Thailand Live Wednesday 29 Jan 2014

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Home of PDRC protest leader at Samut Songkram, brother of Democrat Rangsima Rodrassami, attacked by gun-wielding assailants; no injuries /MCOT

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BoT confirms enough bank notes for Chinese New Year

BANGKOK, 29 Jan 2014 (NNT) - According to the Bank of Thailand (BoT), consumers living in the capital and its vicinity still have access to their cash despite the presence of the political gatherings and the closure of several of commercial bank branches. It also confirms that there will be enough bank notes for Ang Pao, or lucky money gift, during the Chinese New Year.

The BoT also indicated that last week commercial banks withdrew additional 20 billion baht worth of bank notes in anticipation for surge in spending during the Chinese New Year. The BoT is confident that there would be sufficient amount of cash when the festival arrives at the end of this week.

The Bank of Thailand also touched on the effects of the ongoing political gathering in the capital, saying that currently there are 30 branches of commercial banks still operational within the rally sites. The BoT pointed out that Bangkok and its surrounding provinces has more than 1,000 branches of commercial banks, thus, it is convinced that consumer living in the areas would still have full access to their savings.

It also said that each bank is working their best to distribute cash to ATMs located in the demonstration zones, citing only 30-40 ATM booths are reported out-of-order, none of which has insufficient cash issue.

The BoT reiterated that there will be enough notes for the next 2-3 months for normal level of spending which worth around 100 - 200 billion baht a day. Nonetheless, the central bank expressed its concerns that the consumer spending has declined considerably despite the New Year and the arrival of the Chinese New Year.


-- NNT 2014-01-29

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UPDATE:

Japanese investors yearn for political stability in Thailand
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 29 – The Japanese business community in Thailand has called on the caretaker government to urgently end the political turmoil and warned that prolonged conflicts will affect spending and investment in the public sector.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700274-chaos-spook-japan-industry;-thailands-prolonged-political-protests/#entry7362882

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Feb Fun: Traffic police ordered to crack down on 13 traffic law violations
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Without pedestrians dodging sidewalk motorists, will it still feel like Thailand?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700344-bangkok-traffic-police-ordered-to-crack-down-on-13-traffic-law-violations/

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PDRC protesters from Lat Phrao march to seize Land Transport office at Nonthaburi; security guards on high alert /MCOT

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Bhumjaithai Party advocates policies for people's well-being

BANGKOK, 28 January 2014 (NNT) — In the midst of the nation’s political turmoil, most political parties have advocated a political reform policy, but the Bhumjaithai Party opts to promote the people’s well-being as its election platform.

In order to solicit voters’ support in the upcoming election, Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul said the party has focused its policies on ensuring the well-being of Thai people in everyday life as the party believes that a better quality of life will drive down problems within society.

Regarding the soon-to-be elected government, Mr. Anutin said the winning party would have to quickly resolve the ongoing political deadlock. Moreover, the Bhumjaithai Party leader was of the opinion that the “government to be” would less likely be inclined to take part in dubious acts due to mounting social pressure.

The Party also supported all Thais to exercise their votes in the coming election as it is the basis for democracy that should be upheld for a peaceful society.


-- NNT 2014-01-29

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Si Sa Ket will soon open Chong Sa Ngam town



SI SA KET, 29 January 2014 (NNT) - Si Sa Ket, the province bordering Cambodia, has unveiled a plan to develop a new town designed as an engine to promote economic growth in the area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700350-si-sa-ket-will-soon-open-chong-sa-ngam-town/

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RT @Aim_NT: PDRC protesters from Lat Phrao intersection has sealed off Nonthaburi transport office. Via @nikhon_

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Air Chief Marshal worried about Feb 2 election

BANGKOK, 29 January 2014 (NNT) - Air Chief Marshal Prachin Jantong has expressed his concern over the upcoming general election scheduled for this Sunday.

