Thailand Live Thursday 22 May 2014

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Thaksin rejects Prayuth's proposal to have caretaker govt resign
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra rejected the proposal by Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha that the Pheu Thai-led caretaker government resign, a Pheu Thai source said on Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728228-thaksin-rejects-prayuths-proposal-to-have-caretaker-govt-resign/

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PDRC supporters told to join victorious celebration on May 26



BANGKOK: -- The People’s Democratic Reform Committee has asked its supporters to show up in full force on next Monday and to bring with them candles to be lighted on the same night for the celebration of their victory.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728231-pdrc-supporters-told-to-join-victorious-celebration-on-may-26/

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Dr Weng denies UDD owns the illegal war weapons

BANGKOK: -- United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) core member Dr WengTochirakarn today (Thursday) brushed aside the suggestion that the large arms and ammunition cache seized in the past two days by police and army troops belong to the UDD.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728235-dr-weng-denies-udd-owns-the-illegal-war-weapons/

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Mae Hong Son Red Cross Society seeks blood donations

BANGKOK, 22 May 2014 (NNT) -- The President of Mae Hong Son Red Cross Society, Mrs Hathaichanok Phanasampol has announced that the Red Cross Society and Srisangwan Mae Hong Son Hospital are to hold a blood donation day for workers in government agencies and the private sector, on Saturday, May 24, 2014.

The venue for blood donations is the Mae Hong Son Red Cross Society Office, starting at 9 a.m.. Blood donors are needed, to secure the blood supply for patients in hospitals in Mae Hong Son Province.

People who wish to donate blood should prepare themselves in advance by getting enough sleep, and having breakfast before going to donate blood. Donors should avoid drinking alcohol before donating blood. Pregnant women and women during a menstrual period cannot donate blood.

-- NNT 2014-05-22

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Nakhon Phanom holds annual fire drill

NAKHON PHANOM 22 May 2014 (NNT) — Nakhon Phanom is holding its annual fire drill in order to get its locals prepared for possible fire hazards and learn how to escape to safety in such circumstances.

Chairman of the fire exercise, Koompol Bantaotuk, presided over the opening ceremony of the annual fire drill in the province. The entire exercise is funded by the government’s budget for 2014.

This year’s fire drill, which is taking place at Nakhon Phanom Witthayakom School, is organized by the province’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department in cooperation with related officials and agencies.

Moreover, the venue will also be hosting 'Table Top Exercise (TTX.)', one of its drills for the local community, which will be taking place on Friday 23 May, 2014.


-- NNT 2014-05-22

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Thailand's auto production and sales hit a new low in April

BANGKOK, 22 May 2014 (NNT) – Thailand’s car production and sales have dipped once again in April due to prolonged political instability and the end of government incentives for first-time car buyers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728246-thailands-auto-production-and-sales-hit-a-new-low-in-april/

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Tightened security measures remain as martial law imposed
By Digital Content



RANONG, May 22 -- As martial law takes effect throughout Thailand for the third day today, soldiers are trying to block any attempts to carry military and other illicit weapons to Bangkok and convince community-based media not to broadcast any inciting messages.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728248-tightened-security-measures-remain-as-martial-law-imposed-thailand/

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Commerce Ministry initiates rice flea markets to help rice farmers

BANGKOK, 22 May 2014 (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has set plans to organize rice flea markets in the hope to help rice farmers during this period when government policy and assistance measures for them are absent.

Director-General of the Internal Trade Department Somchart Soithong said the flea markets would be held in 32 provinces from May – September this year. Rice mill entrepreneurs in the provinces would attend the markets to meet and trade rice with the farmers. The flea markets were part of the ministry’s mechanisms to make sure that rice prices in the country were in line with the market, the official said.

The average rice price at present is between 7,000 – 7,500 baht per ton.

The department has also instructed provincial internal trade offices to work with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in promoting the flea markets and giving the farmers advice on how to increase their rice production by decreasing the costs of production and improving the quality of rice.


-- NNT 2014-05-22

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UPDATE:

PDRC to hold major rallies this weekend

BANGKOK, 22 May 2014 (NNT) – The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) announced its plans to stage major rallies during May 23-25 as high-level talks between political groups entered a second day on Thursday (May 22).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728231-pdrc-supporters-told-to-join-victorious-celebration-on-may-26/#entry7863643

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Acting caretaker Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan reiterated his position at the Commerce Ministry that he will not resign.

PDRC agreed to reopen some roads near Khok Wua, Jor Por Ror and Pracha Kasem intersections, and the Rama VIII bridge from 5.30am-6pm.

