Thailand Live Tuesday 26 Nov 2013

[Lite Beer]

Students network-led protesters almost clash with police

BANGKOK: -- The anti-government protesters led by the Students and People Network for Thailand's Reform almost clashed with police while leaving the Foreign Ministry to return to the Nang Lerng rally site.

The protesters stayed overnight at the Foreign Ministry and left the ministry late Tuesday morning.

During their march, the group confronted with the police officers who guarded at Wat Benjamabophit. The protesters hurled abusive words at the police as they were trying to break through the security barriers.

-- The Nation 2013-11-26

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PM answers questions in Parliament during censure debate, denies corruption, asserts Amnesty Bill unrelated to finance /MCOT

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RT@RichardBarrow: Man found with Red Shirt member card evicted from protest site. Jack Kurtz in background. Stay safe (Pic @news1005fm) pic.twitter.com/MGBfJaEYSL

[george]

BREAKING:

Thai police seek arrest warrant against Suthep

Thai Police seek arrest warrant against anti-govt rally leader, Suthep for leading protesters to occupy ministries,state agencies compounds,such as Transport Ministry.

-- The Nation 2013-11-26

[Lite Beer]

Old grenade found at Democrat office in Phra Khanong

BANGKOK: -- A rusty grenade was found at a Democrat Party branch in Phra Khanong district on Tuesday morning.

The M26 grenade had its safety pin removed and the pin was found about half a metre away from the explosive.

Police were alerted at about 8.50am that a grenade had been found in a parking space of the party's Phra Khanong branch. The bomb squad collected the explosive for further investigation.

-- The Nation 2013-11-26

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Police seek warrant to arrest protest leader Suthep
By English News



BANGKOK, Nov 26 – Police today asked the Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant against former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban for instigating unrest and work stoppage, seizing state buildings and chasing civil servants out of their offices.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684480-police-seek-warrant-to-arrest-protest-leader-suthep/

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CENSURE SHOWDOWN
Abhisit denounces Yingluck as 'centre of comprehensive corruption practices'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party leader and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday attacked Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, denouncing her as the "centre of comprehensive corruption practices".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684389-no-confidence-debate-to-start-today-26-nov/#entry7084677

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RT @tulsathit: Criminal court has approved warrant for Suthep arrest. via @jin_nation

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Abhisit grills Yingluck on asset seizure and cover-up cases



BANGKOK: -- The censure debate against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan began this morning with no disruption from anti-government protesters gathering nearby.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684389-no-confidence-debate-to-start-today-26-nov/#entry7084735

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Anti-government protesters led by The People's Force for Democracy to Overthrow Thaksin regime have surrounded the Interior Ministry offices in Bangkok. /Bangkok Post

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Thai court approves arrest warrant for protest leader

BANGKOK, November 26, 2013 (AFP) - A Thai court approved an arrest warrant Tuesday for a top protest leader in connection with the occupation of several government ministries as part of efforts to topple the government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684480-police-seek-warrant-to-arrest-protest-leader-suthep/#entry7084772

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Anti-govt protesters in Ayutthaya heading for Bangkok to join mass rallies in Bkk;anti-govt protesters to occupy 4 more ministries /The Nation

Anti-govt protesters led by People's Force for Democracy to Overthrow Thaksinism and Dhamma Army Tue afternoon surrounded Interior Ministry,Bangkok /The Nation

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Kasikorn Research Ctr expects central bank's monetary policy committee to keep repurchase rate unchanged at 2.50% at meeting this Wed / The Nation

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Carabao playing in Cha Am on December 1, 2013 for Charity



CHA-AM: -- "Fund Chang helped Chang" the band Carabao will play on Sunday, December 1, 2556 at the Stadium Rama VI Camp,in Cha- Am.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684500-carabao-playing-in-cha-am-on-december-1-2013-for-charity/

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SET index closed at 1,358.69, up 5.83; Bt/USD31.84; GBP51.36; AUD29.14; EUR43.00; CAD30.11; HKD4.10; SGD25.34; JPY31.25

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CENSURE SHOWDOWN
Yingluck insists govt fighting corruption
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Tuesday denied that she has tolerated corruption practices and said that her government instead gives priority to fighting corruption.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684507-yingluck-insists-govt-fighting-corruption/

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SEAPA
Press Alliance concerned at attacks on media


Protesters rally in front of TV Channel 3 on November 25.

