14 May 2008
The Nation

Thai Government Spokesman Faces Impeachment

Opposition to launch impeachment proceedings against Jakrapob The opposition will launch impeachment proceedings Thursday against Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair for media interference, which is an offence against the Constitution. Opposition chief whip Sathit Wongnongtoey said Tuesday that the opposition will accuse Jakrapob of violating the Constitution for interfering with the media such as the MCOT and the state-run NBT channel. Sathit, also a Democrat Party executive, said the impeachment case would be filed with the Senate speaker Thursday. The Nation

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Burmese Junta Policies Have Deadly Ramifications

Recollections of Thailand's own Thaksin-led refusal to accept aid for tsunami victims... who really pays?

Where are Burma's Neighbors?

BANGKOK, May 8, 2008
(TNA)

The US ambassador to Thailand announced Thursday that the American military C-130 aircraft assigned to deliver the first installment of President George Bush's earlier proffered assistance was now not permitted to fly to Yangon, the former Myanmar capital. US President George W. Bush said earlier his country is prepared to send humanitarian assistance to victims of Cyclone Nargis, despite political differences between the United States of Myanmar, a Thai government spokesman said earlier Thursday. However, later Thursday American ambassador Eric John announced that the US mission would not, after all, dispatch its flight of goods. The ambassador did not say if there had been confusion regarding the initial offer, or if the Myanmar junta had withdrawn permission. The US ambassador told a press conference that the US aircraft did not have the Myanmar go-ahead to deliver the goods. The United States mission still hopes that American aid workers would be let into Myanmar, even as Myanmar is stalling issuing visas to foreign aid workers. Mr. John said he was "optimistic" that "the Burmese leadership" will make the correct choice regarding visas, and other aspects of the emergency aid situation. So the American diplomatic mission in Thailand, and US authorities in Washington, remain unclear regarding the prospects for American assistance to cyclone victims in Myanmar. While the Americans claim there is no political coloration to their offer, the Myanmar authorities apparently do not agree. The Thai government spokesman said the US ambassador met with Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej at Government House Thursday and asked the Thai government to help negotiate with Myanmar government to allow US military aircraft carrying necessities to land in Myanmar. American assistance will fall under the World Food Program and could offer food to 600,000 people per day for six consecutive months, the spokesman said. In responding to the US envoy's request, Mr. Samak, according to the spokesman, pledged to telephone his Myanmar counterpart prime minister Gen. Thein Sein, who visited Thailand last month, and seek permission on behalf of the US ambassador. If the telephone talks failed, Mr. Samak would travel to Myanmar soon to seek approval for Washington, said the spokesman. Earlier Thursday, the Swedish and Canadian ambassadors to Thailand met Thai Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and urged him to help negotiate with the Myanmar government on their countries wishing to assist cyclone victims. At least four Asian countries, including Thailand, are flying in relief supplies to the devastated country while the number of those killed and missing have risen. According to latest statistics released by Myanmar state media, 22,980 persons were killed and 42,119 were still missing.

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Think Sex In Thailand Is a Blast?

30 April 2008
the Nation

Seventy percent [70%] of Thai women cannot achieve orgasm, according to survey A recent global sex survey [See also prostitution in Thailand] found that 70 per cent of Thai women cannot achieve orgasm. Others reach orgasm through masturbation or having sex with another woman, while 79 per cent of Thai men climax during sex, according to research by condom manufacturer Durex. The survey was conducted in 26 countries and questioned 26,000 respondents about their sexual behaviour and attitudes.

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24 April 2008

Vote Democrat in Korat on 26 April!

