Thailand Live Wednesday 21 May 2014

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Nurak elected as new Constitutional Court president
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Nurak Mapraneet was elected as the new Constitutional Court president on Wednesday, replacing Charoon Inthacharn.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727923-nurak-elected-as-new-constitutional-court-president/

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Ministry of Public Health extends free influenza vaccine services

BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health has continued giving free influenza vaccines for another 3 months.

Dr. Sopon Mekthon, the Director-General of the Disease Control Department, said that influenza has been spreading faster than the past years as people are having weaker immune systems.

For the record, about 34,000 people have contracted influenza this year, and 58 of them have died. In order to prevent such outbreak, Dr. Sopon suggested that everybody use a serving spoon, eat hot foods, and wash their hands frequently. They should also see the doctor immediately in case there are any symptoms of influenza.

The Disease Control Department has extended the free vaccine service for 3 more months, which would end on July 31st. The vaccine is available at every government hospital throughout the country. For further information, contact the hotline 1422.


-- NNT 2014-05-21

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Police arrested PDRC leader Seri Wongmontha at Suvarnabhumi airport while arriving from the US. He was brought to court to face charges including insurrection. /Bangkok Post

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Leena cries foul over closure of her satellite TV station

BANGKOK: -- Well-known TV host Leena Jungjunya staged a noisy protest at the Peace and Order Maintaining Command Wednesday over the POMC's order to close her satellite TV channel.

Leena came inside the Army Club, where the POMC is located, at noon and started shouting in criticisms of Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the chief of the POMC.

Leena's Hot TV station was among satellite TV stations, whose broadcasts were banned by the POMC on Tuesday.

Leena said her station did not present provocative or distorted reports but her TV programmes were aimed at educating people.

Leena initially wanted to see only Prayuth but an Army officer later convinced her to file a complaint with Prayuth's representative.


-- The Nation 2014-05-21

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POMC orders suspension of arrest warrants, but PDRC leader Seri Wongmontha arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport on return from US for prosecution on insurrection charges /MCOT

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Analysis
Thai army holds key to unlocking deadly impasse
by Daniel ROOK

BANGKOK, May 21, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's army chief could be lining up the pieces for an end-game to a deadly political crisis, but risks raising the stakes even higher given the threat of a violent backlash from government supporters, experts say.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727926-thai-army-holds-key-to-unlocking-deadly-impasse/

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POMC suspends criminal prosecution during meeting between Prayuth and parties in conflict

BANGKOK: -- The Peace and Order Maintaining Command Wednesday issued an order to suspend law enforcement on criminal prosecution from 1 pm until a meeting chaired by POMC chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha is completed.

Army chief Prayuth called a meeting of all stakeholders in the political conflict at the POMC head office at 1:30 pm.

The meeting will also be attended by leaders of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, who are wanted by arrest warrants on sedition and other charges.


-- The Nation 2014-05-21

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Budget Bureau:2015 annual appropriations bill likely delayed



BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) The 2015 annual appropriations bill is likely to be delayed and the budget can only be 50% disbursed, if there is no general election within the year, according to the Bureau of the Budget.

Director Somsak Chotrattanasiri said it is waiting for a clear direction after the declaration of martial law this week. The Bureau has to revise its working plan and budget calendar in line with the changing situation as it is now impossible to hold an election on July 20, as previously proposed by the caretaker government.

He added that the annual Budget Bill requires 8-9 months of drafting, hence a new general election should be held before December 31, 2014. Otherwise, a government formed with full authority but no lower house, cannot consider the Bill.


-- NNT 2014-05-21

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Permanent Secretary sees Thai export recovery in second quarter

BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) is planning to revise its second-half export figures and is convinced that second quarter exports will recover.

The MOC’s permanent secretary Srirat Rastapana stated that the revision of overall export figures in the second half of this year is underway, while commercial counselors in 64 countries are called in to assess directions and export figures.

Several relevant agencies have revised their estimates downwards, especially the Office of National Economics and the Social Development Board (NESDB) which have recently decreased their exports estimate to 3.7 percent. However, the MOC is waiting for the private sector’s opinion to assess the situation together.

Nevertheless, she believes that exports in the second quarter will rebound from the contraction in the first quarter.


-- NNT 2014-05-21

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Erawan centre prepares over 40 emergency medical teams to help demonstrators

BANGKOK: -- The Erawan Emergency Medical Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has prepared over 40 teams of emergency medical teams to help demonstrators in Bangkok.

The centre announced Wednesday that the emergency teams would be on standby to around the rally sites on Rajdamnone Road, Chaeng Wattana Road and Utthayan Road.


-- The Nation 2014-05-21

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MARTIAL LAW
Filipinos in Thailand told to prepare for evacuation
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Asia News Network

MANILA: -- The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised Filipinos in Thailand to prepare for evacuation "if necessary" and stay away from public places following the declaration of martial law in the Southeast Asian country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727930-martial-law-filipinos-in-thailand-told-to-prepare-for-evacuation/

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Malaysians advised to postpone non-essential travel to Thailand
By Digital Content

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysians have been advised to consider postponing non-essential visits to Thailand following the imposition of martial law by the Royal Thai Army.

The Foreign Ministry said Malaysians presently in Thailand should remain vigilant and monitor developments via local and international media.

It said there were 596 Malaysians residing in Thailand who had registered with the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok.

"There have been no reports of Malaysians who have been adversely affected by the latest development in Thailand," the ministry said.

It said Malaysia hoped that all parties in Thailand continue to work towards finding a peaceful solution to issues facing that country.

Malaysia would continue to monitor closely the political developments in Thailand, it said.

