Thailand Live Monday 10 Feb 2014

[webfact]

Tha Khun municipality holds annual boat race

KANCHANABURI 10 February 2014 (NNT) — Tha Khun municipality in Kanchanaburi has held its annual boat racing festival to promote local sports and cooperation in the community.

Locals of the Tha Khun municipality joined together to participate in the annual boat racing festival, which was held on February 8 - 9. The event featured boat rowing, boat tug-of-wars, and boat racing courses.

Other activities included dirt bike racing, three-wheel cart racing,and entertainment from local school bands. Goods and souvenirs were also available for purchase at local shops.

The event aimed to promote tourism and cooperation within the local community as well as strengthening friendship and generating income for Kanchanaburi residents.


-- NNT 2014-02-10

[webfact]

Bombing near Mahakan Fort, beside Phan Fah Bridge; six wounded reported, two seriously /MCOT

[webfact]

Farmers march to see Yingluck



BANGKOK: -- Farmers holding out at the Commerce Ministry started marching out to petition the Justice Minister and then proceeded to see the caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the office of the defense permanent secretary to demand her answer on the unpaid rice payment. They set Friday as deadline to get paid otherwise their protests will be escalated.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703391-farmers-march-to-see-yingluck/

[webfact]

Norwegian tourist found dead in Phuket apartment
Anthika Muangrod

PHUKET: -- A Norwegian tourist was found dead in his rented apartment in Patong on Saturday (February 8) by a maid who checked his room after he failed to come down for breakfast in his apartment building.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703392-norwegian-tourist-found-dead-in-phuket-apartment/

[webfact]

Thai passport issuance daily quota filled before starting
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 10 --Thailand's Foreign Ministry passport issuance daily quota at the newly opened temporary passport office at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) was fully booked even before the start of working hours at 8.30am today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703393-thai-passport-issuance-daily-quota-filled-before-starting/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Radio Controlled Helicopter Used To Drop Phones Over Prison Wall

A radio controlled helicopter worth 150,000 THB was used to fly in 6 mobile phones by passing over the prison’s wall. Unfortunately for the prisoners the helicopter was seen by the warden and was seized. The controller was nowhere to be seen.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703369-drugs-phones-airdropped-by-drone-into-thai-prison/#entry7418446

[webfact]

POLITICS
In support of the anti-government campaigns



A lady shows donation she prepared to give to rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban who marchs from BTS Ekamai station to Phetchburi road, Thong Lor and Asoke intersection on Monday.

Suthep wanted to solicit Bt10 million in his marches last Friday and today and would give the sum to farmers who are in debts from the government’s rice-pledging scheme. Suthep said he could solicit Bt9.2 million from the march last Friday.


-- The Nation 2014-02-10

[webfact]

Buddha Issara Accused Of Owning Chiang Mai Properties
By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- A group of Redshirts protesters have alleged that an anti-government monk activist had illegally purchased lands in Chiang Mai province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703421-buddha-issara-accused-of-owning-chiang-mai-properties/

[webfact]

Firecracker bomb injures six BMA employees

BANGKOK: -- A firecracker bomb exploded while employees of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) are sweeping and cleaning the Ratchadamnoen Avenue near the Pan Fah bridge, injuring six, two seriously.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703422-bangkok-firecracker-bomb-injures-six-bma-employees/

[Lite Beer]

NBTC Super-Board: Consumers’ problems have not been addressed

BANGKOK, 10 Feb 2014 (NNT) - The Super-Board has revealed that several requests filed by mobile phone users and cable&satellite TV viewers have still been ignored by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

The Supper-Board whose mandate is to evaluate the performances of the NBTC indicated the NBTC had failed to address consumers' requests and problems in a timely manner. Mr. Prasert Apiphunya, one in the Super-Board committee, pointed out some of the problems still pending like petitions to switch mobile phone service providers, refund claims for unsatisfied service and unfair rates, and conflicts between consumers and service providers waiting for mediation.

Mr. Prasert said the board had been following the NBTC’s works at its complaint/mediating center which was established last year. Since its inception, the center have received several complaints ranging from unfair service charges of cable and satellite TV, to demands for compensations for programs which service providers failed to deliver.

-- NNT 2014-02-10

[Lite Beer]

Thai travelers flock to newly opened passport office at QSCC

BANGKOK, 10 February 2014 (NNT) - Large crowds have flocked to a temporary passport services office set up at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on the first day of its opening.