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$100 Million Worth of Rice "Disappears"

BANGKOK, April 14, 2008 (TNA)

Thailand's agricultral backbone rice tillers have began stalling on the sale of their reserves in hand, even as government sources indicated that US$100 million of rice has gone missing from national warehouses. Continued increasing rice prices in the Thai market have prompted numerous farmers and middlemen to slow, stall or altogether stop selling paddy rice to millers, a move which eventually affects exporters, according to a Bank of Thailand (BoT) official who is deeply acquainted with the rice trade. Benjamas Kotenongbua, a senior economist at BoT's Northeastern Office in Khon Kaen, said that this year's rice prices have soared unexpectedly to a new record high. The government-sponsored mortgage programme for the 2007-2008 rice season saw only 240,000 tonnes of rice being committed to it, compared to earlier estimates of 8 million tonnes, she said. The major reason for the sharp drop of rice participation in the programme was the result of soaring of rice prices which persuaded farmers and middlemen not to sell rice to millers. The practice has already affected exporters, according to Ms. Benjamas, as farmers are increasingly unwilling to let go of their stocks in hand. In the first three months of this year, rice exports totaled 3.26 million tonnes, up 166.2 per cent from the 1.96 million tonnes shipped in the corresponding period in 2007. The target rice export for the whole year was originally set at 8.75-9 million tonnes. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Mingkwan Saengsuwan said last week that Thai jasmine rice -- khao hom mali -- is now priced on average at 34,600-36,000 baht per tonne (US$1,091-1,135), 5 per cent white rice at 26,400-26,700 baht per tonne (US$832-842), and paddy at 17,000-18,000 baht per tonne (US$536-567). On government's rice stock, Miss Benjamas said a total of 200,000 tonnes of rice had been missing from warehouses nationwide. Damages were estimated at approximately Bt3.2 billion (about US$101.1 million). The government has kept 2.1 million tonnes of rice in stock to ensure local people have enough rice for consumption. The current volume of rice in the country's stockpiles is less than half of that compared to last year -- which was at about 4.4 million tonnes.

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Samak Government To Unravel Democratic Referendum

The Bangkok Post
(ARTICLE DATED ONLY BY YEAR!) 2008

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said on Tuesday the whole 2007 constitution should be amended. Mr Samak said he is confident that chaos will not arise as a result of the charter amending process. He described altering the constitution as a "common practice". He also indicated the changes will be made by the government, approved by the parliamentary majority - without a public referendum. Last August, the military junta then in charge of the country conducted a nationwide referendum said to cost two billion baht. It was the first referendum ever held for Thailand, which has had 17 constitutions since the abolition of the absolute monarchy in 1932. Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Suebwonglee confirmed that the ruling People Power party has passed a resolution to amend the entire charter. He said the decision of the party will be forwarded to the five coalition parties next week for further discussion. Their support will be necessary for parliament to approve the amendments. He added that it is still unknown how long the process will take.

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BANGKOK, April 5, 2008
Thai News Agency

Activist warns of social deterioration

A prominent Thai political analyst said Saturday that Thai society is now deteriorating significantly, and that Thailand's judicial system is only the institution left which provides stability and which the people can rely upon. Thirayuth Boonmee, the former 1973 student uprising activist who now directs the Sanya Dhammasak Institute, said while speaking at a university that the Thai people and society were now being confronted by five problems: a lack of unity, righteousness, overly bureaucratic polity, politics, and academic and media institutions, all causing a deep crisis from which no solutions could be found. These problems can be seen clearly as a division between those who live at the country's grass-roots level now disagreed with middle-income people about ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Mr. Thirayuth said. He predicted that this dispute will carry on for at least another one or two general elections. Thailand is heading towards a deepening crisis with no solution in sight, the academic said, stating that the judiciary seems to be the sole institution which can solve the ongoing crisis. The situation has worsened as the coalition government is rushing to change the constitution, he said, warning that amending the constitution is an action which could cause further confrontation between those who are for and those who are against such change. Military coups and restricting public freedoms are not solutions to the problem. He urged Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to listen to criticism made earlier by both senior citizen Prawase Wasi and former prime minister Anand Panyarachun, who both believed the amendments are being carried out for selfish-gain, and not for the benefit of the country and Thais in the future, as claimed by Mr. Samak. Amending the charter is very significant, Dr. Thirayuth cautioned. It requires participation from all sectors of society, not only the politicians in parliament, he cautioned.