According to Air Chief Marshal Prachin Jantong, tensions have been on the rise and he fears there will likely be violent incidents on the election day; however, he has assured that the military will, like every other year, assist the Election Commission (EC) in carrying out its duty.

He also called on all sides to help prevent clashes and unexpected attacks by keeping their eyes open at all times on February 2, adding that what happened on January 26, the day the absentee balloting took place, should be a good lesson for everyone to learn.

As for the military’s stance, the Air Chief Marshal said part of the military's duty was to protect the people and help those in need as well as to protect the country’s democracy, while expressing hope that the current conflict would not deepen the rift in Thailand.


-- NNT 2014-01-29

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RT @tulsathit: 1. 16 constituencies have only 1 candidate each. They may not get 20% of eligible voters' support or they may lose to "No" vote.

RT @tulsathit: This will require new elections for the constituencies. But this problem is mildest. Winners of 3rd election become MPs no matter what.

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RT @tulsathit: 2. 28 constituencies have no candidates. This can be solved through opening for new applications. Like 1, this can be solved in 2-3 months

RT @tulsathit: But 2 means Parliament can't be open immediately after election. Weeks-long political suspense is certain.

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RT @tulsathit: 3. Party list results (125 MPs) can't be announced till all votes are counted. This is major, major problem that can last up to 5-6 months

RT @tulsathit: 4. Constituency election results cannot be announced as well, with outside-constituency voting incomplete.

RT @tulsathit: 5. A legal minefield is expected after the poll that can delay result announcement or blow up election "legitimacy" entirely.

RT @tulsathit: 6. Post-election violence is likely.

RT @tulsathit: 7. Violence during political vacuum can lead to anything.

End of EC analysis. Thanks to @kanatpn

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'Terapat' prepares letter to urge 3 military chiefs to dispatch troops and keep watch on protesters



BANGKOK 29 January 2014 (NNT) — Terapat Serirangsan, President of the Political Development Council, is preparing a letter to the 3 Armed Forces chiefs to request military personnel be dispatched and keep a close watch on the current demonstrations.

Mr. Terapat has voiced his concern that the ongoing protests have become more violent as time passes, and expected the situation to worsen in the near future.

According to him, he has met with several academics and representatives of the private sector and the media to sign a petition for the military to dispatch troops to protest sites in order to keep a watchful eye on the current situation.

The petition, he said, would not be on behalf of the Network of Two Yes's and Two No's, but on his own.

-- NNT 2014-01-29

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Political impasse diminishes number of foreign visitors and credit card spending

BANGKOK, 29 Jan 2014 (NNT) - According to the Kasikorn Bank (KBank), the political impasse has negatively affected the credit card spending both in terms of goods purchasing and advance cash withdrawal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700354-political-impasse-diminishes-number-of-foreign-visitors-and-credit-card-spending-kbank/

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Gold sales expected to decline during upcoming Chinese New Year

BANGKOK 29 January 2014 (NNT) —Gold sales during the Chinese New Year are expected to be lower than the previous year's, as people view the current price of the precious metal to be inordinately high, says the Gold Traders Association.

expects According to Gold Traders Association president Jitti Tangsithpakdi, gold sales during this Chinese New Year would be lower than last year's, given the general public have already spent their cash during the recent long New Year holiday.

Moreover, most people view that the current price of gold, 20,000 baht per baht weight (15.2 grams) currently, is relatively high compared to what it was selling for in the previous year.

In his opinion, Jitti said, the price of gold right now is quite low, adding that he would like to recommend investing in the precious metal, expecting its prices to go up next month.


