Thailand Live Friday 7 Mar 2014

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Army Chief urges peace in the country

BANGKOK 7 March 2014 (NNT) — The Army Commander in Chief Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, has confirmed that he feels that signs that have been put up in the country to promote separatism are unacceptable — urging everyone to live in peace.

Gen. Prayuth stated that all sides should work together for the good of the country, and that the army does not discriminate against supporters of any color in the political spectrum.

He went on to say that people in the country should respect the rule of law in order for peace to prevail in Thailand, and that he didn't understand why people were so determined to fight with one another.

Lastly, he urged all sides to think about the good of the country. Fighting with each other, he said, can only hurt the nation. Moreover, he stated that the army serves the Thai people, and the fact that signs have been put up in some areas to promote separatism in the country is unacceptable.


-- NNT 2014-03-07

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Rally leader suspends activities for safety of her family
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A rally leader who blew whistle at ex-wife of fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra announced on Friday she decided to suspend her political activities following bomb attacks at her house and her mother’s Khao Yai residence.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709184-rally-leader-taya-suspends-activities-for-safety-of-her-family;-thaksins-ex-wife-at-emporium/

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PDRC to seek court ruling on status of caretaker govt, PM
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, March 6 - The anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) will petition the Constitution Court tomorrow to review the caretaker status of the government and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, arguing that the government has lost its legitimacy in running the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709186-pdrc-to-seek-court-ruling-on-status-of-caretaker-govt-pm-yingluck/

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UPDATE:

Gunfire Near Lumpini Rally Site Injures 2
By Khaosod English



BANGKOK: -- Two persons have been injured by gunfire which rang out close to anti-government protest site in Lumpini Park this morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709169-two-injured-in-shootings-near-lumpini-rally-site-erawan-centre-bangkok/?p=7531954

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UPDATE:

Ongoing threat forces PDRC activist to end protest role



BANGKOK: -- An active anti-government protester Taya Teepsuwan today announced to suspend her anti-government role citing ongoing threat to her mother Sasima Srivikorn and school by armed perpetrators.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709184-rally-leader-taya-suspends-activities-for-safety-of-her-family;-thaksins-ex-wife-at-emporium/#entry7532038

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Surin campaigns for donations to build houses for the poor

SURIN, 7 March 2014 (NNT) — Surin has been campaigning for public donations that will be used to build houses for those who are unable to afford a home.

Governor of Surin Niran Kalyanamit revealed that the province has been on a campaign to build houses for poor and less-fortunate people in order to provide them with a place to live — adding that the province either builds or renovates one house for the poor every month.

In choosing a site for the project, the province asked members of the society to propose choices among the poor, sick or senior citizens who have no place to live, or whose houses were in deteriorated conditions.

The Surin provincial administration has urged those who are interested in lending a helping hand to the housing project by transferring money to its official bank accounts at Krung Thai Bank.

For more information, donors can contact the Surin City Hall at 044-515472.


-- NNT 2014-03-07

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UPDATE:

Two attacked by gunmen Friday morning

BANGKOK, 7 March 2014 (NNT) – Two people have been reportedly injured after being shot by unidentified gunmen. Meanwhile, there have already been more than 700 injuries since violence broke out at Ramkhamhaeng University, according to the Erawan Emergency Medical Center.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709169-two-injured-in-shootings-near-lumpini-rally-site-erawan-centre-bangkok/#entry7532121

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UPDATE:

ANTI-GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS
Taya pulls back for safety of family and students
The Nation

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709184-rally-leader-taya-suspends-activities-for-safety-of-her-family;-thaksins-ex-wife-at-emporium/#entry7532151

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UPDATE:

RTAF Chief calls for talks to end political conflicts

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709182-thai-air-force-chief-vows-tough-action-on-secession-banners/#entry7532209

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Rice prices dropped to 8,000 - 8,200 baht per ton

BANGKOK, 7 Mar 2014, (NNT) - The prices of rice have dropped to the range of 8,000 - 8,200 baht per ton for grain with 15% moisture content, according to the media reports, predicting that prices may dive even further down to 7,000 baht per ton.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709197-rice-prices-dropped-to-8000-8200-baht-per-ton/

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PDRC protesters at Finance Ministry;farmers rally at Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives,Bangkhen,demand rice pledge payment /MCOT

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ECmeets with 5 political parties in Songkhla on elections in 28 southern constituencies;anti govt protesters turn up,urge reform before poll /MCOT

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Daily Weather Forecast For Thailand 7 March 2014

General Situation
The heat low pressure over upper Thailand leads to hot with hazes during the day. Cool remains in the morning in the upper North.
The moderate easterly winds across the Gulf and the South brings isolated thundershower over in the East and the South with wave about 1-2 meters high in the Gulf.

