Thailand Live Friday 29 Nov 2013

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RT@tulsathit: Another strange Chalerm remark: More people are joining anti-govt rally (but) protest will end in 7-9 days. via @news1005fm

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RT@RichardBarrow: Protesters in front of the US Embassy in #Bangkok RT @rungg_TRnews หน้าสถานทูตสหรัฐกรณ์ขึ้นเวทีปราศรัยแล้ว pic.twitter.com/cBo8CH5NP4

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RT@tulsathit: RT @teamkorn: @MCOT_Eng: PM delays submitting 2.2 trillion loan bill for royal endorsement awaiting Constitution Court ruling.

RT@tulsathit: Govt decision to delay Bt2 trillion borrowing bill is significant. Constitution Court is strongly against illegal voting. via @teamkorn

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Weather Advisory No. 6 (389/2013) Subject: Cool to Cold Weather, Heavy Rain and Strong Wind-Wave

The rather strong high pressure from China continues covering Thailand until 3 December. Cooler weather by 5-7 degree Celsius and windy are likely over the North, the Northeast, the Central and the East. Cold weather, as well as temperature lower than 16 degree Celsius, is expected in some areas of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lamphun, Lampang, Loei, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom. People should take care of their health due to the weather change.

The stronger northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf of Thailand, and the low pressure moves from the lower South China Sea to the lower South of the country and neighboring Malaysia during 2-3 December. Heavy to very heavy rain is forecast much of south provinces. The provinces include Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. People should beware of the severe weather. During 29 November to 3 December, the wind wave in the lower Gulf is expected about 2-4 meters high. Small boats in the Gulf from Chumphon downward keep ashore.

Weather Forecast for Thailand from 6.00 a.m. Friday to 6.00 a.m. Saturday

Northern Thailand Cool to cold with fog in the morning and windy by 2-3 degree Celsius drops. Isolated thundershowers mostly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao and Tak. Minimum temperature 16-21 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-33 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 11-15 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Northeastern Thailand Cool to cold with mist in the morning and windy by 2-4 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 16-18 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 31-32 degree Celsius. Cold on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 9-13 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Central Thailand Cool with mist in the morning and windy by 2-3 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 20-23 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 18-23 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

Eastern Thailand Cool with mist in the morning and windy by 2-3 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 22-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Cool on mountaintops. Minimum temperature 18-23 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height 1-2 meters.

Southern Thailand East Coast Very cloudy with fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rain in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Minimum temperature 23-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Celsius. Upper Gulf from Chumphon upward: Northeasterly winds 20-35 km/hr. Wave height about 2 meters. Lower Gulf from Surat Thani downward: Northeasterly winds 20-45 km/hr. Wave height 2-4 meters.

Southern Thailand West Coast Cloudy with scattered thundershowers mostly in Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Minimum temperature 23-24 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 29-32 degree Celsius. Easterly winds 15-35 km/hr. Wave height about 1-2 meters and about 2 meters offshore.

Bangkok Metropolis and Vicinity Partly cloudy with mist in the morning and windy by 2-3 degree Celsius drops. Minimum temperature 23-25 degree Celsius. Maximum temperature 32-34 degree Celsius. Northeasterly winds 15-35 km/hr.

-- NNT 2013-11-29

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RT@tulsathit: Marchers leaving Pheu Thai headquarters. via @noppatjak

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RT@CoconutsBangkok: Bird's eye view of #PheuThai HQ on Petchaburi Road via @NokxYah @js100radio pic.twitter.com/q1ylCAcXG0

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Govt 'war room' following anti-govt protests
By English News

BANGKOK, Nov 29 - The government has set up a 'war room' to follow the ongoing government protests at Government House to improve delivery of the latest information to members of the media.

Government spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi said news conferences will be presented up to four times daily at 10am, 2pm and later in the evening.

The newly set-up war room with internet access provided is an additional centre to give information. Thai and foreign correspondents can register to join the war room.

Mr Teerat said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra affirmed that full safety is being provided demonstrators, using peaceful means and avoiding confrontation according to international practice. He said the premier was ready to negotiate with protesters to find solutions to any problems.

He said services to the public can continue, though not so smoothly, despite the fact that state buildings were seized, while having admitted the government's Bt2 trillion loan bill could be delayed, for it had to wait for the Constitution Court's decision before forwarding the bill for royal endorsement.

Mr Teerat spoke after British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent met with the premier to express concerns on Thailand's ongoing protests and disagreement with the seizure of state buildings, he said.