-- NNT 2014-01-29

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Human Rights Watch calls on protesters to cease obstruction of voting

BANGKOK, 29 January 2014 (NNT) – Human Rights Watch has called for protest leaders in Thailand to cease their obstruction of the election process, as it is a violation of a basic human right under democratic principles.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700357-human-rights-watch-calls-on-thai-protesters-to-cease-obstruction-of-voting/

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Charupong: Violence or not, Sunday election is on
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 29 – Caretaker Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan asserted today that the general election must be held on Sunday despite possible confrontations with anti-government protesters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700381-charupong-violence-or-not-sunday-election-is-on/

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SOUTH CRISIS
Two killed, one injured in rubber plantation shooting

NARATHIWAT: -- Unknown gunmen shot dead two villagers and seriously injured another at a rubber plantation in Narathiwat's Reu So district Wednesday morning.

Police suspect the attack, which took place at 2.10am in Tambon Reu So was part of ongoing unrest in the region.

Reu So police and security officers rushed to the scene where they found the bullet-ridden bodies of Muhammada Sahoh, 29 and Masoloh Deeyoh, 30, in the plantation.

The third victim Ayup Sahoh, 28, who sustained gunshot wounds to his leg was rushed to Reu Soh Hospital before police arrived. The three men, who are related, were going to tap rubber when the gunmen opened fire.

-- The Nation 2014-01-29

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Gov't to talk with Suthep Friday; protesters urged not to disrupt Sunday poll, operation to reclaim occupied areas starting Monday: Tarit /MCOT

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Roadside bomb kills two soldiers

YALA: -- Two soldiers died when a roadside bomb exploded while they were on a motorcycle patrol in Muang district of Yala province today.

The roadside bomb attack occurred on Highway 409 from Yala to Pattani at 10.30. a.m. near Lammai market. Eight soldiers in four motorcycles were passing an intersection near a school when a bomb was detonated.

Sgts Suriya Salungkrua and Somyos Plaingam were directly hit by the powerful explosion and seriously injured.

Both were immediately rushed to Yala hospital where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) police inspected the scene for evidence said the bomb weighed 20 kilos and was detonated by radio transmitter.

RKK militants in the area were believed responsible for the attack.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/roadside-bomb-kills-two-soldiers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roadside-bomb-kills-two-soldiers

-- Thai PBS 2014-01-29

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Army expresses concern over people's safety, sets up units to protect rally sites

BANGKOK: -- The Army Wednesday expressed concern over safety of the people following a spate of violent attacks and has been cooperating with the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order to protect people at rally sites, Deputy Army Spokesman Winthai Suwaree said.

"In the latest situation, the Army has provided troops to support the operation of the CMPO in two types. Firs, troops will provide security for officials and people of all groups by guarding places and setting up security checkpoints as well as providing patrol units around the rally sites," Winthai said.

"Secondly, the Army provides psychological warfare units to provide general services, such as medical services and directing traffic near rally sites."

He said the psychological warfare units will help prevent confrontations between opponent groups.

-- The Nation 2014-01-29

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British foreign secretary urges Thailand to uphold democracy

Jakarta - British Foreign Secretary William Hague on Wednesday urged Thailand to uphold democracy as political violence escalated ahead of an election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700394-british-foreign-secretary-urges-thailand-to-uphold-democracy/

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Wednesday 29 January 2014 Time issued 1100 LST

General Situation

The high pressure covers Thailand with cool to cold weather and fog in the morning, as well as thick patches in many areas. All transports should take caution due to poor visibility.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from Wednesday Noon to Thursday Noon

Northern Thailand Cool to cold with fog in the morning and thick patches in many areas. Upper part: Minimum temperature 14-16 degree Celsius. Lower part: Minimum temperature 17-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 6-14 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool to cold with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas. Upper part: Minimum temperature 13-15 degree Celsius. Lower part: Minimum temperature 17-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 5-13 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas. Rising temperature by 1-2 degree Celsius. Minimum temperature 17-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 13-17 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas. Rising temperature by 1-2 degree Celsius. Minimum temperature 18-21 degree Celsius Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 13-16 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cool with fog in the morning and isolated shower mostly in lower part. Minimum temperature 18-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-31 degree Celsius. Upper Gulf from Nakhon Si Thammarat upward: Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters. Lower Gulf from Songkhla downward: Easterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Partly cloudy with mist in the morning. Minimum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-35 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas. Minimum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-33 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

-- NNT 2014-01-29

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Bangkok gatherings help boost sales of food and drinks

BANGKOK, 29 Dec 2014, (NNT) -Every cloud has a silver lining. Bangkok protests have boosted sales of foods and drinks, the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association indicated.

