See International Court of Justice Website on Prea Viharn here. See excellent Nation Group presentation here.
Wikipedia coverage here.

UDON THANI, June 24, 2010 (TNA) – A homemade bomb was found near a phone booth in the northeastern province of Udon Thani’s provincial seat on Thursday, but it failed to explode, local police said. A bomb disposal unit investigated the scene after being informed of a suspicious bag at the phone booth on a road heading to Banjan municipality. The homemade bomb was made from four PVC pipes filled with gunpowder, along with seven josssticks and a lit cigarette at the end of the fuse in order to trigger the bomb. However, the cigarette went out and the bomb did not explode. A witness saw smoke coming from the bag for 15 minutes before it stopped. Then, he peeked inside the bag and found the bomb, so he alerted the police. Police investigators collected fingerprints but have not determined a cause of the incident. Pol Lt Sombat Chidwong, head of the bomb disposal squad, said the bomb had destructive potential with a 20-metre radius. (TNA) Photo - courtesy Thai News Agency UBON RATCHATHANI, June 14, 2010 (TNA) - The Thai authorities on Monday announced the arrest nine people in a Thai-Lao drug smuggling gang over the weekend in this northeastern province.   Seven Thai men and two Lao woman were arrested, beginning Saturday, when 25-year-old Sirimek Siriamnart was caught carrying 6,000 amphetamine tablets en route to a meeting point at Khemarat district early in the day. Police said the suspect confessed to smuggling amphetamines to Ubon Ratchathani before transporting them to Thailand's inner areas. Mr Sirimek implicated the others in the gang, including six other Thai men and two Lao women, all of whom were arrested. In total, police said 15,058 amphetamine pills were seized along with four cars and motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, three hand grenades, a 76 gramme gold ornament, and around Bt1.1 million in cash. The suspects were charged with possessing drugs for sale. (TNA) From: http://us.asiancorrespondent.com/bangkok-pundit-blog/conspiracy-against-the-monarchy: "As the result of expertise in the further application of GT 200 technology provided a highly qualified scientist and a senior military commander, the PM and deputy PM have finally been able to fit together the last pieces of the jigsaw. “We now have non-incisive proof that the red shirts are in fact Klingons, and that Thaksin is a direct descendent of Worf,” said a source deep inside the emergency solution bunker. “We also know that the grenade launchers will soon be fitted with anti-matter warheads and launched from somewhere on Kronos.” The protest leaders have immediately rebutted these claims by asserting that the PM, the entire Democratic Party and all elites are actually Romulan economic migrants and were able to provide evidence of this using their own adaptation of one of the several hundred GT200 devices recently found in a police waste-bin near Khon Kaen." See CRES. Travel Warning The following is a direct quote from the American Embassy in Bangkok, warning Americans about the current political situation and potential for violence, etc. Quote: On April 26, 2010, United States Ambassador Eric G. John convened a Town Hall meeting for American citizens in Bangkok. Joining him were other Embassy officials to answer questions from the audience. During the more than hour-long meeting, the Ambassador emphasized the need for Thailand to solve its political differences peacefully and without bloodshed. He also added that the Embassy was in frequent contact with all parties in the current political situation and that the United States Government has emphasized the importance of earnest negotiation to resolve differences. “We are stressing this message to key people who need to hear it,” he said. More than 600 Americans joined the event. American citizens were urged to exercise caution and good judgment while travelling in Bangkok and should be aware of the possibility of disturbances elsewhere. Americans were also encouraged to: defer non-essential travel to Bangkok, but must also determine for themselves what is essential and what is not; be prepared for the possibility of more violence; register with the U.S. Embassy website and receive the latest Warden Messages; refer to the Department of State’s travel website, which includes information on the Department of State’s role in a crisis abroad and on crisis preparedness; and monitor local media for the latest information. End Quote Paraphrasing George Orwell - "All Thais are equal - but some are more equal than others." 'Jiew,' right, Prachatai webmaster after initial arrest. She faces an incredible 50 years in prison because of military-induced legislation relating to computer "crimes." See story. Ladder Collapse Leads to Impalement Buriram-based German national "Mr. Michael" Feels Painful April Fool's Day - Lucky Not Killed! Translated 4 April 2010 the Korat Post Online From Korat Daily/Khon Isaan On 1 April 2010, at approximately 14:15 hrs., an accident occurred when Mr. Michael, a large 'young' German national, aged about 60, climbed up a five meter high low voltage electrical pole using a bamboo ladder. The pole is located in front on his home at 114/11 Moo 11, Soi Santisuk, Tambol Chumhet, meung district, Buriram province. Mr. Michael was climbing the ladder to fix an internet connection because he was not able to connect to a signal. He had Mr. Suphot Niphonram, the caretaker of Mr. Michael's said rental home, hold the bottom of the ladder for him. But bad luck came