Thailand Live Thursday 6 Feb 2014

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King grants an audience to CP Chairman and executives

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN, 6 February 2014 (NNT) - At Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin District, yesterday (Feb 5), His Majesty the King granted an audience to Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Charoen Pokphand Group Co. Ltd., who led executive members of the company to offer their warm wishes to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his 86th Birthday anniversary, 5 December 2013.

Mr. Dhanin also presented to His Majesty on this occasion a monetary donation for use at His disposal.


-- NNT 2014-02-06

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'Occupy Bangkok' continues despite arrest warrants for 19 protest leaders
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 5 - The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) vowed to continue their months-long rallies in Thailand's capital to press for the government's resignation despite court warrants to arrest 19 key protesters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702416-occupy-bangkok-continues-despite-arrest-warrants-for-19-protest-leaders/

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RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME
Defiant farmers maintain blockades, draw up petition
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- WHILE ONE group of rice farmers today brings tractors and trucks to rally outside the Commerce Ministry in Nonthaburi - to pressure for long overdue payments from the rice-pledging scheme - another group from the north will submit a royal petition this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702417-rice-pledging-scheme-defiant-farmers-maintain-blockades-draw-up-petition/

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POPULIST POLICY
Student tablet project hit as suppliers falter
Chularat Saengpassa,
Supinda na MahaCHAI
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- NOT a single student will receive a device under the government's "One Tablet Per Child" project this academic year, as the Chinese supplier chosen by the administration has been having problems from the very beginning, and the Thai supplier has delivered just a few hundred tablet computers to date.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702418-one-tablet-per-child-project-hit-as-suppliers-falter/

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ELECTION COMMISSION
EC to tackle problems arising from disrupted poll
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE ELECTION Commission (EC) will meet today to decide how to resolve major problems stemming from the February 2 election, a source from the EC said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702419-ec-to-tackle-problems-arising-from-disrupted-poll/

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UPDATE:

Arrest warrant for Suthep
The Nation

Court also gives nod for arrest of 18 other PDRC leaders

BANGKOK: -- In a setback to the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee, the Criminal Court yesterday approved arrest warrants for its chief Suthep Thaugsuban and 18 other leaders, under the state of emergency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702310-thai-court-issues-arrest-warrants-for-19-pdrc-leaders/page-3#entry7400433

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UPDATE:

LAK SI CLASH
'My father is not a mercenary'
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THE DAUGHTER of an elderly man who was shot and wounded in a gunfight at the Lak Si intersection on Sunday filed a criminal defamation complaint with police yesterday in relation to a report that went viral on social media.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702354-laksi-clash-injured-mans-daughter-files-libel-complaint/page-2#entry7400437

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MASS RALLY
Protesters to be registered
NIPHAWAN KAEWRAKMUK,
ANUPHAN CHANTANA,
THANATPONG KONGSAI
THE NATION



Move aimed at boosting safety, police ask group to open roads near Lumpini Camp

THE PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC Reform Committee (PDRC) is refining the management of its army of protesters, including adopting a hotel-style system of "guest registration", checking protesters in and out to increase safety and improve the planning of rallies.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702421-protesters-to-be-registered-pdrc/

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Pailin blasts 'hate speech', fears 'failed state'
WATCHARAPONG THONGRUNG
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- The chief executive of energy giant PTT, Pailin Chuchottaworn, warns that Thailand could follow the "Arab Spring" countries to become a "failed state" and face a prolonged economic malaise if the political instability lingers on and escalates, The Nation's Watcharapong Thongrung reports.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702422-thailand-ptt-ceo-pailin-blasts-hate-speech-fears-failed-state/

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End pledging project now: exporters
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- RICE EXPORTERS have urged the caretaker government to end its flagship rice-pledging scheme immediately, pointing to the mounting state stockpile of rice that an industry body claims would take five years to sell off.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702423-end-rice-pledging-project-now-exporters/

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THAI TALK
We aren't becoming ungovernable; we are getting enlightened
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- It used to be quite simple. If the powers-that-be wanted any state enterprise to undertake a controversial task, no matter how sensitive or risky, all that was needed was a call from one of the Cabinet members to the top executive there. Things could always be arranged to suit the political bosses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702424-thai-talk-we-arent-becoming-ungovernable;-we-are-getting-enlightened/

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Court rejects complaints filed by Democrat, Pheu Thai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Constitutional Court has rejected a complaint submitted by members of the Democrat Party to have the Pheu Thai Party dissolved.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702352-charter-court-rejects-pheu-thai-petition-against-protest-leaders/page-3#entry7400485

