Thailand Live Wednesday 22 Jan 2014

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 6pm on Silom Walking Street - RT @BeingAndrea: More a street market than a protest pic.twitter.com/EsVL6KKJEr

[Lite Beer]

RT@Aim_NT: If we have evidence, not that they (govt) will take legal actions against us, we are gonna take legal actions against them: Suthep on stage.

[Lite Beer]

Son, Who Allegedly Rapes His Mother, Is Killed By His Father

By Khaosod English

UDON THANI: -- A man who has allegedly raped his own mother has been murdered by his own father, police said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698603-son-who-allegedly-sexually-assaults-his-mother-is-killed-by-his-father/

[Lite Beer]

Media organizations ask the government not to in fringe on press freedom

BANGKOK: -- Four media organizations have asked the government to be discreet in meting out any measures under the Emergency Decree which may infringe on media freedom and free expression or may interfere with the performance of duty of members of the media.

The four media organizations include the National Press Council of Thailand, the Thai Journalists Association, the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association and the News Broadcasting Council of Thailand.

Citing the allegations made by Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul of disinformation or distortion of information by the media in a way which may incite public unrest or disunity, the four media organizations expressed concern that such allegations have sent a signal that the government might mete out regulations which infringe on the rights and freedom of the media such as news censorship or prohibition of the distribution of newspapers.

The government’s claim of the media misconduct is not justified enough to clamp down on press freedom which is guaranteed by the Constitution.

The four media organizations also criticised the state-owned media outlets for its imbalanced reportage by denying the government’s opponents equal air time. They also asked the government or any government official not to disseminate information or talk to the media in a way which will incite confrontation or unrest.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/media-organizations-ask-government-fringe-press-freedom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=media-organizations-ask-government-fringe-press-freedom

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-22

[Lite Beer]

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: After the Emergency Decree, I have no idea what else the government would announce except for their self-suicide news.

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Kwanchai survives gun attack and is now safe

Udon Thani’s red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praipana is now safe after he was injured in a gun attack at his house in Udon Thai’s Muang district this morning.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698476-red-shirt-core-leader-kwanchai-shot/page-9?p=7329683#entry7329683

[Lite Beer]

Govt briefs diplomats on aims of decree; US calls for restraint

BANGKOK: -- In imposing the emergency decree, the government's aim is to limit violence and to empower security agencies to keep peace and keep the public safe - not to quell protests, foreign diplomats were told Wednesday.

Foreign Ministry permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow Wednesday invited diplomats from 65 countries and eight international organisations to hear an explanation of the government's intention in declaring a state of emergency on Tuesday.

"We will continue to exercise prudence and discretion in solving problems and will not deprive the people of their rights," he said.

-- The Nation 2014-01-22

[Lite Beer]

EC Official: Emergency Decree Won't Affect Election

By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- The recently-imposed State of Emergency over Bangkok will not affect the general election on 2 February, an Election Commissioner insisted.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra imposed the State of Emergency yesterday following days of violent incidents in the capital city, including deadly grenade attacks on anti-government protesters. The decree, which gives sweeping powers to the authorities, will last 60 days.

The move has worried many observers, as the 2 February election is only a week away. Some experts have already warned that the election held under State of Emergency may lose its credibility.

Mr. Puchong Nuttrawong, Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC), said that although the emergency decree in principle bans all forms of political gathering, vote-canvassing rallies and other poll-related activities can go on as they are allowed under election laws.

"The emergency decree will not affect the arrangement of election," Mr. Puchong said.

However, he voiced his concern that fewer people would participate in the election than previous years, citing numbers of advanced voting registrations which are reportedly lower than previous election.

He blamed the relative apathy on the ongoing political crisis and other "obstacles" related to the efforts to organise the 2 February election.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNU1ETTVNVFUwTUE9PQ==&sectionid=TURFd01BPT0=

-- Khaosod English 2014-01-22

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 7pm Temperature is 23.7 Celsius in #Bangkok. The cold snap is expected to continue tomorrow.

