Thailand Live Tuesday 21 Jan 2014

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National Rice Policy Committee decided not to extend Feb. deadline to buy rice in 2013/2014 crop from farmers /The Nation

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RT @Tulip_Oum: Apparently, it's a "big cleaning day" at PDRC Asoke site.-@Praphan_nna http://t.co/XVNVb8XqzJ

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Government told to restrain red shirts instead of invoking emergency decree



BANGKOK: -- A protest leader has suggested the government to try to restrain hard-core red-shirt followers instead of pondering the invocation of Emergency Decree to deal with escalating violence in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698172-thai-govt-told-to-restrain-red-shirts-instead-of-invoking-emergency-decree/

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Niwatthamrong says government needs 180 billion baht to pay farmers



BANGKOK: -- Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan said yesterday the caretaker government needs 180 billion baht to pay farmers who have sold rice to the government under the rice pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698173-thai-commerce-minister-says-govt-needs-180-billion-baht-to-pay-rice-farmers/

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Ranger killed, 2 wounded in bomb blast in Narathiwat's Rangae district, explosion hit teacher-protection unit in Sri Sakhon, soldier wounded /MCOT

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RT @RichardBarrow: 10:36am - RT @dadadadadarunee: Suthep at Chongnonsi http://t.co/o9xCKS5ojj

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RT @ChadapornLin: Neo,from Pattaya Animal Coalition,2 take part in Thailand Run 999km in 30 Days 2 raise awareness against dog trade http://t.co/7vZSoCAHg7

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Bangkok traffic starts to return to normal

BANGKOK, 21 January 2014 (NNT) — Recent reports have shown that Bangkok traffic is starting to return to normal, with schools, shops, and companies opening again for work.

Deputy Spokesman for the National Police Office Pol. Maj. Gen. Ruangsak Jaritake stated that traffic in Bangkok has started to see an increasing amount of traffic as people continue to go about their everyday life.

Roads that have seen an increased amount of cars have seen traffic congestion build up, including 6 main routes, which are Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Baromrajchonnani Road, Ratchadapisek Road, North Sathon Raod, Rama 2 Road, and Bangna - Trat Road.

The National Police Office has responded by dispatching 4,000 traffic police officers to help alleviate the congestion and also urged the public to use public transportation if possible. For more information, please visit www.trafficpolice.go.th.


-- NNT 2014-01-21

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RT @RichardBarrow: 10:57am - RT @SiniZeR: There is no traffic Chareon Krung http://t.co/BWobOKgJPJ

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RT @RichardBarrow: 11:09am - MT @WPBangkok: On Monday last week #BKKShutdown started. Now one of the main protest sites looks like this http://t.co/kxGkfYn8I8

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39 medical teams prepared for unexpected incidents

BANGKOK, 21 January 2014 (NNT) – The Public Health Ministry has prepared 39 rescue and medical teams in case of an emergency following the prolonged anti-government rallies.

Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Narong Sahametapat has ordered all hospitals in 18 provinces where mass rallies are staged, to be on 24-hour alert as any unexpected incidents could take place anytime. 14 of the provinces are in the South, and four others are in Nonthaburi, Phichit, Ratchaburi and Buriram. He said the ministry had prepared a total of 39 medical and rescue units to be deployed around demonstration sites to help those in need.

Dr. Narong went on to reveal that a number of medical teams would also be tagging along with the protesters if they march to different locations, so that they would be able to respond immediately if anyone needed medical attention.

As of now, he said all demonstration sites were at risk of being attacked by an unidentified group. This is why medical staff and equipment need to be ready at all times, he added.


-- NNT 2014-01-21

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Foreign media pay close attention to Thai politics

BANGKOK, 21 January 2014 (NNT) – Foreign media are paying close attention to Thai politics, expecting the situation to exacerbate during the election period.

The Wall Street Journal, an American English-language international daily newspaper, has reported that the current political feud in Thailand is worsening. The situation poses a great threat to the region’s economy, as Thailand is a member of ASEAN Community whose exports mainly consist of automobile and agro-products.

It went on to say that even though many agencies and individuals had earlier come out to call for an end to the political standoff, conflicts still existed in the Thai society, adding that both the government and the protesters had been pointing finger at each other for the violent incidents that occurred.

Meanwhile, British English-language international daily newspaper Financial Times reported the 2 bombing incidents that took place during the past week, claiming one life and a number of injuries. According to the paper, the two incidents are indicative of worsening conflicts, while expecting the current situation to prolong, and might even lead to bloodshed during the time of election.


-- NNT 2014-01-21

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Petchaburi Province showcases OTOP products ahead of AEC

BANGKOK, 21 January 2014 (NNT) – Petchaburi Province is showcasing its OTOP products ahead of the advent of ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). It is expecting to reap in at least 100 billion baht from the sales of its local products in 2018 when the AEC is formed.

Petchaburi Province is organizing an OTOP fair until January 24th, during which visitors can enjoy a wide range of quality OTOP products from local and national communities. The fair, now underway at the Provincial City Hall, is aimed at preparing Thai entrepreneurs for the forthcoming AEC, which will be realized in 2015.

The province is targeting 100 billion baht revenue from the OTOP industry by the year 2015. Each product will be further developed in terms of creativity, packaging, and uniqueness in order for the Thai products to be on par with or even ahead of its rivals' in the international market.

One Tambon One Product (OTOP) is a local entrepreneurship stimulus program, which has been designed to support locally-made and open up new markets for products of each Tambon or sub-district.


-- NNT 2014-01-21

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Various groups nationwide light candles in support of February 2 election

BANGKOK, 21 January 2014 (NNT) – Members of the public in several provinces on Monday donned white and lit candles to express support for the February 2 general election.

