Thailand Live Tuesday 28 Jan 2014

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Man wearing anti-government T-shirt and wristband shot dead



BANGKOK: -- A man who dressed in a black T-shirt and wore a Thai national flag wristband of the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) was shot dead and his body left on a road near Wat Samien-naree temple in Prachachuen area this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700042-bangkok-man-wearing-anti-government-t-shirt-and-wristband-shot-dead/

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Probe ordered on reports luggage burst into flames at Suvarnabhumi Airport

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt on Tuesday ordered investigation into reports that a luggage burst into flames at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700070-suvarnabhumi-launches-investigation-after-fertilizer-bag-ignites-on-conveyor-belt-video/

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Protesters rallying outside Army Club where caretaker PM chairs cabinet meeting, security tightened, public urged to avoid Vibhavadi Rd /MCOT

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Man in protest T-shirt shot dead; protester hurt in bomb attack
By Digital Content

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700042-bangkok-man-wearing-anti-government-t-shirt-and-wristband-shot-dead/?p=7357199

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The armed forces will not get involved in the ongoing political conflict, deputy army spokesman Col Winthai Suvari says. /Bangkok Post

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Ratchaburi locals free district office from PDRC shutdown

RATCHABURI, 28 January 2014 (NNT) – Locals in Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi on Monday marched to the Ban Pong district office to retake it from the People's Democratic Reform Committee and open it up for public service.

The mob of locals afflicted by the closure of the district office was led by Narongsak Wanitchayanon, a former head of a sub-district council in Ban Pong. After clearing the vicinity, the group arranged to have a number of guards stand watch at entrances to the district office compound, to prevent any attempts by the PDRC to seal it off again. Some staff of the district office immediately resumed work, restoring a degree of functionality to the district office that had been sealed off by the PDRC for several days.

Also in Ratchaburi, another group of locals assembled in Wat Phleng district to express their support for the February 2 general election, and to denounce the shutdown of Bangkok by the PDRC. The group also lit candles to mark their stance and adherence to the democratic method.


-- NNT 2014-01-28

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Parents in Satun seek make-up classes to compensate for PDRC shutdown of schools

SATUN, 28 January 2014 (NNT) – State employees and local residents in Satun attempted to enter Satun Provincial Hall on Monday to no avail, as the People's Democratic Reform Committee demonstrators still surrounded the venue.

Satun Provincial Hall has been sealed off by the PDRC demonstrators for the 2nd week. Protesters have chained the doors of the building to prevent entries by civil servants and employees. Many locals have reportedly been greatly troubled, being unable to contact provincial hall staff for matters related to land title deeds and passports.

On the same day, a parents network in Satun met with the deputy director for Satun Primary Education Area, to ask for schools earlier shut down by the PDRC to arrange make-up classes for the students, to compensate for the missing class hours.

The parents also expressed disgruntlement with the shut down of a Pondok school and the mosque within its premises in Trang province, saying the act was considered offensive to their religion.


-- NNT 2014-01-28

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KTB denies rumors that it currently funds rice pledging scheme

BANGKOK, 28 Jan 2014, (NNT) - Krung Thai Bank (KTB) has denied rumors on the online social media that it is lending 160 billion baht to the government’s rice pledging scheme.

Woraphak Thanyawong, the President of the KTB, made the statement that his bank had not been contacted by the government regarding the issue. According to him, rumors have surfaced since last week, prompting a number of its customers to inquire on the matter.

He urged all to refrain from making assumptions without evidence or using the bank as a political tool.

According to Mr. Woraphak, KTB remains transparent in its operations as it operates under the supervision of the Bank of Thailand, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the office of the Auditor General of Thailand.


-- NNT 2014-01-28

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Suvarnabhumi Airport launches investigation after fertilizer bag ignites on conveyor belt, believed spontaneous combustion causes blaze /MCOT

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Troubled Hungarian living on streets in Phuket Town
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan



PHUKET: -- Hungarian Farkas Gyula – who was found wandering in Kamala on January 11, apparently at a complete loss, and was “rescued” by Tourist Police – has now turned up barefoot on a street in Phuket Town.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700069-troubled-hungarian-living-on-streets-in-phuket-town/

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Thais hold candle-lit ceremonies in gesture of support for election

BANGKOK, 28 January 2014 (NNT) – Many groups of Thai people in various provinces performed candle-lit ceremonies in gesture of support for the general election and peace.

Donning white clothes, a group of people in Ayutthaya gathered in front of King Naresuan’s Monument to light candles in a bid to voice their disagreement to all forms of violence and their support to the general election.