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JOB OVERSEAS
South African job ends in mystery poisoning
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A THAI masseuse working in South Africa has died under suspicious circumstances after eating mushrooms - and her husband has serious questions about her death.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702426-south-african-job-ends-in-mystery-poisoning-of-thai-woman/

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Bangkok tourists attracted to 'carnival-like' protests
Hundreds of young tourists in Bangkok - some of them British - are ignoring the travel advice of the Foreign Office to “avoid all protests” in the city following the general election last Sunday
By Nick Foster in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- At several major intersections in the city centre, including Siam Square, Asok and Silom, opposition supporters have set up informal “tent cities” as part of their attempts to shut down the capital.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702428-british-tourists-attracted-to-carnival-like-bangkok-protests/

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"1 Million Baht" Burglary at Central Pattaya Hotel



PATTAYA: -- On Wednesday morning Pattaya Police were called to a Central Pattaya Hotel where a reported 1 Million Baht burglary had taken place.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702429-1-million-baht-burglary-at-central-pattaya-hotel/

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UPDATE:

Thai-China 'One Tablet Per Child' Contract Terminated
By Khaosod English


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the launch of one tablet per child program, June 2012

BANGKOK: -- The government's plan to equip every school pupil with a tablet computer has been put on hold, as a Chinese supplier terminated the contract with the Thai authorities.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702418-one-tablet-per-child-project-hit-as-suppliers-falter/#entry7400549

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'no vote' checked in 16.57% of ballot papers from Sunday's poll

BANGKOK, 6 February 2014 (NNT) – 16.57% of ballot papers from the past Sunday's general election were handed in with the choice of 'no vote' checked on them, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Sunday's election took place in 68 provinces; the polls could not be held in 9 provinces in the South.

There were 43,024,042 eligible voters. 46.79% of this number or 20,129,976 people cast their ballots. There were as many as 2,425,673 ballot papers, or 12.05% of the total, that were not valid. 3,335,334 persons marked 'no vote' on their ballots.

In the Northern Region, 56.02% of eligible voters attended the polls and 21.18% of this group marked 'no vote'. In the Central Region, 41.04% of eligible voters cast their ballots; 23.31% of this group opted for 'no vote'. In the Northeastern Region, 55.31% of eligible voters took to the polls; 9.56% selected 'no vote'. In Bangkok, only 16.78% of eligible voters cast their ballots; 24.02% of this group marked 'no vote'.

Chiang Mai was the province which had the highest turnout, at 75.05% of eligible voters. Lamphun and Mae Hong Son came in second and third, respectively.


-- NNT 2014-02-06

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Chadchart plans to generate 1 billion baht income annually in the logistic sector

BANGKOK, 6 Feb 2014, (NNT) - Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt plans to enhance performance of the logistic sector with an aim of increasing the sector's annual income from 500 million baht to 1 billion baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702449-chadchart-plans-to-generate-1-billion-baht-income-annually-in-the-logistic-sector/

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BOT says will not interfere with banks' decision to lend to rice subsidy scheme

BANGKOK, 6 February 2014 (NNT) – The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has asserted it will not interfere with commercial bank's judgement regarding provision of loans to the government in order for the latter to pay to farmers under the rice mortgage scheme.

According to BOT assistant governor for Supervision Group Salinee Wangtal, the Wednesday's meeting between the BOT and commercial banks did not involve a discussion on banks lending funds to the government to finance the rice subsidy project. The decision whether or not to lend money for rice mortgage rested on the banks, and the BOT would not interfere. She also noted that there had been no reports of money withdrawals made at banks due to fears over any decision by the banks to lend money to finance rice subsidy.

Lak Watchananawat, head of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, said on Wednesday that the bank was extending debt repayment period for indebted farmers who had not yet been paid under the rice mortgage scheme. The farmers would also be entitled to a higher loan ceiling, if they wishes to borrow more money to invest in the new planting season. He said this would alleviate farmers' troubles and reduce the problem of underground lending.


