Thailand Live Saturday 25 Jan 2014

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UPDATE:

Northeastern farmers plan road blockade to demand payment from govt
By Digital Content



NAKHON RATCHSIMA, Jan 25 –Twenty farmer organisations in Thailand’s Northeast have threatened to block a highway in the province to press the government to resign if it fails to pay them for their rice they sold under the rice pledging programme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699175-northeast-farmers-now-threaten-to-blockade-friendship-highway/#entry7342037

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Medical Services Dept warns public of high-fat food during Lunar New Year

BANGKOK, 25 January 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Medical Services is warning members of the public to avoid high-fat diets during the Chinese New Year.

As the annual Lunar New Year is approaching, Chinese-Thais have been advised to eat healthy and the right proportion of food. According to Suphan Srithamma, Director General of the Medical Services Department, meat is the main offering for the spirits during the celebration. As chicken, fish, pork, and other kinds of meat will be eaten after the ceremony, the director pointed out that the meat needed to be cooked in a way that would be healthy for the consumers.

He went on to say that the food should never be too tasty, sweet, salty, and greasy, while suggesting that some herbs, like garlic and ginger, have the ability to burn off fat stored in human bodies. He however said all materials and ingredients needed to be thoroughly washed before cooking.

As for high carbohydrate foods, he said beans and grains should be added to ease the process of body intoxication.


-- NNT 2014-01-25

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DITP: Thai chicken export to Japan to top 500,000 tons this year

BANGKOK, 25 January 2014 (NNT) – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is confident Thailand's export of frozen chicken to Japan will top 500,000 tons this year, thanks to Japan’s decision to lift its ban on Thai chicken late last year.

Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, Director General of the DITP, revealed after the Japan–Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) meeting that both countries expected to see an increase of 5 percent in their two-way trade, especially in textile and poultry industries.

She said the Japanese side was targeting to import 500,000 tons of chicken products from Thailand, 300,000 tons of which would be fresh frozen chicken and the rest processed chicken; valued at 70-80 billion baht in total.

As for textile products, the industry is aiming for a 9 percent export growth, believing that there will be a continuous rise in demands from Europe, Japan, and the US., added Miss Nuntawan.


-- NNT 2014-01-25

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Spending for Chinese New Year predicted at Bt5.8 billion
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 25 – The Chinese community in Bangkok will spend at least Bt5.8 billion on offerings to their ancestors, or about Bt3,600 per household during the Chinese New Year, according to a survey.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699291-spending-for-chinese-new-year-predicted-at-bt58-billion-bangkok/

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Bank of Agriculture launches lending package to help farmers in rice pledging scheme

BANGKOK, 24 January 2014 (NNT) -- The Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has come up with measures to relieve the plight of farmers who have so far not been paid by the government for the rice pledged under the mortgage scheme.

According to the bank's executive vice president Songserm Saksit, the board on Friday agreed to help those farmers struggling with their own debts, by extending higher amounts of loan, up to 80% worth of the face value of vouchers issued for the rice pledged, up from the 20% previously extended, as well as cutting loan rate from 7% to 3-5%.

The bank will earmark 40 billion baht for its new lending packages. Songserm said about 1.4 million farmers have not yet received their money from the government's rice pledging scheme.

There are about 1.4 million farmers holding rice vouchers valued about 130 billion baht altogether at present, and over 100,000 farmers have been in arrears for their payments. To help the latter group, the bank will extend their loan repayment for another 6-12 months and waive the 3% fine for defaulting on payment.


-- NNT 2014-01-25

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Thai authorities intercept wild animal smuggling ring, seize 1,200 snakes
By Digital Content



NONG KHAI, Jan 25 -- Police and officials from Thailand's National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department have arrested three smugglers and seized more than 1,200 snakes and other wild animals worth over Bt1 million en route to the Lao PDR and Vietnam.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699297-thai-authorities-intercept-wild-animal-smuggling-ring-seize-1200-snakes/

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Phuket traffic chief sets sights on B30mn record licence plate auction
Phuket Gazette


PLTO Chief Terayout Prasertphol is hoping to raise a record B30mn from the Lucky Licence Plate Auction in Phuket Town this weekend. Photo: Chutharat Plerin

PHUKET: -- The Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) is hoping to raise a record 30 million baht from the annual Lucky Licence Plate Auction being held in Phuket Town this weekend.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699299-phuket-traffic-chief-sets-sights-on-b30mn-record-licence-plate-auction/

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Public Health Min warns public over pneumonia during lingering cold temperatures

BANGKOK, 24 January 2014 (NNT) –As the cold weather has been forecast to linger, the Public Health Ministry has warned the public to beware, given over 2,000 cases of pneumonia have been reported as of January 12.