Similar event took place in Phachi District where around 500 village and tambon chiefs released white balloons in their call for unity and peace.

In Ratchaburi Province, a group of government supporters took to the streets, using amplifiers to encourage voters to exercise voting rights and to oppose military coups.

In Bangkok, several groups of people who supported Feb 2 election gathered near Ying Charoen Market to call on eligible voters to exercise their rights. The supporters were seen holding up signs that said “Go Vote”. These groups will again on January 31 gather at Bangkhen Police Station to show their stance.


-- NNT 2014-01-28

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Thai government wants controversial election to go ahead

BANGKOK, January 28, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's government wants a controversial general election to go ahead this weekend, a deputy prime minister said, despite threats by opposition protesters to disrupt the polls.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700079-thai-government-wants-controversial-election-to-go-ahead/

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UPDATE:

'Anti-Govt Protester' Found Dead In Prachachuen
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- The body of a man with anti-government protest outfit has been found next to a railroad in northern Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700042-bangkok-man-wearing-anti-government-t-shirt-and-wristband-shot-dead/page-2#entry7357719

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NACC confirms giant firecracker hurled against STR protests from its compound

BANGKOK: -- The spokesman of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) confirmed Tuesday that an attacker hurled a giant firecracker against a rally site near the Government House Monday night.

Wicha Mahakhun, an NACC member and the spokesman, said the NACC had investigated the incident and found that hit happened at 11 pm.

Wicha said a person sneaked into the compound of the NACC and hurled a giant firecracker at the area in front the Bangkok Bank, Civil Service Commission branch, which is next to the NACC head office on Phitsanulok Road. A person was slightly injured by the giant firecracker.

Wicha said someone then fired about 100 rounds of gun into the fair to intimidate the security guards of the Students and People Network for Thailand's Reform (STR) to make way for the attacker to flee.


-- The Nation 2014-01-28

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Political situation strongly affects tour guides

BANGKOK, 28 Jan 2014 (NNT) - President of the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand, Wiroj Sitprasertnant, revealed that more than 50% of tour guides are out of jobs, as the number of tourists has declined sharply due to the prolonged political gathering which has a tendency to escalate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700080-political-situation-strongly-affects-thailands-tour-guides/

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PDRC protesters rally in front Army's Club to try to disrupt Cabinet meeting

BANGKOK: -- People's Democratic Reform Committee rallied in front of the Army's Club, the venue of the Cabinet meeting Tusday morning.

At 11.45am, after the Cabinet meeting was finished and some ministers had left, Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi came to listen to speech of the PDRC rally leader but said he could not catch what the speaker was saying.


-- The Nation 2014-01-28

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RT @tulsathit: RT @Aim_NT: red shirts will rally nationwide Frid to support election. Main event will be in Samut Prakan in evening-@udd_red

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Security tightened in Yala ahead of and during Lunar New Year

BANGKOK, 28 January 2014 (NNT) – Yala officers are beefing up security ahead of the Chinese New Year festival to prevent insurgent attacks.

As the Chinese New Year is approaching, Yala authorities have been on 24-hour alert and patrol units have been deployed in various areas. At a market in Yala City Municipality, a team of soldiers, along with sniffer dogs, has been inspecting vehicles entering the area to prevent possible bomb attacks as well as to build confidence among the local.

Security measures at checkpoints have also been strengthened. Authorities are to thoroughly search everyone, belongings, and vehicles as well as motorcycles passing through the checkpoints in a bid to prevent violent incidents from occurring in communities and crowded places.

Chinese New Year is celebrated worldwide to mark the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar. This year, the special occasion, the Year of the Horse, falls on January 31st.


-- NNT 2014-01-28

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Lingering cold weather causes drought to come early this year

BANGKOK, 28 January 2014 (NNT) – The lingering cold weather condition is causing drought to come early this year, as the water level in the Yom River has dropped drastically.

In Phichit Province, sand dunes have reportedly been seen along the Yom River due to the decreasing level of water, caused by the recently changing weather. The Yom river passes through many districts where farmers are growing off-season rice, causing an increase in demand for water for agricultural use; leaving villagers who live downstream with much less water needed to be turned into potable water.

Meanwhile, off-season rice farmers in various districts of Bueng Kan Province have begun to be affected by the early drought, forcing them to purchase water for their own use elsewhere; making the production cost higher than it normally should be.

In Chiang Rai, as many as 500-600 hill tribe people, mostly children and the elderly, have to be treated daily for respiratory diseases as a result of the wintry weather . Doctors have warned all patients to keep their bodies warm and avoid staying in windy open areas.