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30 March 2008
the Korat Post - from Manager Online/Thai News Agency

Lower Northeast Experiencing Severe Drought

Six of Northeast Thailand's lower NE provinces cited as under drought conditions. Water is being distributed by various government agencies, including the military. All 22 major water reservoirs in the region said to be continuously losing water and falling to record shallow levels. According to Region 5 Director of Public Hazard Prevention and Relief Mr. Wallop Thepphakdee cited the following northeast provincial breakdown (32 districts, 220 tambols, 2542 villages) of districts suffering and extent of damage or suffering:

The provinces most seriously affected were, in order, Sisaket, Buriram, Surin, Chaiyaphum, Saraburi. Almost 5,000 rai and two billion Baht worth of damage was inflicted. Over fifteen million liters o water have been distributed to date.

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28 March 2008
from The Nation

2,542 Isan Villages Declared Disaster Zones

A total of 110 districts in northeastern provinces have been declared drought disaster zones, a senior official said Friday. Wallop Thepphakdee, director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Region 5, said the six provinces are Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buri Ram, Surin, and Si Sa Ket. The drought is affecting some 1.695 million people in 9,030 villages in the provinces, he said. In Nakhon Ratchasima alone 2,542 villages in 32 districts were affected, he said. The Nation

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27 March 2008
the Korat Post Online
From Manager Online

What follows is a Thai language video of Chelerm Ubumrung, Thai Minister of Interior, acting like normal. Fit for Burma.

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24 March 2008
the Korat Post Online

Korat citizens march in support of the Privy Council President during PM Thaksin reign. The King's personal
chief adviser had born the brunt of pro-Thaksin attacks.

On 23 March 2008, Khun Ying Kalaya Sophonphanich, deputy leader and adviser to the Democrat Party, was reported in Manager Online to have announced a new book about 14 October 1973 and 6 October 1976 that dispells myths generated by current Thai prime minster Samak Sundaravej. According to the PM, only "only unlucky guy" died on 6 October 1976 at the Thammasat massacre while the official death oll was forty six and in reality was thought to be over a hundred. Samak and Thailand's Interior Minister (M.I. 1) Chalerm Ubumrung have distorted reports of the two Octobers to guard their own interests and to deny culpability on the one hand and to denounce student protestors on the other.

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BANGKOK, March 23, 2008
(TNA)

Thailand's New Constitution Facing Shredder

Prime minister Samak Sundaravej said on Sunday he wanted to review and amend the entire 2007 Constitution, if possible, except for the chapter governing the monarchy institution. Speaking during his weekly television and radio program, Mr. Samak confirmed it would be better to compare the present Constitution with the now scrapped 1997 Constitution and keep only fine articles in the previous charter in the revision process. Additional articles would be inserted, he added. He made the comments after People Power Party or PPP members agreed at the party’s annual convention on Saturday on plans to push for amendments to the Constitution. Details would be discussed again at a meeting scheduled for Tuesday. The 1997 Constitution was abrogated following the September 19, 2006 bloodless coup which toppled the elected government of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Mr. Samak, leader of the PPP which forms the core of the six party coalition government, said if the government had to spend Bt500 million in organizing a public referendum on amending the Constitution then it would be no problem. “The process should start straight away if the majority of the people want to amend it. But if the expenditure (of referendum organization) is as high as Bt2 billion then it’s too much,” said Mr. Samak. He also charged the military-sponsored 2007 Constitution was promulgated with the aim to dump a “single person from politics” but this person was still alive while attempts were still being carried out. In his campaign leading the PPP to victory in the December 2007 general election, Mr. Samak highlighted his full support for Thaksin. Plans by the government to amend the Constitution have been deplored by several senators and former charter writers as they claimed the proposed amendments would benefit the ruling PPP. The PPP along with two other political parties in the coalition government are facing charges of fraud in December’s general election. If found guilty, the parties could be dissolved. (TNA)