about when the bamboo ladder was not able to support the German's weight and gave in. As a result michael fell down onto four heavy sharp spikes that were part of a door. The spikes entered Michael's back, causing serious injury. In response to neighbors' alarm, police arrived at the scene and assisted rescue workers in sawing off the four spikes that had penetrated the German's back before urgently taking him to the central district hospital with the protruding spikes still in his back. In investigating the case and background, reporters found that after Mr. Michael had divorced form his Thai wife, he had rented the said residence but after finding that he was not able to get an internet signal, he asked the local electrical authority to fix the problem but they were unable to do so. Thus Mr. Michael took it upon himself to try to correct the connection. When he arrived at the central hospital, Mr. Michael was examined by a team of doctors who decided to immediately operate on him. They successfully removed the four steel protrusions and indicated afterward that the German would spend 1-2 days in intensive care, and then depending on his condition, would be assessed for release, treatment, etc. Doctors pointed out that recuperation would be affected by his age. Bhodi Tree Court - Reservations Now Taken   Khan and Wattanasak Formally Accused Accuser, Frank G Anderson, above, shown at left in front of Pahon Yothin Metropolitan Police Station, 20 March 2010 The Anderson residence in downtown Korat, Thailand. Wattanasak, left; Khan, right (2) 20 March 2010 The following is a news report and does not consist of allegations, the latter which were filed this morning at Phahon Yothin Metropolitan Police station. On 20 March 2010, at approximately 08:15 hrs. Frank G Anderson, who had been named in two separate criminal defamation allegations (first known to Anderson via police summons to answer charges) filed by UK citizen Akbar Khan and colleague Thai Pol. Lt. Col. Wattanasak Mungkitkarndee, appeared at Phahon Yothin Metropolitan Police Station on Ratchada Road in Bangkok to file criminal allegations against his accusers. The basis of Anderson's own allegations were Thai Criminal Code sections 137, 172, and 179. Full details of each can be found on various websites, including links contained on the Korat Post's Directory page, under Law/Legal. In brief, however, the new allegations pertain to allegedly giving false information to any official, giving false information concerning a criminal offense, and giving false evidence that may cause empowered inquiry officials (police, etc.) to believe that a criminal offense that has occurred is more serious than it really is - that is, exaggerated charge. Anderson filed the allegations with great reluctance and under considerable duress and feeling of intimidattion caused by receipt of police summons and learning that he was facing allegations that if found true could lead to imprisonment. A former Peace Corps Thailand volunteer, Anderson received a first-ever-in-life police summons mid-February 2010 which was generated by a criminal defamation allegation by Akbar Khan. The second summons followed in mid-March 2010, this one brought about by allegations made by Pol. Lt. Col. Wattanasak, for the same alleged criminal defamation offense. In conversations with police on 19 February, 19 and 20 March 2010, Anderson learned for the first time of the timing of allegations against him by both Khan and Wattanasak. According to police, Akbar Khan filed his allegations with police on 19 December 2008, one day after his reported finding of allegedly offensive material on the Korat Post web site which is maintained by Anderson. The web site is also registered in the United States. Police informed Anderson that Pol. Lt. Col. Wattanasak filed his own identical allegation on 24 March 2009. Police informed Anderson that they would process his allegations to determine, jointly and in coordination with the public prosecutor, if evidence warranted an actual issuance of summons to both Khan and Wattanasak to appear for questioning and to answer the allegations. Police indicated that the decision could go either way; that is, to proceed or not. In this light, Anderson advised the police that he was retaining his right to proceed with actual criminal prosecution against the two directly with the criminal court in the same jurisdiction. Anderson indicates that the police at Phahon Yothin station were polite and professional, understanding but neutral. He reports that police also refererred to lese majeste accusations against others that Khan and Wattanasak had filed, indicating that Anderson may have been unable to restrain himself from critical comment on the matter and thus placed critical comments on his web site. Anderson indicated that online commentary critical of the two and their activities was protected under the Thai constitution and by legislation. Further, Anderson told police, the actual filings against him were false and intended to intimidate rather than resolve any real issues of defamation. There are glaring contradictions in the criminal defamation charges against Anderson. First, Khan was reported to have filed his allegation the day after seeing the offensive material. Subsequently, until today, over a year later, he still has made no effort on his own or with Thai police, etc., to contact Anderson to have the offending material removed, edited, etc. Instead, he filed a criminal defamation allegation, allowing so-called damaging information to remain online and to keep 'damaging' him. For his part, Wattanasak