Director General of the Disease Control Department, Dr. Sophon Mekthon, expressed concern over the longer-than-usual cold weather period, which could cause people with poor health conditions to easily contract respiratory diseases leading to pneumonia-- the leading cause of death among all types of infectious diseases.

The elderly and children under five years old are the groups most at risk of being infected with the disease. The Bureau of Epidemiology has reported that patients are found mostly during two periods: January to March and July to November. 20,667 cases were reported in January, 2013, the highest number for that year, whereas 2,239 cases, with one death, have been reported since January 1 of this year. The number is expected to rise especially in provinces declared cold-stricken disaster zones. Provincial Public Health officials have been strictly ordered to closely monitor the disease situation in their areas and advise people to take care of their health especially those living in extremely cold areas.

Pneumonia is caused by several infectious viruses and bacteria. General symptoms include high fever, coughing with chest pain, and breathing difficulty; which normally occur a couple of days after having a cold. Children infected will show signs of high fever, depression, loss of appetite, phlegm, and rapid breathing. Parents of children with these symptoms are advised to take them to doctors immediately.


-- NNT 2014-01-25

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RT @tulsathit: EC: Tmrrw's advanced voting, costing around Bt100m, will have to go ahead unless govt acts quick and decides otherwise.

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Thai women's participation in political processes still low: UN Women Asia

BANGKOK: -- The regional director of UN Women Asia and the Pacific Saturday said Thai women's participation in political processes and leadership remains at low level.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699308-thai-womens-participation-in-political-processes-still-low-un-women-asia/

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Phongthep: Caretaker PM agrees to meet EC chairman on Tuesday to discuss election postponement; no place, time set for meeting /MCOT

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Hagel Says U.S. Can Evacuate Citizens From Sochi
By Gopal Ratnam and David Lerman

WASHINGTON: -- The Pentagon stands ready to evacuate Americans from Sochi, Russia, during next month’s Winter Olympics if the need arises, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699312-us-prepared-to-evacuate-citizens-from-sochi-winter-olympics/

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Thailand to lose one million tourists if political turmoil prolongs: KResearch
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 25 -- The deepening political turmoil in Thailand, along with a political impasse that may not be resolved soon, will inevitably affect the numbers of inbound tourists, as visits by one million overseas travelers could be lost if the protest prolong until mid-2014, according to a leading economic think tank.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699315-thailand-to-lose-one-million-tourists-if-political-turmoil-prolongs-kresearch/

[Lite Beer]

Political unrest hurts garment exports

BANGKOK: -- The ongoing political turmoil has now affected Bangkok’s largest garment market, with business owners complaining 20-30 percent drop in sales.

Mr Phrakhanchai Sripavatikul, president of Bobae Tower, a leading Thai garment export center said the ongoing anti-government protests and the declaration of the state of emergency in the capital have dwindled exports to Europe and Vietnam by about 20-30 percent. Meanwhile exports to the Philippines has been hardest hit, as the figure has already lowered by about 50 percent.

He said the target set for exports this year is 30 billion baht, but he is still unsure whether the goal would be met, despite the fact that, the European and United States economies have recovered. The top businessman added sales of goods in the country have also declined by about 20-30 percent in line with that of exports, as the slowing economy and political turmoil have lowered sales of goods to 14 billion baht from 15 billion baht of the year before. However, sales this year should stand at around 15 billion as predicted, as many believe the political situation would ease, while the weakening Thai baht would draw in more investors.

Thai National Shipper’s Council president Noppon Thepsittha also said the country’s exports remained unaffected, except for some types of goods, like clothing, though exports of food, vehicles, and spare parts for equipment wouldrise in accordance with the improved world economy.

He added, however, that domestic demands for vehicles have lowered, but more international demands have soared. He then expressed concerns about the country’s economy in the third and fourth quarters of the year, as well as the next, if the political situation did not recover, as it would affect the decisions of customers and investments in the long run.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/political-unrest-hurts-garment-exports/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=political-unrest-hurts-garment-exports

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-25

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck agrees to meet EC on Tuesday

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will meet the Election Commission chairman on Tuesday, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana said Saturday.

Phongthep said the venue and time of the meeting have not been set.

The meeting will be an official one but the meeting's topic has not been set yet, he said.

-- The Nation 2014-01-25

[Lite Beer]

EC wants advance polling put off to January 31

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission says it would like tomorrow's advance polling put off to January 31 as it was uncertain of disruption and violence if it is to continue.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699321-ec-wants-advance-polling-put-off-to-january-31/

[Lite Beer]

Drug suspect arrested with arms

BANGKOK: -- A 45-year-old man who police said was a former drug suspect was arrested last night in Thanyaburi district of Pathumthani province for possession of arms and ammunition.

Thanyaburi police said Chinarat Kanchanavichien was intercepted at a police checkpoint near Klongsam in Thanyaburi at about 9.00 p.m.