 

20 March 2008
the Nation

Diarrhoea Hits Kalasin

In less than three months, diarrhoea has hit as many as 4,257 residents in Kalasin. "Most of the patients are young children," Dr Somyos Srijaranai said Wednesday in his capacity as the preventive-medicine specialist at the Kalasin public-health office. He believed the unclean drinking water and the consumption of half-cooked food were the main causes of diarrhoea. "We have now randomly checked servings at food shops and restaurants in the province especially those selling somtam," Somyos added. The Nation

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14 March 2008
the Korat Post Online
From Manager Online dated 13 March 2008

Recent Mass Theft of State Property

In response to theft of power pylon cables and bolts, electricity and water meters, road manhole covers and copper cable, etc., belonging to government agencies and/or contractors working for them, the sheriff of Buriram recently called a meeting of businesses and agencies involved in purchase and sale of used goods.
Mr. Suthnan Boonmee, sheriff of Buriram meung district, on 13 March 2008 called all 54 businesses in meung district engaged in purchase and sale of used goods [50 million Baht worth] to operate strictly according to the law to avoid severe jail sentences, up to ten years, should any be proven to be implicated in purchase/sale of stolen goods. The official indicated during the meeting that to date operators had not given the kind of cooperation with state officials as they should, and indeed were trading helter-skelter without much regard to source of goods or to whom they were being sold. The sheriff indicated that order needed to be established by business operators, who were warned that should they come into possession of used goods that are suspicious or possibly sourced from dishonest means, that if the operator of the business did not immediately notify police or inspectors, that he would be subject to a 1-3 year prison term and fines of 10,000 to 30,000 Baht. For stiffer sentences up to ten years in prison, the fines could go as high as 150,000 Baht.

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13 March 2008
Translated from Manager Online

M.I. 1 Denies Culpability in Stopping Citizens From Traveling to Thammasat

Chalerm Ubumrung, current Thai Minister of Interior (MI) today denied to media that he had issued any orders to the nation's 76 provincial governors to stop citizens from interprovince travel to attend a government protest seminar. Scheduled for 28 March at Thammasat University, the seminar is being organized by several groups, headed by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), often represented by media baron Sondhi Limthongkul. Sondhi has recently been rumored to be running low on funds, and in a television program on his ASTV News 1 program yesterday, staff indicated that they many had not been paid for two weeks but were reluctant to disturb their ultimate boss who was under a great deal of pressure. Chalerm recounted with the media that some time ago, which he still fondly remembers, Sondhi Limthongkul had given him a check for 500,000 Baht when he had to flee the country. Yet, according to Chalerm, the check bounced, but then Sondhi endeavered to transfer the money through Chalerm's younger brother. So he has kept that assistance in mind and will continue to do so.

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12 March 2008
From Manager Online

Recently local residents in Buriram province met with current police officials to discuss the firing of Buriram's assistant police commissioner, who was also a member of the Buriram Provincial Election Committee investigating Thaksin and his supporter, notably Newin Chidchop, and three elected MPs who had cheated during their election. The removal of this respected official is expected to be on the agenda at the 28 March 2008 PAD public meeting at Thammasat University.

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BANGKOK, March 6, 2008
Thailand News Agency (TNA)

Relatives To Undergo 'Unconstitutional' Search

Justice Minister Somphong Amornvivat has launched a new round of the government's anti-drug campaign with the announcement of setting up a national-level drug-busting committee headed by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. Mr. Sompong, who discussed the matter with Office of the Narcotics Control Board chief Kitti Limchaikit, said the National Committee for Prevention and Suppression of Drug Trafficking will be chaired by the prime minister and consist of several ministers concerned, including himself. Under the procedures of the new drug war, relatives and close associates of drug dealing suspects may be questioned and have their assets examined by the authorities, including the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Revenue Department. Funds put away in any banks or other property of those related to or connected with the suspected drug dealers will be thoroughly scanned. Rewards will be granted to those who may give information leading to the arrest of major drug dealers currently at large, the justice minister added. More than 2,500 people died during the former Thaksin Administration, sparking criticism from human rights groups in Thailand and abroad. Thai police and security forces were accused of murdering drug trafficking suspects, but the then government denied this. (TNA)-E008

