Thailand Live Friday 31 Jan 2014

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Funeral chanting to mark 100th day of the demise of Supreme Patriarch

BANGKOK, 31 January 2014 (NNT) - His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on January 30 officiated on behalf of His Majesty the King at the merit making ceremony to mark the 100th day since the death of His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch, at Bovoranives Monastery in Bangkok.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, accompanied by the Princess consort, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasmi, arrived at the monastery at 5.30 p.m. He lighted candles and incense sticks to pay respect to the principal Buddha image before presenting royal offerings to a chapter of 10 monks who then chanted holy stanzas. This was followed by a sermon given by the chief monk, at the end of which His Royal Highness presented Buddhist robes as well as other necessities to the monks.

His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara, the Supreme Patriarch passed away on October 24, 2013 from an infection in his blood vessels, at the age of 100 years and 21 days. His remains have been laid in state at Tamnak Phet Building, Bovoranives Monastery, waiting for a royally sponsor cremation to be scheduled.

His Holiness Somdet Phra Nyanasamvara is the first senior monk who plays a vital role for the propagation of Buddhism overseas. He is highly revered not only in Thailand but also among Buddhists in foreign countries. As such, the Myanmar Government has bestowed upon him the title of "Abhidhaja Maharattha Guru, which is the highest ecclesiastical title of the Myanmar Sangha. The World Buddhist Supreme Conference, Buddhist Summit, along with the Supreme Buddhist leaders of 32 countries of the world in 2012 also bestowed the title of "Supreme Holiness of World Buddhism" on him.


-- NNT 2014-01-31

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Video: Thailand is spiraling out of control

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700774-video-thailand-is-spiraling-out-of-control/

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Court accepts protesters' petition against DSI chief for malfeasance
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 31 - The Criminal Court yesteroday accepted a complaint filed by the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) seeking legal action against the Department of Investigation (DSI) chief for malfeasance following his move to freeze the protest leaders' bank accounts.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700842-court-accepts-protesters-petition-against-dsi-chief-tarit-for-malfeasance/

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RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME
No loans to pay for rice
Suphanee Pootpisut,
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Two protesting rice farmers, wearing the anti-government national flag straps, display their message after intruding into the office of Phitsanulok

Pheu Thai may pay the price at the ballot box for failure to pay farmers

BANGKOK: -- The caretaker government suffered a major setback yesterday when it failed to secure massive loans to pay farmers ahead of Sunday's election. The government seeks loans to pay for crops farmers sold months ago under its flagship rice-pledging programme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700843-rice-pledging-scheme-no-loans-to-pay-for-rice/

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FEBRUARY 2 ELECTION
Violence feared as red shirts ordered to protect poll
The Nation


Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban wears a Chinese-style red shirt while addressing big crowds at the Asoke protest site yesterday. He plans to lead a march to Chinatown tomorrow, a day after Chinese New Year.

BANGKOK: -- The likelihood of a volatile confrontation during this Sunday's snap election has increased after a red-shirt leader yesterday urged government supporters to help ensure the voting would not be interrupted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700844-violence-feared-as-red-shirts-ordered-to-protect-poll/

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SPECIAL REPORT
Long legal battle to follow poll, with damaging effect
Attayuth Bootsripoom

BANGKOK: -- The February 2 election is set to trigger a lengthy legal battle between the two rival political camps, which are ignoring the negative consequences of the country being dragged into a power vacuum.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700845-long-legal-battle-to-follow-february-2-poll-with-damaging-effect-thai-report/

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FEBRUARY 2 ELECTION
'No vote' option versus 'no show' this Sunday
Jintana Panyaarvudh
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Though February 2 is just round the corner, the current atmosphere certainly does not look like the country is heading for national elections.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700846-no-vote-option-versus-no-show-this-sunday-february-2-election/

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ECONOMY
Heavy blows to economy warned if protest prolonged
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- If the political travesty is prolonged, it would definitely have a devastating effect on the economy and labour market, Yongyuth Chalamwong, research director for labour development at the Thailand Development Research Institute, warned yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700847-heavy-blows-to-thai-economy-warned-if-protest-prolonged/