[Lite Beer]

Navy Seals commander insists foreign forces were brought in

BANGKOK: -- Commander of the Navy’s special naval warfare or Navy Seals reaffirmed Wednesday that foreign armed forces were brought into the country to deal with the protesters.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698611-navy-seals-commander-insists-foreign-forces-were-brought-in/

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Before & After at the Royal Thai Police HQ after protesters visited today - RT @iannnnn: เกียรติตำรวจของไทย pic.twitter.com/HBGvpXixzq

[Lite Beer]

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: Instead of protecting us, government and their accomplices used bombs, and guns to attack us.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: They could have told police to catch the bad guys, but they didn't do it as they are beasts from hell.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: All victims include elderly people and women. They do no harm but they were injured by bombs.

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: Kamronwit, how would u feel if that happened to ur mother??

[Lite Beer]

Redshirt Activist Denies Links To Violence

By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- The police have interrogated the Redshirt leader of Pathumthani province over his alleged ties to a recent spate of violence in Bangkok.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698612-redshirt-activist-denies-links-to-violence/

[Lite Beer]

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: As care-taker MP, Yingluck is not authorised to announce emergency decree. It's against constitution.

[Lite Beer]

Chalerm assures no force to be used against protesters

BANGKOK: -- Peace-keeping Centre Director Chalerm Yubamrung gave an assurance Wednesday that the government would not resort to the use of force to disperse the protesters but would try to talk them into calling off the protests.

Chalerm who is put in charge of enforcing the Emergency Decree which came into effect today said that details of the measures to be meted out in accordance with the decree would be known on Monday.

He pleaded with protesters not to shut down government officials and warned that any attempt to break into government premises would be dealt with in accordance with international standard of practice.

Minister of Information and Communications Technology Anudit Nakhonthap assured that people could pursue their normal life as usual and their rights would not be infringed upon by the decree.

However, he pleaded with the public not to join the protests and to cooperate with authorities in making searches especially at night.

Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, also head of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order, said that the government is still open to talk with the protesters to find a solution to the political conflict.

The Emergency Decree has proven to be futile as protesters have defied the decree openly. All protest sites are still crowded with people.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/chalerm-assures-force-used-protesters/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chalerm-assures-force-used-protesters

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-22

[Lite Beer]

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: Winai made a point that judging from how the guy who threw the bomb at Victory Monument, he must be well trained.

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: So ordinary people were not capable of doing that except sepcially trained terrorists.

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: Thaksin financially supported these trainings.

[Lite Beer]

Phuket protesters close three more govt offices
Wiparatana Nathalang

Customs Director, Nunthita Sirikup, left, with the 'Temporarily closed' sign given her by protesters
At each they handed the officials a sign to hang on the door, reading “Temporarily closed until Yingluck resigns”

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/698614-phuket-protesters-close-three-more-govt-offices/

[Lite Beer]

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: Farmers asked me if the decree was to use it against the protesters or them.

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: The governmet has to pay farmers but they didn't. So farmers protest and here comes the emergency decree.

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: I promise my fellow farmers that if this mission is accomplised, we will pay u all.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: Tmr I will lead a city walk from Asoke to Lung Suan, Chidlom, Sukhumwit for a distance of 5km.

[Lite Beer]

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: I sit and wait all day what measured would be announced by Chalerm to tackle us.

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: As there is no notice from there side, I have an announcement to make that we prohibit any measures from Chalerm to tackle us.

RT@Lerlaforever: Suthep: Any officials who come to handle us will be filed charges against.

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Phathumwan intersection full of protesters despite state of emergency - RT @RujTH: แยกปทุมวัน แน่น หลัง พรก ฉุกเฉิน pic.twitter.com/iGnkkT7Es8

[Lite Beer]

RT@newley: #BangkokShutdown = very little traffic on Sukhumvit. Here’s Phloenchit area appx. 8:15 p.m. pic.twitter.com/6NYgKmjtyx

[Lite Beer]

RT@Juarawee: RT @tanachai_nw: 7.55PM Patumwan stage atmosphere while Suthep criticises Chalerm. pic.twitter.com/vqV5aLSXdv

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: This is what can be done now that there is a State of Emergency in #Bangkok. Up to government which ones they use pic.twitter.com/w4CMsrB76Z

[Lite Beer]

Army chief says he knows the identity of the armed group

BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said the Army knows the identity of the armed group responsible for the violent attacks on protesters.