Weather forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Friday to 6.00 a.m. Saturday.
Northern Thailand Cool in the upper part. Hot with haze during the day. Minimum temperature 15-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 35-38 degree Celsius.Southerly winds 10-20 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Hot with haze during the day. Isolated thundershowers mostly in the eastern part and lower part.Minimum temperature 18-26 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 36-38degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Central Thailand Mostly fair. Hot and haze during the day. Minimum temperature 23-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 35-39 degree Celsius.Southerly winds 10-25 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Hot and haze during the day in the upper part. Isolated thundershowers.Minimum temperature 23-25degree Celsius.Maximum temperature 32-36 degree Celsius. Southeasterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Southern Thailand East Coast Partly cloudy and haze during the day. Minimum temperature 20-25degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius.Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Partly cloudy. Hotter and haze during the day. Minimum temperature 20-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 33-36 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 meter.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Partly cloudy. Hot and haze during the day. Minimum temperature 24-26 degree Celsius.Maximum temperature 33-35 degree Celsius. Southerly winds 15-30 km/hr.

Today : Maximum temperature 36 degree Celsius.
: Sun rises at 6.31 a.m. Sun sets at 6.27 p.m.
: High water at 9.14 a.m. and at 10.28 p.m.
: Low water at 3.24 a.m. and at 5.30 p.m.


-- NNT 2014-03-07

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

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POLITICS
Caretaker premier welcomed by supporters in Mukdaharn

Photo : Vorawit Pumpung

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709202-pm-yingluck-inspects-water-situation-in-mukdahan/

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Dusit Thani dumps shark
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Dusit Thani Bangkok announced on Friday that shark fin soup would no longer be available at any of the hotel's eight dining establishments. The removal of the dish emphasises the luxurious hotel's continuous drive to do whatever possible to benefit the planet and its environment.

Shark fin soup is highly prized dish in Chinese cuisine, but the brutal way in which the fins are sourced - during which the fin is cut from the shark which is then dumped back into the ocean to die a long and painful death - has created an ever-increasing imbalance in the ocean with shark numbers dwindling around the world.

The ingredient, which has resulted in many species of shark being listed as endangered, has been replaced by delicious substitutes such as abalone and other Cantonese specialities.


-- The Nation 2014-03-07

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UPDATE:

Air Force taking legal action against red shirt activist for separatism
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, March 7 - Thai air force chief Air Chief Marshal Prachin Chantong today said airmen are collecting evidence to file charges against a hardcore red shirt activist involved with installing banners promoting separatism in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709182-thai-air-force-chief-vows-tough-action-on-secession-banners/page-2?p=7532593#entry7532593

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Royal Rain-Making started to help ease drought crisis

BANGKOK: -- The Director of the Royal Rain-Making Northeastern Operation Center, Mr.Paniti Samerwong, has announced that Royal Rain Making Operation Centers all over the country will operate to make rain artificially in 2014 to combat drought, wildfire, and smog problems.

The program will include storing water in reservoirs throughout the country. There will be 15 centers in total and they will operate in every region: two Northern centers in Chiangmai and Phitsanulok, three Central centers in Nakhon Sawan, Karnjanaburi, and Lopburi, four Northeastern centers in Khon Kaen, Udonthani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Buriram, three Eastern centers in Rayong, Chantaburi, and Sa Kaeo, and three Southern centers in Songkhla, Surat Thani, and Prachuab Kiri Khan.

In addition, a rapid deployment flight team will still be maintained to help drought areas when requested. The director also said that the operation in 2014 would continue from March until the end of the rainy season and be divided into two periods.

The first period is in the dry season to resist drought and decrease smog, wildfire and hail. The second period is in the rainy season to increase the level of water in dams. Rain making flights will also gather planing data to cooperate with other sectors in water management. At present, there are 15 Royal Rain-Making Centers in five regions, with 33 operating aircraft, two of which are sent out to help solve problems in irrigation areas by special request.