is reported by police to have filed his criminal defamation allegation against Anderson on 24 March 2010, slightly more than three months after reportedly (if police information was correct) claiming to having seen the material. Wattanasak also made no effort to contact Anderson between his filing of allegations and today's date. Even police at the Phahon Yothin station informally indicated on 20 March that all it would have taken to settle the entire matter was a simple phone call. Hypothetically presuming that the allegedly defamatory material was indeed defamatory and that it was damaging to the reputations of the two, Anderson contends that they both had an ethical and legal duty to contact the webmaster directly or through officials to have the material removed, edited, etc. But the fact is instead they chose to use state agencies in prosecuting criminal defamation charges. Anderson maintains that such action was first criminal as false charges were alleged, and secondly that both Khan and Wattanasak allowed a year to pass without taking corrective action - whichclearly undermines their original claims of their reputations being damaged, etc. In addition to the above, Anderson has been in contact with various agencies, including the Royal Thai Police Commission, to determine whether an Internal Affairs police department review of activities by his accusers is warranted. Possible further criminal charges and a potential civil suit are pending. Finally, once again Anderson wants to mention that the Thai police he has dealt with were professional, polite, and well-acquainted with legal procedures. While initially junior staff are reluctant to "go along" with early counter-allegations as in this instance, the right to do so is prescribed under Thai law and anyone under such duress as criminal allegations might do well to review legal options with and without a lawyer as there are always several. An ancient sage said, "Sometimes the best defense is a good offense - that is, stand up and fight for what is right." It is not always a pleasant or easy task, but the rewards for those here now and to come after are immeasurable. Anderson can be contacted at editorialoffice@thekoratpost.com or mobile 083-1002277. Court unlocks 9 more Map Ta Phut projects 25 February 2010 By The Nation The Central Administrative Court on Wednesday unlocks 9 more Map Ta Phut industrial projects, allowing them to proceed with the construction works and machinery test runs. The suspension order was lifted after a team of court judges visited Map Ta Phut for inspection. From 76 projects, a total of 21 have won the court's consent for proceeding. Thailand Identifies "Good" characteristics By Wannapa Khaopa The Nation Nakhon Pathom Published on February 1, 2010 Atiwat Panpracha Special varsity admission quota looks to applicants with strong social mores A project offering a university education to "good students" is expanding to many provinces. Educational service zone offices in nine central provinces last week agreed to expand their collaboraฌtion with Kasetsart University's Kamphaeng Saen campus to select good students to study there. The project to set aside a special quota for students with a record of volunteerism and strong morals started four years ago in Nakhon Pathom. The nine provinces are Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Singburi, Lop Buri and Chai Nat. Atiwat Panpracha, a former deputy director of Nakhon Pathom educational service zone 1, and Prachern Khonthet, a teacher at Sriwichaiwithaya School, are the cofounders of the project. Elsewhere, students in 14 southern provinces are given the same chance to study at the undergraduate level by Prince of Songkhla University and Thaksin University. Khon Kaen University and Mahasarakham University cover their provinces and Naresuan University provides the same opportunity in Phitsanulok, said Atiwat, who is now director of Surin educational service zone 2. More than 1,000 students have been recruited under the project so far, based not on academic tests but criteria such as good conduct, strong leadership, volunteer activities, environmental conservation and campaigning against drugs. These good students are being taken back to work for their hometown soon. "The first group of students under this project is about to graduate with a bachelor's degree in one or two months. So, Nakhon Pathom will act as a pilot province bringing back the graduates in the province to work and develop their hometowns," Atiwat said. Preecha Sukkun, deputy director of Nakhon Pathom educational service zone 1, said a committee comprising members of local public and private organisations and civil society would be set up to select eligible secondary students and coordinate with these local organisations to provide jobs to the graduates. "Studying at a university near their home, students can continue running their volunteer activities with juniors at their former schools. When they work here, they still can do such activities. We'll request financial support from the Rotary Club, local administration organisations and companies for them to engage in useful activities," Preecha said. According to the Kamphaeng Saen Campus' annual records from the 20062008 academic years, these students' average educational results were ranked in the first and second groups with the highest educational results. All students were divided into four groups. They include students admitted through the good student quota, direct admission, central admisฌsions system and the outstanding athletes quota. Utumporn Jamornmann, director of the National Institute of Education Testing Service (NIETS), who is an expert in creating several national academic and aptitude tests to screen students for universities, said the project was a good start. The country now does not have national morality tests due to the time limit for announcing national test results for hundreds of thousands of students. "NIETS also wants to create national morality tests and already has forms for such tests. Academic tests are not enough. However, to test what is in people's minds is very hard. We need to do research to guarantee the accuracy of the tests," he said. "The universities that recruited this group of students need to follow up if they perform as well as the universities wanted. They should conduct longterm research as a followup to see if the project is successful.  "When the project is extended on a bigger scale, authorities should be careful of the selection process to prevent nepotism. NIETS is ready to help design morality tests for this project if requested." B ANGKOK, Jan 28, 2010 (TNA) Thailand’s economy remains engulfed with many risk factors that need to be closely monitored, particularly the mounting political uncertainties and impacts from the investment project suspension in the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, according to a prominent academic. Speaking at a seminar on “Monitoring Economic Crisis and Stock Market Direction in 2010,” Ekkachai Nittayakasetwat, dean of the National Institute of Development Administration’s (NIDA) Business Administration Faculty, said the problems, if allowed unsolved, would make the gross domestic product (GDP) this year grow only 1 per cent, not 3 per cent as many expected earlier. Other risk factors include the possible global economic setback, fuel price rise by over US$100 per barrel, stronger baht, terrorist attacks, increasing public debts, bubble in the property and stock markets, and impacts from the global warming. Sukij Udomsirikul, executive vice president of the SCIB Research Institute, said the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index is likely to fall in February due to negative internal and external factors. The internal factors include the political uncertainties and the mounting protests by the anti-government red-clad demonstrators prior to the court’s ruling on the seizure of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s assets valued at Bt76 billion. The external factors include measures issued by the US and Chinese governments to contain loosing financial transactions by financial institutions, which could affect the liquidity in stock markets around the world. Given the factors, he projected the SET index is likely to move in a range of 550-880 points for this year. (TNA) 13 January 2010 Sydney Mornign Herald and other reports (See New Mandala) Thai Government Lies & Pretenses Exposed Photo: AFP In an expected shocking expose, a Sydney Morning Herald representative visited a Hmong resettlement camp inside Laos and reported harsh inhuman conditions from Hmong prisoners behind barbed wire. The report flies in the face of Thai complicity in the forced and untransparent relocation that has led to another human against human travesty. Up to the actual forced repatriation international diplomatic corps and human rights organizations were appealing to the Thai authorities to forestall the deportation and allow more time, in the name of compassion, for agencies to process necessary paperwork to have the refugees resettled in other countries. Thai authorities, however, refused to listen and according to one observer, bowed to sakdina nationalist mentality by proceeding with the actions. In confirmation of international fears that the Hmong would be treated harshly and inhumanely, the Sydney Morning Herald recently carried a long piece related to the aftereffects, based on actual site visit by one of its representatives. See full story here. Also see this paper's editorial.   ข่าว ท้องถิ่น เป็นภาษาไทย (Local news in Thai) Abhisit campaigning in the past in Nakhonratchasima BANGKOK, January , 2010 (TNA) -- Expressing concern regarding Thailand’s ongoing political conflict, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on New Year’s Day said he would continue to uphold the nation’s interests in 2010 and will not allow lawlessness to exist in the country. The government would like to see the country move forward on the principle of righteousness which could lead to peace and reconciliation among the people, Mr Abhisit said, adding that he is concerned about the country’s anti-government movements as various conflicts remain intact. The prime minister said his government must be cautious and be sure that society moves in a positive forward direction. “Those who believe that violence can enable them to achieve their goals are wrong,” Mr Abhisit said. “Thai society won’t accept it, and while the government respects the public’s rights under the constitution, it will not allow the country to become lawless”. His remarks were made as the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship plans to hold a major rally in mid-January with the aim to oust the coalition government, while the opposition Puea Thai Party plans to lodge a no-confidence debate against the government when Parliament reconvenes this month. Regarding charter amendments proposed by his government but opposed by the Puea Thai Party, Mr Abhisit said he is ready to negotiate if it could result in serving the public interest, but he said he would not support amendments that serve the interests of individuals. He said that fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would continue to travel to countries which do not have extradition treaties with Thailand, excepting Cambodia. “Ending the problem hinges on Thai society,” Mr Abhisit said, “whether it wants to choose the country or a bargainer [any person of group who would trade the national well-being for personal advantage]. But I as prime minister won’t trade this for the future [well-being]of the country,” Mr Abhisit. Ousted from power in a bloodless coup in September 2006, Mr Thaksin was convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment in connection with a Bangkok land deal conducted to benefit his former wife while he was in power. Convicted of crimes under Thai law, he fled the country rather than to receive the judgement, and has become an international traveller with no fixed address (TNA) Thu, 31/12/2009 - 10:42 Prachatai at http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/1558 Prachatai, enemy of the State? See editorial In a 30 Dec ASTV Manager report, Suriyasai Katasila, Secretary-General of the New Politics Party, said that 2010 would be a turning point for Thailand when Thaksin Shinawatra will collaborate with leftists to overthrow the current regime and establish a new one. It is likely that they will use military troops to stage a coup, or use other violent means. Thailand’s security apparatus needs a major overhaul to cope with the threats from Thaksin, which will affect national security far and wide, Suriyasai said. ‘Thaksin is preparing for regime change. His target is to change the structure and the law,’ he said. Referring to the recent seizure of weapons from North Korea at Don Mueang Airport by the Thai Air Force, Suriyasai claimed that he had information and ‘believed that previously there had been a weapons-smuggling flight into Thailand, but the government dared not speak the truth for fear of a public panic. Now weapons have been smuggled across the Cambodian border, and are ready for use by Thaksin. It’s likely that he will use the weapons for political operations, with the target being regime change,’ Suriyasai said. BANGKOK, Dec 22, 2009 (TNA) Government Ministers Support Foreign Investment The Cabinet on Tuesday agreed to the private sector submitting added documents to the Supreme Administrative Court to allow the 19 suspended industrial projects in the country’s largest Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate to begin operations again after being closed under environmental rulings, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Tuesday. The prime minister told a news conference after its weekly meeting that of the 65 industrial projects suspended by the court, the cabinet agreed that 19 projects have sufficient grounds to submit documents to the court for reconsideration. Among the 19 projects, four projects have been operating, construction is complete on eight other projects, and the remaining seven projects are still under construction. The projects are valued at Bt77 billion overall. Permission to restart the 19 projects is cleared for being reconsidered as the projects are not engaged in polluting the environment, or they may have good management plans to eliminate pollution-causing procedures and processes related to the reasons the court earlier used to lift suspension of 11 projects. The cabinet resolved that the permanent secretaries for industry and energy discuss with the project owners and the Ministry of Industry help them on a case-by-case basis due to differing details for each project. In September the Central Administrative Court issued an injunction ordering suspension of the 76 industrial projects at Map Ta Phut due to environmental concerns. The injunction followed complaints from local residents and environmental groups that state agencies had failed to issue proper operating licences for the industrial projects. The Supreme Administrative Court later allowed 11 of the 76 projects to continue operating, while 65 will remain shuttered until they comply with the environmental and health requirements of Section 67 of the 2007 Constitution. (TNA) 20 December 2009 Rangers Killed in Southern Thailand Three military rangers were killed when their pickup was hit by a powerful bomb blast in Narathiwat's Bacho district Saturday. A fourth ranger and an assistant district chief were seriously wounded in the attack by an unknown number of insurgents. The two men's condition later improved, their doctors said. The group was on its way to a community activity in a village when the buried, 20-kilogram cooking-gas tank packed with explosives was detonated. The blast dug a one- by 2.5-metre crater in the middle of Atabeurae-Beunapiyae Road. Sakaree Reemaeya, Muhammadsaidi Hayeehaya and Adeurang Sau were killed instantly while the fourth ranger, Adeunan Makae, and assistant district chief Waesamae Jeaha were taken to hospital in critical condition. Police gathering evidence at the scene found a letter written in both Thai and Yawi (Pattani-Malay dialect) from a group called "Muslimin Dalowittaya" claiming responsibility for the attack. The Nation Another Massacre Dissed By Authorities 2 December 2009 The Nation A leading human rigths organisation on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to live up to his promise of brigning suspected gunmen behind a massacre of ten Malay Muslims inside a Narathiwat mosque in June. Moreover, New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused the Fourth Army Area and the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) of misleading the investigation by blaming the