Thailand Live Saturday 25 Jan 2014

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Poll can be deferred: court
Chanikarn Phumhiran,
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai,
Praphan Jindalertudomdee
The Nation


A reporter reads a statement by the Constitutional Court about its ruling that the February 2 election can be rescheduled and that the government and the Election Commission should discuss the matter.

BANGKOK: -- THE FEBRUARY 2 election can only be postponed if the ongoing protests are brought to an end and there is no boycott of the election, a government figure said yesterday following a Constitutional Court ruling that the polls can be rescheduled.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699136-2-february-election-can-be-postponed-constitutional-court-rules-thailand/page-8?p=7340864#entry7340864

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Assassinated 'Gangster' Not Anti-Govt Protester: Police

By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- The police have dismissed reports that an anti-government protester who vandalised the police headquarters sign had been killed in Ratchaburi province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699156-protester-who-vandalized-polices-name-plate-was-found-shot-dead/page-5?p=7340880#entry7340880

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Govt plans to seek Bt130 billion to pay angry farmers
Piyanart Srivalo,
Suphannee Pootpisut
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The caretaker government is considering seeking additional funds totalling Bt130 billion to subsidise the rice-pledging scheme through bank loans and the issuing of bonds, following a Council of State decision that this may be legally possible despite restrictions related to the looming election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699208-thai-govt-plans-to-seek-bt130-billion-to-pay-angry-farmers/

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NATION ANALYSIS
Vote buying 'not decisive factor in an election'
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

Bangkokians need a re-think: Anfrel chief

BANGKOK: -- Contrary to claims by the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), vote buying is not the decisive factor in an election, said Pongsak Chanon, Thailand project coordinator at the Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699209-vote-buying-not-decisive-factor-in-an-election/

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Cold spell will continue into next week, weather bureau says
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- TEMPERATURES in the Northeast will drop by another 3-5 degrees Celsius next week because of a new high-pressure front moving in from China, which will cover most of Thailand by Monday and Tuesday, the state weather-forecast agency reported yesterday. Many areas in the North and Northeast have already been covered by frost.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699210-cold-spell-in-thailand-will-continue-into-next-week-weather-bureau-says/

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Get relaxin' at the TIJC
Darin Pantoomkomol
Special to The Nation
Salaya, Nakhon Pathom


Student jazz bands take centrestage at the Thailand International Jazz Studies Conference, which is put on by Mahidol University.

Miles Davis' ex-drummer among the heavyweights who will be here for next week's jazz conference

BANGKOK: -- The headline "Get relaxin'" is an intentional shout-out to Charlie "Bird" Parker, the godfather of bebop, as the sixth Thailand International Jazz Conference approaches.

My colleagues and I in Mahidol University's Jazz Studies department started the conference in 2008 as we were reaching the end of the second semester. The concert rooms and halls were all occupied, making it difficult to find places for the students to perform for their jazz-ensemble final exam, so we arranged to use a vacant outdoor space equipped with light and sound systems.

That led to the first Mahidol Jazz Festival, where all of the student ensembles from Mahidol, Silpakorn and Rangsit universities played. The following year we transformed it into the jazz education and performance event called the Thailand Jazz Conference, and it gained the word "international" in 2010.

The conference includes three main elements - music performances in the evenings, jazz education in daytime workshops and master classes, and a competition. Top artists from around the world attend, giving the event broad recognition in the jazz community. These have included Eddie Gomez, Kenny Werner, Peter Bernstein, Benny Green, Danilo Perez, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Aaron Goldberg and Rich Perry, just to name a few.

Last year we took another giant step up with the TIJC Jazz Camp, which offers participants the chance to meet, perform with and learn from the masters. January had by now become a month that jazz devotees looked forward to every year, and this year is boosting the anticipation even higher. The 2014 conference promises to be the most inspirational edition so far.

Where last year we had such famous players as Gomez and Werner, this year's event has as its theme "Inspiring Jazz for the Incoming Generation" and features the hottest new artists from New York today - the Aaron Parks Trio, Stranahan/Zaleski/Rosato, and the Seamus Blake Trio.

We have been trying for years to bringing piano virtuoso Aaron Parks here. He is one of, if not the most-followed jazz musicians among the young generation. Most students these days study, play, transcribe and get influenced by his music.

Placing third in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in 2006, Parks became one of the most sought-after pianists on the New York scene, working with the likes of guitar master Kurt Rosenwinkel, Terence Blanchard and Mike Moreno.

He's bringing along Ben Street (who played at our 2011 event with the Danilo Perez Trio) and Miles Davis' former drummer, Billy Hart - at 73 something of a legend and someone that no one will want to miss.

