Thailand Live Tuesday 20 May 2014

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DRUGS
Record levels of Meth seizures in Asia: UNODC
The Nation


Drugs seized recently in Thailand

Asian, Mexican and African drug syndicates target markets in Japan and Asia

BANGKOK: -- Growing demand in East and Southeast Asia is leading to an expansion of global production and trafficking in methamphetamine and new psychoactive substances, according to a UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report released today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727633-record-levels-of-meth-seizures-in-asia-unodc/

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RT @tulsathit: Prayuth was elusive on how long martial law lasts, suggesting it will be in effect till "calmness returns". via @NowTV26

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Still bated breath for weary Bangkok
Nirmal Ghosh
The Straits Times

SINGAPORE: -- The Thai army's unilateral declaration of countrywide martial law has made little difference to residents of Bangkok, who have grown resigned to the now seven-month political drama.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727635-still-bated-breath-for-weary-bangkok/

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RT @tulsathit: Red shirts to Prayuth: Treat us and PDRC with one standard please. via @NowTV26

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RT @Saksith: What Prayuth also said: Reporter asks what if situation doesn’t calm down in 3-6 months…? Prayuth: ”Won’t be THAT long!”

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POLITICS
Australia reissues travel advice
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Australian Government today reissued travel advice for Thailand, following the invocation of the martial law. The following is the full statement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727636-australia-reissues-travel-advice-for-thailand/

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What Can the Army Do Under Martial Law?
By Khaosod English

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727618-what-does-martial-law-mean-for-thailand/?p=7852885#entry7852885

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RT @tulsathit: MT @NationTV22: Prayuth says there are mesures that he hasn't used (yet).

RT @tulsathit: Military checkpoints screen Bkk-bound vehicles passing through Ayutthaya. via @ktnews

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RT @tulsathit: In front of Thai Kom station. RT @lekasina: Pic by Narin Kruaklai

#nationphoto http://t.co/3CK6vVKBCg

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US citizens urged to exercise caution after martial law imposed

BANGKOK, 20 May 2014 (NNT) - The US embassy in Thailand has warned its citizens in Thailand to avoid protest sites and closely follow the latest news reports following the invocation of martial law in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727570-us-on-martial-law-in-thailand-must-be-temporary/page-4?p=7852935#entry7852935

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Official update from the Tourism Authority of Thailand on Marshall law rules
May 20, 2014

The London office for the Tourism Authority of Thailand updated travelers about the situation in Thailand after military authorities in the Kingdom imposed Marshall law effective since 03:00 (ICT) today, The Royal Thai Army have declared martial law that covers the whole of Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727640-official-update-from-the-tourism-authority-of-thailand-on-marshall-law-rules/

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RT @tulsathit: I expected this to come sooner. RT @Foreign_NOW26: #NOW26 http://t.co/es7obAQOIZ

[george]

A reason why Thai army may want to avoid 'coup' word is that it would invoke US sanctions. @PravitR @thomasfullerNYT @sunai @bangkokpundit

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UDD continues to broadcast rallies despite ban by PKCC

BANGKOK, 20 May 2014 (NNT) – The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) have continued to broadcast their rallies on Aksa Road in defiance of the Peace Keeping Command Centre (PKCC)’s earlier order to shut down satellite TV stations affiliated with political protest groups.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727643-udd-continues-to-broadcast-rallies-despite-ban-by-pkcc/

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RT @tulsathit: Chalerm: I won't run. via @PostToday

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SET index closed 1,394.44, down 16.19;Bt/USD32.40; GBP54.36; AUD29.93; EUR44.29; CAD29.65; HKD4.17; SGD25.77; JPY31.78

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Northern Red Rally Dismantled, TV Station Raided

By Khaosod English

CHIANG RAI — As nationwide martial law takes hold in Thailand, pro-government Redshirts in Chiang Rai province announced a "temporary" suspension of their political campaign, while a state-owned television station in Chiang Mai was raided by soldiers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727645-chiang-rai-northern-red-rally-dismantled-tv-station-raided/

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Suthep evacuates Santi Maitree Building in Govt House compound to military control, vows to continue rally, protest despite martial law /MCOT

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Thai military invites political rivals for talks: army

BANGKOK, May 20, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's army chief invited both sides of the kingdom's bitter political divide to talks Tuesday, hours after imposing martial law following nearly seven months of anti-government protests.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727648-thai-military-invites-political-rivals-for-talks-army/

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BMA doles out measures following the invocation of martial law

BANGKOK, 20 May 2014 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is implementing measures to ensure that the public remains unaffected by the invocation of martial law.

The BMA confirmed that all agencies will continue to offer public services as usual and every staff member has been instructed to cope with any outcome of the current situation to ensure safety and security of Bangkok residents.

BMA agencies are backing up all necessary information relating to public services in the event that they are forced to relocate their offices.

An announcement has been made by the Army earlier stating that the public need not to panic and can still carry on with their lives as normal under the martial law.


-- NNT 2014-05-20

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Govt proposes new poll on 3 Aug

BANGKOK, 20 May 2014 (NNT) - The government proposes a new general election on 3 August 2014 while the Election Commission (EC) says only the government and itself are not enough to set the election date.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727651-thai-govt-proposes-new-poll-on-3-aug/

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General Prayuth teases Tarit Pengdit



BANGKOK: -- Peace-keeping Directorate director General Prayuth Chan-ocha cracked a joke in the middle of a meeting with senior government officials summoned to receive a briefing about the martial law and how they should perform their duties under the present circumstances.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727673-general-prayuth-teases-tarit-pengdit/

[Lite Beer]

RT@veen_NT: Jatuporn: We'll keep rallying at Aksa Rd until democracy is restored. We don't want any coup or illegitimate PM. via @Lerlaforever

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RT@MimiSawitta: Red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan says "put it to a referendum". Do Thais want it Suthep's way or do they want an election?

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"Where's the Government Now?" Army Chief Asks Reporters

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — In a press briefing today on the military's rationale for declaring martial law, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army took an aggressive tone with reporters who asked him about the country's future.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727703-wheres-the-government-now-army-chief-asks-reporters/

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RT@pakhead: Jatupon at Aksa "This is not a coup. Everybody stay calm. But we will never accept an appointed PM. If they do that we will rise up & fight"

RT@pakhead: Mood at RS rally in Aksa - calm but wary of Gen. Prayuth's intentions. Some see little difference between martial law and a coup.

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RT@Radio_Thailand: The president for the Stock Exchange of Thailand has reassured that trading activities would continue as usual

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RT@KentBKK: EU statement on imposition of martial law in Thailand
eeas.europa.eu/statements/doc…

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RT@Juarawee: From @jeerapong_nna: Acting Thai PM said he’s already proposed a Royal Decree draft for Aug 3 Election.

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RT@SuthareeW:#Thai activists holding banners and signs to oppose the declaration of martial law. pic.twitter.com/s0MNwlgg3J