insurgents or suggesting that the massacre, which resulted inthe death of 10 and injured 12 others while they were praying inside the mosque, was local dispute in spite of the fact that the police have implicated a pro-government militia. According to HRW, a police investigation found that gunmen from pro-government militia units carried out the attack at Al-Furquan mosque, killing 10 ethnic Malay Muslims and wounding 12 others. It took two months for Narathiwat police to issue an arrest warrant for Suthirak Khongsuwan, whom they believe led the attack, HRW said in a statement released Wednesday. The failure to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the Al-Furquan mosque massacre has made Abhisit's promises about justice ring hollow," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "This fuels suspicions in the Muslim community that the gunmen are untouchable." 24 November 2009 Translated from Manager Online Illegal Kalasin Internet Cafes Kalasin provincial Royal Thai Police announce that they have closed several Internet Cafe shops in the province because the establishments were permitting all kinds of underage children to congregate enmasse and were operating at hours outside those they had been given commercial licence for. Mr. Meeseechon Kaewmeesee, age 30, store owner of an internet cafe game shop the police entered, admitted during interrogation that he had been operating the shop without paying any attention to the age of minors in the shop and had not considered in the least that police may become involved. Police representatives told the media covering the case that such establishments must not provide services to minors below the age of fifteen years. From: The Nation on Sunday Published on November 22, 2009 Warning of Violence Political tensions are building to danger point as fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra steps up his struggle to regain power over the next several months, an intelligence expert and political observers warned yesterday. Serious political confrontation - and possibly violence - could erupt during the upcoming months when Thaksin and his allies inside Parliament and on the streets employ an arsenal of tactics in a bid to effect a change in government, they said. Pummarat Thaksadipong, former director of the National Intelligence Agency, said that given the recent movements of the Thaksin camp, "this upcoming festive season is unlikely to be the same for Thais". {Ed. note: The ex-intelligence agency leader has been known in the past for making headline-catching news. In 2008, he mentioned bil Ladin as possibly involved in potential unrest in Thailand]. The ex-leader was expected to "make his heaviest blow with the use of all the means he's got", Pummarat said. Thaksin's allies who are MPs would disrupt the work of Parliament, and those who are protest leaders would instigate hatred against the government and possibly incite violence, he said. The goal was to force the government to dissolve the House of Representatives before the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders rules on a corruption case against Thaksin, he said. As much as Bt76 billion of Thaksin's assets rides on the verdict, which is expected sometime next month. "Politics over the next three months, up to February, will see the fiercest fight between the two sides. Thaksin will try to use all means possible in his bid to return to power. And there is a tendency that violence may be used. This is the intelligence I have received," Pummarat said. Senator Paiboon Nititawan said violence could explode as it did in April when Thaksin's supporters stage street protests again late this month. "The aim is to cause violence and deaths. But in the April incident, the attempt failed because there were no deaths," he said, referring to the Songkran riots. "Now all the actors from the April incident have come back." Leaders of the pro-Thaksin red shirts said earlier that the anti-government rally would continue until the government collapsed. Senator Kamnoon Sithisamarn said he was convinced next month would be a "really difficult period" |for politics, starting with the red shirts' rally late this month. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will chair a meeting of security agencies this Wednesday to discuss measures to deal with the impending rally by the red shirts, a security source said. Besides Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, top military brass and acting police chief General Patheep Tanprasert will attend, the source said. "It remains unclear whether the government will invoke the Internal Security Act. There is a concern the imposition could affect celebrations for His Majesty the King's birthday," the source said. The rally is not expected to turn violent, as there are cracks within the red-shirt movement, which is now divided into three factions, he added. "It appears the rally is simply aimed at causing headaches for the government and the military," he said. 18 November 2009 Translated from Manager Online Thai Commerce Minister Assures Buriram, Opens Chamber Building "Jaewa" Mrs. Pornthiwa Nakasai, Commerce Minister International boundary disputes become of great concern if not to Cambodia then certainly to Thailand as the Thai Minister of Commerce visits Buriram province to reassure the business community and declare that the government does not have plans to close the borders between the two kingdoms. At 18:00 hrs. on 18 November 2009, Thailand's Minister of Commerce Mrs. Pornthiwa Nakasai arrived in Buriram province, where she presided at the opening of