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29 February 2008
the Korat Post Online

Dr. Montree Treeratanarangsee
2007 Man of the Year, Nakhonratchasima
MAss Ally Federation Ceremony 29 February 2008

Tonight, beginning at 18:00 hrs., at Royal Thai Army Region 2 headquarters' Rerng Chai Clubhouse, the Mass Ally Federation of Nakhonratchasima held its annual Man of the Year award ceremonies. This year's honor went to Bangkok Hospital executive Dr. Montree Treeratanarangsee, expert in family medicine. Born on 10 December 1951, Nakhornsawan province, Thailand. With a motto of "Adopt the same heart at the patient, treat the patient as if a relative and friend, charge cheap prices for treatment," Dr. Montree graduated with Class 1 and a master's in government and private sector administration from NIDA in 1970.

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Thaksin Back In The Morning

BANGKOK, February 27, 2008 (TNA)

Transport Minister Santi Prompant affirmed that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would arrive at the Thai capital's Suvarnabhumi airport Thursday at 9.40 am, and that hundreds of police were being deployed to provide extra security for his return. The transport minister said Mr. Thaksin's return was to defend himself aganst corruption charges after18-month of self-imposed exile. The minister of transport, to whom the Airports Authority of Thailand (AoT) and Thai Airways International (THAI) report to, has prepped the two organisations to prepare for the ex-PM's arrival. Mr. Santi said he would be one of the five people to welcome Mr. Thaksin onboard. The former prime minister, accompanied by a 13-member entourages, will board Thai Airways International flight TG603 in Hong Kong and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at Zone G where he would be received in VIP Lounge 1-4. Meanwhile, Airports Authority of Thailand (AoT) Plc. closed Zone G on Wednesday and stepped up security. Five hundred police officers will be deployed to provide extra security at the airport for Mr. Thaksin's arrival. Meanwhile, anti-Thaksin activists again claiming the banner of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) pledged Wednesday that they will not protest against the speculated comeback to Thailand of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra Thursday to defend himself against court charges. Prominent former PAD personality Suriyasai Katasila said the anti-Thaksin activists will not gather anywhere or make any move in protest against the deposed prime minister's return 18 months as a world-travelin exile following the 2006 military coup. Returning to fight for justice for himself and his family in the face of earlier lodged charges of corruption and abuse of power, the former premier is expected to be met by numbers of admirers and supporters. However, activist Suriyasai called on the authorities -- including the police, the Office of Attorney General and the Department of Special Investigation, never to apply double standards or abuse their powers only to unduely favour the former prime minister who was legally obliged to appear before the Supreme Court if he returned home. Mr. Thaksin is speculated to be granted bail during the court proceedings over the questionable Bangkok land deal which allegedly involved his spouse, Khunying Pojaman, who had earlier returned to Bangkok from overseas was given bail by the Supreme Court. Mr. Suriyasai agreed with Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej who asked that neither supporters or crfitics should appear at Suvarnabhumi airport when Mr. Thaksin touches the tarmac for the first time in 18 months. The globe-trotting former premier is speculated to return from Hong Kong Thursday morning and Mr. Samak suggests that either supporters or critics might inconveniences other airline passengers.

