Thailand Live Friday 21 Mar 2014

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RT @tulsathit: Urgent: Constitution Court has declared Feb 2 election null and void. Vote is 6:3

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Thai Constitutional Court voids February election

BANGKOK, March 21, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled on Friday that a general election held last month was invalid, a spokesman said, deepening a political stalemate following weeks of opposition protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712694-thai-constitutional-court-voids-february-election/

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Thai Lion Air service between Hua Hin and Hat Yai set for take off

Hua Hin:-- Today (Friday 21st March) sees the start of the new Hua Hin to Hat Yai air service from Thai Lion Air.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712699-thai-lion-air-service-between-hua-hin-and-hat-yai-set-for-take-off/

[Lite Beer]

Royal Thai Police ready to provide security in the upcoming senatorial election

BANGKOK, 21 March 2014 (NNT) - The Royal Thai Police is ready to beef up security measures in the upcoming advance voting for the senatorial election this Sunday.

Police Colonel Wichayakorn Nichabovorn, the Deputy Speaker for the Royal Thai Police revealed that the police are ready to deploy more than 23,000 officers to provide security at all sites of early votes for those who are unable to vote on the senate election day on March 30.

After the Internal Security Act, or ISA, has been re-enacted, the police are closely monitoring the situation on the political protests to provide safety measures. They are also setting up checkpoints to reduce the likelihood of the ongoing violence that is happening each day. The police are also keeping a watchful eye to catch and arrest the suspects who are responsible for causing those attacks.

-- NNT 2014-03-21

[Lite Beer]

Meteorological Department warns of summer storm moving into northeastern Thailand

BANGKOK, 21 March 2014 (NNT) - A summer storm coming in from northern Vietnam is expected to be making its way to Thailand starting today and will probably last until March 23rd.

The Meteorological Department has announced that the moderate high pressure area that has covered parts of northern Vietnam will be making its way to cover upper parts of Thailand and will probably last until March 23rd. At the same time, the westerly wind coming from Myanmar is also expected to cover parts of northern Thailand. For this reason, Thailand will be forced to prepare for a summer storm producing thunderstorms, strong winds, and possibly hailstones raining down at some areas. Temperature will also be expected to decrease by five to seven degrees Celsius, and the storm will be expected to continue until March 23rd.

Therefore, the department has requested residents in 16 provinces, namely Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lopburi, Saraburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, and Sa Kaeo to prepare for the effects of the summer storm.

The weather bureau also warned that the storm can cause major damage to buildings and other objects in the open such as advertisement billboards and large trees nearby. Therefore, people are advised to closely follow up on the Meteorological Department’s weather forecast for the northeastern region.

-- NNT 2014-03-21

[Lite Beer]

CAPO refutes scapegoat rumour of ‘popcorn’ gunman

BANGKOK, 21 March 2014 (NNT) – The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has insisted that the alleged ‘popcorn’ shooter who was recently arrested is not a scapegoat and that he is the real gunman.

Labor Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, as chief of CAPO, said that the man who is being held on charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and violating the emergency decree, was the armed man whose photo was captured when gun fights broke out at Laksi Intersection.

The man identified as Vivat Yodprasert earlier admitted to the crime, saying it was he who concealed a gun in a popcorn bag. Mr. Vivat is a 24-year-old man from Phitsanulok Province.

As for the ongoing public protests in Thailand, Minister Chalerm believes the political unrest will remain for the time being, while affirming that security agencies would do their best to ensure safety, especially during the Songkran Festival.

-- NNT 2014-03-21

[Lite Beer]

Farmers dump tons of paddy at Government Lottery Office

Bangkok; -- Farmers led by Luang Poo Buddhaissara rallied in front of the Government Lottery Office and dumped several tons of paddy at its office after its management failed to come out to negotiate the purchase of the paddy they brought with them.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712735-farmers-dump-tons-of-paddy-at-government-lottery-office/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Citing PCAD Election Blockade, Court Voids 2 Feb Poll

By Khaosod English.

BANGKOK: -- The 2 February general election has been nullified by the Constitutional Court thanks to anti-government protesters' campaign to besiege poll venues and seize ballot equipment.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712694-thai-constitutional-court-voids-february-election/page-3#entry7590177

[Lite Beer]

PDRC repeats call for reform before election
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, March 21 – The anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) today announced its determination to continue its movement demanding national reform prior to an election now matter, how the Constitutional Court decides today on the validity of the Feb 2 general election.

