Thailand Live Tuesday 25 Feb 2014

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SCB told to unfreeze 38 bank accounts



BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation has asked the Siam Commercial Bank to unfreeze the bank accounts of protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and 37 other leading figures of the protest movement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706832-scb-told-to-unfreeze-the-bank-accounts-of-suthep-and-37-other-leading-figures/

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CMPO's wings clipped by Civil Court's ruling
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 25 – Thailand's Civil Court ruling prohibiting the authorities from taking harsh action against anti-government protesters has disrupted the peace-keeping operation of the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), according to a senior security official.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706833-cmpos-wings-clipped-by-civil-courts-ruling/

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Navy told to stop guarding anti-govt protesters
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 25 – A Red Shirt leader has called on the Royal Thai Navy to stop protecting protest leaders of the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706835-red-shirt-leader-thida-tells-thai-navy-to-stop-guarding-anti-govt-protesters/

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Red-shirt guards seize farmers’ muster point on Friendship Highway



BANGKOK: -- About 30 red-shirt guards in black shirts and some cover their faces with masks erected make-shift tents at Samyaek Ban Wat trisection in Kong district of Nakhon Ratchasima with posters and placards warning farmers to stay away from the area.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706838-red-shirt-guards-seize-farmers-muster-point-on-friendship-highway/

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Phra Buddha Issara criticised for jumping the gun



BANGKOK: -- Phra Buddha Issara has come under criticism for his unilateral decision to hold talks with former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706839-phra-buddha-issara-criticised-for-jumping-the-gun/

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Red Cross appeals for blood donations

BANGKOK, 25 February 2014 (NNT) – The Thai Red Cross Society is appealing for blood donation following the recent spate of attacks that claimed several lives and injuries.

As the National Blood Center, under the supervision of the Thai Red Cross, has failed to secure up to 2,000 units of blood needed each day, it is asking everyone to donate blood in order for the center to be able to distribute blood to hospitals nationwide.

Recently, hospitals located near protest sites have been requesting for as much as 2,000 units of blood per day, but the center can not meet the demand as its blood supply is running low.

To ensure that sufficient blood supply is available for those in need, the Red Cross has urged the public to make an appointment for blood donation at their convenience. Those interested can contact the National Blood Center at 0-2256-4300 or visit the center seven days a week.


-- NNT 2014-02-25

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Two teacher protection unit members wounded in bombing attack in Narathiwat's Tak Bai; Yala village head's brother shot dead /MCOT

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RT @tukky_nt: PM Yingluck is scheduled to perform her duty in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai from Wed-Fri, source from Govt House said. via @jeerapong_nna

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Graft buster to discuss red-shirts’ threat



BANGKOK: -- The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) board will meet today to have a resolution on accusation by the caretaker prime minister that the graft buster took just a brief 21-day to investigate the rice-pledging scheme which she was involved and decided to bring charges against her. Threat by red-shirts to blockade the NAC C office on Thursday will also be discussed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706863-thai-graft-buster-to-discuss-red-shirts-threat/

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Flighting, my president: Yingluck's warm welcome goes wrong
By Coconuts Bangkok



“Fighting, fighting, fighting!” has become a Thai expression pulled from English vocabulary.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706876-flighting-my-president-yinglucks-warm-welcome-goes-wrong/

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Radio Thailand celebrating 84th anniversary

BANGKOK, 25 February 2014 (NNT) – Radio Thailand, under the supervision of the Government Public Relations Department, is celebrating its 84th birthday anniversary.

Director General of the Government Public Relations Department (PRD) Apinan Juntarungsri this morning presided over the opening ceremony to kick start an event celebrating the 84th anniversary of Radio Thailand.

Activities during such a special occasion included alms-offering and merit-making ceremonies as well as an exhibition depicting digital era of Thailand's radio industry.

This year, Radio Thailand does not accept gift baskets, but is raising money for a good cause. The money will be donated to the Foundation for the Welfare of the Mentally Retarded of Thailand, under the royal patronage of HM Queen Sirikit, who has been for so many years playing an important role in helping and supporting the mentally-challenged.


