InfoAnda - Protesters in Thailand surround government seat

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Thai PM rejects protesters' call for new elections | 16 March 2010
Taiwan's Evergreen buys 10 vessels from CSBC | 12 July 2010
UK PM orders investigation of child abuse claims | | 5 November 2012

No 'perfect' answers in Afghanistan: Obama | 26 September 2009

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Protesters in Thailand surround government seat

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Protesters in Thailand surround government seat By AMBIKA AHUJA,Associated Press Writer AP - Friday, March 27 BANGKOK - More than 20,000 protesters have surrounded the prime minister's office, demanding the government resign and scoffing at its handout of checks to millions of low-income workers as a buy off. ADVERTISEMENT The demonstration began shortly after the government began doling out 2,000 baht ($55) to millions of Thais to stimulate an economy battered by the global financial crisis. The protesters, followers of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, say the government came to power through illegal means. They say that the so-called "help-the-nation" scheme for 9 million low income Thais is merely a way to buy them off. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. BANGKOK (AP) _ Thailand's government began handing out 2,000 baht ($55) checks to millions of low-income workers Thursday to stimulate an economy battered by the global financial crisis. As the first checks were distributed, thousands of demonstrators marched to Government House, the office of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, demanding the resignation of the government and rejecting the scheme as a "buy off." The demonstrators, followers of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, say Abhisit's government came to power through illegal means. Their earlier demonstrations have been peaceful. The so-called "help-the-nation" dole-out scheme targets over 9 million people earning less than 15,000 baht ($424) a month. "What we intend to do is get the economy through this very difficult period," Abhisit said after handing out the first check to a teacher at the launch of the 18 billion baht ($509 million) program. "We need to get money quickly into the system and this is the quickest way." Thousands of eligible recipients lined up for hours in the midday heat to receive the handout, and several fainted. Thailand has been hit with its worst economic downturn since the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Southeast Asia's second largest economy grew 2.6 percent in 2008. But it is expected to contract 2.5 percent this year, as the country's crucial export sector has slid four months straight. Stores and shopping complexes were quick to jump in, hoping to attract check recipients with special deals. "The check is valued 20 percent higher if you cash it in at our store," said Chamnan Metapreechakul, senior marketing director for the Mall Group, one of Thailand's largest mall operators. "We expect people to spend it because it's not large enough to save." Chamnan said the stores have created baskets of products worth 2,200 baht ($61) for those who do not want to think too much about how to spend their windfall. At the Kentucky Fried Chicken fast food chain, a check can be exchanged for store coupons with 20 pieces of chicken thrown in for free. "I am planning to see what the best deal is and spend it there. It feels good that I am spending to save the country. What an odd concept!" said Narisara Songsawang, a 36-year-old clerk. The program is expected to increase economic growth by 0.2 percentage points, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavenij said Wednesday. The first lot of 5.5 million checks issued Thursday will be followed by 1.2 million in late March and the rest in early April. Some said they planned to save the money for hard times. "You watch the news and people are getting laid off daily. I think I will save it in case my husband is the next one to lose his job," said Ponnapa Sintanee, a 38-year-old mother of three. She earns 12,000 baht ($340) a month as a school teacher. Although the one-time measure was welcomed by many, some criticized it for targeting only about a third of the country's labor force who are registered with the Social Security Fund. Those in the informal sector, including farmers and self-employed people, are not eligible. Abhisit said the government plans to launch other programs for those left out