The UK envoy said he wished to see negotiations between the government and protest leaders, while worrying that the country's Bt2 trillion infrastructure investment projects could be delayed, the government spokesman said. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-11-29

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RT@RichardBarrow: RT @Thai_Talk: Protest leaders also threaten to go to Navy, Air Force if they "don't stand w/ the ppl" in overthrowing Thaksin Regime

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RT@tulsathit: At Army HQ. The guys in uniform don't look very tense. RT @WassanaNanuam: pic.twitter.com/F39asb6uGG

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RT@tulsathit: Army chief Prayuth, in msg to protesters: Submit yr letter and leave. Tell me if u need water or medicine. via @WassanaNanuam

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Graft buster Klanarong resigns all subcommittee posts

BANGKOK: -- Former commissioner of the National Anti Corruption Commission has resigned from all his sub-commission positions, except the chairmanship.

Klanarong Chantik, former secretary-general of the NACC, said he has resigned from all positions in the sub-commissions remaining only the chairmanship of the sub-commission on prevention and development of value and integrity.

He said he stepped down from all sub-commission positions because he could not spare enough time for work in these sub-commissions.

Moreover, he said, a proposed appointment of him to be advisor to the NACC board has been delayed though the NACC board chairman has already submitted to the board for consideration.

He said he did not know why the appointment was delayed, prompting him to resign from all sub-commission positions .

He said investigation of the rice pledging scheme has been handled by another commissioner Vicha Mahakhun.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/graft-buster-klanarong-resigns-subcommittee-posts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=graft-buster-klanarong-resigns-subcommittee-posts

--Thai PBS 2013-11-29

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His Majesty signs decree to set opening date of new parliamentary session

BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King has signed a royal decree to start the new parliamentary session on December 21.

The copy of the decree was handed to reporters Friday.

-- The Nation 2013-11-29

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DEMONSTRATION
Protest could be led by any one of the hundreds of candidates: Abhisit
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva might possibly become the leader of the anti-government protest were Suthep Thaugsuban arrested, he said on Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685324-abhisit-may-lead-protesters-if-suthep-arrested/#entry7097890

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RT@BPbreakingnews: Korn leads protesters to US embassy

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Jatuporn alleges protesters plan to capture PM, other government leaders
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan Friday alleged that the protesters led by former Democrat MP planned to abduct Thailand's key state leaders, especially the prime minister.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685342-jatuporn-alleges-protesters-plan-to-capture-pm-yingluck-other-govt-leaders/

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DECEMBER 5'S CELEBRATIONS
Army to move troops to Hua Hin for Monarch's birthday celebration

BANGKOK: -- The army on Friday announced that hundreds of soldiers would be transported to Prachuab Khiri Khan province to take part in the rehearsals for the trooping of the colours and oath taking on HM the King's birthday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685346-army-to-move-troops-to-hua-hin-for-monarchs-birthday-celebration/

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UPDATE:

Anti-Thaksin demonstrators break into Army HQ

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685316-thai-protesters-break-into-army-headquarters/page-2#entry7098104

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Korn leads Bangkok protesters to US embassy


Anti-government protesters gather at BTS Asok on Friday before noon. (Thai PBS twitter photo)

BANGKOK: -- Korn Chatukavanij, deputy leader of Democrat Party, led supporters to submit a letter to the US embassy on Witthayu Road declaring the coalition led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has no legitimacy to govern.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685312-thousands-march-to-us-embassy-in-bangkok/page-2?p=7098112#entry7098112

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Business chambers call PM to dissolve House



BANGKOK: -- Business chambers today called on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives to resolve the current political stalemate. They also offered to act as a mediator to negotiate with all conflicting groups and bring a solution acceptable for all sides.

In a joint press conference called by two powerful chambers, Mr Issara Vongkusolkit, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said as the current conflict remained unsolved and expected to prolong, businessmen were concerned about the escalation of the situation which could lead to bloodshed.

He said that the business chambers have agreed to act as a mediator to bring all disputed parties to a meeting to resolve their differences.

This was to be done before the dissolution of the House of Representatives by the prime minister, he said.

He said the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand were ready to talk to all sides with the cooperation from all private and state universities, media representatives, as well as distinguished persons acceptable by the people, to form a mediating team to arrange a negotiation between the two disputed parties.

Board of Trade of Thailand vice chairman Vichai Asrasakorn said the mediating team must be from well respected institutions, not a person, with the Thai Chamber initiating the negotiation process.

Somkiat Anurat, vice chairman of the BoT, said a survey from 60% of its members revealed that all businesses wanted to see the dissolution of House of Representatives, while 30-40% wishing to have a negotiation first.

But they also voiced concern that if House is dissolved and election called,, the same problem will reoccur .