-- NNT 2014-01-28

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Royal Forest Department holds campaign to stop forest burning

NAN 28 January 2014 (NNT) — The Royal Forestry of Thailand has held a campaign in Nan province to deter the burning of forests, in order to preserve nature and promote clean air.

The campaign was presided over by the governor of Nan province, with more than a thousand locals attending. The objective of the event is to promote and instill a deep understanding of the effects and harms the burning of local forests can cause.

The Royal Forestry of Thailand is working in cooperation with 9 other provinces, including Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and Tak.

The campaign is set to run from January 22 until February 10 in order to promote the conservation of nature and deter people from burning forests to clear land for agricultural use.

-- NNT 2014-01-28

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Thai stock market watchful of EC’s decision on general election postponement

BANGKOK 28 January 2014 (NNT) — Phillip Securities has reported that the Thai stock market today will remain volatile, as investors are keeping an eye on the Election Commission’s (EC) decision whether or not to postpone the upcoming February 2 election.

Analysts at Phillip Securities have reported that the Thai stock market today is likely to see more volatility, as most investors are anxiously awaiting the Cabinet and the EC's decision whether or not to postpone the general election.

According to analysts, a delay in the election is not likely; however, should the general election be delayed, the SET index may rebound in the short run, with resistance and support levels of 1,310 points and 1,280 points, respectively.

-- NNT 2014-01-28

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Controversial monk at vanguard of Thai street protests - Focus

by Amélie BOTTOLLIER-DEPOIS

BANGKOK, January 28, 2014 (AFP) - A saffron-robed monk takes to the stage in the Thai capital and urges cheering protesters to fight a "black-hearted" government -- testing a taboo in the devout kingdom about clerics getting involved in politics.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700084-controversial-monk-at-vanguard-of-thai-street-protests-focus/

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UPDATE:

Protesters warned against seizing CMPO command
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 28 – The Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), set up in response to the escalating anti-government protests, will not be dissolved as demanded by demonstrators, Caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yubamrung asserted today.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/699879-suthep-threatens-to-shut-down-cmpo-within-a-day/page-5?p=7357915#entry7357915

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RT@georgehenton: Despite reports of meeting cancelled protestors still outside Army Club; Army talking again with protest leaders. pic.twitter.com/RdiUWq7QXC

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RT@AP: BREAKING: American troubadour, folk singer and activist Pete Seeger has died at age 94, family says.

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RT@KrisKoles: via Juarawee K: PDRC tells govt: 1. End Cabinet meeting at Army Club 2. Cancel meeting w/ EC at Army Club - or we'll force our way in.

RT@veen_NT: Correction “@PatricLand: 12.45PM cabinet meeting is over and the meeting between PM and EC confirmed via “@Pakjiiz: pic.twitter.com/QDCZQL1pD0”

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RT@veen_NT: Caretaker PM Yingluck to have a meeting with EC at 2pm.

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Thai military concerned with violence during Feb 2 general election
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 28 – The Thai armed forces are increasingly uneasy with the political climate and the escalating violence in Sunday’s advance election, Royal Air Force commander Prachin Chantong said today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700113-thai-military-concerned-with-violence-during-feb-2-general-election/

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Delay of 2.2 trillion baht infrastructure loan will affect highway development

BANGKOK, 28 Jan 2014 (NNT) - The Department of Highways has indicated that its project to construct three new motorways and maintenance of highways nationwide will be affected if the government's 2.2 trillion baht loan bill does not get its due approval.

Director General Chatchawan Booncharoenkit made the comment, saying that his department has spent the majority of its 2014 budget on maintaining secondary roads and smaller roads under its supervision whereas the expenditure for the maintenance of highways nationwide are included in the 2.2 trillion baht loan bill.

Mr. Chatchawan said the department is currently discussing with the Bureau of the Budget and the Finance Ministry to transfer a combined amount of 5 billion baht not disbursed in the past year due to project delays.

Apart from roads and highways, the Department of Highways Director General said the construction of 3 motorways may be affected should the 2.2 trillion baht loan bill does not receive the green light. The 3 motorways run from Bang Pa-in, Ayutthaya to Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast, Bang Yai in Nonthaburi to Kanchanaburi in the West, and Pattaya in Chonbuir to Map Ta Phut in Rayong in the East.

The budget for dealing with land ownership involved in these projects has been included in the loan bill, said Mr. Chatchawan, adding however that his department would move the land ownership expenses to be included in next year’s budget instead, to solve the confronting lack of money.

-- NNT 2014-01-28

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RT@georgehenton Police line backed up by army line. Negotiations at gate with protestors and army reps continuing. #bangkokshutdown pic.twitter.com/aWZ4mVPWhE