Thailand Live Friday 2 May 2014

[webfact]

EC sets MP candidate registrations for May 25-June 3

BANGKOK, 2 May 2014 (NNT) - The Election Commission (EC) has announced that the registration of MP candidates will take place from May 25-29 for the party-list system and from May 30-June 3 for the constituency system.

Speaking of procedures involved in the election process, Election Commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, who is in charge of election administration, said if the royal decree specified that the poll was to be held on July 20, the party-list candidates would be registered and have their numbers drawn during May 25-29.

As for those contending for MP seats in the constituency system, they will be able to apply during May 30-June 3. However, Mr Somchai noted that the dates were only tentative and changes were still possible.

Following the candidate registrations, the EC will allow eligible voters who intend to cast ballots outside their constituencies to sign up with the commission before June 19. Those who wish to vote in advance will need to register during June 30-July 4.

The early voting will take place from June 28-July 11 for people overseas and on July 6 for those in Thailand. The official election, meanwhile, will kick off on July 20 across the country as agreed upon by the EC and the government.


-- NNT 2014-05-02

[webfact]

POLITICS
Govt ignores Abhisit's offer
The Nation

But whether or not he runs in election, Pheu Thai wants to see his peace proposal

BANGKOK: -- The government and the ruling Pheu Thai Party yesterday gave the cold shoulder to an offer from Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva that would see him take a political break if his proposal to get the country out of the political crisis is accepted by all the parties involved.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722997-thai-govt-ignores-abhisits-offer/

[webfact]

RICE-PLEDGING SCHEME
Rice scheme case: a dangling sword
Opas Boonlom
The Nation

NACC verdict could force Yingluck to step down, serve time

BANGKOK: -- Caretaker prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra is facing allegations of dereliction of duty and negligence over her role in the rice-pledging scheme, and the anti-graft probe could lead to impeachment and prosecution - meaning she could be toppled.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722998-rice-scheme-case-verdict-could-force-yingluck-to-step-down-serve-time/

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE
Damned if they do, damned if they don't
Supon Thanukid
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The clock is ticking towards a landmark judgement against caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose job is on the line over the unlawful transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723000-the-clock-is-ticking-towards-a-landmark-judgement-against-caretaker-pm-yingluck/

[webfact]

61 victims of April Yala bombing compensated
The Nation, Yala

BANGKOK: -- THE GOVERNMENT yesterday paid Bt2.619 million in compensation to 61 people affected by the two days of bombing attacks in the southern border province of Yala early last month.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723001-61-victims-of-april-yala-bombing-compensated/

[webfact]

UPDATE:

POLITICS
DSI seeks indictment of 58 protest leaders
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tarit Pengdith yesterday approached the director-general of the Office of Special Cases to indict 58 People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leaders on eight grave charges - including sedition, insurrection, instigating chaos, trespassing, and violating election laws.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/722909-capo-files-rebellion-charges-against-58-pdrc-leaders/page-2?p=7764096#entry7764096

[webfact]

LESE MAJESTY
Appeals Court upholds lese majeste sentence
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The Appeals Court yesterday upheld a two-year lese majeste prison sentence against Jeng Dokjik for his speech during a red-shirt rally on March 29, 2010.

The court said the sentence would not be suspended for Yossawaris Chuklom, alias Jeng Dokchik, a former adviser to a minister and a leading member of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

The court agreed with the lower court's ruling on January 17, 2013, that part of his speech made from the UDD rally stage violated Section 112 of the Criminal Code and Articles 2, 8 and 12 of the Constitution.

After the court's verdict, Yossawaris was remanded to Bangkok Special Prison pending the Supreme Court's consideration of his request for temporary release, expected early next week.