/Bangkok Post

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Illegal wedding photographers snapped up in Phuket Town
Phuket Gazette


The photographers charged 1,500 baht per couple to take photographs in scenic Phuket locales. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- Two wedding photographers were caught working without work permits yesterday after police were tipped off by a pair of Thai wedding photographers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728253-illegal-wedding-photographers-snapped-up-in-phuket-town/

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FOCUS:

Thai army takes aim at media to muzzle dissent
by Delphine THOUVENOT

BANGKOK, May 22, 2014 (AFP) - When Thailand's generals declared martial law to suppress months of political bloodshed one of the first casualties was freedom of information with a swift crackdown on any murmurs of dissent on television and social media.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728255-thai-army-takes-aim-at-media-to-muzzle-dissent/

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MALAYSIA
Martial law internal matter: Malaysian PM

KUALA LUMPUR: -- Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Rasak says the invoking of martial law in Thailand is an internal matter. In an interview with Nikkei online, Najib noted that "this is an internal matter and, as a rule, we do not interfere in the affairs of other Asean countries.

Malaysia want a stable Thailand, (just as) we want stability for any country within Asean, particularly next year, as we intended to declare ourselves an economic community of nations.


-- The Nation 2014-05-22

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Niwattumrong to hold Cabinet meeting at Commerce Ministry Friday

BANGKOK: -- Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan has summoned caretaker ministers to attend a Cabinet meeting at the Commerce Ministry on Friday.

The Cabinet meeting will be held at 9:30 am.


-- The Nation 2014-05-22

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Thai political crisis talks resume
by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK, May 22, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's deeply divided power blocs on Thursday resumed crisis talks ordered by the country's no-nonsense army chief, as supporters of the beleaguered government called for a national referendum on how to break a crippling political deadlock.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728210-jatuporn-to-propose-referendum-as-way-out-for-political-impasse/page-2#entry7863805

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Senior doctor at Phuket state hospital denies malpractice allegations
Wiparatana Nathalang


Nampon Inthawong comes to Vachira Phuket Hospital on May 10 to demand answers about the death of his wife and child.

PHUKET: -- A senior doctor at Vachira Phuket Hospital has denied allegations that malpractice was involved in the recent tragic case of the mother who died in childbirth with her baby dying two days later.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728262-senior-doctor-at-phuket-state-hospital-denies-malpractice-allegations/

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PDRC agrees to open up traffic near Ratchadamnoen

BANGKOK, 22 May 2014 (NNT) - The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) has agreed to remove barricades on Ratcha Damnoen Road in a bid to allow a free flow of traffic in the area.

Army officials as well as school directors and police chiefs had negotiated with the group to open up traffic on Ratcha Damnoen Road and other nearby roads ahead of the start of a new school semester. So far, roads that have been closed by the PDRC include the ones leading to Rama VIII Bridge and the Democracy Monument.

The PDRC has agreed to the terms as long as they are assured that security personnel will be provided to the protest site in the event that more bomb attacks take place in the area.

Roads have reportedly been opened from 1 PM on Thursday onwards.


-- NNT 2014-05-22

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SET index closed 1,405.21, up 2.29; Bt/USD32.24; GBP54.31; AUD29.68; EUR43.93; CAD29.42; HKD4.15; SGD25.64; JPY31.58

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Niwattumrong says martial law cannot overrule charter

BANGKOK: -- Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan said Thursday that the martial law that has been declared by the Army cannot overrule the Constitution.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728264-niwattumrong-says-martial-law-cannot-overrule-charter/

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RT @W7VOA: Looks like something significant developing. Reports of anti-gov't leader Suthep being removed from venue of talks.

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RT @veen_NT: On TV now - Springbews reports on arrests of political rivals #unconfirmed #MartialLaw http://t.co/MPjRcjcsj6

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RT @RichardBarrow: URGENT 4:50pm All Thai TV channels have ceased their regular programming #Thailand http://t.co/gB8dk8O68M

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RT @veen_NT: Springnews & Nation TV have live report now, saying leaders of political rivals are temporarily detained after failing to find a solution.

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RT @STcom: RT @STForeignDesk Hundreds of soldiers arriving at army club where political talks are being held, says Reuters #Thailand

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RT @vaitor: Pic: Soldiers guarding army club - http://t.co/TKt6gIWcoq

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RT @W7VOA: Army Chief Prayuth: Effective immediately civil servants and military personnel should remain at their stations.

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RT @veen_NT: Coup!!

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RT @Aim_NT: Military top brass announced a coup, but using the word "controlling power" via @Sasi_NT: http://t.co/ExhMF3oZQD

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RT @BPbreakingnews:

Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha announced a military coup after the failed crisis talks. /Bangkok Post

[Lite Beer]

RT@KhaosodEnglish #Thailand's new rulers: pic.twitter.com/pgRDVPMRLN