Thailand Live Wednesday 26 Feb 2014

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Cabinet orders ministries to sue protesters

BANGKOK, 26 February 2014 (NNT) - The Cabinet on Tuesday instructed all ministries to assess the damage caused by the surrounding of government buildings by anti-government protesters. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra expressed regret at violent incidents and asked the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to provide assistance for the injured and relatives of the dead.

Deputy Spokesman of the government Phakdiharn Himathongkham said the Cabinet agreed to sue the protesters for their rallies which had prevented civil servants from working at the ministries. The rallies created extra expenses and wasted government budget, he said.

The PM also assigned her deputy Chalerm Yubamrung, the director of the Center for Maintaining Peace and Order, to evaluate the center’s operations to deal with the protests and come up with measures in responding to the Civil Court’s ruling which prohibited the center from dispersing the protesters.


-- NNT 2014-02-26

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Deputy government spokesperson detained by PDRC while running errand at Siam

BANGKOK, 26 February 2014 (NNT) – Deputy Government Spokesperson First Lieutenant Sunisa Loetphakkhawat was detained by People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) guards for almost an hour on Tuesday while running her own errands in the Siam Square area of Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707005-deputy-govt-spokeswoman-sunisa-detained-by-pdrc/

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UPDATE:

ACCIDENT
10 killed in construction-site collapse
THIRAPON KHUMSUK
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- A CONCRETE structure at a medical institute's construction site partially collapsed in Samut Prakan's Bang Phli district yesterday, killing 10 labourers and injuring 16 others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706909-samut-prakan-at-least-two-workers-killed-several-others-injured-in-building-collapse/page-2?p=7490782#entry7490782

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POLITICS
Talks offer glimmer of hope
The Nation

PDRC-linked monk met with Somchai Wongsawat on Monday

BANGKOK: -- A new round of talks between the government and the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) showed potential for a possible peaceful solution - as both sides agreed to end the violence. But further talks could be in jeopardy after one side broke a promise not to prematurely reveal the contents to the public.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707006-talks-offer-glimmer-of-hope-thai-politics/

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RICE PLEDGING
Nod to Bt20 bn partial payout to rice farmers
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Farmers move from in front of the Commerce Ministry offices to the Air Force Club on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road yesterday after discovering that caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was holding a Cabinet meeting at the club.

EC ratification needed for govt-approved proposal from National Rice panel

BANGKOK: -- The caretaker Cabinet yesterday approved a short-term allocation of Bt20 billion from the central budget to pay off debt owed to rice farmers, following a proposal by the National Rice Policy Committee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707007-nod-to-bt20-bn-partial-payout-to-rice-farmers/

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CRIME
Former Navy Seals 'not plot to snatch PM', freed by police
The Nation

RAYONG: -- Rayong police arrested and briefly detained five men they said were Navy special operations personnel, who had stayed at a local hotel for suspicious reasons.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707008-former-thai-navy-seals-not-plot-to-snatch-pm-freed-by-police/

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POLITICS
Political chaos claims fourth child victim
The Nation

Parents hold up banners

Shooting heard in three sites in Silom; woman driver promises serious payback

BANGKOK: -- A five-year-old girl yesterday succumbed to injuries sustained when unknown attackers hurled grenades and fired at a rally site of anti-government protesters in Trat.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707009-thailand-political-chaos-claims-fourth-child-victim/

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NATION ANALYSIS
Yingluck urged to defy courts, independent agencies
Opas Boonlom
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- With several corruption cases and petitions involving claims that Premier Yingluck Shinawatra violated the constitution, it is perhaps not surprising that the red shirts have suggested she should exercise civil disobedience against court rulings or decisions by independent agencies that go against the caretaker government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707010-yingluck-urged-to-defy-courts-independent-agencies/

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EDITORIAL
Let's chase politics back to where it belongs
The Nation

The corruption and power play at the heart of the crisis has now cost the lives of four children; we need collective action by ordinary voters to prevent such horrific violence

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707011-thai-editorial-lets-chase-politics-back-to-where-it-belongs/

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STOPPAGE TIME
Why it isn't a class struggle
Tulsathit Taptim