-- The Nation 2014-05-02

[webfact]

TOT
Cabinet's caretaker role stalls TOT opportunities
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- TOT is worried about missing out on business opportunities because a new government is needed to endorse its participation in three major submarine-cable projects.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723005-thai-cabinets-caretaker-role-stalls-tot-opportunities/

[webfact]

FOOD
Asean countries threaten food security by not working closely enough
Watchiranont Thongtep
The Nation
Singapore

BANGKOK: -- Although the economies of its members are likely to expand after the Asean Economic Community is put in place next year, Asean food security still remains at risk, a food security expert suggests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723007-asean-countries-threaten-food-security-by-not-working-closely-enough/

[webfact]

INFLATION
April inflation hits 2.45%, with gradual price rises forecast for rest of year
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation


Shopper bought discount rice pack at the convenience store at the period of the country's inflation rising.

BANGKOK: -- The Consumer Price Index is projected to increase gradually for the rest of the year on concern over drought causing a lower supply of fresh food and livestock, as well as the rising cost of fuel and electricity amid the depreciation of the baht.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723008-thailand-april-inflation-hits-245-with-gradual-price-rises-forecast-for-rest-of-year/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Thawil saga reveals Bangkok not serious about peace in South
The Nation

The court has reinstated the security chief, but his removal in the first place has caused much damage

BANGKOK: -- The conflict in Thailand's southernmost provinces has always been held hostage to Bangkok politics. The ongoing fiasco involving reappointed National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri and the Yingluck administration is a case in point.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723009-thawil-saga-reveals-bangkok-not-serious-about-peace-in-south/

[webfact]

THAI TALK
Abhisit's 'mission impossible' may still kick-start peace process
Suthichai Yoon
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Abhisit Vejjajiva took many by surprise when he declared, almost out of the blue, last week that he was embarking on a new approach to help find a way out of the country's political crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723010-abhisits-mission-impossible-may-still-kick-start-peace-process/

[webfact]

Red shirts forced cancellation of a charity concert



BANGKOK: -- A charity concert to raise fund for needy students in Sakhon Nakhon province on Thursday was cancelled after red-short followers protested against the main singer accusing him of being a supporter of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723011-red-shirts-force-cancellation-of-a-charity-concert/

[webfact]

Suthep says May 14 will be a 'win or lose' battle



BANGKOK: -- May 14 mass rally will be the final “win or lose” battle of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee, said protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban at the Lumpini park protest site Thursday night.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723013-suthep-says-may-14-will-be-a-win-or-lose-battle/

[webfact]

Senators to focus on replacement of NACC member in new session
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation


Paiboon

BANGKOK: -- A group of appointed senators, who previously said they would push for the election of a new Senate speaker and two deputies when the upper chamber convenes its extraordinary session today, seemed to have changed their minds at the last minute yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723014-senators-to-focus-on-replacement-of-nacc-member-in-new-session/

[webfact]

OVERDRIVE
Justice arrives on the scene to steal Suthep's thunder
Thanong Khanthong

BANGKOK: -- An unelected government is now widely believed to be waiting in the wings to take the reigns of power. Yingluck Shinawatra is set to be removed from power either by the National Security Council transfer case or the rice pledging scandal.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723015-justice-arrives-on-the-scene-to-steal-sutheps-thunder/

[webfact]

Road-rage bus driver lynched, stabbed
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A BUS DRIVER was lynched and fatally stabbed after he allegedly stole a minibus and crashed into 12 vehicles - including four taxies, a motorcycle and a fruit-vending cart - during a road-rage incident in the heart of Bangkok early yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723016-road-rage-bangkok-bus-driver-lynched-stabbed/

[webfact]

HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Thailand slammed over Rohingya
The Nation

US congressmen warn failure in humane treatment could lead to sanctions

BANGKOK: -- LAWMAKERS in the United States have urged the administration of President Barack Obama to punish Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia for not doing enough to fight human trafficking, accusing Thai officials of selling Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar to traffickers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723017-thailand-slammed-over-rohingya/

[webfact]

BMA concerned about state of Lumpini Park's ecosystem since occupation by antigovt PDRC protesters
Budsarakham sinlapavan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- LUMPINI PARK'S ecosystem has been affected after the People's Democratic Reform Committee's (PDRC) decision to establish its rally camp there two months ago, it has been revealed.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723018-bangkok-concerned-about-state-of-lumpini-parks-ecosystem-pdrc-occupation/