According to the president of the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association, Somchai Ponratcharoen, the number of protesters has contributed to the rise in sales, particularly on juices and snacks. Some shops located at rally sites providing items demanded by rally goers have been able to generate big profits.

Numerous street vendors and retailers operating in the protest zones have been taking full advantage of the rare opportunity.

Mr. Somchai has also indicated that there have been no problems in the logistic sector at the moment, given the fact that some operators have rescheduled their delivery services to the evening or used motorcycles in order to avoid traffic congestion caused by the gatherings.

There are 25 traditional wholesalers, with a combined number of retailers of more than 100,000, in Bangkok, Mr. Somchai said, saying provincial wholesalers in rural areas can generate as much income as big wholesalers such as 'Tesco Lotus', thanks to their much smaller staff and lower expenses, which give them an edge over their rival wholesalers, added Somchai.

-- NNT 2014-01-29

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Senate speaker acknowledges charges at NACC
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 29 – Senate Speaker Nikom Wairatpanich today acknowledged charges of constitutional and ethical violations in his attempt to amend the charter on composition of the Senate.

He handed over available documents to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and said he would be ready to clarify all allegations against him.

He said he jointly signed the proposed charter amendment but was not involved in debate, scrutiny or voting for the bill.

He asked the NACC for 30 days to compile additional documents from related government agencies. The NACC agreed.

Lower House speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont is scheduled to acknowledge similar charges this afternoon.

The pair were charged by the Democrat Party of breaching the Constitution in their move on the charter review. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-01-29

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Bangkok gatherings help boost sales of food and drinks

BANGKOK, 29 Dec 2014, (NNT) -Every cloud has a silver lining. Bangkok protests have boosted sales of foods and drinks, the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association indicated.

According to the president of the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association, Somchai Ponratcharoen, the number of protesters has contributed to the rise in sales, particularly on juices and snacks. Some shops located at rally sites providing items demanded by rally goers have been able to generate big profits.

Numerous street vendors and retailers operating in the protest zones have been taking full advantage of the rare opportunity.

Mr. Somchai has also indicated that there have been no problems in the logistic sector at the moment, given the fact that some operators have rescheduled their delivery services to the evening or used motorcycles in order to avoid traffic congestion caused by the gatherings.

There are 25 traditional wholesalers, with a combined number of retailers of more than 100,000, in Bangkok, Mr. Somchai said, saying provincial wholesalers in rural areas can generate as much income as big wholesalers such as 'Tesco Lotus', thanks to their much smaller staff and lower expenses, which give them an edge over their rival wholesalers, added Somchai.


-- NNT 2014-01-29

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Noppadon's letter to UN sec gen

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700395-noppadons-letter-to-un-sec-gen/

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Man's Vehicle Vandalised By Jealous 'Ex-Girlfriend'

By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- A "jealous" ex-girlfriend has spray-painted her former boyfriend's car to express her anger, said the victim's brother who reportedly witnessed the scene.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700398-mans-vehicle-vandalised-by-jealous-ex-girlfriend-ranong/

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RT @tulsathit: This may sum rice scheme up. RT @PatricLand: Govt rice warehouse in Lopburi https://t.co/bhZOhVZmj0 http://t.co/YYMXCSNbHS

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RT @veen_NT: Leader of farmers in the North Kittisak: We heard Thida (UDD leader) calling us fake farmers but we didn't take any notice. It's a joke.