of the current scheme. When he became prime minister in December, Abhisit said his government would retain populist policies _ including cheap credit and health care _ implemented under Thaksin, who has continued to loom over Thai politics even after his ouster by a military coup in 2006 for alleged corruption and abuse of power. The anti-government protesters rejected the scheme, and demanded that Parliament be dissolved and new elections be held. They say the previous pro-Thaksin government was illegally removed by a court action backed by the powerful military. "Abhisit used to say he hates populist policies. So what is he trying to do now? Is he trying to buy us off?" said a protest leader, Nattawut Sai-kua. "It is not going to work. We will protest until this illegitimate government is gone." About 10,000 police and soldiers were deployed for the protest, said Metropolitan Police Commander Lt. Gen. Worapong Chiwpreecha. Participants said they planned to demonstrate at Government House for at least three days. Thailand was destabilized last year by months of protests by both supporters and opponents of Thaksin. He remains popular among the country's rural majority. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Asia Pacific Taiwan's Chen claims persecution as trial beginsAP - Friday, March 27 China best-seller lashes "Mafia don" AmericaReuters - Friday, March 27 Australia defense dept probes illegal spying claimAP - Friday, March 27 China court upholds convictions in milk scandalAP - Thursday, March 26 China upholds 2 tainted milk scandal convictionsAP - Thursday, March 26 Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed Red meat raises death risk, white meat lowers it Scientists see asteroid hurtle to Earth British PM brushes off Chinese currency calls Papaua New Guinea forests reveal 56 new species Snacking during labour is OK, study finds View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Thursday, 26 March 2009
U.S. urges Iran to give access to jailed journalist | International |
U.N. urged to reject bar on defamation of religion | International |
Nintendo Wii shipments top 50 million since launch | Technology |
Former 3-D hobbyist captains Monsters vs. Aliens | Entertainment |
Kelly Clarkson, U2 lead U.S. album charts | Entertainment |
New York museum opens exhibit on credit crisis | Entertainment |
Jeremy Piven Broadway exit heads to arbitration | Entertainment |
So true: Spandau Ballet reform, announce tour | Entertainment |
Child star turned driver recalls own Slumdog past | Entertainment |
Violinist Bell: Yankee Doodle for Obamas was dandy | Entertainment |
Netanyahu pledges to pursue peace with Palestinians
NATO needs better Afghan coordination, Obama says | International |
North Korea readies missile, U.S. warns | International |
Israeli archaeologists find ancient bathhouse
Suspected U.S. drone kills four in northwest Pakistan | International |
Netanyahu: Israel is Palestinians' peace partner
Scientists see asteroid hurtle to Earth
US: Attacks rise south of Baghdad, fall nationwide
Taliban attacks get help from Pakistan: report | International |
UN chief wants 'substantial' stimulus at G20
Israel marks 30 years of peace with Egypt
U.N. atomic agency votes for new chief in risky world | International |
Clinton arrives in Mexico with US mea culpa on drug wars
Suspected US strike kills seven in Pakistan: officials
14 die in Russian bus accident: ministry | International |
Papaua New Guinea forests reveal 56 new species
Sudan's Bashir visits Egypt despite ICC warrant
Hamas says resumes prisoner swap talks with Israel | International |
US to unveil stronger rules against fraud: Geithner
Fidel Castro says brother did not fire old rebels | International |
AP IMPACT: It's fear that keeps Baghdad's peace
British PM brushes off Chinese currency calls
Young Indians say no thanks to American dream | International |
Rights group slams Israel use of white phosphorous
Danish prince celebrates new Colo. wind plants
Twitter to seek revenue from businesses | Technology |
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,261
Last.fm to start charging some music users
Iran official on Iraq visit downplays US overture
Bill introduced to help ailing newspaper industry
Obama says NATO needs better Afghan coordination
Netflix links online DVD service to Facebook
Thirsty plants can Twitter for water with new device | Technology |
British pupils to get lessons on Twitter: report
Senate calls for Brazil to return boy to dad in NJ
Japan plans robo-nurses in five years: govt