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BANGKOK SHUTDOWN
Bt50 bn loss expected in Q1 revenue from tourism
Erich Parpart,
Narumol Kasemsuk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The tourism industry has lost income so far in the new year because of the political turmoil plaguing Bangkok, experts said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700849-bangkok-shutdown-bt50-bn-loss-expected-in-q1-revenue-from-tourism/

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QE EFFECT
Baht dips in line with regional peers
Business Reporters
The Nation, Agencies


Traders work the floor of the New York Stock Exchange after a US Federal Reserve announcement. The Fed has announced another reduction in its monthly bond-buying programme, affecting markets worldwide.--AFP

US Fed cuts stimulus as expected; short-term Thai bonds may be hit

BANGKOK: -- The Bank of Thailand said yesterday that the baht fell, following its regional peers, after the US Federal Reserve pressed on with monetary-stimulus cuts that have spurred investment to shift from stock markets to low-risk assets. The Thai currency fell to Bt32.96 against the dollar at the close yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700850-baht-dips-in-line-with-regional-peers/

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Russians rescued after canoe sinks off Phuket
Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan


Grinning broadly with relief, the two tourists (with the canoe) enjoy being back on dry land with the Marine Police. Photos Marine Police

PHUKET: -- Two Russian tourists were rescued by fishermen early yesterday afternoon (January 30) after being found floating in the sea between Koh Maprao and Koh Malee, a good kilometre from the nearest land.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700851-russians-rescued-after-canoe-sinks-off-phuket/

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OVERDRIVE
Rice-pledge catastrophe could be final straw for Thailand
Thanong Khanthong

BANGKOK: -- The caretaker Yingluck government has already technically defaulted by failing to pay the Bt130 billion owed since October to farmers under the rice-pledge scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700852-rice-pledge-catastrophe-could-be-final-straw-for-thailand/

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Danish Man stabbed during attack by two Russians in South Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- A 25 year old Danish man is currently in a serious condition in Hospital following an attack by two men, thought to be Russians, in front of a popular South Pattaya Hotel.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700853-danish-man-stabbed-during-attack-by-two-russians-in-south-pattaya/

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Swede gone missing with toddler, reunites with Thai wife



BANGKOK: -- For nine excruciating days, the Thai mother of an 8-month-old Swedish-Thai boy feared for the worse when her Swedish husband ran away with the baby.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700854-swede-gone-missing-with-toddler-reunites-with-thai-wife/

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Monk vows to continue meditation and fast until peace returns; now on 21st day
CHANON WONGSATAYANONT
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- AS THE VIOLENCE intensifies in the days leading up to Sunday's controversial election, a Buddhist monk has made a pledge to meditate and pray continuously without eating or sleeping until peace has been restored to the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700855-thai-monk-vows-to-continue-meditation-and-fast-until-peace-returns;-now-on-21st-day/

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BURNING ISSUE
Plenty of talking, but no real attempts to fix problems
Attayuth Bootsripoom

BANGKOK: -- Those who saw the video of the joint press conference between caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana and Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn after their meeting on Tuesday can imagine what transpired before they addressed the media.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700856-plenty-of-talking-but-no-real-attempts-to-fix-problems-thai-politics/

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PDRC, led by Suthep, to march on Ratchadapisek Road to encourage public to object to election, CMPO to dispatch team for talks with PDRC at 2pm /MCOT

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Aussie bar owner takes deadly tumble down Phuket stairs
Phuket Gazette


Adin Medzic died after allegedly spending the evening at his bar with his partner Fon Somwong. Photo: Facebok/Adin Medzic

PHUKET: -- A 47-year-old Australian expat fell down a flight of stairs to his death yesterday after a night spent at his bar in Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700880-aussie-bar-owner-takes-deadly-tumble-down-phuket-stairs/

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RT @RichardBarrow: Q&A @JayBrem: Are bars closed for the elections? => Officially, sale of alcohol is banned from 6pm Saturday to midnight on Sunday #Thailand

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Police Warn PCAD Not To Sabotage Election
By Khaosod English


Riot police facing anti-government protesters at the entrance to Police Club, 29 January 2014

BANGKOK: -- A high-ranking police officer has threatened swift legal action against would be election saboteurs on 2 February.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700884-thai-police-warn-pcad-not-to-sabotage-election/

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People express support for election in Bangkok & Nonthaburi

BANGKOK, 31 January 2014 (NNT) – Masses of people demonstrated in support of Sunday's general election at several spots in Bangkok on Thursday, while also calling for the People's Democratic Reform Committee to respect the rights of others.