-- NNT 2014-03-07

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DDPM: 18 provinces in need of drought assistance

BANGKOK, 7 March 2014 (NNT) – According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), assistance is being provided for a total of 18 drought-stricken provinces nationwide while the people are encouraged to help ensure the most efficient use of water.

DDPM Director-General Chatchai Promlert announced that the number of provinces designated as drought disaster zones in need of assistance had reached 18, covering 82 districts in total. The provinces comprise Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phrae, Tak, Nan, Phayao, Buri Ram, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Si Sa Ket, Chaiyaphum, Sing Buri, Saraburi, Chai Nat, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Prachin Buri and Trang.

Mr Chatchai said the situation was being evaluated in both disaster areas and areas at risk in a bid to lay down water distribution plans in accordance with their needs. Agricultural zoning is also being applied to farmland, both in and out of irrigation zones, while the growing of drought-resistant crops is advised. In the meantime, the public is urged to consume water sparingly.

In regard to air quality in the North, the DDPM reported that the measurement of particles smaller than 10 microns (PM10) had increased in most areas. The pollution is beginning to affect the health of residents in Phayao, Phrae, Lampang and Nan provinces. The department has, therefore, stepped up measures to ban all burning activities.

-- NNT 2014-03-07

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UPDATE:

Ombudsmen announces decision to send Feb 2 poll case to court

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Ombudsman has forwarded the petition asking for the February 2 election to be nullified to the Constitutional Court.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709186-pdrc-to-seek-court-ruling-on-status-of-caretaker-govt-pm-yingluck/#entry7532728

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English teaching reform in Thailand to begin this year
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, March 7 - Caretaker Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang has urged all English teachers nationwide to create new standard for English teaching in a bid to improve students' English communication skills as soon as this year.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709216-english-teaching-reform-in-thailand-to-begin-this-year/

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RT@BBCBreaking: Birmingham City Football Club owner Carson Yeung jailed for six years by Hong Kong court for money laundering

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RT@Aim_NT: 2.10pm Administrative Courtis still reading the case of former National Security Council sec gen Thawil Pliensri's transfer.

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ANTI-GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN
Demonstrations at embassies condemned


File photo : Uthai//Thai PBS

BANGKOK: -- The government's Centre for Maintaining for Peace and Order (CMPO) on Friday condemned the antigovernment protests at many foreign embassies, particularly at US Embassy on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709218-cmpo-condemns-anti-govt-protests-at-embassies/

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4-Year Old Boy 'Tasered' By Kindergarten Teacher
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK: -- A 4-years old boy has been allegedly electric-shocked by an employee of a state-owned child-care centre in Udon Thani province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709223-4-year-old-boy-tasered-by-kindergarten-teacher-in-thailand/

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Supreme Administrative Court rules PM's transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri unlawful; must reinstate him in 45 days /MCOT

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TIMELINE
Supreme Administrative Court rules in favour of Thawil
The Nation


photo by Nation TV

BANGKOK: -- The Supreme Administrative Court on Friday ruled that prime minister's order to remove Thawil Pliensri as the secretary general of National Security Council was unlawful.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709243-supreme-administrative-court-rules-in-favour-of-thawil/

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Tough action demanded against Route No 8 buses



BANGKOK: -- The Anti-Global Warming Association has demanded the Transport Ministry to revoke the concession of Route No 8 bus fleet failing that it will take the case to the Administrative Court.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709228-bangkok-tough-action-demanded-against-route-no-8-buses/

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Yingluck opts to work in provinces to avoid protesters

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709202-pm-yingluck-inspects-water-situation-in-mukdahan/page-2?p=7533360#entry7533360

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UPDATE:

SEPARATISM
Air Force to seek legal action against Ko Tee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Royal Air Force is seeking legal action against a hardcore redshirt leader for allegedly supporting separatism in the country, said commander in chief ACM Prachin Chantong on Friday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709170-hardcore-redshirt-leader-kotee-ready-to-fight-eye-for-eye-tooth-for-tooth/page-2#entry7533388

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Poll agency, party representatives agree to poll rerun in 3 provinces Apr 5, 6 provinces Apr 27, in 28 constituencies pending court ruling /MCOT