing of customers, BEC-Tero Entertainment PCL today announces the cancellation of "Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons" concert, which was to take place on January 22 at the Bangkok Convention Center Central Ladprao.

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-- The Nation 2014-01-20

Lite Beer Legendary Member

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Protesters blockade state offices in Bangkok, South
By Digital Content

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BANGKOK, Jan 20 - The anti-government protesters from the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) today sealed off the Government Savings Bank (GSB), while their supporters in several southern provinces rallied to block the work of state officials in parallel with the movement in the capital to pressure the caretaker government to resign.

The protesters rallied at the GSB headquarters to protect depositors interest as he claimed that the bank is the government's next target for financial resources after the government, which has lost Bt400 billion from the rice pledging scheme, forced the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperative to finance payment to farmers but the bank refused.

Another protest leader Issara Somchai said demonstrators who occupied Ladprao five-way intersection today marched to rally at three state offices including Kurusapa Ladprao Printing Press where ballot papers are being printed, then the Expressway Authority of Thailand and the Department of Agricultural Extension.

He said the latter two were believed to be the temporary office of caretaker minister to the prime minister's office Varathep Rattanakorn.

Meanwhile, in Songkhla, PDRC supporters gathered in front of the provincial hall which has been blocked by them since last week.

As some government office buildings could still operate, the protesters today plan to rally there to close the venues.

In Trang, PDRC demonstrators have occupied the provincial hall since Jan 13 and civil servants could not enter the compound to work since then.

Sucheep Patthong, PDRC coordinator for Trang, said the demonstrators will march to government offices in ten districts.

He said no violence will occur as some government office buildings have already been closed, while others are allowed to open for services. But today, all will be shut down by the protesters.

In Ranong, PDRC leader Saksawat Sriprasart said that protesters in five districts will rally at government buildings in an intensified move demanding for the country's reform before holding a general election.

In Satun, a verbal exchange was reported between PDRC supporters and people who came for their errands at the provincial hall. State officials were unable to enter their office as the PDRC has locked the entrance gates.

The situation is similar in Prachuap Khiri Khan province when the protesters gathered outside the provincial hall and set up a rally stage there. They planned to seize other government offices in the province. State officials have been instructed to move important documents to other places. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2014-01-20

Lite Beer Legendary Member

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UPDATE:

PM mum on declaration of the state of emergency

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BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today was tight-lipped when she was asked about the National Security Council chief’s suggestion that a state of emergency might be declared in a couple of days.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/697972-thai-government-considers-state-of-emergency-after-weekend-violence/#entry7318050

Lite Beer Legendary Member

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Rice subsidy controversy widens protests against govt
By Digital Content

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BANGKOK, Jan 20 – Farmers are up in arms against the government’s failure to pay for their rice while employees of a state bank dressed in black to protest against borrowing from bank reserves to pay farmers.

Puti Srisamutnark, president of the Thai Farmers Promotion Association, said today that he was compiling a list of petitioners to lodge a complaint with the Administrative Court against the government for repeatedly failing to pay for the rice they have sold under the rice subsidy scheme.

The caretaker Yingluck Shinawatra government has pledged to buy rice from farmers at Bt15,000 per tonne.

Mr Puti said farmers in many areas have prepared for the new planting season but they have yet to receive payment for delivery of rice in the last harvest.

“They have admitted that they would earn only Bt6,000-8,000 per tonne from the next harvest while production cost would be as high as Bt6,000,” he said.

No matter which political party will run the country, the association will ask the new government to continue assisting farmers so that they sell rice at no less than Bt12,000 per tonne, he said.

Meanwhile, the labour union of the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) held a special meeting today and strongly objected to the government’s plan to spend the depositors’ money to pay farmers.

BAAC employees dressed in black to display their opposition and said the government has already withdrawn Bt90 billion from the bank to subsidise the rice pledging scheme.

Union leader Prasit Pahome said the labour union protested the new move to borrow Bt55 billion from the BAAC to purchase rice from farmers in the 2014 crop.

“The Cabinet did not approve the Bt55 billion (before dissolving the House of Representatives). It is turning to the Government Savings Bank for the loan,” he said.