Malaysians requiring consular assistance may contact the Malaysian mission in Bangkok at +662 629 6800 (during working hours) or +6687 028 4659 (after working hours). (BERNAMA)


-- TNA 2014-05-21

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POLITICS
Redshirts leader arrives for crisis talk



Redshirt leader Jatuporn Prompan arrives for a meeting with the army chief and pro-government leaders at the Thai Army Club in Bangkok on May 21.


-- The Nation 2014-05-21

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POMC asks social media to spread news correctly

BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) – The Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC) has issued an 8th announcement requesting cooperation from social media to spread news of all events straightforwardly and without bias, which might otherwise cause misunderstandings and enlarge the conflict.

According to Martial Law section 11, B.E. 2457, entrepreneurs or participants in social networks are prohibited from broadcasting to incite, or provoke violence, including resistance to the POMC's performance of duties. Commentators who violate this regulation will be suspended and prosecuted without further notice.


-- NNT 2014-05-21

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Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak sentenced to three years in jail for embezzlement /BBC

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Hosni Mubarak jailed for three years for embezzlement

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727934-hosni-mubarak-jailed-for-three-years-for-embezzlement/

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Dr Seree arrested



BANGKOK: -- Media personality and an anti-government protest leader, Dr seree Wongmontha, was arrested shortly after he returned from the United States on a flight to Suvarnabhumi airport Wednesday.

He was immediately apprehended by officials of the Department of Special Investigation at the airport for insurrection charge.

The DSI officials questioned him and escorted him to the Criminal Court to file eight charges which included insurrection upon him.

Dr Sreee is among 30 leaders of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) wanted by DSI for insurrection.

Dr Seree said he went to the US to attend a wedding party of his nephew there. He said he left the country before warrant was issued for his arrest for insurrection.

He said he had no thought of escaping the charge and intended upon arrival to turn himself in to the police to defend the charge in the court.

He was seeking release on bail from the court.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/dr-seree-arrested/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-21

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RT @tulsathit: Inside the peace summit room. Seeing the smiles feels weird. RT @ktnews: RT @Archvin_NOW26: “@Tui_ThaiPBS: http://t.co/7Z63VXUP2T ”

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RT @tulsathit: After all the smiles and selfies, the first round of military-mediated peace meeting has reportedly come to a close.

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UPDATE:

Gen Prayuth convenes, chairs meeting with all groups in political conflict
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 21 -- Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha on Wednesday chaired a meeting he convened with groups engaged in political confrontation and conflict to seek a way out of the country's political crisis.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727896-thai-army-chief-calls-meeting-of-political-rivals/page-4#entry7858424

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Democrats express support for martial law

BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) – The Democrat Party has expressed support for the Army’s invocation of martial law following an internal meeting.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727944-democrats-express-support-for-martial-law/

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Thai Airways explains clients and ticket sale agents of martial law declaration

BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) – Thai Airways has moved rapidly to explain to clients and ticket sales agents, the reality of the declaration of martial law, after Australia and New Zealand raised their warnings on travel to Thailand, to the highest level.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727947-thai-airways-explains-clients-and-ticket-sale-agents-of-martial-law-declaration/

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Army to "Reconsider" PCAD Wanted List: DSI
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK — The military will deliberate on whether to suspend arrest warrants for anti-government activists, said chief of the Division of Special Investigation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727948-thai-army-to-reconsider-pcad-wanted-list-dsi/

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TCT: Martial law would help tourism sector in long run

BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) – The Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) expressed belief that the invocation of martial law would benefit the country’s tourism sector in the long run.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727951-tct-martial-law-would-help-tourism-sector-in-long-run/

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SET index closed 1,402.92, up 8.23; Bt/USD32.34; GBP54.35; AUD29.69; EUR44.21; CAD29.54; HKD4.16; SGD25.68; JPY31.90

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Many events cancelled

BANGKOK: -- Though the martial law does not affect planned social and entertainment events, many events have still been cancelled until further notice. Among them is the Now Live Judprakai Concert that is held every Sunday at Siam Discovery's Discovery Plaza and broadcast live on Now 26 channel. The Thai rock band Flure was scheduled to perform.

The National Discovery Museum Institute has also postponed the press conference scheduled for tomorrow to launch its Muse Pass at Siam Centre. The Muse Pass was meant to make the exploration in Bangkok's old city easier with just one ticket offering entry into several museums, including Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, Museum Siam and King Prajadhipok Museum.

The Millennium Hilton Bangkok has also decided to cancel its eight anniversary celebrations scheduled for May 28.


-- The Nation 2014-05-21

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Seven parties will be in the second round of talks tomorrow and wanted to see the political crisis end as soon as possible, the army spokespersons says. /Bangkok Post

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POMC announces operations to secure people's life and property



BANGKOK, 21 May 2014 (NNT) – The Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC) has issued its 12th announcement, this time concerning the actions of authorities to secure life and property efficiently and in accordance with martial law, Section 6 B.E. 2457.

Directions and Advice: 1 Police authorities and government officials to perform their normal duties for the security of life and property, while offering protection, and facilitation. 2 Government agencies and state enterprises to perform their work functionally in order to facilitate and serve the people as usual.

The announcement came into effect on 20th May 2014, and is in force until further notice.


-- NNT 2014-05-21

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After meeting 2 hours, Gen Prayuth tells opposing political groups to consider which proposals they could accept, must answer tomorrow /MCOT

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Prayuth asks stakeholders in political conflict to find compromising point

BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Wednesday asked representatives of stakeholders in the political conflict to return to consult their sides what a compromising point should be, a military spokesman said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/727978-compromise-is-key-says-thai-army-chief/