Thailand Live Friday 21 Feb 2014

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Industries Sentiment Index affected by unresolved political situation

BANGKOK, 21 February 2014 (NNT) -- The Federation of Thai Industries said the Industries Sentiment Index would be affected if political situations remain unresolved.

Mr. Payungsak Chatsutthiphon, President of Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) spoke of the recent results of a survey that showed the Thai ISI in January 2014 had plunged to 86.9 from 88.3 in December of last year. This is the lowest point in 55 months for the ISI since June 2009, which factors total orders, total production volume, operational costs and performances.

Entrepreneurs showed concerns over the political situation, with anti-government protesters’ surrounding of many business districts and government buildings in Bangkok, as well as the invocation of the Emergency Decree, make it unable to know when the situations will ease up.

There are risk factors that make the entrepreneurs have to try to adjust their operation plans and monitor the situation closely. The situations that remain unresolved slow down the consumption as can be seen in a index of orders and domestic sales that dropped and affected liquidity in operations, especially SMEs. Export entrepreneurs are concerned that importers of Thai products will turn to importing products from other countries.

However, SME entrepreneurs urge the government and people who are against it to urgently discuss solutions to the country’s problems.


-- NNT 2014-02-21

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SPECIAL REPORT
Hounded premier adapts to work on the run
The Nation


A file photo of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and former Pheu Thai MP Jirayu Huangsap ploughing during the 2011 election campaign.

BANGKOK: -- Since the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) emerged four months ago, caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has been forced to seek alternative lodgings and offices, and has had to drastically change her work routine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705934-hounded-caretaker-pm-yingluck-adapts-to-work-on-the-run/

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POLITICS
NACC's hasty move in rice scandal a sop to opposition: PM
The Nation

Yingluck

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday hit back at the anti-graft agency, accusing it of rushing a decision to charge her with dereliction of duty in connection with the rice-pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705935-naccs-hasty-move-in-rice-scandal-a-sop-to-opposition-pm-yingluck/

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RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME
Farmers to target Suvarnabhumi
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Rice farmers on tractors head for Bangkok down the Asian Highway yesterday. The farmers planned to spend last night in Pathum Thani, just north of the capital.

About 10,000 to arrive in capital today in bid to push govt to resign; leader rules out siege of airport

BANGKOK: -- Tens of thousands of farmers, travelling on more than 1,000 farm tractors in a long convoy from the upper northern and central provinces, will today arrive in Bangkok and move to Suvarnabhumi Airport in a concerted attempt to pressure the caretaker government to resign.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705936-thai-farmers-to-target-suvarnabhumi-airport/

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ANTI-GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS
SC Park Hotel pays rallying monk
The Nation



PDRC leader paid Bt120,000 in compensation after Shinawatra linked hotel cancels bookings

BANGKOK: -- Anti-government protester monk Buddha Issara yesterday received Bt120,000 in compensation after his booking at a Bangkok hotel owned by the Shinawatra family fell through.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705937-sc-park-hotel-pays-rallying-monk-buddha-issara-bt120000-in-compensation/

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BURNING ISSUE
Will the farmers who put Yingluck in power bring her down?
Supon Thanukid
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The caretaker government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is reeling from the problems stemming from its inability to pay Bt130 billion to farmers who joined the rice-pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705938-will-the-farmers-who-put-yingluck-in-power-bring-her-down/

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SENTIMENT INDEX
Industries Sentiment Index hits 55-month low in January
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Federation of Thai Industries has urged the government to resolve the political unrest quickly to restore investor confidence after the Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) for January fell for the 19th straight month to its lowest level in 55 months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705939-thai-industries-sentiment-index-hits-55-month-low-in-january/

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ELITE CARD
Overseas concerns add to problems of Elite Card
Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

Elite Card, file photo

Chaos raise doubts over card's stability

BANGKOK: -- The prolonged political turbulence is hampering the efforts of troubled Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC), operator of the luxury Elite Card, to promote itself overseas as potential foreign buyers doubt the card's stability.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705940-overseas-concerns-add-to-problems-of-thailand-elite-card/

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Russian Fugitive Real Estate Developer caught by Pattaya Immigration



PATTAYA: -- Chonburi Immigration with assistance from the Russian Embassy in Bangkok arrested a 41 year old Pattaya Property Developer on Thursday, wanted in Russia on charges of extortion amounting to 1 Million Russian Rubles.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705941-russian-fugitive-real-estate-developer-caught-by-pattaya-immigration/

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Government to tell super powers and UN of political situation



BANGKOK: -- The government will soon embark on a globe-trotting tour to explain to the five super powers as well as the United Nations about the real political situation in Thailand and the harassment of caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by the protesters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705943-thai-government-to-tell-super-powers-and-un-of-political-situation/

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ENCROACHMENT
Resort owner vows legal action over demolition
Sittichai Sikawat
The Nation, Krabi


Officials dismantle structures at the Poda Island Resort in Krabi yesterday after courts ruled that the resort was encroaching on a national park.

