Thailand Live Wednesday 26 Feb 2014

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RT @tulsathit: Chiang Rai here she comes. RT @ktnews: RT @jeerapong_nna: 10.20 am. #nna http://t.co/rxSZnDbn0S

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RT @tulsathit: RT @PatricLand: 10.30AM Yingluck meets her supporters RT @jeerapong_nna: http://t.co/NIOV6VGhYd

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Gunfire becomes new norm in Thai capital
BY PAIRAT TEMPHAIROJANA
BANGKOK

(Reuters) - Shots fired by unknown gunmen on Wednesday rattled parts of the Thai capital where anti-government protesters have set up camp for weeks, with small but occasionally deadly bombs and gunfire fast becoming the new norm in the city.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707059-gunfire-becomes-new-norm-in-thai-capital/

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Thai actress fights off drunk man in mask who tried to sexually assault her
By Coconuts Bangkok

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707062-thai-actress-fights-off-drunk-man-in-mask-who-tried-to-sexually-assault-her/

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UPDATE:

PDRC protest sites under bomb and gun attacks

BANGKOK: -- Sporadic gunfire and bomb explosions continued to rock the protest sites of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) at Pathumwan and Ratchaprasong intersections shortly after midnight.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707014-bangkok-clashes-break-out-between-pdrc-guards-unknown-group-late-tuesday-night/page-2?p=7491888#entry7491888

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Black-clad PRRC protesters rally at National Police HQ to demand progress on grenade attacks, police step up tight security /MCOT

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Still 'no news' on missing journalist



BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) yesterday sent a letter to Prime Minister Hun Sen asking him to ensure an adequate investigation is being carried out into the disappearance of veteran journalist and author Dave Walker in Siem Reap town on February 14.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707067-missing-in-cambodia-still-no-news-on-journalist-dave-walker-who-worked-in-thailand-for-years/

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TCEB plans to boost Thailand's MICE industry

BANGKOK, 26 February 2014 (NNT) - The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is planning to launch aggressive campaigns to position Thailand as the region’s MICE hub.

TCEB Chief Nopparat Methaweekulchai said one of the strategies is to use online media to penetrate more markets. The plan includes the development of a comprehensive MICE website and increased use of social media. The campaign is expected to cost a total of 45 million baht.

The website, www.businesseventsthailand.com, will become the information center for MICE events in the country. The website will be available in 3 languages including Thai, English, and Chinese.

Other important campaigns to trigger the MICE industry, according to the TCEB chief, are the introduction of Thailand MICE Venues Vote Awards 2014 and MICE Photo Contest on Instagram. He said both campaigns would help Thailand achieve a 2014 target of 987,000 MICE visitors, with revenues projected at 96.9 billion baht, up 5% and 10% respectively over the figures projected this year.


-- NNT 2014-02-26

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PDRC peaceful rally at National Police Office



BANGKOK: -- Over ten thousand protesters led by almost all the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leaders rallied in front of the National Police Office to demand justice from the police over the brutal attacks in Trat and Bangkok that killed four children.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707069-bangkok-pdrc-peaceful-rally-at-national-police-office/

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Special Report: Bangkok Gem Fair 2014 hopes to attract buyers despite ongoing protests

BANGKOK: -- The 53rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF), Asia’s second largest gem trade show, opened February 25 and will run until Saturday March 1st, and is expected to draw at least 30,000 buyers from all over the world.

The BGJF boasts gross export revenues exceeding 400 billion baht. Visitors from more than 125 countries will be heading to the fair which is the first large trade fair of the year. Over 30 countries participate in the fair, with more than 300 booths displaying their finest products.

The fair plays a vital role in the export of Thai gems and jewelry and is jointly organized by the Thai Gem and Jewelry Trader Association and the Department of International Trade Promotion. The department is promoting the 53rd BGJF among international buyers and visitors, to raise the confidence of international traders as to Bangkok being a viable venue and to allay concerns regarding the prolonged protests in Bangkok.

Earlier reports suggested that the ongoing political turmoil had depressed the influx of potential foreign buyers, with more than 10 per cent cancelling their visits to the BGJF. However organizers reported receiving Fair pre-registrations at a very satisfactory rate, for both visitors and for the Business Matching Service.