Thaworn Senneam, a top PDRC leader, said the group's ultimate goal is for national reform after which a general election will be held.

The Constitution Court is scheduled to give its ruling today on whether the Feb 2 nationwide poll would be nullified and declared unconstitutional, as petitioned by a university academic.

Mr Thaworn said the Election Law clearly states that the parliamentary session must convene 30 days after a general election, and the new government must take office within 30 days.

The deadline for the new government is April 4, he said, expressing confidence that anti-government rally will end next month and the PDRC will win its months-long battle.

He said he would lodge a complaint with the Election Commission today against the ruling Pheu Thai Party for illegally using the state-run Channel 11 in its political campaign.

He said the PDRC will also file two petitions with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), charging the government with supporting the red shirt separatist movement, and legislators from the Lower and Upper Houses with violating the law in passing the bill on Bt2 trillion borrowing for infrastructure development.

Mr Thaworn said the caretaker government is approaching a dead-end and the only solution for Thailand is national reform before holding a new general election. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-03-21

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Constitutional Court annuls Feb 2 general election

BANGKOK, Mar 21 – Thailand’s Constitution Court today decided by six against three votes to nullify the Feb 2 general election, reasoning that a failure to hold the balloting nationwide on the same day as stipulated by the Constitution.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712694-thai-constitutional-court-voids-february-election/page-4#entry7590208

[Lite Beer]

EC commissioner Somchai urges concerned parties to use new election as way out of political crisis; to discuss with govt,parties to set date /MCOT

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UPDATE:

MISSING MH370
It could be container, I don't know : Australia PM

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot said Friday the two objects spotted by satellite in a remote area of the southern Indian Ocean may not be related to the search of the missing Malaysia Airlines MH 370, reported CNN.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709464-missing-malaysia-airlines-jet-carrying-239-triggers-southeast-asia-search/page-105?p=7590418#entry7590418

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Red-shirt United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) will hold a major gathering in South Pattaya, Chon Buri on Saturday /Bangkok Post

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Army officers increase security level for teachers after another murder

YALA, 21 March 2014 (NNT) - nIn the south of Thailand, Master Sergeant First Class Withayarat Chantapoon, Scout Specific Unit, Black Army 33 , together with eight field soldiers has increased security levels for teachers who are attending the summer educational review at Pongyerai School, Yala Province, after Mrs.Somsri Thankaset, a teacher of Baan Khok Na Mue Ba, Takbai District, Narathiwat Province, was shot dead on March 20, 2014.

Therefore, the Director and Deputy Director of Pongyerai School requested that all teachers and educational staff attend the meeting to review the 2013 academic year, and security procedures. Teachers and staff were reminded not to travel alone, and to coordinate with army officers in the area. Recently the murderers have targeted teachers who they know are barely able to protect themselves.


-- NNT 2014-03-21

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EC to hold meetings with Govt, political parties

BANGKOK: -- The Election Commission will hold meetings with the government and political parties to discuss the new election date, EC commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said.

He said the EC would discuss the new election decree with the government and would invite political parties' representatives to discuss when should be the new election date.


-- The Nation 2014-03-21

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DDPM warns 50 provinces of thunderstorms and hail

DDPM, 21 March 2014 (NNT) –The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has warned people who live in the northeast, north, central region, and east, to get ready for incoming summer thunderstorms, with hail likely, between 21 to 23 March.

Mr.Chatchai Phromlert, Director -General of DDPM, said that from information supplied by the Thai Meteorological Department about current weather prospects, a moderate to high pressure system over the northeast is expected to continue covering upper Thailand until 23 March.

Meanwhile, a westerly airflow is moving from Myanmar into the north of Thailand, bringing thunderstorms and hail to some areas in the north, northeast, central region, and east from 21 – 23 March. As well, the temperature will decrease by 5-7 degrees Celsius, and will affect the northeast, north, central, Bangkok, and the east of the country.

Therefore, 50 provinces are warned of these developments in the weather, and people can call the safety hotline for advice on 1784 available 24 hours a day.


-- NNT 2014-03-21

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Army chief turns 60 today



BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha turned 60 Friday with several senior army officers calling on him to wish happy birthday.

The permanent secretary for defense Gen Nipat Thonglek led a group of senior military officers with flowers to wish the army chief at the Army Headquarters today.