-- NNT 2014-02-25

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POLITICS
Yingluck heads north this week

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706782-yingluck-to-work-outside-bangkok-to-avoid-protesters/page-2?p=7487408#entry7487408

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BAAC Board unable to reach conclusion on rice support program funding

BANGKOK, 25 Feb 2014 (NNT) - The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is still unable to reach a concrete solution to the financial assistance problem for the farmers waiting for payments from the government’s rice support program, after a 4-hour meeting of the BAAC executive board on Monday.

The Deputy Finance Minister and head of the BAAC board, Mr. Thanusak Lek-uthai, said that the board would meet again on Thursday as the bank attempts to seek a suitable method to provide financial aid to the farmers while they are waiting for the government to come up with a way to make the payment.

Meanwhile, a BAAC board member, Wirat Sakweeraphapong, reassured the BAAC’s customers that it would not use its liquidity fund to fuel the rice scheme. Regarding the idea of issuing promissory notes and bonds to fund the rice program, Mr. Wirat said the measure needs further study, adding that the topic would be discussed again during the upcoming meeting on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the BAAC Managing Director, Mr. Lak Wajanawaj, still remains in his position despite a rumor that he might be asked to leave the bank for not complying with the government’s policies.


-- NNT 2014-02-25

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Police chief says group behind violent incidents during protest related to 2010 political violence, to review invoking internal security act /MCOT

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Trang prison digs for groundwater to combat drought seasons

TRANG 25 February 2014 (NNT) — The warden of the Trang prison has reported that the complex is turning to groundwater as an answer to drought problems in the province.

Prawat Sammanee, Warden of Trang Provincial Prison stated that the facility had invested over 200,000 baht in digging wells that are nearly 80 meters into the ground to utilize groundwater to resolve shortages brought on by drought seasons. A total of 5 wells have been dug.

Water collected from the wells is initially stored in a large clarifier prior to being used for consumption and washing in the prison. Mr. Prawat reported that the prison is currently holding 2,389 inmates, both male and female. Prisoners are allowed to bathe twice a day to cool off in hot weather and to prevent inmates from becoming agitated and restless due to the heat.

Furthermore, should the drought season become more severe, the Trang Provincial Prison has set up water pumps at various public water sources to be utilized by the prison, and will coordinate with local officials to receive sufficient water truck deliveries to support the complex.


-- NNT 2014-02-25

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NBTC set to launch digital broadcast on April 1st

BANGKOK,25 February 2014 (NNT) -- On April 1st, residents in some provinces will be able to watch digital terrestrial television as the The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has set the date for the start of the system test.

NBTC's broadcasting committee also announced its approval of the results of last month's auction of 24 commercial digital TV licences.

Residents in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Songkhla will be able to watch the new broadcast system before anyone else as of April 1st. By June, the new service will be extended to cover seven other provinces. The new broadcast system will cover all 22 million TV-equipped households nationwide in four years.

NBTC will soon complete discussions on the provision of set top boxes and antennas, and how to lower the cost of these essential items.

-- NNT 2014-02-25

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UPDATE:

Two wounded in gun, bomb attacks at PDRC rally site
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 25 - Two people were slightly wounded in a shooting and bombing attack at the protesters security guard post near Lumpini Park early Tuesday, while elsewhere, an M79 grenade was fired near Democrat Party headquarters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706827-bomb-explosions-and-gunfire-rock-pdrcs-silom-rally-site/page-2?p=7487698#entry7487698

[Lite Beer]

CDD Deputy Director-General visits community development project in Trang

TRANG 25 February 2014 (NNT) — The Community Development Department’s (CDD) Deputy Director-General has visited Trang’s most recent community development project.

Pisan Pratanchawano, CDD Deputy Director-General, along with a number of CDD officials visited Trang’s current community project to assess progress and to ensure that the province would be able to achieve its goals in developing its local community.

Mr. Pisan stated that the Ministry of Interior has issued a clear mission statement in order to develop local communities, and to succeed in generating local income from businesses. The intention is to maintain a happy and harmonious community.

The CDD Deputy Director-General went on to say that Trang’s community development project is therefore an important project that will promote an exchange of ideas and foster cooperation between officials that would lead to the successful development of the community. He later wished everyone the best and urged all to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities before he and members of the CDD ended their review of the enterprising project.

