Thailand Live Sunday 16 Feb 2014

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POLITICS
No unity government: Suthep
The Sunday Nation

Farmers get donations for ears of rice, tied with ribbon in the national flag colours, that they offered as a souvenir to participants of the anti-government rally at the Pathumwan intersection yesterday. The farmers are raising funds for their legal action

BANGKOK: -- PDRC leader says there must be no Thaksin people in next govt; backs farmers' protest

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704784-no-unity-government-suthep/

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POLITICAL CRIME
Shots fired at the home of graft-buster Pramon
The Sunday Nation

A forensic official examines bullet holes on a window of anti-corruption campaigner Pramon Sutivong

BANGKOK: -- The Anti-Corruption Organisation of Thailand has called on the caretaker government and the Department of Special Investigation to find out who was responsible for shots fired at the home of its chairman early yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704786-shots-fired-at-the-home-of-graft-buster-pramon/

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FORTUNE TELLING
Noppadon denies Pojaman visited astrologer in Myanmar
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's legal adviser yesterday rejected as groundless a news magazine's report that Thaksin's former wife was in Myanmar recently to meet an astrologer and perform a rite of magic.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704787-noppadon-denies-pojaman-visited-astrologer-in-myanmar/

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RALLY LEADER
Sonthiyarn out on bail
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Sunday Nation

Sonthiyarn

BANGKOK: -- People's Democratic Reform Committee rally leader Sonthiyarn Chhuenruethainaitham was released yesterday on Bt400,000 bail.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704788-sonthiyarn-out-on-bail/

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RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME
Stress drives another farmer to suicide
THE SUNDAY NATION February 16, 2014 1:00 am

BANGKOK: -- Bigger protests planned over delay in payments; govt to sell 10 million tonnes of rice

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704789-stress-drives-another-farmer-to-suicide/

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Online passport issuing service suspended

The Sunday Nation

The online passport issuing service has been closed again following Friday's confrontation between anti-government protesters and police at the government complex on Chaeng Wattana Road.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704779-online-passport-issuing-service-suspended-again/

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Slaying of boys 'likely revenge'
THE SUNDAY NATION
SONGKHLA

The February 3 slaying in three young Muslim brothers and the wounding of their parents in Bacho in Narathiwat was likely to have been a personal act of revenge.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704790-slaying-of-boys-likely-revenge/

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Park tourists rescued
The Sunday Nation

CHANTABURI: -- The 100 or so people stranded at Khao Khitchakood National Park in Chanthaburi since Friday evening due to heavy rain were brought down the mountain safely yesterday.

News about the plight of the tourists, left stranded after rain made a road too treacherous, circulated on the Internet on Friday night.

A post on the Facebook page of Khao Khitchakood's district rescue organisation said that the stranded people were escorted out early yesterday morning.

The sale of tickets for trips to the Buddha's footprint at Khao Khitchakood National Park was suspended in the morning, to allow the road to be repaired, but it opened in the afternoon.

-- The Nation 2014-02-16

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Drought-resistant crops
The Sunday Nation

KHORAT: -- Severe drought has prompted rice farmers in Chalerm Phrakiat district in Nakhon Ratchasima to grow crops with a higher degree of drought tolerance.

Farmers in tambon Nong Yang now grow gourd, beans and cucumber via a drip irrigation system. The plants grow for about 50 days till they are harvested and farmers sell the produce to a middleman for Bt8 per kilogram.

Drought centres have been established at 32 districts in the province, including traditionally hard-hit Phimai, Khon Buri, Soeng Sang and Pak Chong.

A meeting will be held in the province tomorrow to discuss reducing off-season rice growing in areas outside irrigation zones and the implementation of measures to try to ensure enough water is available in the drought season.

There is enough water in the province's five key reservoirs, eighth irrigation office director Chitchanok Somprasert said.

-- The Nation 2014-02-16

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Man missing off islands
The Sunday Nation

SURAT THANI: -- A man is missing at sea and two other people were rescued after their shrimp boat was hit by a three-metre-high wave and sunk off Ang Thong islands in Surat Thani yesterday.

The incident took place at about 4am between Koh Wua Ta Lap and Koh Pa Luay, but police were not alerted till about 9am.