the Buriram Chamber of Commerce building. The facility is located at 444 Moo 3, Ropmeung Road, Tambol Isaan, meung district of Buriram province. The ceremony followed joint efforts by the Chamber's board and membership to speed up completion of the building, all in part to demonstrate the intentions of the Chamber board, membership and other concerned parties operating in the commercial sector of Buriram province. The building will serve as a center, play a role in trade development and promotion, increase local investment. In the past Buriram did not have its own dedicated Chamber of Commerce building. The move is similar to that in Korat many years ago where the city and provincial commercial interests were gathered to complete a new Chamber building there. When AUA came to Korat to set up its school facilities - after the Korat Post had for several years suggested AUA would prosper in Korat - the Korat Chamber ensured that AUA would operate from the Chamber's building, which is, however, located a bit out of town making it a little difficult for some students to travel. During the building's dedication, the minister gave the usual "We support efforts" speech, and added that the current spat between Thailand and Cambodia has not resulted in any government plans to close borders which would significantly impact traders, commercial interests and the local economy. 14 November 2009 Translated From: Thai PRD Website Situation "Normal" But Needs to be Resolved พลโทวีร์วลิต จรสัมฤทธิ์ แม่ทัพภาคที่ 2 - Maj. Gen. Thowee Walit Jarasamrit, Region 2 Army commander Recently Thai Army Region 2 commander, Maj. Gen. Thowee Walit Jarasamrit, chaired a seminar at Buriram's provincial administration headquarters to discuss issues related to encroachment of forest land. One path toward solving encroachment problems, the commander told the press after the meeting, was to hold more publish discussions where opinions could be expressed and state policies be more easily understood. The Army commander did indicate that forestry encroachment was a major concern and that the government and army were trying to resolve the issues in close coordination with understanding on part of the public in the region. He also spoke of the current border issues between Cambodia and Thailand over the Phrea Vihear issue, stating that in general everything along the border was quiet. He reassured the press that everything was peaceful and normal, and that there was still close understanding between the two countries. This opinion and reassurance conflicts directly with various domestic and international opinions, including those from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) that has raised deep concerns about Thailand's alleged loss of sovereignty over its territory now occupied by Cambodian civilians and military. Perhaps engaged in some confusion relating to the border dispute, Korat's governor Mr. Phirasak Hinmeung Kao issued instructions to all district senior officials including kamnans and village headmen to inform people in the region that if it was not necessary to avoid crossing into Cambodia. As well, residents should keep their eyes open and report any unusual occurrences to responsible state officials. 15 November 2009 Summarized & Translated from Manager Online (13 November Thai report here) Sisaket Committee Head Suggests More Severe Restrictions Mr. Tira Rungkaew, Sisaket Development Committee Chair The chairman of Sisaket Provincial Committee for Development Coordination recommends increasing sanctions against Cambodia in response to the Khmer expulsion of a Thai diplomatic representative recently. Mr. Tira Rungkaew, the committee chair, suggested increasing sanctions by stopping Thai citizens traveling to Cambodia to gamble in casinos there. Mr. Tira Rungkaew, the development committee head, explained to reporters that all along Thailand has been offering and providing assistance to Cambodia, and now, because of one man, Thaksin Shinawatra - the ousted prime minister - relations between the two countries were being damaged. He called Cambodia's actions a humiliating invasion of the kingdom. He called on the Thai government to firmly respond to Cambodia, by using every avenue and method to keep Thai people from visiting Cambodia to, for example, use casinos there. He also urged Thailand to freeze troop levels in the vicinity of Khao Phrea Vihear and not to cut any currently in the area. Mr. Tira also pointed out that among other intrusions, Cambodia had entered the 4.6 square kilometers in dispute and build a temple there. He mentioned that Thai residents in Kantararak district bordering Cambodia were also preparing for possibly evacuation in case of armed conflict developing by gathering up all of their possessions of any value. Mr. Anusorn Kaewloy, a resident in the district, told reporters that he and his family had gathered all of their possessions of any value and were fully prepared to flee the area in case armed hostilities broke out between Cambodia and Thailand. Sisaket-Cambodia Border 'Normal' Sisaket governor Raphee Phongbuphakij (นายระพี ผ่องบุพกิจ) 11 November 2009 Translated from Manager Online (Thai story here) In an apparent effort to calm public fears about any upcoming border confrontation and/or actual fighting between Thai and Cambodia troops, Sisaket provincial governor has spoken in public about his border with Thailand's so-called "friendly neighboring country" Cambodia and how normal things are in the area. According to the governor, Raphee Phongbuphakij (นายระพี ผ่องบุพกิจ), “It’s noteworthy that there are Cambodian residents