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26 February 2008
The Nation

Samak stunned as Yongyuth's fate hangs in the wind

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Tuesday said he was stunned by the Election Commission's decision to disqualify House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat on grounds of campaign violations, saying he would have to clarify the information before deciding a next move. The five-member EC ruled in a majority vote to petition the Supreme Court to launch a judicial review on alleged votebuying in Chiang Rai involving Yongyuth, EC secretary general Suthiphon Thaveechaigarn said. Once the high court has ruled to commence trial, Yongyuth is expected to suspend his speakership though he would retain in House seat as a partylist MP from Zone 1 covering the Upper Northern Region. His two deputies would act as interim speakers during trial. If he was convicted in the onetier, fasttrack review, he would lose his seat and face a fiveban from the electoral process. In trying Yongyuth who is concurrently a People Power Party executive, the EC is obliged to form an investigative panel to determine whether his alleged violations were linked to the party. Should the linkage be suspected, the EC must petition the Constitution Court to rule whether the dismantle the party.

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25 February 2008
Manager Online

On 24 February 2008, a deranged man in Nong Khai got his wish. He lied down in front of a Nong-Khai-Bangkok train and was killed as the train passed over his prone body.

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Thai Government Admits It Doesn't Care -
"Kill 'em!"

23 February 2008
Agencies

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who heads the Drug Suppression Committee, unveiled the plan to reporters yesterday, echoing Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung's announcement on the drug war on the last day of the government's policy debate on Wednesday. The government is to go ahead with a plan to revive the war on drugs campaign amid grave concern by human rights activists. Mr Samak said he will soon call a meeting with state-run agencies in charge of drug suppression to lay down the drugs policy. He said he will order the establishment of an ad-hoc committee to be responsible for it. Mr Samak shrugged off public criticism that the drug war by the government of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had violated human rights as it reportedly had claimed the lives of thousands of innocent victims. He showed no sympathy over those killed [Ed: 2,500 dead minimum, est. 1,500 at least with no evidence] during the Thaksin government's war on drugs, while pleading for public understanding over the need for a drugs policy. He said he was informed that there were only 59 drug suspects killed by the police and others had been killed by those in the same drug gangs. Had they been innocent, they would not have been killed, he said. Mr Samak suggested that those who had lost their relatives during the anti-drug campaign lodge complaints with police so wrongdoers could be taken to court. Somchai Homlaor, chairman of the NGOs Coalition for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, said he will shortly call a meeting with his human rights networks to discuss the government's war on drugs. The networks will immediately launch campaigns against it, should the policy be deemed to put innocent lives at risk, he said. Mr Somchai urged Mr Samak and Mr Chalerm to respect principles of human rights and the rule of law. He added that international human rights bodies including the United Nations Human Rights Committee are keeping an eye on the policy. Angkhana Neelaphaijit, chairwoman of the Working Group for Peace and Justice, yesterday called on the Samak government to be careful when considering adopting a controversial policy. She also asked the government to re-investigate cases of people killed in the Thaksin government's drugs war. Mrs Angkhana said the government should make use of the information compiled by the Kanit na Nakhon fact-finding committee to make further investigations. The Kanit committee was appointed by former prime minister Surayud Chulanont. Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry will propose tracking the financial history of drug suspects and their families. Justice Minister Sompong Amornwiwat said the planned measure requires cooperation from the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo). "We want to monitor the source of money [owned by drug suspects]. This may involve looking into the financial history of not only the suspects, but also their kin of three generations up and three generations down," Mr Sompong said during a meeting with the ONCB. He said that certain tax related measures will also be considered in the government's renewed efforts to stamp out narcotics. The minister said the measures will be proposed to the government's Drug Suppression Committee.

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20 February 2008
Translated from Manager Online today

Warning of Limited Tsunami After 7.5 Richter Quake

Today at around 15:00 hrs., a major tsunami warning occured after the United States Pacific tsunami warning center reported a 7.5 Richter quake in Sumatra. In Indonesia the quake was measured at 6.6 Richter. The United States Pacific tsunami warning center indicated that the tsunami may not cause widespread devastation, but may cause damage within a 100 kilometer radius from the epicenter.