-- NNT 2014-02-06

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Pro-govt faction rejects move to nullify polls
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 6 – Thailand's pro-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has vowed to fight against any attempt to invalidate last Sunday’s general election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702452-thailand-pro-govt-faction-rejects-move-to-nullify-polls/

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Yingluck admits rice subsidies need revamp if re-introduced
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 6 – Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has blamed the House dissolution for disrupting payments to farmers under the rice pledging scheme but brushed aside criticism of the programme’s failure.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702453-yingluck-admits-rice-subsidies-need-revamp-if-re-introduced/

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Thai Army told to handle protesters with leniency
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 6 – Thailand's authorities will refrain from using force against protesters even if they break into the Defence headquarters, which has become the prime minister’s temporary office, according to a senior Defence Ministry official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702454-thai-army-told-to-handle-protesters-with-leniency/

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Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 1,289.35, gains 9.10 points /MCOT

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The US government warned American and foreign airlines that terrorists could try to place explosives disguised as toothpaste on Russia-bound flights. /Bangkok Post

Transport Ministry has tightened safety measures for container lorries following Monday's accident that saw the driver of a van killed by a fallen container. /Bangkok Post

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Farmers from western provinces go to Commerce Ministry to demand rice payment, another group blocks Asian Highway at Sing Buri /MCOT

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Daily Weather Forecast Distribution On Thursday 6 February 2014 Time issued 0500 LST

General Situation
The northwesterly wind at high altitude continues bringing cool air from the Himalayas to Northern Thailand. Cool to cold is likely with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas. All transports should take caution in areas of fog. The easterly wind covers the Central, the lower Northeast, the East and the South with the moisture from the South China Sea and isolated rain.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Thursday to 6.00 a.m. Friday
Northern Thailand Fog in the morning and thick patches in many areas. Upper part: Cold, minimum temperature 12-15 degree Celsius. Lower part: Cool, minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-35 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 6-12 degree Celsius. Westerly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Isolated thundershowers mainly in the lower part. Minimum temperature 17-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-36 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 12-15 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Isolated thundershowers in the lower part. Minimum temperature 21-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-36 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 14-18 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Partly cloudy with fog in the morning. Isolated thundershowers. Minimum temperature 22-24 degree Celsius Maximum temperature 32-35 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 14-18 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Partly cloudy and isolated thundershowers in the upper part. Minimum temperature 20-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 30-33 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand West Coast Partly cloudy. Minimum temperature 20-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-35 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Partly cloudy and isolated rain. Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-35 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 10-25 km/hr.


-- NNT 2014-02-06

weather forecasts for all provinces: http://weather.thaivisa.com

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Phichit farmers petition the King

BANGKOK: -- As more than 100 rice farmers from Phichit province gathered in front of the Grand Palace this morning to petition His Majesty the King over the unpaid rice by the caretaker government, more than 1,000 farmers from the central, northern and northeast regions are now heading to Bangkok to demand their money.

The farmers from Phichit is the first group to arrive in two chartered buses in Bangkok last night. They will submit the list of farmers suffered from the rice-pledging scheme of the government to the Bureau of the Royal Household.

A farmer representative from Phichit said that more than 50,000 farmer families sold rice to the government under the rice-pledging scheme amounting to a total of about nine billion baht.

But they said only two billion baht had been paid to farmers while the remainder seven billion baht are not yet paid, now over five months.

They said the government men came with promises several times to pay, raising hopes for farmers that they would get the money. But no money is paid while farmers have to use money to lead their daily lives while their children also have to go to school, and also have to pay for starting the new planting season.

They have no other choice or any people they could look to for help except the King who they love and who understands the plight of the farmers well.

Meanwhile farmer association leader Prasit Boonchoey said farmers from the three regions are joining together to protest at the Commerce Ministry over their unpaid money.

But he said this time the farmers did not want their money but wanted the Commerce Ministry to open all warehouses where rice are kept and bring them out to sell.

He said this was the only choice farmers will get their money back.

He said more than 1,000 farmers from the central region will arrive late today first while the rest are on the way.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/phichit-farmers-petition-king/


-- Thai PBS 2014-02-06

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Popular Thailand One of Britons Favourite Spots

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702469-popular-thailand-one-of-britons-favourite-spots/

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Woman Blames 'Mistress' For Car Acid Attack
By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- A woman in Udon Thani province has been so fed up by alleged acid attack on her car by her husband's mistress that she chooses to tell the world about it.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702474-thai-woman-blames-husbands-mistress-for-car-acid-attack/

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Millers say government owes them over a year in warehouse rentals



BANGKOK: -- Thai Rice Millers Association said today that the government of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has owed rice millers in warehouse rentals for over a year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/702477-millers-say-thai-government-owes-them-over-a-year-in-warehouse-rentals/