[webfact]

Five held in Bt77m meth trafficking case
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Five men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing 384,000 methamphetamine tablets worth about Bt77 million with intent to sell.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723019-bangkok-five-held-in-bt77m-meth-trafficking-case/

[webfact]

Seven shot in drag-strip gunfight
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- A drag strip in Pathum Thani turned into a bloodbath early yesterday with seven people shot. Among the victims was Chatrawat Rattanawong, the 31-year-old son of a former deputy governor of the province.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723020-bloodbath-seven-shot-in-bangkok-drag-strip-gunfight/

[webfact]

Workers march on May Day, seek lower cost of living
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- THAI WORKERS yesterday marched to Sanam Luang |to mark International Workers' Day, urging the government |to keep consumer-product |prices under control and |raise wages.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723022-thai-workers-march-on-may-day-seek-lower-cost-of-living/

[webfact]

Over 300kgs of Marijuana seized from gang of 4 in North and East Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- On Thursday Morning Police Major General Katcha, the Provincial Police Commander, announced the arrest of 4 people and the seizure of over 300kgs of the class 5 drug Marijuana.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723023-over-300kgs-of-marijuana-seized-from-gang-of-4-in-north-and-east-pattaya/

[webfact]

Man gunned-down inside his pick-up in East Pattaya



PATTAYA: -- On Thursday Night Nongprue Police were called to a residential area in East Pattaya to investigate a murder.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723024-man-gunned-down-inside-his-pick-up-in-east-pattaya/

[webfact]

Missing flight MH370: Relatives told to return home

(BBC) Malaysia Airlines has asked relatives of passengers on board flight MH370 to leave the hotel accommodation it is providing and return to their homes.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723025-missing-flight-mh370-relatives-told-to-return-home/

[webfact]

PRD is holding 3-day activities to celebrate 81st anniversary

BANGKOK, 1 May 2014 (NNT) – The Government Public Relations Department, PRD, is turning 81 years old on May 3 and will celebrate the anniversary with a series of activities during 1-3 May 2014.

The activities include, among others, invitations to the public to join a ballroom-dance party, in-house sport competition, presentation of certificates of honor to those who have contributed to the PRD, panel discussions and religious ceremonies. The PRD Director-General will lead his deputies in a discussion entitled “Policy from the Management to Officials” and will at night chair entertainment programs including award presentation to officials and employees winning the sport competition.

On May 3, PRD executives will join in a Brahminic worshiping rite and also a Buddhist merit-making ceremony at the PRD headquarters in Soi Aree on Phahonyothin Road.

The PRD was established on May 3, 1933, one year after Thailand changed from the 7-century old absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. It works under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s Office as a center to create good understanding between the government and the general public both in Thailand and the world community. Towards that goal, the PRD uses its radio and television networks as well as interpersonal media in cooperation with other media channels to disseminate news and information, so that diverse target groups will have alternative sources of information.

Throughout the years, the PRD has grown from a small division into a major government arm in public relations with increasing scopes of responsibilities to catch up with the size of the society and the economy.


-- NNT 2014-05-02

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Friday at 1,415.86, gains 0.92 points /MCOT

[webfact]

PM: Thai workers are valuable citizens



BANGKOK, 2 May 2014 (NNT) – Prime Minister and Defense Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says workers are the valuable human resource of the country and the most important factor that drives the nation forward.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723054-pm-yingluck-thai-workers-are-valuable-citizens/

[webfact]

CAPO does not think PDRC activities on May 5, 14, 15 will be violent



BANGKOK, 2 May 2014 (NNT) – The People's Democratic Reform Committee's (PDRC) activities planned for May 5, 14 and 15 are not expected to lead to turmoil or violence, according to the Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/723055-capo-does-not-think-pdrc-activities-on-may-5-14-15-will-be-violent/

[webfact]

Thailand remains on Priority Watch List for intellectual-property violations for 8th straight year amid widespread piracy of software,branded goods /The Nation