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18 February 2008
Translated from Manager Online

Sisaket Police Ordered To Inspect Parked Vehicles

The orders are an outcome of the recent incident in Bangkok where a victim of auto theft went to the Bangkok Central Police station only to find his vehicle parked nearby and a policeman claiming to be the owner.

On 18 February 2008, media sources in Sisaket province reported that Sisaket provioncial police met in the main station's Savings Coop room to discuss vehicles parked near police stations. All attending police officials were ordered to strictly inspect and ascertain the status of all vehicles parked in or near police stations. Police indicated that the measures were to prevent citizenry from being defrauded - ostensibly by police being less than thorough about missing vehicles and where they are taken.

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18 February 2008

6 October 1976 network website

Given the intense debate in public and private that has taken place over the past few days after Thai prime minister Samak Sundaravej ignorantly declared that only one single "unlucky guy" had died in the massacre at Thammasart University on 6 October 1976, we are providing a link to the informative Thai language website on this horrible event that Samak still insists, even in Parliament, that only one person was killed. There may be increasing calls for Samak's resignation, but Samak is likely to survive for a temporary period until further anti-muzzling of the press groups decide to join the foray. The site contains lots of information as well as photos. Ed.

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18 February 2008
Translated from Hi-Thaksin.net, former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's website, item dated 18 February 2008.

"Chalerm got the job he waited for all his life..."

On www.hi-thaksin.net, website of the former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a blasting attack on Thailand's new interior minister Chalerm Yubamrung appeared, citing the fact, according to Thaksin, that Chalerm got the highest prize in the government - outside the premiership, of course - with having invested the least.

The webpage entry begins,
"If you regard the days and hours spent in battling dictatorship to where democracy and victory have been delivered to the people, then Chalerm Yubamrung is the last, or almost the last, person involved in this. If you regard the days and hours in the sgtruggle that has just been finished, then Chalerm Yubamrung has gained the highest prize for the least investment.
If you regard spirit in the fight that overcame the dictatorship, then Chalerm Yubamrung is the least brave of them all."
See [here] for full Thai language report [here for Bangkok Post report], as well as editorial.
Observers indicate that Thaksin is incensed over Chalerm getting a spot that Thaksin had picked out for another favorite.

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Chirmsak pins blame squarely on Jakrapob
Dr. Jerksak Pinthong

18 February 2008
The Nation

Former senator Chirmsak Pinthong yesterday released an article to the media blaming PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair for the removal of his radio programme - and revealed the executive of the station had asked him to cover up the issue. Published on February 18, 2008 The Nation In the article, Chirmsak wrote that Saengchai Apicharttha-napat, a senior executive of production house Fatima, had told him about receiving a call from Jakrapob. The article alleges that Jakrapob told Saengchai the airwave concession contract would not be renewed as radio programmes must be changed according to the situation. Chirmsak says that Saengchai asked him what he could do to help the company from suffering any damage. "I asked him [Saengchai] during the conversation who was it [who called Saengchai]? He said clearly it was minister Jakrapob Penkair. He also said they knew each other and still contacted each other," Chirmsak wrote. The conversation took place on February 12, he wrote. He adds that two days later, Saengchai asked him to tell the media that there had been no call to put pressure and the decision was just out of the Fatima company's concern about the contract, to provide a "soft landing" for the company. Thakerng Somsab, who formerly co-hosted the radio programme and was the middleman between Chirmsak and Saengchai, yesterday declined to comment on Chirmsak's article. According to reports Saengchai contacted Thakerng first, who spoke to Chirmsak before Saengchai himself directly took up the issue with Chirmsak. Saengchai was not available for comment yesterday. Last week, the Fatima company executive joined a press conference with Public Relations Department director-general Pramoj Rathavinij denying involvement. Last week Jakrapob also denied any involvement in the removal of the radio programme. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, in the beginning of his weekly programme yesterday, thanked Pramoj and Saengchai for clarifying the accusation against the government of interfering in the media. The premier said there was an attempt to frame the government. Chirmsak last Tuesday gave up hosting his daily radio talk show after criticising Samak for allegedly covering up the Thammasat University massacre of October 6, 1976. The programme, "Chirmsak's Views", was broadcast from 8-9pm on FM105, which is under the PRD. The programme was removed after Chirmsak read an excerpt from a book written by Veera Musigapong, a former Thai Rak Thai Party executive, which said Samak had distorted the truth surrounding the killings of student protesters at Thammasat University. He also read a transcript from Samak's speech to students in France in 1977 while he was interior minister, insisting that 48 people had died in the October 6, 1976 demonstration. Chirmsak started hosting the programme after the September 2006 coup. Sathien Viriyapanpongsa, Kornchanok Raksaseri The Nation