Students from various schools assembled under the banner of 'respect my future' network to conduct a candle-lighting activity on the pedestrian flyover in front of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Din Daeng. Although many of the students at the event were not of voting age, they expressed support for the election. The group also called on the PDRC to respect the rights of others, explaining that the PDRC protests and road blocks had cost them increased travel time to school, and schools near the protest sites had to cancel classes frequently.

In Nonthaburi, locals flew 3 powered paragliders bearing signs inviting the public to partake in Sunday's election, and expressing support for the democratic process. Another group of election supporters in the province released balloons and lit candles to express their standpoint in urging for peace in the nation.


-- NNT 2014-01-31

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Political turmoil may increase unemployment rate this yr to 1pct of workforce, up from 0.7-0.8pct from 2013 /The Nation

Anti-govt protest leader, Suthep march Ratchadapisek Rd to encourage public to oppose Feb.2 election /The Nation

Civil Court to decide today on whether to impose temporary injunction on emergency decree /The Nation

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Thailand to face 30pct shortage of IT staffs by 2016 due to widespead use of internet devices and economic slowdown /The Nation

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,267.83, gains 3.76 points /MCOT

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Right place, right time for the Phuket environment
Jody Houton


Dr Kalidas Shetty meets with Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut.

PHUKET: -- Considering Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut’s love of the use of acronyms, it was inevitable that he would share a certain affinity with environmental organisation SEEK (Society Environment Economy Knowledge) founder Sean Panton.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700897-right-place-right-time-for-the-phuket-environment/

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Ballots for 14 Southern provinces remain at postal centers due to PDRC blockades

SONGKHLA, 31 January 2014 (NNT) – With just one day left until Sunday's election, ballots for the 14 southern provinces are still stuck at postal centers in the South due to the People's Democratic Reform Committee's blockade of the venue.

Election officials have so far not been able to transport the ballots and ballot boxes to each of the locality in the southern provinces, as the PDRC still maintained its blockade of 3 postal centers – one in Hat Yai, Songkhla; one in Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat; and one in Chumphon. Election Commission officials earlier negotiated with the PDRC figureheads in the said localities, but failed to secure a lifting of the blockades.

Meanwhile in Bung Kan, excited citizens poured into district offices to renew their citizen identification cards, which are required to vote. At Mueang Bung Kan district office, the number of people renewing I.D. cards was around 2-3 times higher than normal on Thursday. Most of those seeking card renewal either lost their cards or broke them. Many were young adults who will be exercising their voting right for the first time.


-- NNT 2014-01-31

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Court rules today on warrants for arrest of 19 protesters
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 31 – The Criminal Court will decide today on whether a request to issue arrest warrants for 19 protest leaders including former Surat Thani MP Suthep Thaugsuban will be permitted.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700905-court-rules-today-on-warrants-for-arrest-of-19-protest-leaders-including-suthep/

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New York man pleads guilty to smuggling nearly 40,000 piranhas into the U.S.
By Rande Iaboni, CNN

(CNN) -- New York City resident Joel Rakower bit off more than he could chew when he smuggled nearly 40,000 piranhas into the United States.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700908-new-york-man-pleads-guilty-to-smuggling-nearly-40000-piranhas-into-the-us/

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Suthep leads PDRC protesters on 2nd day of march from Lat Phrao to Phahonyothin, Ratchada to Asoke rally site to discourage public from voting /MCOT

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Pongthep: Elections can be held again and again, if disrupted
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Jan 31 – Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana has asserted that elections in troubled or disrupted constituencies can be organised again after Sunday and the law does not restrict the polls to be held on a single day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/700911-pongthep-elections-can-be-held-again-and-again-if-disrupted/