BANGKOK: -- One side insists it's a campaign against massive corruption and abuse of democratic power. The other claims it's an attempt by the country's elites to wrest back political control from the poor. Both claim to be right, so let's meet in the middle. How does a "power play" sound?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707013-why-it-isnt-a-class-struggle-thai-opinion/

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Clashes break out between PDRC guards, unknown group late Tuesday night

BANGKOK: -- Clashes broke out between security guards of the People's Democratic Reform Committee and an unknown group at four spots in Bangkok. No casualty was reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707014-bangkok-clashes-break-out-between-pdrc-guards-unknown-group-late-tuesday-night/

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2 suspects nabbed with 10kg of crystal meth
The Nation

CHIANG RAI: -- Police in the far North have announced the arrest on Monday of two suspects along with 10 kilograms of crystal meth with a street value of Bt30 million.

Provincial Police in Region 5 said Hom Oonsaeng, a stateless 29-year-old woman, and a 39-year-old Myanmar man identified only as Keu were arrested in Chiang Rai, while an accomplice escaped a police sting operation in Chiang Mai.

The arrests came from work by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the US-based Drug Enforcement Administration and provincial police to crack a transnational drug ring involving individuals in the northern border area.

DSI deputy chief Pol Colonel Paisit Wongmuang, said Keu allegedly confessed to exchanging drugs for Bt20,000 a time, while Hom allegedly confessed that she co-ordinated the deal for a payment of Bt500,000-600,000 if the trade was successful.


-- The Nation 2014-02-26

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High cost to drive Thailand behind ASEAN in rice exports



BANGKOK: -- Thailand will likely lag ASEAN in rice exports due to increasing competitors and farmers’ low income, a Thai economist said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707015-high-cost-to-drive-thailand-behind-asean-in-rice-exports/

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Academics proposes media reform



BANGKOK: -- Chulalongkorn University academics have put forward a proposal for the reform of Thailand and urges the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) to implement measures to tackle the issue of inaccurate reporting by the media which they said is one of the causes of the political crisis afflicting the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707016-chulalongkorn-academics-proposes-media-reform/

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PM warned by NACC she may lose an important opportunity



BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will lose the right to copy documents about the enquiry into her role regarding the rice scandal if she fails to show up this Thursday to acknowledge the malfeasance in office charge to be lodged against her by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707017-pm-yingluck-warned-by-nacc-she-may-lose-an-important-opportunity/

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BURNING ISSUE
Problems reflect lack of a neutral agency to maintain order
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

Unless the law can be enforced, what is the reason for a nation to have the rule of law?

BANGKOK: -- The current political conflict was supposed to settle within the legal framework from last year when the government, under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, decided to dissolve the House of Representative and called a snap election to assemble a new Cabinet to run the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707018-problems-reflect-lack-of-a-neutral-agency-to-maintain-order-thai-politics/

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Phuket’s X-Terminal officially opened
Phuket Gazette


The X-Terminal grand opening was led by Director of AoT Pongsak Semson (left), President of AoT Makin Petplai (center) and Director of Phuket International Airport Pratuang Sornkham. Photo: PR PPAO

PHUKET: -- Phuket International Airport’s X-Terminal was officially opened yesterday, after a successful trial period serving Chinese and Russian charter flights.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707020-phukets-x-terminal-officially-opened/

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Fighting for their freedom: Thai prison inmates earn parole by beating foreign kickboxers in brutal tournaments and 'bringing honour to their country'
Klong Prem Central Prison organises 'Prison Fight' tournaments
Inmates can battle for their freedom or a reduction in their sentence
By Ted Thornhill

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707022-thai-prison-inmates-earn-parole-by-beating-foreign-kickboxers-in-brutal-tournaments/

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Foreign Min releases statement condemning recent attacks

BANGKOK, 26 February 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement condemning recent violent incidents that have claimed many lives and wounded several others.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707023-thai-foreign-min-releases-statement-condemning-recent-attacks/

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Brit tourist injured, pays B200k after Phuket jet-ski smash
Claire Connell


A sense of perspective: David Rimmer. Photo Steve Weemes, Herts and Essex Newspapers Ltd

PHUKET: -- A British man is thankful he’s alive after he crashed a jet-ski into a speedboat while on holiday on the island, and ended up having to fork out B200,000 to settle the bill.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707035-brit-tourist-injured-pays-b200k-after-phuket-jet-ski-smash/

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Turn-around in rules for foreign-owned yachts in Phuket
Wiparatana Nathalang


Nunthita Sirikup, Director of the Phuket Customs Department.