Stranahan/Zaleski/Rosato is comprised of drummer Colin Stranahan, who was also here in 2011, with Rosenwinkel, pianist Glenn Zaleski and bassist Rick Rosato. These three got together in 2010 and recorded the album "Limitless" this past autumn. According to their website, "the trio will be celebrating its release at the 2014 Thailand International Jazz Conference", quite an honour for us.

New York-based Canadian saxophonist Seamus Blake won the Thelonious Monk competition in 2002 and is now recognised as one of the best exponents of contemporary jazz. Bassist Matt Clohesy and drummer Nate Smith round out his trio, which will also host a jazz camp from January 27 to 29.

From the local scene, Koh Mr Saxman will introduce Siam Sound, his latest project, which combines features of Thai and Western music. And Singto Numchok will be there - a bit of a surprise for jazz fans, but, in fact, he and his musicians and producer Kit Monotone are really into jazz. You'll get to witness their innovations, including new arrangements and a band format revamped especially for the TIJC.

One of the most remarkable sights at this year's event will be the gathering of 14 jazz big bands and orchestras from all over Thailand and the world, filling the daytime with fantastic music.

Darin Pantoomkomol is chairman of the Jazz Studies Department at Mahidol University's College of Music.

_ The sixth Thailand International Jazz Conference runs from next Friday to Sunday at the College of Music at Mahidol University in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom.

_ Find out more at www.TIJC.net.


-- The Nation 2014-01-25

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Thailand to host Motocross GP
The Nation


The FIM Motocross Grand Prix roars back into the Kingdom this year.

BANGKOK: -- Following the success of last year's inaugural round at Sri Racha, Chon Buri, the high-flying, hardcore FIM Motocross World Championship (MXGP) circus will return to thrill tens of thousands of local spectators as well as a massive global TV audience.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699211-thailand-to-host-motocross-gp/

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FOREIGN ARRIVALS
Japan calls off all tours to Thailand
Prakaidao Bengsantia
The Nation

Singapore airlines also slash flights to Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- The decision to impose an emergency decree to manage the spreading and intensifying anti-government protests in Bangkok has led to cancellations of all Japanese tours to Thailand, according to Anake Srishevachart, president of the Thai-Japan Tourist Association.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699212-japan-calls-off-all-tours-to-thailand/

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TAT to rejig promotional strategy
Narumon Kasemsuk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand plans to revamp its promotional strategy after seeing increasing signs of sluggish income this year due to the ongoing political unrest.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699214-tat-to-rejig-promotional-strategy/

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NBC sets aside Bt160m for new studios, equipment for Nation TV
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation


Nation Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) president Adisak Limprungpatanakij announces the business direction of the Nation TV digital terrestrial TV channel.

Building on strong audience base, company looks to reach more than 10m households by June

BANGKOK: -- In preparation for the launch of its digital terrestrial-TV channel, Nation Broadcasting Corp (NBC) has earmarked about Bt160 million to build its own downtown studios - Nation Broadcasting House - and procure production equipment.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699215-nbc-sets-aside-bt160m-for-new-studios-equipment-for-nation-tv/

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BOT notes political protests likely blow to growth, but has no concerns about baht
Chairat Srisuk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand has conceded that as the prolonged political row paralysing the government delays public-sector investment, this year's economic growth may be less than 3 per cent.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699216-bot-notes-political-protests-likely-blow-to-growth-but-has-no-concerns-about-baht/

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EDITORIAL
Hatred is not the only big worry in Thailand
The Nation

Mistrust between the protesters and the police is soaring

BANGKOK: -- The political crisis has become extremely dangerous not only because the hatred is feeding off itself, but also because law-enforcement officers are seen as biased in favour of the government. Whether the police are intentionally partisan or are being pushed into a corner is debatable, but that doesn't matter much now. The country is in serious trouble because, increasingly, anti-government protesters and the police are failing to see eye to eye.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699217-hatred-is-not-the-only-big-worry-in-thailand/

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Spokesman Can't Promise Protesters Won't Disrupt Election
By Khaosod English


Mr. Ekkanat Prompan displaying the route of protesters' next demonstration

BANGKOK: -- The leaders of the anti-government protest movements will not disrupt the upcoming election, a spokesman has insisted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699218-pcad-spokesman-cant-promise-protesters-wont-disrupt-election/

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Prayuth urges media to foster unity
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Mainstream media should avoid taking sides in the current political conflict and instead aim to foster unity, Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699219-thai-army-chief-prayuth-urges-media-to-foster-unity/

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NATION ANALYSIS
Voters need to make the right choice
Jintana Panyaarvudh
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Once again, Thai voters have come to a point where they have to decide if they should follow their heart or their head, or should even bother exercising their ballot if the election is held on February 2 as scheduled.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699220-voters-need-to-make-the-right-choice-thai-analysis/

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LIKE IT, SHARE IT
Be careful when you get online: it's like a cyber war now
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation

Social media continues to be used as a communication tool to battle opponents in the political 'war' currently going on.