Search inside his Honda sedan produced a AK 47 assault rifle, an RPG rocket, a hand grenade, and several rounds of AK 47 cartridges.

At first, the man tried to bribe the police but was rejected.

Pathumthani police chief Pol Maj Gen Samit Mukdasanit said the police are questioning him whether the weapon is meant to harass anti-government protest in Bangkok or not.
The suspect claimed he was hired to smuggle the weapon but refused to say who hired him and for what purpose.

He was later said to be a former drug suspect.
He is detained at Thanyaburi police station.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/drug-suspect-arrested-arms/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=drug-suspect-arrested-arms

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-25

[Lite Beer]

RT@MimiSawitta:
No alcohol sold starting 6 pm today until midnight tomorrow due to advanced voting. pic.twitter.com/wcIbxIXthF

[Lite Beer]

RT@Juarawee: RT @atis_kttv: INN 1PM CMPO has announced to reclaim Govt Complex (Consular dept), prepares a negotiating team

[Lite Beer]

RT@tukky_nt: PM sec-gen Suranand insisted the advance voting tomorrow will proceed as scheduled because the election date on Feb 2 hasn't been postponed

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

PM sec-gen says no to postponement of tomorrow's advance voting

BANGKOK: -- PM secretary-general Suranand Vejjajiva on Saturday said the advance voting Sunday will proceed as scheduled because the election date on February 2 is still on schedule.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699321-ec-wants-advance-polling-put-off-to-january-31/#entry7342941

[Lite Beer]

RT@Tulip_Oum: About 6,000 Rice farmers from Uthaithani, Chainart, Kumpangpetch, Nakornsawan, Singburi gathered to block Paholyothin rd Km310.@news1005fm

RT@Tulip_Oum: 2:15 Rice farmers at Wang Manao in Ratchburi province agree to open Petchkasem road, after govt reps receive their offer.-@js100radio

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RT @veen_NT: CMPO is seeking Court's arrest warrants of 16 PDRC leaders. via @nnanews

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Caretaker PM agrees to meet EC chairman on Tuesday
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 25 -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has agreed to meet with Election Commission (EC) Chairman Supachai Somcharoen on Tuesday, according to caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Pongthep Thepkanjana.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699332-caretaker-pm-yingluck-agrees-to-meet-ec-chairman-on-tuesday/

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Phuket election alcohol ban starts tonight
Phuket Gazette


The ban on the sale of alcohol across Phuket starts at 6pm tonight and continues until midnight Sunday night. Image: Supplied

PHUKET: -- Phuket will face an alcohol ban starting at 6pm tonight ahead of the advance voting tomorrow for the February 2 national election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699333-phuket-election-alcohol-ban-starts-tonight/

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Suthep writes to Obama, affirming non-violent campaign
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- People's Democratic Reform Committee secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban has sent a letter to US President BarackObama, affirming non-violent campaign of the PDRC to fight against a corrupt and "dictatorial" regime.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699337-suthep-writes-to-obama-affirming-non-violent-campaign/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Thai protest leader says rallies are 'pro-democracy' in Obama letter

BANGKOK, January 25, 2014 (AFP) - The leader of Thailand's opposition protests, who has vowed to disrupt upcoming elections, has written to US President Barack Obama telling him that the demonstrators' efforts to topple the government are "pro-democracy".

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699337-suthep-writes-to-obama-affirming-non-violent-campaign/page-2#entry7343844

[Lite Beer]

CMPO to negotiate with protestors to return government offices
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 25 -- The Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) announced it would dispatch a team to negotiate with anti-government protesters to return government offices that were closed by the protesters, according to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) director general Tarit Pengdith.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699376-cmpo-to-negotiate-with-protestors-to-return-government-offices/

[Lite Beer]

Farmers block road in Nakhon Sawan to demand rice payment
By Digital Content

NAKHON SAWAN, Jan 25 -- Farmers from five provinces have blocked Asian Highway at Nakhon Sawan to pressure the caretaker government to pay them for rice they sold under the rice pledging scheme.

The farmers said that during the last five months, many rice farmers in many provinces did not receive their money so they wanted the caretaker government to send representatives to negotiate with the farmers.

Some 4,000 farmers from Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan have blocked the Asian Highway in both directions, causing traffic jams for kilometres.

They have threatened to intensify their protest by blocking more roads and stay overnight on the road if the caretaker government failed to send representatives for talks. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-01-25

[Lite Beer]

Advance voting not postponed, report

BANGKOK: -- The advance voting on Sunday will proceed as its original schedule, INN News reported.

The decision came from a meeting of the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday after the Constitutional Court ruled on Friday that the polls set on February 2 can be rescheduled.

The EC will also meet caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Tuesday to discuss on the postponement of the February 2 election fate.

-- The Nation 2014-01-25