In Bangkok, around 200 Ladphrao and Wang Thong Lang locals gathered in front of Chok Chai police station and gave a vow in support of peace and democracy. Vendors at Ying Charoen Market and Saphan Mai Market were seen lighting candles in their 'no mobs, no coups, only election' activity, as they voiced opposition to the protests and expressed their desire for the nation to move forth.

In Chiang Rai, local groups and the Chiang Rai United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) were also holding candle-lighting activities in support of peace and an election, and to call on the Bangkok shutdown protesters to respect the law. The group then released flying lanterns to float away the nation's troubles.

In Ubon Ratchathani, vendors at Chong Mek border market were lighting candles in support of a general election on February 2, and also in support of a government yielded from an election, not by appointment.


-- NNT 2014-01-21

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RT @tulsathit: Unpaid farmers to ask Law Society of Thailand to help them sue government. via @news1005fm

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RT @Juarawee: RT @7_preysor: 11.44AM office works in Satorn waited to greet Suthep and to give him support http://t.co/9obX96WZxF

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RT @tulsathit: Director of the Ayuthayawittayalai school told disgruntled students this morning a pro-election activity was due to EC's request.

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Malaysia launches largest clampdown on foreign illegal workers



KUALA LUMPUR: -- The Home Ministry launched a nationwide clampdown on foreign illegal workers yesterday after the three-month time frame for its registration exercise to accord them legal status had lapsed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698190-malaysia-launches-largest-clampdown-on-foreign-illegal-workers/

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Economic confidence falls to record low

BANGKOK: -- Economists’ confidence in the overall economic outlook falls to record low in three and a half years with forecast to plunge further over the next three months.

According to the Research Center at Bangkok University or Bangkok Poll, which jointly conducted the survey with Bangkok University’s Economics Faculty, it said the poll was collected from opinions on economic performance of the country over the next 3-6 months of 60 economists at the country’s 32 leading economic organizations between January 8-17.

The pollsters said the index measuring economists’ confidence in the current economy stood at 17.85 points, down from 36.99 points in the previous survey, and below 50 points

It is the lowest points in three and a half years, Bangkok Poll said.

The fall of economic confidence index to below 50 points reflects weaker economy over the next three months.

But for economic forecast over the next six months, they are optimistic about the recovery by exports, tourism, local consumption and private sector investments although spending and investment on public sector will continue to slow the recovery.

Asked about their opinions on the business cycle stages of the country’s economy at present, 67% of economists viewed that the country’s economy is still in the recession or contraction stage, while 10% said it is in growth stage, while 5% said it is in trough stage and 2% in peak stage.

Bangkok Poll concluded that Thai economy will remain weak and weaker over the next three months but will be boosted over the next six months by exports.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/economic-confidence-falls-record-low/


-- Thai PBS 2014-01-21

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RT @tulsathit: RT @kowit_js: 12:01 pm @js100radio http://t.co/cxkNuMMGIG

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RT @RichardBarrow: 12:15pm - RT @SiniZeR: Almost thousand people blocked Naratiwat Road http://t.co/mSsx2wnMyA

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Caretaker Finance Minister Kittiratt explains to EC the government's plan to seek loan to pay farmers under rice pledging scheme /MCOT

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PDRC guards hand over man suspected of being undercover police to police station

BANGKOK: -- Security guards of the People's Democratic Reform Committee Tuesday captured a man suspected to be an undercover policeman at the Chaeng Wattana rally site.

The man carried three mobile phones and he was seen sending messages. Guards checked his phone and found that he reported the moves of the protesters at the scene to a group of 18 contacts.

He was handed over to the Thung Song Hong police station.


-- The Nation 2014-01-21

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CAPO condemns protester intrusion at DSI office, threatening officials; considering invoking emergency decree if violence intensifies /MCOT

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HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
Govt protection for protesters urged : HRW

BANGKOK: -- The Thai government and police cannot deny responsibility in light of escalating violence at anti-government rallies, Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher on Thailand at Human Rights Watch, said on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698162-human-rights-watch-urges-thai-govt-protection-for-protesters/#entry7322865

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PDRC demonstrators hold big cleaning day at Asoke rally site

BANGKOK: -- Demonstrators led by the People's Democratic Reform Committee held a big cleaning day activity at the Asoke Intersection at 9 am Tuesday.

They were assisted by workers of Thawee Watthana and Klong Toei district offices. The workers also sprayed pesticide into the drainage pipes to kill mosquitoes.


-- The Nation 2014-01-21

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FEBRUARY 2 POLL
Election ballots not burnt; error in reporting
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protesters did not burn election ballots during their seizure of Kurusapa printing house as earlier alleged, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698198-thai-election-ballots-not-burnt;-error-in-reporting/

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UPDATE:

Police provide protester security at Victory Monument



BANGKOK, Jan 21 - Police were deployed today at a major rally site of the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to ensure protesters' safety following recent bombing attacks against them resulting in a number of injuries.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698168-bangkok-more-shootings-at-anti-government-protest-sites/#entry7322961

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Toyota still hesitant about political situation in Thailand

BANGKOK, 21 January 2014 (NNT) — President of Toyota Motor Thailand Co. Ltd. Mr. Kyoichi Tanada stated that the company remains hesitant about investing in Thailand for its near future, quoting political unrest as the main reason.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698251-toyota-still-hesitant-about-political-situation-in-thailand/

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UPDATE:

Woman Arrested After Rally Drive-By Shooting

By Khaodod English

BANGKOK: -- A woman has been arrested in connection with the drive-by shooting incident at anti-government protest rally site in central Bangkok.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698168-bangkok-more-shootings-at-anti-government-protest-sites/#entry7323019