The Thai Gem and Jewelry Trader Association president Somchai Phornchindarak reiterated that the fair is not affected by tourist numbers as the sale of gems and other precious stones is dictated by the state of the global economy. Most of the exhibitors are exporters and traders, unlike those who sell to tourists who are affected by the street protests.

Incentives are also being offered to buyers and exhibitors. They include free hotel accommodation for visitors invited to the Fair by registered exhibitors, and a waiver of the 20 percent duty normally applied on items brought in for the fair. The organizers have also prepared alternative insurance for all exhibitors, in cases where overseas insurers do not provide cover.


-- NNT 2014-02-26

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Transport Minister Chadchart dishes on private chat with top American cat and its owner also
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- What do American investors think of Thailand's current political situation?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707074-transport-minister-chadchart-dishes-on-private-chat-with-top-american-cat-and-its-owner-also/

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UPDATE:

NACC member rules out double standard in rice graft probe
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 26 – The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has rejected charges of double standards in its investigation of alleged corruption in the government’s rice pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707017-pm-yingluck-warned-by-nacc-she-may-lose-an-important-opportunity/page-3#entry7492219

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Singaporeans staying away from Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- Violent outbreaks in Bangkok have deterred Singaporeans from visiting the city, with travel agents reporting that bookings have slowed to a trickle.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707077-singaporeans-staying-away-from-bangkok/

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Surapong to invite UN secretary general to advise solution

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said Wednesday that he will invite United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon to advise how to find a solution for the nation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707080-surapong-to-invite-un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-to-advise-solution/

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Yingluck now in Chiang Rai



BANGKOK: -- Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is now in Chiang Rai province to follow up drug suppression and progress in the development of economic zone operations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707081-yingluck-now-in-chiang-rai/

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THAI takes Bt12 bn consolidate net loss for 2013

Thai Airways International and subsidiaries recorded a net loss last year of Bt12 billion compared to 2012 net profit of Bt6.510 billion, due to the combined impairment loss of Bt5.426 billion and a Bt3.895 billion loss on foreign currency exchange.


-- The Nation 2014-02-26

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UPDATE:

PM keeps mum on whether to hear rice charges from NACC tomorrow



BANGKOK, 26 February 2014 (NNT) – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is paying official visits to northern provinces while refusing to answer whether she will appear before the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) tomorrow to hear her charges stemming from the rice pledging scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707081-yingluck-now-in-chiang-rai/#entry7492337

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Aussie helps disabled Phuket cigarette vendor get a leg to stand on
Phuket Gazette


Mr Clarkson, who first saw Ms Wilaiwan 4-5 years ago, is impressed with her spirit and seeking to help her get a new prosthetic leg. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- A Phuket cigarette vendor who was born with a deformed leg and no hands is on her way to getting a new prosthetic limb, thanks to an Australian visitor and an aluminum recycling project.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707084-aussie-helps-disabled-phuket-cigarette-vendor-get-a-leg-to-stand-on/

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EC commissioner Somchai to seek court's ruling on new election decree

BANGKOK: -- Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said Wednesday that the EC would seek a new ruling from the Constitutional Court as to whether the EC or the government has the power to issue a new election decree.

Somchai said the ruling would be needed after the government insisted that it could not enact a new decree to set a new election date for 28 constituencies in eight southern provinces.

The EC has asked the government to issue a new decree to set a new election date for the 28 constituencies because the constituencies have no candidates due to blockade of candidacy registration by protesters.

Somchai said the request to the court would be sent within Wednesday.

Earlier, the EC asked the court to rule whether the election date could be delayed and the court ruled that it could but the EC and the government must work out when the new date should be set.


-- The Nation 2014-02-26

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Pathum Police Arrest Serial 'Rapist-Robber'
By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- Police in Pathum Thani are appealing for information concerning a suspect arrested on suspicion of raping and robbing many victims.

The 32-year old suspect, identified by the police as Mr. Ekkarin "Wao" Sanklao, was arrested after he allegedly robbed and raped a female factory worker in Kukot district on 14 February.