BANGKOK: -- The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (Seapa) on Tuesday expressed deep concern over incidents at the protests on Monday, which saw media being attacked for their role in reporting unfolding incidents in Thailand.

In its statement issued today, Seapa said simultaneous rallies were held in front of five stateowned TV stations protesting the alleged unfair coverage by the media of demonstrations, which have intensified since the beginning of November.

Nick Nostitiz, a German freelance photojournalist, was attacked by protesters after being singled out in a crowd by the protest leader who urged rally guards to "chase him away." He was slightly injured in the incident, and was saved from further harm after police led him away from the attackers.

"We must specifically call out the irresponsible action of protest leader Jumpol Chumsai, a former Democrat MP who recently resigned, whose pinpointing of Nostitz triggered the assault," read the statement.

"It is doubly serious that Nostitz was wearing an armband that clearly identifies him as a journalist, in keeping with measures adopted by the larger media community on how to keep safe. In a highly charged political atmosphere such as a protest, calling on protesters to 'chase' a specific person believed belonging to an opposing camp is almost a direct incitement to violence.

"Meanwhile the protests in front of TV stations can be interpreted as a direct coercion for media to report matters according to protesters' views. These are no different from pressures faced by journalists from media owners and the state to slant news in their favour."

The Alliance said it feared these incidents indicated a growing intolerance in society as tension built up among political actors, who continued to threaten not just press freedom and professionalism in the country, but also on a larger scale freedom of opinion and expression among the public.

The Alliance added that it was hoped that these two incidents did not mark a dangerous turn in the protests that endanger media freedom and freedom of expression.

"We must emphasise that such incidents are not isolated in the context of Thailand's ongoing political turmoil, having been committed by both sides of the divide since 2006 - and not just to the media.

"We fully support the statement of colleagues at the Thai Journalists Association - a Seapa member - for calling on both sides not to obstruct the work of the media, and for journalists to exercise their professed duty of keeping the public informed amidst the tense situation."


-- The Nation 2013-11-26

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Protesters occupy three more ministries: police
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Protesters led by the People's Army against the Thaksin's Regime Tuesday entered and occupied three ministries as well as besieging the Interior Ministry, the Metropolitan Police Bureau announced.

Pol Maj Gen Adul Narongsak, the spokesman for the Metropolitan Police, said the People's Army group, which is led by Gen Preecha Iamsuwan and Adm Chai Suwannapharp, moved the protesters from the Makkhawan Bridge rally site on a siege of the Agriculture Ministry, the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Transport Ministry at 11am.

Adul said the protesters took over the three ministries and told officials to leave the compounds.

Adul said leaders then led about 100 protesters to enter each of the three ministries and closed the gates, thus preventing officials from entering the compounds.

The spokesman added that the protesters then moved to the Interior Ministry and told officials to leave before 12.40pm. They also threatened to cut the power supply and water supply to the buildings.

However, because the Interior Ministry's gate was closed and police were guarding the compound so the protesters stayed outside but refused to move away," Adul said.

On Monday, protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban led thousands of protesters to occupy the Budget Bureau and the Finance Ministry compound, while other groups occupied the Foreign Ministry and the Public Relations Department. A group that stayed overnight inside the Foreign Ministry compound agreed to leave late this morning.


-- The Nation 2013-11-26

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Q&A on Thai political crisis - Facts

BANGKOK, November 26, 2013 (AFP) - Here are some key facts about Thailand's political crisis, which escalated this week with protesters occupying key ministries in a bid to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's government.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684513-q-a-on-thai-political-crisis-facts/

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UPDATE:

Slashed woman dies after Phuket hotel fall, roommate found dead
Phuket Gazette


The fallen lamp in the blood-splattered room. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- A Chinese tourist has died after falling from the second-floor balcony of a Phuket Town hotel this morning while bleeding heavily from deep lacerations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684429-chinese-man-found-strangled-in-room-wife-injured-after-balcony-jump-at-phuket-hotel/?p=7085434#entry7085434

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Commerce Ministry centre will monitor protest; fears prolonged rallies could halt exports, minus growth, deflation /MCOT

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Anti-govt protest leaders organising another massive rally tomorrow
By English News



BANGKOK, Nov 26 – The Anti-Thaksin Regime Group, led by former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban, has declared another major rally at the Democracy Monument tomorrow, defying the government’s invocation of the Internal Security Act across Bangkok and parts of outlying provinces.