In a return speech to his well wishers, the army chief thanked all well wishers and urged all of them to help lead the country to peace.

He said that military officers from the three armed forces are like from the same family and, therefore, they have the duty to help bring peace and push the country forward.

The army chief was reported to give his well wishers a 80-baht banknote as a souvenir for his 60th birthday anniversary.

Former defense minister and former army chief Gen Pravit Wongwiset personally hosted a birthday party for Gen Prayuth yesterday at his home.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/army-chief-turns-60-today/


-- Thai PBS 2014-03-21

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Bank of Thailand cuts 2014 GDP target from 3% to 2.7%, exports to grow 4.5% /MCOT

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UPDATE:

Thailand court voids protest-hit polls, new vote looms
by Apilaporn VECHAKIJ

BANGKOK, March 21, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's general election held last month was declared invalid Friday after disruption by opposition protesters, setting the scene for talks between warring political parties about new polls to end months of deadlock.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712694-thai-constitutional-court-voids-february-election/page-7?p=7590661#entry7590661

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UDD to stage a mass rally in South Pattaya



BANGKOK: -- The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship is to stage a mass rally in South Pattaya on Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712747-udd-to-stage-a-mass-rally-in-south-pattaya/

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CAPO reasserts legal action to be taken against those obstructing Feb 2 election despite today's court ruling,says offences have taken place /MCOT

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CAPO accuses PDRC of storing up arms and arms training



BANGKOK: -- The People’s Democratic Reform Committee has engaged in illegal arms training for its guards and illegally stocking up arms, the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) accused today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712769-capo-accuses-pdrc-of-storing-up-arms-and-arms-training/

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SET index closed 1,360.50, down 0.97; Bt/USD32.29; GBP53.20; AUD29.07; EUR44.37; CAD28.6; HKD4.15; SGD25.17; JPY31.40

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POLITICS
PDRC repeats call for reform before election

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) on Friday reiterated it would continue demanding national reform prior to an election following the Constitutional Court's ruling that the February 2 is unconstitutional and thus void.

Thaworn Senneam, a top PDRC leader, said the ultimate goal is for national reform after which a general election will be held.

He said he would lodge a complaint with the Election Commission today against the ruling Pheu Thai Party for illegally using the state run Channel 11 in its political campaign.

The PDRC will also file two petitions with the National AntiCorruption Commission (NACC), charging the government with supporting the red shirt separatist movement, and legislators from the Lower and Upper Houses with violating the law in passing the bill on the Bt2 trillion borrowing for infrastructure development.

The caretaker government is approaching a deadend and the only solution for Thailand is national reform before holding a new election.

-- The Nation 2014-03-21

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Excessive haze smothers Thai North
By English News

CHIANG MAI, March 21 – Excessive haze pollution has smothered Thailand's northern region, disrupting local transport, with Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son provinces recording the highest level of dust particles.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712428-chiang-mai-tourism-unaffected-by-haze-pollution/#entry7590901

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Abhisit urges the government and PDRC to hold talks



BANGKOK: -- The Democrat party wants the Election Commission and the government to work together to prevent a repeat of the February 2 election violence if a new election is to be staged as ruled by the Constitution Court.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712778-abhisit-urges-the-government-and-pdrc-to-hold-talks/

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Independent law academic Verapat says Constitutional Court overrules charter

BANGKOK: -- Independent law academic Verapat Pariyawong said the Constitutional Court had overruled the constitution as the Charter allowed for elections to be staged at a later date if all the House seats were not occupied.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712694-thai-constitutional-court-voids-february-election/page-11?p=7591087#entry7591087

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Pheu Thai party opposes charter court's ruling



BANGKOK: --The Pheu Thai party issued a statement expressing its opposition to the Constitution Court’s ruling nullifying the February 2 election.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/712781-pheu-thai-party-opposes-charter-courts-ruling/

[Lite Beer]

MISSING MH370
I saw the plane in Indian Ocean : Johor wife


Photo : EPA

A Johor housewife has claimed that she saw the stricken Malaysia Airlines plane partly submerged in the waters off the Andaman islands when she was returning to Kuala Lumpur after a pilgrimage to Mecca on March 8.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/709464-missing-malaysia-airlines-jet-carrying-239-triggers-southeast-asia-search/page-107?p=7591694#entry7591694

[george]

6.7-magnitude earthquake reported off Nicobar Islands in Indian Ocean - USGS