Russian, Turkmen leaders vow work on energy deal
Nokia invests in mobile money firm Obopay
Clinton heads to Mexico armed with drug wars plan
EU parliament agrees to stop Le Pen
Baghdad envoy nominee optimistic on Iraqi security
UK must pry on data to block threats: ex-spy boss
Russian city mayor slain in office: official
Pro-Russia protest against US frigate in Sevastopol
Le Pen sparks Holocaust row at EU parliament
'Crucifix' killing in French pilgrimage town
Czech crisis has no impact on EU presidency: PM
Obama news conference slips in Nielsen ratings | Entertainment |
Rudd: Australia in Afghanistan for 'long haul'
U.S. says North Korea missile on launch pad
HBO serves up saccharine mush in Ladies Agency | Entertainment |
Dalai Lama envoy says China lying to Obama
NKorea places long-range missile on launch pad: US
NKorea believed to have placed missile on launch pad: Kyodo
Head of order started by Mother Teresa steps down
Jeremy Piven Broadway exit heads to arbitration
Malaysian PM's son-in-law to head party youth wing
China court accepts first milk scandal lawsuit: state media
Hanks set for new Hollywood toy story
S.Korea vice fin min says FX liquidity has improved
US official in rare talks with Myanmar regime
Seoul shares fall; N.Korea news, banks weigh
Japan, Ukraine PMs hail carbon deal
NZ current account deficit widens in Q4
Ariane chief decries China for satellite launch
IBM to shift 'large number' of US jobs to India
Singer Crespo accused of masturbating on plane
EU proposes extending duties on Chinese candles
Danger zone for `Grey's Anatomy' doctor
Nigeria 'politics behind scrapped Korea oil deal'
Penn lining up 'Three Stooges'
PetroChina profit falls 22 percent in 2008
Actress who played Winnie Cooper marries composer
British PM brushes off Chinese call to replace dollar
Hitler art to go on sale in Britain
China's ICBC says 2008 profit up 35.2 percent
U2 fills Barcelona stadium in just 54 minutes
List of cable TV's top 15 shows in Nielsen ratings
Former 3-D hobbyist captains "Monsters vs. Aliens"
Bali prepares for 'Nyepi' public holiday
New York museum opens exhibit on credit crisis
Child star turned driver recalls own "Slumdog" past
Iran to attend meeting on Afghanistan
Parents of imprisoned journalist plan Iran trip
UN says little progress made on key Gaza issues
Goods reappear in Zimbabwe shops
EU presidency blasts US recovery plans
Obama budget on the march through Congress
Climate speeds Japan's cherry blossom season
Envoy choice would shed his three stars in Kabul
Ice-jammed floodwaters, blizzard swamp N. Dakota
U.S. to blame for much of Mexican drug violence
Hope rising in US for national death penalty ban
Clinton: NKorea plan to fire missile 'provocative'
Thirsty plants can Twitter for water with new device
France 'Gallic Moan' proves answer to hard times
Last edition of Christian Science Monitor
Twitter to seek revenue from businesses
OnLive to stream videogames as online service
14 killed in Russian bus accident
Nintendo Wii shipments top 50 million since launch
Taiwan's Chen claims persecution as trial begins
China best-seller lashes "Mafia don" America
Australia defense dept probes illegal spying claim
Piven's Broadway exit heads to arbitration
China court upholds convictions in milk scandal
China upholds 2 tainted milk scandal convictions
Officials: Suicide attack kills 11 in NW Pakistan
Australia investigates spy agency over defence probe
China shares rebound on export rebate plan
Protesters in Thailand surround government seat
Taiwan dollar up in face of U.S. dollar weakness
Japan prepares crisis steps for NKorea missile
People of Athens fight for green space
Former AIG chief Greenberg criticizes bonuses
Adam Lambert hit all the right notes on `Idol'
Feuding villages' clash leaves 1 dead in China
Toyota to sell old Prius in hot hybrid battle
Former treasury secretary writing about meltdown
S.Korean won up 2.5 pct to hit 11-wk closing high
Obama news conference slips in Nielsen ratings
Unrest looms in Asia-Pacific amid financial crisis
Blacks 'hurting worse' in grim US economy: report
Chinese students head home to find jobs: report
US ballpark to sell 4,800-calorie burger
Asia to drive mobile broadband Internet access
EMI Music signs with Project Playlist
4 appeal sentences in China's tainted milk scandal
3 cops injured in shootout at Luciano's home
S.Korea to offer tax incentives to new car buyers
Mabius just not that into 'Ugly Betty' pairing
Piven's Broadway exit heads to arbitration
Bali shuts down for Day of Silence
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01