The missing man was identified as Koh Samui resident Prasop Yeemat, 29.

-- The Nation 2014-02-16

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EC pins hopes on meeting with govt
Chanikarn Phumhiran
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Election Commission chairman Supachai Somcharoen expressed confidence that the meeting between the EC and the government as well as academics tomorrow would create the circumstances to solve problems related to the election.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704791-ec-pins-hopes-on-meeting-with-govt/

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Academics divided over appointed PM for next govt
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Sunday Nation

Pornsan

BANGKOK: -- Academics are divided over whether the country should opt for an appointed PM to resolve the political deadlock that threatens to send the country into the downward spiral of recession, civil strife, plus social and political disintegration.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704793-academics-divided-over-appointed-pm-for-next-govt/

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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Up close and personal with a superhero
Noppatjak Attanon
Special to The Nation

Chadchart, right, and Nation TV

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker transport minister Chadchart Sittipunt is amused about his newly acquired "mightiest minister" status

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704794-up-close-and-personal-with-a-superhero/

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-- The Nation 2014-02-16

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Daily Weather Forecast For Thailand

General Situation

The high pressure over upper Thailand and the South China Sea has weakened. Rise in temperature but cool with morning fog is likely in the areas.

The moderate easterly winds bring the humidity from the South China Sea and the Gulf still prevail over Thailand resulting in rainfalls over the lower Central including Bangkok and vicinity, the East and the upper South. The wind waves are likely about 2 meters in the lower Gulf from Nakhon Si Thammarat southward. All ships should proceed with caution during this period.

During 16-19 February, 2014 the westerly trough from Myanmar will move to the North. Rainfalls in the first and then 2-4 degree Celsius. drops are likely in the North, the upper Central and the upper Northeast.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 p.m. Saturday to 6.00 p.m. Sunday.

Northern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and thick patches in some areas. Isolated light rain mostly in the lower part.Minimum temperature 16-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius.Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 6-12 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. 1-2 degree Celsius. rises.Minimum temperature 17-20 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 28-30 degree Celsius.Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-15 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr.
Central Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Isolated light rain mostly in the lower part. Minimum temperature 22-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-35 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 15-18degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cloudy and isolated light rain mostly along the coastal areas. Minimum temperature 22-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius. Cool to cold on mountainous areas. Minimum temperature 15-18 degree Celsius.

Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cloudy and isolated thundershowers mostly in the upper part. Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius.Surat Thani northward: southeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.Nakhon Si Thammarat southward: easterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Partly cloudy with light fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 22-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-35 degree Celsius. Variable winds 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Very cloudy with 20 % chance of light rain. Minimum temperature 24-26 degree Celsius.Maximum temperature 33-34 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 15-30 km/hr.
On Saturday : Maximum temperature at 2.30 p.m. 33.0 degree Celsius.
On Sunday : Maximum temperature 34 degree Celsius. Minimum temperature 24 degree Celsius.
: Sun rises at 6.41 a.m. Sun sets at 6.23 p.m.
: High water at 8.36 a.m. and at 7.16 p.m.
: Low water at 2.30 a.m. and at 3.00 p.m.

-- NNT 2014-02-16

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French tourist threatens Phuket shop assistant with scissors
Wiparatana Nathalang

PHUKET: a French national was arrested late yesterday afternoon (February 15) after threatening a 7-Eleven employee and running off with B2,000.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704797-french-tourist-threatens-phuket-shop-assistant-with-scissors/

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RT@ChadapornLin: Repair of outbound lane on Rama IX Bridge moves from left lane to right lane today; repair to be completed by Songkran

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RT@RichardBarrow Dino Water Park is being built in Khon Kaen & will be the biggest water park in Northeast #Thailand when finished pic.twitter.com/GzIsruXhQX

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RT@waanspeaking: RT @dekdue_03: 9.17hr protesters at Chaeng Wattana stage ahead of police negotiation to retake the area #ExitTH pic.twitter.com/yOTBT1gYja

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Phra Buddha Issara to meet CMPO this afternoon

BANGKOK: -- The government’s Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order will meet with representatives of Chang Wattana rally site this afternoon.