-- NNT 2014-02-25

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: [bangkok Post] Temple bomb kills 3, hurts 28 in Roi Et

[Lite Beer]

Three killed, 25 injured at concert explosion in Roi Et

Roi Et - A grenade was hurled at a group of teenagers at traditional I-saan concert in this northeaster province early Tuesday, fatally injuring three and severely injuring 25 others, police said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706903-three-killed-25-injured-at-concert-explosion-in-roi-et/

[Lite Beer]

At least two workers killed, several others injured in building collapse

A four-storey building under construction in Samut Prakan collapsed Tuesday, killing at least two workers and injured several others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706909-samut-prakan-at-least-two-workers-killed-several-others-injured-in-building-collapse/

[Lite Beer]

'PM-Kidnapping Team' Not Active Personnel: Navy
By Khaosod English


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Saraburi province, 24 February 2014

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Thai Navy has denied any connection to a group of suspects allegedly arrested on suspicion of carrying firearms and plotting to kidnap the Prime Minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706910-pm-kidnapping-team-not-active-personnel-thai-navy/

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Police brace angry farmers with riot shields causing a number of injuries



BANGKOK: -- Several farmers were injured when anti-riot police tried to stop them from storming into the compound of the Air Force Headquarters to meet the caretaker prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Farmers rushed to the Air Force HQ by noon today after hearing that Ms Yingluck was chairing the meeting of her caretaker cabinet inside the compound to approve the spending of 20 billion baht from the central fund to pay farmers as it has earlier promised within this week.

Hundreds of farmers shouted in front of the anti-riot police line, demanding the caretaker prime minister to come out and meet them within 15 minutes.

But as the 15 minute deadline passed without any answer, angry farmers tried to break open the police cordon by force with shouts at the police to let them go inside to meet her.

The police retaliated by using their riot shields to hit at the angry farmers, causing injuries to several farmers, mostly women.

Several angry farmers burst into tears when their colleagues were beaten with shields by the police. They cursed and shouted at the police and also the caretaker prime minister for not coming out to meet them.

To prevent more trouble at the Air Force HQ, their leader told all farmers to retreat and to return to the Commerce Ministry to discuss further action.

But they vowed to return again.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Air-force-HQ-wpcf_728x413.jpg


-- Thai PBS 2014-02-25

[george]

And the winners are....

Thaivisa Expat Survey Finds 74% Happy With Life in Thailand

Survey results and winners announced: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706861-expat-survey-finds-74-happy-with-life-in-thailand/

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UPDATE:

CENTRE FOR MAINTAINING PEACE AND ORDER
Civil Court's order disrupts peacekeeping works : CMPO
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Civil Court ruling prohibiting harsh action against anti-government protesters has disrupted the peacekeeping operation of the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), said CMPO member.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706833-cmpos-wings-clipped-by-civil-courts-ruling/#entry7488306

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Volunteer army Ranger killed, 3 wounded in bomb ambush of patrol on a Pattani's Mae Lan district road /MCOT

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UPDATE:

Dialogue begins in attempt to reach truce between govt, protesters
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 25 - An Election Commission (EC) member today disclosed that a first round meeting between anti-government Buddhist monk, Phra Buddha Isara, and former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat to find resolutions to Thailand's escalating political conflicts has taken place.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706839-phra-buddha-issara-criticised-for-jumping-the-gun/?p=7488350#entry7488350

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UPDATE:

Korat Redshirts Scare Off Rice Protesters

By Khaosod English

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- Redshirts militants in Nakohn Ratchasima province have prevented rice farmers in the region from organising a rally to voice their grievance.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706838-red-shirt-guards-seize-farmers-muster-point-on-friendship-highway/page-3?p=7488374#entry7488374

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Pheu Thai MPs sues six constitutional court judges in Criminal Court



BANGKOK: -- A group of former Members of Parliament (MPs) of the ruling Pheu Thai party today filed a case in the Criminal Court accusing six of the 9-member panel of the Constitutional Court judges of malfeasance in office and abusing of authority for accepting a petition by a retired army general accusing a total of 314 MPs for amending of the constitution regarding the composition of the Senate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706918-pheu-thai-mps-sues-six-constitutional-court-judges-in-criminal-court/

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UPDATE:

11 workers dead, 18 injured in Thai building collapse: police

BANGKOK, February 25, 2014 (AFP) - At least 11 workers died and 18 others were injured when a large concrete beam collapsed Tuesday at a construction site just outside Bangkok, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706909-samut-prakan-at-least-two-workers-killed-several-others-injured-in-building-collapse/#entry7488481