Former Democrat MP Ekanat Prompan and eight core leaders of the group said the political rally will be suspended today to prepare for tomorrow’s countrywide demonstration.

He lambasted police for seeking the Criminal Court’s order to arrest protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban for leading the demonstrators to seize state buildings.

“The government’s authority has been nullified since it rejected the Constitution Court’s ruling last week. Every government-issued order is meaningless,” he said.

Regarding the government’s concern that the protest has damaged the country’s economy, Mr Ekanat said Thailand’s economy has been ruined by the Thaksin Regime for years.

He said leaders of the group will invite the United Nations and international media to observe the demonstration which has been carried out peacefully without the use of weapons.

He described as groundless the government’s claim that the seizure of the Finance Ministry will delay the civil servants’ monthly payment since the pay roll has already been transferred to Krung Thai Bank to be paid at the end of the month. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-11-26

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RT@Aim_NT: 6pm People's Army to Overthrow the Thaksin Regime protest dispersed from Interior Ministry heading back to Makkawan Bridge. Via @Anuphan_nna

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Protests prompt tourists to avoid Khaosan Road
By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 26 – Businesses on Khaosan Road, Thailand’s 'backpacker central,' have been shaken by the current political rallies as its 8,000 rooms are now only 30-40 per cent occupied, despite it being the peak tourism season.

Khaosan Business Association vice president Prasit Chiaranaisakul said the protests have affected hotels and other businesses on Khaosan Road. The room occupancy rate has dropped by almost half, a big decrease compared to the same period last year when the total 8,000 rooms were almost fully booked.

He said road closure in several areas has barred tourists from entering Khaosan Road since the protest started. Some travellers have already moved out of the area to avoid the demonstrations.

The tourism ambience has turned stagnant as up to 19 countries including the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Japan, Taiwan, Canada and Australia have issued travel advice to their citizens to avoid travelling to Thailand.

Mr Prasit called on both sides of demonstrators to seek ways to end the conflicts through peaceful means. Road blockages should be avoided and protesters should rally in closed areas such as Lumpini Park, Sanam Luang Ceremonial Ground or sports stadiums.

He said Khaosan tourism would be boosted again with room occupancy rate increasing up to 80 per cent if the political tension eases quickly. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-11-26

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PM Yingluck charges opposition with unfair censure
By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 26 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today deplored what she called the opposition’s unfair allegations against her administration, an administration which has protected democracy and fought against corruption.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/684566-pm-yingluck-charges-opposition-with-unfair-censure/

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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151770686126937&l=1f4573fc51

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RT@RichardBarrow: Many protesters still at Ministry of Finance (Pic @Pacharapapon) pic.twitter.com/vsyXL6Wt7M #Bangkok

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RT@RichardBarrow: Red Shirts still at Rajamangala Stadium - RT @poohtnn24: มุมกว้างจากเวทีนปช. pic.twitter.com/ck8bbauv7a #Bangkok

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RT@RichardBarrow: If protests go on much longer will the Race of Champions be cancelled? The Red Shirts are presently occupying Rajamangala Stadium #Bangkok

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RT@Saksith: Suthep: “I declare (in front of the monk) to speak out of my heart that it is necessary to rid Thaksinism once and for all...”

RT@Saksith:Suthep: “…and we have to get our hand to together to change Thailand into a real democracy with the King as the head of state!”

RT@Aim_NT: It's necessary that we eradicate Thaksin Regime from Thailand. After that, we must join hands to change Thailand to a fully democratic

RT@Aim_NT: (Cont) ...To a fully constitutional monarchy. In the past, it was majority dictatorship, not real democracy: Suthep.

RT@Aim_NT: It used the majority to serve its own will including passing the law at 4am while people were sleeping: Suthep.

RT@Aim_NT: When d Constitutional Court ruled it could not rewrite the whole Constitution, it tried to amend the law so that it can monopolize power:ST.

RT@Aim_NT: The govt rejected the power of Constitutional Court so it defied to the court, to the laws, it lacked legitimacy: Suthep.

RT@Aim_NT: If we let it remain like this, the cou try will be doomed as nobody respects the law: Suthep.this is a result of the current election system

RT@Aim_NT: The current system allows vote buying which led to vicious capitalists dominating the Parliament: Suthep.

RT@Aim_NT: We have to make Thai election system clean, free from vote buying and stop bad ppl from getting in claiming ppl's votes to do bad: Suthep.