According to reports, Thais wishing to renew their passports began to form a long line at the office early this morning; however, the application quota for the day was filled up in just an hour.The office can process up to 600 applications per day.

The office at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center opens daily from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM.

Two other back-up offices at Bang Na and Pinklao also saw long queues of people, many of whom had been waiting since last night, waiting to file their applications.

The Department of Consular Affairs made known that its main computer server is now operational and up to 7,000 passports can be processed daily. The server has been restarted since last week following a long occupation of the Government Complex by anti-government protesters.

Thais can now have their passports renewed at Consular Affairs offices nationwide except for the offices at the Government Complex and the Labour Ministry, as well as those in Surat Thani and phuket Provinces, all of which continue to be seized by the PDRC demonstrators.

-- NNT 2014-02-10

[Lite Beer]

THAI operating normally despite shutdown threat
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Feb 10 – Thai Airways (THAI) is operating as usual despite an employee threat to go on strike and wear black on Monday to demand the resignation of chairman Amphon Kittiamphon and acting president Chokechai Panyayong allegedly for lacking good governance.

Mr Chokechai dismissed the shutdown rumours and assured passengers that THAI employees had no plan to strike and were ready to provide normal services today. The company, however, had to reschedule some flights due to lower passenger demand and the starting of the low season in late March.

As of today, THAI’s passengers have reportedly continued checking in at Suvarnabhumi Airport and a few airline employees are wearing black today as urged by the union to show support for the anti-government movement led by the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

The THAI union president earlier accused Mr Amphon and Mr Chokechai of underperforming that led to heavy losses for the national flag carrier. All employees were urged to wear black on Monday to show their opposition to the chairman and demand his immediate resignation.

Passengers are encouraged to visit www.thaiairways.com and www.thaismileair.com to check flight availability, make reservations and issue tickets or check-in via application THAI Flight Check or dial THAI Contact Center: 0-2356-1111 for more information. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-02-10

[Lite Beer]

RT@veen_NT: Unconfirmed report that caretaker PM will not meet the farmers but will assign Niwatthamrong and Warathep to talk to them. via @Tik_NT

[Lite Beer]

RT@veen_NT: 1.30pm Farmer protesters arrive at Office of Per-sec Defence Ministry pic.twitter.com/RVllXLMHjO (via @whyningnong)

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Here are our rice contracts. Show us the money. RT @phassaphol: #nationtv pic.twitter.com/SOXLFik7bP

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Six hurt in bombing; protesters march for donations to help farmers
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Feb 10 - A bomb exploded near a rally site in the capital, wounding at least six people today as anti-government protesters marching to collect donations to help farmers.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703422-bangkok-firecracker-bomb-injures-six-bma-employees/#entry7418623

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

BLAST
Two city cleaners seriously hurt in explosion

BANGKOK: -- Two city cleaners were seriously injured in an explosion in Pranakorn district on Monday, when they reportedly swept up abandoned ping-pong bombs.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703422-bangkok-firecracker-bomb-injures-six-bma-employees/#entry7418643

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: These 3 rice contracts are worth over Bt500,000, or so it seems. RT @jeerapong_nna #nna pic.twitter.com/bTesexcB8D

[Lite Beer]

EC offers to mediate talk between govt, opponents

BANGKOK: -- In another effort to unlock election deadlock, the Election Commission again Monday offered itself as a mediator for a talk of all parties concerned.

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, an Election commissioner supervising elections, said holding several rounds of election would not be able to get 95 per cent of the 500 MP seats as required by the Constitution before convening a House session unless the parties in the conflicts hold talk.

-- The Nation 2014-02-10

[Lite Beer]

RT@wayne_hay: Some farmer representatives have gone inside to meet with Government.. Possibly Commerce Minister

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Thossaporn Rakcharoen, farmer from Nakhon Pathom: I wish to see all crooks in jail. But I have never seen any big person in jail. #ASTV

[Lite Beer]

RT@ChadapornLin: Police take into custody Sonthiyarn, protest leader and TNews chief, at Central Lardprao

[Lite Beer]

Southern educational institutions campaign against drinking

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, 10 February 2014 (NNT) – Sixteen educational institutions in the southern part of Thailand have declared war against alcoholic beverages in order to help eliminate social problems in society.

At Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, representatives from 16 educational institutions inked an agreement to create a network fighting against alcohol. The agreement was also indicative of the droup's strong commitment to eradicating child abuse, drug abuse, and road accidents as well as to strengthen and enhance the potential of the Thai communities.

According to Walailak University, as the number of entertainment venues around school areas has been increasing at an alarming rate, the network would help students resist the temptation to drink, and get everyone involved in its effort to reduce social problems. It also urged responsible agencies to help push drinking problem as a national reform agenda, so that everyone could be more aware of its danger.

-- NNT 2014-02-10

[Lite Beer]

South Australian gay couple travel to Thailand for birth of their surrogate twins
BRAD CROUCH IN BANGKOK SUNDAY MAIL


Matt, left, holds baby Estelle with partner Mark holding baby Tate, in Bangkok. Picture: Dean Martin Source: Supplied

BANGKOK: -- CUDDLED in the arms of doting parents Mark and Matt, newborns Tate and Estelle are the contented faces of a unique Australian modern family.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703433-south-australian-gay-couple-travel-to-thailand-for-birth-of-their-surrogate-twins/

[Lite Beer]

Former T-News boss, leading protester Sontiyan detained on arrest warrant, taken for questioning at Border Patrol Police HQ in Pathum Thani /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Lottery and pension fund offices deny funding rice bonds

BANGKOK: -- The Government Lottery Office and the Government Pension Fund (GPF) today came out to deny reports that they will buy government bonds issued by the Finance Ministry to raise money to pay rice farmers.

Government Lottery Office director-general Attagrit Tharechat said there was no plan to buy the government bonds to raise fund for the rice-pledging scheme for the 2013/2014 crop year.

The report in some media was totally unfounded, he said and added that any decision has to be approved by the board.

But he made clear that the Government Lottery Office would not buy the bonds.

At the same time, the Government Pension Fund (GPF) also said it has no plan to invest in state bonds due to its low liquidity.

GPF secretary general Sombat Narawutthichai said there has been no contact by the government to ask the fund to support the bonds.

Mr Sombat said civil servants’ total deposit with the fund is around one billion baht every month, at an average of 200-800 baht per member.

It is improbable that the Finance Ministry would target the GPF to buy government bonds, he said.

He said an investment in government bonds, if made, must be transparent and screened by a team of investment specialists and a sub-committee comprising the fund and non-fund members.

GPF has yet to study the condition, risk and return of the bonds particularly in light of criticism against the rice subsidy scheme, he said.

Hw said the agency normally invests in Thailand and overseas at a ratio of 75% to 25%.

GPF invests in risk assets such as stocks, permanent assets such as high credit rating debentures, government bonds, central bank bonds and property, he said.

According to the widespread reports, the Government Lottery Bureau, Social Security Fund and Government Pension Fund are three agencies the government was targeting to secure loans by issuing bonds

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/lottery-pension-fund-offices-deny-funding-rice-bonds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lottery-pension-fund-offices-deny-funding-rice-bonds

-- Thai PBS 2014-02-10

[webfact]

UPDATE:

Woman shot dead, burnt in Thai deep south 'revenge attack'

BANGKOK, February 10, 2014 (AFP) - A policeman's wife was shot dead and then set on fire in front of terrified shoppers at a busy market in Thailand's violence-ridden deep south, officials said Monday, in an apparent revenge attack.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703362-southern-militants-shoot-and-burn-woman-alive-thailand/page-3?p=7418884#entry7418884

[webfact]

PDRC leader Sonthiyarn arrested

BANGKOK: -- Sonthiyarn Chuenruethai-naitham, owner and director of T news agency, was arrested on sedition charge Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703444-pdrc-core-leader-sonthiyarn-arrested-in-bangkok/

[webfact]

Foray into digital TV will sustain NMG's media arms: Suthichai
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation


Suthichai: Once these two engines [Nation TV and Now] are fully operational, NMG hopes to enjoy sustainable growth, while the life span of each print-media business will be extended despite facing a recession.

BANGKOK: -- The head of Nation Multimedia Group believes the upcoming Nation TV and Now digital TV channels will be key engines for the group's sustainable growth amid rapid changes in the media landscape.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/703445-foray-into-digital-tv-will-sustain-nmgs-media-arms-suthichai/

[webfact]

DSI seeks arrest warrants for 13 more protest leaders for violating Emergency Decree /MCOT