BANGKOK: -- The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) has been using social media a lot to inform, to invite, and to connect with supporters and the public. They are active in posting information, news and updates many times a day. They do this via facebook.com/PDRCThailand and Twitter at @CMDThai.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699221-be-careful-when-you-get-online-its-like-a-cyber-war-now/

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PROTEST
UNHR urges all to respect the rights of others
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The United Nations Human Rights Office for South East Asia (OHCHR) called on all parties in Thailand to respect the rights of others and to refrain from any form of violence, in light of protests in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699223-unhr-urges-all-to-respect-the-rights-of-others-protests-in-thailand/

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Special Report: Donation denial leaves blood in short supply
Phuket Gazette


A nurse holds a bag of newly-donated Rh-negative blood. Photo: Leslie Porterfield

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699225-donation-denial-leaves-blood-in-short-supply-phuket/

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Time Is Running Out for Thailand's Embattled Government
By Bruce Einhorn

(Bloomberg) Will they or won’t they? Thais are waiting to hear whether elections scheduled for Feb. 2 will take place as planned. Embattled Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra wants them to take place; the country’s Election Commission wants a postponement because of widespread opposition from critics of Yingluck and her exiled brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699227-time-is-running-out-for-thailands-embattled-government/

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Three years before the vote, Clinton machine gears up

By Michael Mathes

Washington (AFP) - With the news that America's largest liberal fundraising group is to back a Hillary Clinton presidential bid in 2016, a growing sense of inevitability is building around her prospective candidacy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699228-three-years-before-the-vote-clinton-machine-gears-up/

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Gmail outage affects users worldwide

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699201-gmail-outage-affects-users-worldwide/

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Mentally ill Briton accused of claiming to be Prophet Mohammad is sentenced to death by Pakistani court
Mohammad Asghar was accused of claiming to be the Prophet Mohammed
Prosecution disputed mental illness, and judge convicted him yesterday
He was arrested in 2010 under Pakistan's strict laws against blasphemy
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699242-mentally-ill-briton-accused-of-claiming-to-be-prophet-mohammad-sentenced-to-death-pakistan/

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Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra offers to cancel election
Lindsay Murdoch
SOUTH-EAST ASIA CORRESPONDENT FOR FAIRFAX MEDIA

BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s embattled government has offered to call off an election set for February 2 if protesters end their rallies and promise not to obstruct or boycott a new one within months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699245-thai-pm-yingluck-shinawatra-offers-to-cancel-election/

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RT @RichardBarrow: [bangkok Post] Twenty foreign tourists were rescued yesterday after their long-tailed boat capsized on a tour near Koh Phi Phi

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Mum mourns murdered son at Phuket sentencing
Phuket Gazette


Mrs Schantz wanted to be present at the sentencing so Mr Ljung could apologize to her. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- The mother of Maxim Schantz, who was murdered in Phuket two years ago, arrived today at Phuket Provincial Court for the sentencing of one of her son’s murderers, Johan Sebastian Ljung.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699246-mum-mourns-murdered-son-at-phuket-sentencing/

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Suthep urges public vigil at poll stations tomorrow to show objection to election, not to obstruct advance balloting, assert reform before election /MCOT

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Pathumthani police arrest man wearing army uniform as disguise for transport of arms & ammunition, believed to be used for causing violence in BKK /MCOT

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RT @BPbreakingnews: 10.02am: Suthep-led march started. It's a 5km loop from Ratchaprasong to Pathunam, Chidlom, Ploepchit and back to Ratchaprasong. #bpnews

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Thailand third worst in the world for road deaths; Phuket killing someone every three days
Phuket Gazette


Dr Thanapong Jinvong says Thailand has the third highest annual rate of road traffic deaths in the world. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- Over 300 people from throughout Southern Thailand yesterday concluded a two-day seminar geared to develop methods to reduce road-traffic deaths.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699252-thailand-third-worst-in-the-world-for-road-deaths;-phuket-killing-someone-every-three-days/

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Suthep leads protesters on march from Ratchaprasong, heading to Rajadamri, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Chidlom, Ploenchit /MCOT