The caretaker government is not authorised by law on new financial expenditure.

Caretaker deputy finance minister Thanusak Lek-uthai is scheduled to meet with the BAAC board of directors today to discuss the bank’s financial allocation to the rice subsidy scheme.

Mr Prasit said BAAC employees nationwide will stand up for civil disobedience but will not stop servicing clients. They will organise a movement to remove the Board of Directors if it insists on lending to the government for the rice scheme.

“We have to protect the bank’s liquidity. The Public Health Ministry has threatened to withdraw its deposits if the BAAC approves loans for the rice subsidy programme,” he said. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2014-01-20

Lite Beer Legendary Member

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US State Department warns Americans to avoid protest sites

BANGKOK: -- The US Department of State Monday warned US citizens to avoid protest sites and large gatherings in Bangkok and other provinces.

In its latest travel alert issued on Monday, the State Department said there are potential risks of travel to Thailand, particularly Bangkok, due to ongoing political and social unrest ahead of the February 2 election.

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

"US citizens are advised to avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings. Some protest sites are located near tourist attractions and popular shopping malls, which at times have closed or shortened hours unexpectedly," the travel alert said.

"Protests may occur in other areas with little or no prior notice. You should allow extra time when travelling throughout the city or to/from airports. Consider using public transportation. Although many protest activities have been peaceful, increasingly violent incidents have occurred at or near protest sites."

The Travel Alert expires on February 14, 2014, the State department said.

"US citizens are cautioned that even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. 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 announcement added.

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-- The Nation 2014-01-20

Lite Beer Legendary Member

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BANGKOK SHUTDOWN: CONCERT CANCELLATION
Rallies scare off veteran American singer
The Nation

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BANGKOK: -- Four Seasons star Frankie Valli cancels Bangkok's show

Due to the current political situation and its associated difficulties, and for the safety and wellbeing of customers, BEC-Tero Entertainment PCL today announces the cancellation of "Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons" concert, which was to take place on January 22 at the Bangkok Convention Center Central Ladprao.

"I am truly disappointed that I can't perform for my fans in Thailand on January 22. But your safety and security are more important and really matter to me. My thoughts are with you all. I promise I will come back to perform in Thailand soon," said Valli.

Bec-Tero apologises for any inconvenience and hope for the understanding. The customers are able to refund their tickets for this special event at all Thaiticketmajor branches during normal business hours until February 14th, 2014. For further information, please contact Thaiticketmajor call center at (02) 262 3838.

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-- The Nation 2014-01-20

webfact Grand Master Member

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Five rangers injured in bomb attack

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BANGKOK: -- Five rangers were injured, one seriously, in a roadside bomb attack in Jor Irong district of Narathiwat province this morning.

A team of six rangers from 4810 Ranger Task Force Unit was on a foot patrol near Banchuwa school when a bomb was detonated. Five were injured.

They were all admitted to Narathiwat hospital.

The police said the bomb was placed at the school fence and went off when the patrol unit walked pass.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/five-rangers-injured-bomb-attack/

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-- Thai PBS 2014-01-20

webfact Grand Master Member

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Naval Special Warfare commander threatens to sue Royal Thai Police
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Naval Special Warfare Commander Rear Adm Winai Klom-in Monday threatened to sue the Royal Thai Police if it is established that police caused misunderstanding on online social networks that one of his subordinates was the Victory Monument bomber.

Winai said he believed that the Royal Thai Police contributed to the distribution of false information that that affected his command by comparing a Naval Special Warfare Command officer's picture with that of the suspect.

"The way police did it was like an attempt discredit our agency," Winai said.

He said the officer whose picture was liked to the bomb suspect was on a mission to fight against drug trafficking.

He said his command did not want to see Thais kill each other.

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-- The Nation 2014-01-20

webfact Grand Master Member

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CAPO chief Surapong: caretaker PM orders tight security to provide safety to public; Police sets Bt200,000 bounty for Victory Monument bomber arrest /MCOT


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British-Thai violinist Vanessa Mae was to ski for Thailand in the Winter Olypmics, an official said Monday in Bangkok, but written confirmation still pending. /Bangkok Post


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