Ministry says its move is guided by court orders

KRABI: -- The owner of Poda Island Resort is threatening to sue an authority for dismantling his facilities, even though courts have found the structures encroaching on a national park.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705944-krabi-resort-owner-vows-legal-action-over-demolition/

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Agency aims to rid Thailand of rabies by 2020
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Disease Control Department says it is making good progress with its strategy to have no rabies-related human deaths by 2015 and rid the country of the disease by 2020.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705945-agency-aims-to-rid-thailand-of-rabies-by-2020/

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Govt set to appeal Civil Court ruling
Anapat Deechuay,
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Caretaker government will "as soon as possible" appeal Wednesday's Civil Court ruling that prohibits it from using the emergency decree to revoke people's constitutional right to assemble peacefully.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705946-thai-govt-set-to-appeal-civil-court-ruling/

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OVERDRIVE
Amazing events signal end days for government
Thanong Khanthong

Thailand is living up to its billing as "amazing". And the sky is falling fast.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705947-amazing-events-signal-end-days-for-thai-government/

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M79 grenade shot at car service center near Bang Chak petrol station on Vibhavadi Rd, 400 metres from CMPO office, no injuries reported /MCOT

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M 79 grenade lands near CMPO command center



BANGKOK: -- An M-79 grenade was fired into the compound of the caretaker government's special security command center on Vibhavadi Rangsit road last night but missed. The grenade landed at a car care service garage inside a patrol station causing damage to the roof and a car.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705984-m-79-grenade-lands-near-cmpo-command-center/

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Farmers set noon deadline for caretaker government to speed up rice payment or they will head to the airport. /Bangkok Post

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Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,305.96, gains 1.98 points /MCOT

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Chada Thaiseth, ex-Chatthaipattana MP leading caravan of farmers,vows to go to Suvarnabhumi airport if no progress on farmer payment by noon /MCOT

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Army chief urges investigation into military weapons use in Phan Fah clash; asks all parties concerned to respect law /MCOT

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Daily Weather Forecast For Thailand 21 February 2014

The ridge of nearly intense high pressure still covers Thailand and the South China Sea. Cooler weather with windy and light rain is likely over the upper country.

The stronger wind wave is expected about 2-3 meters high in the lower Gulf from Surat Thani southward. All ships should proceed with caution during 21-23 February.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Friday to 6.00 a.m. Saturday
Northern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and isolated light rain. Minimum temperature 13-19 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 27-32 degree Celsius. Cold to very cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 6-12 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cold with windy. Isolated light rain mostly in the lower part. Minimum temperature 14-16 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 24-27 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 10-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with light fog in the morning and isolated rain. Minimum temperature 18-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-31 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with windy. Widely scattered rain mostly in Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Minimum temperature 18-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 27-30 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cloudy and widely scattered thundershowers in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani. Minimum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Celsius. Upper Gulf from Chumphon Northward: Easterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters. Lower Gulf from Surat Thani southward: Easterly winds 20-40 km/hr. Wave height 2-3 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Partly cloudy and isolated thundershowers. Minimum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-34 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter and 2-3 meters offshore.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Cool in the morning with 20 % chance of rain. Minimum temperature 21-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-31 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr.


-- NNT 2014-02-21

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

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Eight anti-government political activists bailed out
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 21 – Eight anti-government protesters were bailed out of police detention but were warned by the Criminal Court against getting involved in further political unrest.

Police opposed to the temporary freedom of the eight members of the People’s Army Group and Thai Energy Reform Network, but the court decided that they could be bailed as the punishment for their offences was not too harsh.

Bond for each suspect was Bt100,000.

The court ordered them not to instigate other people or get involved in political conflicts, or their bail could be revoked.

Ravee Maschamadol, Tossapol Kaewthima and six other leaders of the People’s Army and Energy Reform Network -- Thaweesilp Prateep, Woradet Mektraipop, Booncherd Jitreechua, Nippon Saiphuan, Anothai Poomjaeng and Wicharn Phuwihan -- led protesters to seal off the Ministry of Energy and the PTT headquarters on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road and were arrested during a police operation on Tuesday to retake the area. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-02-21

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Red Shirts to gather in Nakhon Ratchasima
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Feb 21 - The pro-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), the Red Shirt movement, will gather on Sunday in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima to map out its future strategic moves.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705992-red-shirts-to-gather-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

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Chiang Mai and Bangkok voted among world’s best destinations for backpackers



BANGKOK: -- Chiang Mai and Bangkok are voted heavens for backpackers’ destinations looking for budget travels. They are among the world’s 10 cheapest cities best for visits for backpackers and budget travelers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705996-chiang-mai-and-bangkok-voted-among-worlds-best-destinations-for-backpackers/

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UPDATE:

Foreign woman killed in car crash named

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705753-unidentified-foreign-woman-killed-in-phuket-crash/#entry7468503

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Thai civic groups seek dissolution of Pheu Thai Party
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 21 – Two social activist groups have called on Thailand's Election Commission (EC) to recommend dissolution of the Pheu Thai Party following the caretaker prime minister’s exaggerated claim of the success of the rice pledging scheme which could mislead voters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705998-thai-civic-groups-seek-dissolution-of-pheu-thai-party/

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Court accepts farmer’s lawsuit against govt over rice payment
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 21 – Thailand's Central Administrative Court has accepted a farmer’s lawsuit against the government for its failure to pay for the rice she delivered under the rice pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706002-court-accepts-farmers-lawsuit-against-thai-govt-over-rice-payment/

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Drop in Thai holiday packages



BANGKOK: -- There has been a drop in holiday packages to Thailand since December when anti-government protesters began taking to the streets, according to New Straits Times.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706003-malaysia-drop-in-thai-holiday-packages/

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UPDATE:

Suvarnabhumi authorities preparing to deal with incoming farmers mob

BANGKOK, 21 February 2014 (NNT) – Suvarnabhumi Airport authorities are making preparations to deal with farmers making their way to the airport to protest the government's delay in paying them money under the rice pledging program.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/705936-thai-farmers-to-target-suvarnabhumi-airport/page-7?p=7468640#entry7468640

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Army chief denies knowing anonymous armed fighters helping protesters



BANGKOK: -- Army commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha today denied any knowledge of anonymous armed fighters helping anti-government protesters to retaliate anti-riot police during a brief battle at Pan Fah bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706005-thai-army-chief-denies-knowing-anonymous-armed-fighters-helping-protesters/