Therefore they proposed to have an unconditional talk first to end all differences, he said,

Board of Trade secretary-general Klin Sarasin said that the current political conflict has undermined tourists’ confidence, adding prolonged conflict would affect all relevant industries such as food, and retailing, in addition to tourism.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/business-chambers-call-pm-dissolve-house/

-- Thai PBS 2013-11-29

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32 countries issue travel warnings to Thailand

BANGKOK, 29 Nov 2013 (NNT) — A total of 32 countries have so far issued warnings against traveling to Thailand. Foreign press is also keeping a close watch on developments of the ongoing political demonstrations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685351-32-countries-issue-travel-warnings-to-thailand/

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Korn tells US Embassy “Government has lost legitimacy to rule”



BANGKOK: -- Opposition Democrat party’s deputy leader Korn Chatikavanich today told the US Ambassador that the Yingluck Government has already lost legitimacy to rule the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685312-thousands-march-to-us-embassy-in-bangkok/page-3?p=7098174#entry7098174

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RT @ACSBKK: The demonstrators have left the U.S. Embassy area and Wireless Road is open to normal traffic.

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RT @Aim_NT: 3.15pm Students and People's Network for Democracy has left the Army HQ heading back to their rally base at Nang Lerng intersection -NNA

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Korn Chatukavanij,deputy leader of Dem.Party,led anti-govt supporters to submit letter to US embassy declaring govt has no legitimacy to govern / The Nation

Ongoing anti-govt protests hurts Thai economy,could reduce GDP 2013 to below 3%,Finance Minister Kittiratt said /The Nation

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Kasikornbak and Bangkok Bank have announced they are cutting both lending and deposit rates following the reduction of RP rate to 2.25%25 by central bank's MPC. /Bangkok Post

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Wily Thai political veteran at protest vanguard
by Aidan JONES

BANGKOK, November 29, 2013 (AFP) - To his followers he is Thailand's straight-talking saviour, but to his critics Suthep Thaugsuban -- former deputy premier turned firebrand protest leader -- is a threat to the kingdom's fragile democracy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685355-wily-thai-political-veteran-at-protest-vanguard-suthep-thaugsuban/

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Final battle against Thaksin regime pondered



BANGKOK: -- Protest leader Suthep Thuagsuban held a closed-door meeting with other co-leaders at government complex in Chaeng Wattana Friday afternoon to discuss their final plan to overthrow the Thaksin regime in two days.

Besides Suthep, the other co-leaders representing protesters at Ratchadamnoen, Finance Ministry, Makkawan bridge and Pan Fah present at the meeting included Democrat MPs Thavorn Senniam and Witthaya Kaewparadai, Somsak Kosaisook, Somkiat Pongpaibul, Samdin Lertbut and Prasong Soonsiri.

No information was available about the final battle against the Thaksin regime but it was believed that some of the information might be disclosed to the protesters tonight.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/final-battle-thaksin-regime-pondered/

-- Thai PBS 2013-11-29

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POLITICS
Protesters leave Army headquarters Friday afternoon

BANGKOK: -- Hundreds of the anti-government protesters left the the Army's headquarters on Rajadamnoen Nok Road on Friday afternoon after occupying its front lawn for about three hours.

The protest was led by Students and People Network for Thailand's Reform who marched from their base in Nang Lueng area in the morning. They entered the compound reportedly by climbing over the fences and pushing the entrance gate at about 12.25pm.

Their leaders read a prepared letter addressing to Army Commander in Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, asking whether he took side with people. The protesters left the compound at about 3.15pm.


-- The Nation 2013-11-29

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Thailand in WSJ weekend edition

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra appeared in Wall Street Journal's weekend edition.

Aside from the photo on the front page with the caption that she survived the no-confidence vote, the paper also ran a page-full article on her political challenges.

"The question now is how long Suthep (Thaugsuban which leds anti-government protesters) will be able to sustain his protests, and whether Thailand’s security forces will be able to maintain their composure and avoid the kind of chaos that might prompt the armed forces to step in to restore order," the paper said.


-- The Nation 2013-11-29

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Kamala Police net meth dealers in hotel sting
Phuket Gazette


Anont Promchaikhao (seated) and Jinda Meebang (right) were caught selling drugs to plainclothes police. Photo: Thawit Bilabdullar

PHUKET: -- Plainclothes police arrested two ya ice (crystal methamphetamine) dealers in a sting operation at a Phuket guesthouse on Wednesday night, seizing a total of 1.6 grams of the drug.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/685379-kamala-police-net-meth-dealers-in-hotel-sting/