Phra Buddha Issara, a senior monk who supervises the rally, said on stage this morning that he will meet with the centre’s representatives at 4pm.

The meeting is part of the centre’s attempt to reclaim the site from the anti-government protesters who occupied the area as part of the Bangkok Shutdown in January.

-- The Nation 2014-02-16

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Korat prepares for looming drought

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Provincial authorities have established drought response centres across 32 districts to help residents prepare for the upcoming dry season.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704822-korat-prepares-for-looming-drought/

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RT@RichardBarrow: Music in the Park from 4pm-7pm at Benjasiri Park next to Emporium. Also magic show for kids #Bangkok pic.twitter.com/kvIGQNac2g

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RichardBarrow: Last chance today for the Thailand Mobile Expo 2014 at QSNCC in #Bangkok. Cellphones & gadgets at discount prices. Access via MRT QSNCC.

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UPDATE:
Over 200 police officers on standby ready to reclaim Chaengwattana protest site

BANGKOK, 16 February 2014 (NNT) - Around two companies of police officers have blocked Chaengwattana road where anti-government protesters are camped since Sunday morning. Talks will be held with their leaders in an effort to take the occupied area back.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704832-govt-vows-to-continue-its-protest-site-retrieval-operation/#entry7445043

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Thais warned against 6 diseases during summer

BANGKOK, 16 February 2014 (NNT) – Thais nationwide have been advised to take precautions against 6 possible diseases that usually develop well in warm weather condition.

As summer is approaching, The Office of Disease Prevention and Control is warning all people to be aware of germs and bacteria as their growth rates and reproduction system are very prolific in warm temperature.

Six possible diseases people need to be well aware of include acute diarrhea, food poisoning, dysentery, typhoid, cholera, and rabies.

In order to prevent one from catching such diseases, precautions should be taken, which include eating clean and well-cooked food, washing hands regularly, using clean kitchen utensils, consuming products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

-- NNT 2014-02-16

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Govt vows to continue its protest site retrieval operation

BANGKOK, 16 February 2014 (NNT) – The government has pledged to forge ahead with its operation to reclaim public areas that have been seized by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704832-govt-vows-to-continue-its-protest-site-retrieval-operation/

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UPDATE:

Pheu Thai to meet EC to discuss voting issues

BANGKOK, 16 February 2014 (NNT) – The Pheu Thai Party has finally agreed to meet with the Election Commission (EC) on February 17th in order to discuss election problems and seek solutions to the current political divide.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704791-ec-pins-hopes-on-meeting-with-govt/#entry7445055

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UPDATE:

Another police attempt to reclaim Chaengwattana government complex

BANGKOK: -- Another police attempt to reclaim Chaengwattana government complexAnother police attempt to reclaim Chaengwattana government complex

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704832-govt-vows-to-continue-its-protest-site-retrieval-operation/#entry7445067

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Water amount in Chaochoengsao worrisome due to lack of farmers' cooperation

CHACHOENGSAO, 15 February 2014 (NNT) – The amount of water available for agriculture in Chachoengsao has declined to a worrisome level due to lack of cooperation from farmers in reducing planting area.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/704834-water-amount-in-chaochoengsao-worrisome-due-to-lack-of-farmers-cooperation/

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MOPH invites people to meditate for good health and longevity

BANGKOK, 15 February 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health is inviting members of the public to meditate for good health and longevity.

Public Health Ministry Spokesperson Phanphimon Wipulakon said the ministry would like to invite the general public and students to consider meditating for the purpose of health promotion. According to Dr. Phanphimon, meditation is an effective relaxation and stress-reduction technique. Meditation achieves the health benefits by mitigating brain waves cluttering and promoting the release of endorphin, which refreshes the body and increases the immune system's efficiency.

Dr. Phanphimon further explained that research in other countries point to meditation as a readily accessible 'longevity pill,' which everybody had access to. In addition to the well-publicized benefits of meditation, research has revealed that the meditation's effect in slowing metabolism by 17% and heart rate by 3 beats per minute helps reduce the risk against heart disease and high blood pressure. Furthermore, the body will be less strained, allowing the faces of people who frequently meditate to have a youthful glow as well as prolonging the lives of those who practice it.

-- NNT 2014-02-16