According to the police, the woman said she was robbed by Mr. Ekkarin near Soi Phaholyothin 71 as she was walking home from a bus stop. She told the police she was raped by the suspect later, before he escaped the scene with 10,000 baht in cash and a cellphone that he has robbed from her.

The police eventually arrested Mr. Ekkarin yesterday. The suspect admitted to his allegation, and claimed that he has committed the crimes in similar manners "many times" in the districts of Don Mueang, Kukot, and Pakkred.

Mr. Ekkarin has been charged with robbery and rape.

The police have urged other victims of Mr. Ekkarin to visit Kukot Police Station and press charges against the suspect. The police station can be reached via telephone at 02-531-8999.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNU16TXpNekF4T0E9PQ==


-- Khaosod English 2014-02-26

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Suthep asserts never asking military for coup; Caretaker DPM Surapong proposes inviting UN chief as mediator to end political turmoil /MCOT

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AVIATION
THAI books Bt12bn net loss
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International showed a net loss of Bt12 billion in 2013, seriously hit by fierce competition and political turbulence in the fourth quarter. In the previous year, it reaped Bt6.23 billion in net profit.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707087-thai-books-bt12bn-net-loss/

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Yingluck visits Chiang Rai
The Nation

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707081-yingluck-now-in-chiang-rai/#entry7492516

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Power demand slowdown due to political instability
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Feb 26 – The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is predicting this year’s electricity demand to rise only by 2 per cent, lower than the expected 3-4 per cent rise due to slow economic growth as a result of ongoing political problems.

EGAT Governor Soonchai Kumnoonsate said power consumption had dropped for three consecutive months, while February consumption also declined compared to the same period last year. He explained that lower electricity demand was obviously in tandem with the sluggish economy dampened by ongoing political instability.

Mr Soonchai told the media that EGAT will reduce production costs to cope with reduced revenues from declining electricity sales. It will, however, invest more in the power distribution system and go ahead with the planned construction of a new power plant. EGAT has also prepared to increase income from its maintenance service.

The EGAT governor also reported that the country's power consumption is expected to hit its peak in April at 27,000 megawatts, about 100 megawatts higher than last April. He gave assurances that EGAT will have enough electricity supply to cope with the peak electricity demand in April. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-02-26

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No plans for separation, UDD leader stresses

BANGKOK: -- Weng Tojirakarn, a leader of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship and a former Pheu Thai MP, on Wednesday rebutted the claim made by the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, that the red shirts had a plan for national separation.

"There is no setting up of an armed force and we don't want to split the country. The UDD needs to fight politically, not militarily," he said.

-- The Nation 2014-02-26

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UPDATE:

POLITICS
Suthep rallies at police headquarters Wednesday


Photo : FB Ratchadamnoen

BANGKOK: -- Rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday led protesters to rally in front of police headquarters on Pathumwan Road to demand police to take to justice those who attacked and killed the anti-government protesters.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707069-bangkok-pdrc-peaceful-rally-at-national-police-office/

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Surapong to invite UN chief to be advisor

BANGKOK: -- Chief advisor to the Center for the Maintaining of Peace and Order (CMPO) Surapong Tovichakchaikul disclosed today that he has invited United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon to be the center’s advisor.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707114-surapong-to-invite-un-chief-to-be-advisor/

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RT@UDD_English: Crowd waiting for caretaker PM in Chiang Rai - 10:00 - photo via @reporter_Itsara pic.twitter.com/I8hqbNp54j

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No plans for separation, UDD leader stresses
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Weng Tojirakarn, a leader of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship and a former Pheu Thai MP, on Wednesday rebutted the claim made by the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, that the red shirts had a plan for national separation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707124-no-plans-for-separation-udd-leader-weng-stresses/

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UPDATE:

UDD Leader: Redshirts Do Not Seek Secession
By Khaosod English


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra visits her supporters in Chiang Rai, one of major strongholds of the Redshirts, 26 February 2014

BANGKOK: -- Core member of the Redshirts leadership has denied allegations that pro-Redshirts provinces are gearing up to secede from Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/707124-no-plans-for-separation-udd-leader-weng-stresses/#entry7493017