PHUKET: -- The rules applying to yachts anchoring in Phuket waters for any length of time have been rolled back after a reaction of pure horror from yacht and marina owners.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707039-turn-around-in-rules-for-foreign-owned-yachts-in-phuket/

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Norwegian man dead

BANGKOK: -- A 49 year-old man from Birkenes in Norway died monday in an drowning accident.

Press officer Frode Andersen from the Norwegian Foreign Department could monday confirm that a 49 year-old man who was on vacation in Thailand had drowned in the Koh Samui area.

The Norwegian Foreign Department does not have any other information on the accident yet and they have offered helped to the mans family in Thailand.

Source: http://scandasia.com/norwegian-man-dead/

-- ScandAsia 2014-02-26

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Army chief rules out taking Defence Minister post or neutral PM; violent attacks will continue if no party respects rule of law /MCOT

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,304.51, gains 0.63 points /MCOT

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Etihad Airways launches daily direct flight between Abu Dhabi and Phuket

PHUKET: -- Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will expand its network in South East Asia with the launch of a non-stop daily service between Abu Dhabi and Phuket.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707052-etihad-airways-launches-daily-direct-flight-between-abu-dhabi-and-phuket/

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UPDATE:

Girl, 5, succumbs to wounds from Trat rally attack
By Digital Content

RAYONG, Feb 26 – A five-year-old girl who was wounded in an attack on an anti-government rally in the eastern seaboard province of Trat was pronounced dead yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707009-thailand-political-chaos-claims-fourth-child-victim/?p=7491661#entry7491661

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Army chief says no foreign force involved in violence against protesters /MCOT

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Daily Weather Forecast For Thailand 26 February 2014

General Situation
The low pressure area covers upper Thailand. Rises temperature with hot and haze during the daytime are likely in the areas. But remains cool weather in the morning in the North and the Northeast.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Wednesday to 6.00 a.m. Thursday.
Northern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning and hotter during the daytime. Minimum temperature 16-22 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 35-36 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool with fog in the morning. Hot and haze during the daytime. Minimum temperature 20-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-36 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand Partly cloudy with fog in the morning. Hot and haze during the daytime. Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 34-37 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Partly cloudy with light fog in the morning. Hot and haze during the daytime. Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-35 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Cool and light fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius. From Chumphon northward: Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter. From Surat Thani southward: Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cool and light fog in the morning. Minimum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-36 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 10-30 km/hr. Wave height below 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Partly cloudy with light fog in the morning. Hot during the daytime. Minimum temperature 24-26 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-35 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 10-30 km/hr.


-- NNT 2014-02-26

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

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Free TV’s rating might drop after the advent of Digital TV

BANGKOK, 26 Feb 2014, (NNT) - According to the Advertising Association of Thailand, the rating of free TV would likely dive after the advent of digital TV, saying that major channels such as Channel 3 and 7 are at risk of being ranked 6th.

The association’s Honorary President Wittawat Chaipanee made the forecast while suggesting advertisers study viewer choices and a channel’s popularity during the trial run period before embarking on advertising production for a particular channel.

Mr. Wittawat pointed out that the amount advertisers would spend is directly proportional to the number of channels available while saying, once digital TV is introduced, ads would cost more to cover the same number of viewers.

Mr. Wittawat estimated that the advertising rating of the now dominant Channels 3 and 7 would drop to 6th after 2 years of Digital TV implementation as more choices would be available to viewers.


-- NNT 2014-02-26

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RT @tulsathit: Yincluck arrives in Chiang Rai, says she will seek advice on meeting NACC over rice scheme charges. via @nnanews

RT @tulsathit: Yingluck's official agenda in Chiang Rai - drug and pollution problems. via @MatichonOnline