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Angry residents threaten to fire homemade rockets to disrupt flights on Feb 23

17 February 2008
Thai News Agency, other agencies

Thailand's Air Passengers Under Threat

Constructed photo illustrating threat

Angry residents around the Suvarnabhumi International Airport Saturday threatened to disrupt the flights to and from the airport by firing homemade rockets and releasing balloons on February 23. Somchart Manathamsombat, a leader of the residents, said the people affected by noise pollution at the airport would give the government until February 23 to solve their problems or they would launch the bung fai or Isaan homemade rockets and balloons to disrupt the flights. Somchart and some 100 representatives of the residents of housing estates around the airport held a press conference to demand the new government to ask the Airports of Thailand Plc to speed up paying affected people compensations. Somchart said none of the people had received compensations so far.
The Nation

From the Bangkok Post of 17 February 2008:

A group of residents around Suvarnabhumi airport threatened to launch rockets and balloons to disrupt airborne passenger jetliners again next Saturday unless they are paid compensation money for noise pollution. At a noisy meeting on Saturday, the residents said they would give the Airports of Thailand exactly a week to start payments, or they would try again to disrupt flights at the New Bangkok International Airport. Around 100 residents invited the Thai media to the meeting, and called on the new government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to order the AoT to honour what they claimed were promises for money that never has come. Wanchart Manathamsombat, a key leader of the 32 noise-affected communities, told the media conference that residents will not invade the airport or attempt to stage any protests. Instead, he said chillingly, they plan to "seize the sky" from their homes. He refused to elaborate, but his supporters told reporters that residents planned to release balloons, set off fireworks and shoot off homemade Thai rockets similar to the ones used by northeastern farmers. Mr Wanchart, after calling the media and issuing the threat, then appeared to realise the import of his deadly warning, and refused to back his own words. "Please understand that we have no authority to stop any of the residents who were told only lies by the AoT. We will not be responsible for any action that may be taken on the day. It is an individual decision to protect his or her own rights."

The threat is not empty. In an incident widely unreported by the media last month, residents around the airport released more than 100 balloons in the sky. Luckily, airport authorities observed the action. They grounded all flights for more than two hours, and diverted incoming airliners away from Suvarnabhumi. There were no lives lost. Lat Krabang police have sent letters to all 32 communities claiming to be affected by the noise pollution, warning them not to repeat that act or take any other action that could endanger airliners or passengers. Mr Wanchart said the AoT last Nov 9 signed a formal agreement to buy homes from local residents who suffer through airplane departures and arrivals and send noise levels soaring above 70 decibels. No compensation has been paid to anyone, Mr Somchart said. Frustrated by the delay, the angry residents said they would release home-made rockets and large balloons into the sky to disrupt flights arriving and taking off at the airport. The rockets are known as "bung fai" in the northeastern Thai dialect and are capable of soaring hundreds of feet into the air. They freely admitted the threat would damage the country's image - never mind what would happen if they actually fired rockets and released balloons into aircraft flight paths. But the residents claimed they "had no choice" but to go ahead with the threats, because the AoT was insincere about solving the noise and compensation problems.