He said the Army knows which group used unlawful mean against the people.

He warned the group to stop further violent attacks saying soldiers might have to intervene to stop the violence as it is security matters.

The Army is not going to accuse anyone but to maintain security is within the scope of its responsibility, he said.

The army chief also said that it is collecting evidence to give to the police to take legal action against this armed group.

He called on the Thai people to resort to peaceful mean to resolve their differences

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/army-chief-says-knows-identity-armed-group/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=army-chief-says-knows-identity-armed-group

-- Thai PBS 2013-01-22

[Lite Beer]

State of emergency to hamper growth

BANGKOK: -- The private sector has expressed concern that the emergency decree, invoked in the capital and adjacent provinces to deal with anti-government rallies, may hamper the country’s economic growth.

Thai Hotel Association (THA) president Surapong Techaruvichit said he could not evaluate protest impact as of yet. He only hopes that the current situation would not escalate into violence.

He said Tourism Council of Thailand and Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations will jointly hold a meeting on Thursday to evaluate impact caused by ongoing political unrest.

Elsewhere at commercial center affected by protests, Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) has resolved to tighten security throughout Ratchaprasong areas.

The ongoing protests have resulted in declining occupancy rate of hotels and accommodations in Ratchaprasong areas to only 38 per cent.

RSTA and Tourism Authority of Thailand will jointly introduce campaigns to attract more tourists to the areas. The association calls on the People’s Democratic Reform Committee to end their protests as soon as possible to prevent further impacts on the Thai economy.

Federation of the Thai Industries (FTI)’s Chairman, Payungsak Chartsutthipol said he viewed that the government’s decision to invoke the Emergency Decree is not different from the recent declaration of Internal Security Act as long as the airports and all commercial ports are not being shut down.

However, economy will be severely affected if the protests prolong. As of now, some buyers have started to order goods from Thailand’s competitors. He calls on all parties concerned to start realizing impacts on the Thai economy, claiming that a considerable number of investors have started shifting their investment to Malaysia and Indonesia.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/state-emergency-hamper-growth/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=state-emergency-hamper-growth

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-22

[Lite Beer]

Commerce holds rice auction as rice protest grows

As the Commerce Ministry is now holding rice auction to get money to repay farmers, rice farmers in almost all parts of the country are stepping up pressure to force payment for their rice with the blockading of highways, government offices, roads.

Some also are on their way to Bangkok to join anti-government protests.
Deputy Commerce Minister Yanyong Puangrath today chaired the opening of the AFET’s rice bidding for the 2013 – 2014 rice crop stocks which amounts to 148,940 tons.

Nineteen out twenty seven bidders were approved as eligible bidders and sales should begin by the following week. He also stated that a further bidding through AFET of 150,000 – 200,000 ton of rice stocks is being considered in order to expedite payments to farmers.

As bidding is being held, rice farmers from 5 provinces in the central plains have now blockaded the Asian Highway causing the crippling of the Ang Thong to Singhburi stretch of the highway. The farmers blockaded both the inbound and outbound route of the highway in front of the Phromburi School in Ang Thong province demanding that the government pay them the promised compensations in the government’s controversial rice pledging scheme. They have also threatened an increase in the level of their protests should no payments be forthcoming.

Rice farmers in Lopburi province are also protesting demanding payments in the government’s rice pledging scheme and have gathered on the grounds of the Wat Sra Yai temple in Sra Bod district. They are threatening to round up government rice pledging scheme vouchers to file charges with the police should their payments not be received. Furthermore, they are threatening to close of the provincial town hall and various vital junctions in the province should the government not meet their demands.

Rice farmers from 12 districts in Phichit province have taken to the streets in a 10 km long procession on the Sri Mala road. They are protesting the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives collection of both the principal and interest on loans made to farmers. They are demanding that the collection be delayed until the government pays them the promised compensations in the rice pledging scheme.

Farmers from almost all 32 districts in Nakhon Ratchasima have handed in papers to the government to complain about their inability to pay off loans because they were not paid the promised compensations in the rice pledging scheme.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/commerce-holds-rice-auction-rice-protest-grows/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=commerce-holds-rice-auction-rice-protest-grows

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-22

[george]