in the area coming into the market to purchase foodstuffs and kitchenware to take and hoard, increasing the volume of sales.” Regardless, that the Thai government has withdrawn its ambassador to Cambodia has produced noticeable impact on tourism, as well as increasing market activity in sales of food and equipment. The governor also indicated that route 67, currently under improvement and upgrade, which runs from Chong Sa-Ngam in Sisaket province to Siamrat province in Cambodia, has experienced lighter tourism traffic since tourists are no longer visiting the area as they used to. As to the coming athletic competition scheduled on 21 November between Cambodia and Thailand, governor Raphee reaffirmed that “I’m confident that the coming athletic competition cementing companionship between Thailand and Cambodia will restore close relationships between the people of our two nations and lead to further increase in friendly ties.” Famous Abbot and Sangha Official Tells It Like it Is Sangha Region 5 Deputy Head: "Thaksin wants to come back home but can't." 11 November 2009 Summary Translated from Manager Online (Thai language story here) Phra Thamsaenanuwat, deputy regional Sangha Head and abbot at a large temple at Phitsulanoke stated that "Hot news at the moment that's appearing in almost all newspapers is because he (convict Thaksin Shinawatra) needs to have news of himself on the front pages throughout the country. But he is mistaken. In truth he wants to come back home but he can't. Some of his past inverviews have impacted the monarchy because Thaksin has a big mouth. As of now, he is probably out of options on returning to Thailand. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is transcribing his interview to prepare fo rcharges of defaming the monarchy. So he's not ever able to come back, unless he is put in prison..."   From Manager Online 5 November 2009 Loei Students Freezing Loei province freezing. Teachers advise students to wear several layers of clothing to keep warm, and to warm themselves up prior to entering the classroom where it is cold. Media reports that all over the area of Loei provicne over the last 3-4 days teachers have stressed to students to put on several layers of clothing and to warm themselves up prior to entering cold classrooms. The temperature in the province has been ranging between 18-20 centigrade (64-68F) and is likely to drop further. It causes heavy fog to form in the morning and students to bring into class heavy layers of clothing to keep warm. Mr. Pannya Nontakod, deputy director of Meung Loei Schools stated that as this is now the cold season schools have advised students from primary grades to older students to take care of their health and wear thick clothing whether at school or home, and safeguard against catching flu, etc. Mr. Preecha further stated that during the cold season schools would have students engage in physical exercises for some 5-7 minutes to keep warm. New Governor Bans Alcohol...Signs 3 November 2009 Translated and Edited from Manager Online In a move similar to others seemingly designed to 'safeguard public morality,' Nong Bua Lamphoo's new governor (effective 1 October 2009) has banned any direct or indirect advertising of alcohol on places of entertainment. Governor Somsakdi Suwansuchit (he posts his personal resume here) He issued an order warning hotels, restaurants and other places involved in the service industry not to advertise, directly or indirectly, either alcohol or beer through use of logos, text or other graphics, as well as to ensure that no such advertising appear either on the premises or nearby. After Mr. Somsakdi Suwanchit, governor of Nong bua Lamphoo province, arrived to take up his post on 1 October 2009, he issued a warning to operators of hotels and service facilities regarding advertising signs and PR in many restaurants in Nong Bua Lamphoo, especially those places where indirect reference was being made to serving alcohol through the use of logos, especially lighted signs, where are shows whiskey glasses and beer glasses, and vinyl signs advertising alcohol and beer, in either the facility itself or beside it. Regardless of whether the name or logo of alcohol or beer is shown, the governor indicated that owners or operators of such facilities violating the ordinance would become defendants no. 1 in court, and that makers of any such forbidden signs found would become defendants no. 2, subject to punishment under Criminal Code article 43, which includes imprisonment of not over one year, a fine of not more than 500,000 Baht or a combination of both. Further, if the business owner or operator does not remove such signs when ordered to do so, they will be fined 50,000 Baht per day until such time as the situation is resolved according to the new orders. As well, anyone interfering with officials in carrying out these orders will be subject to imprisonment not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding 20,000 Baht or a combination of the two. Excluded from the orders are privately owned premises, such as private clubs, or places where private parties are being held. Places where distribution of alcohol is prohibited include temples, schools, hospitals, government facilities, religious facilities and student hostels. By The Nation Published on November 3, 2009 Many Royal Family Members Join Their Majesties After Their Majesties floated their krathongs, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his son, HRH Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, HRH Princess Chulabhorn Valayalaksana and HRH Princess Srirasmi, the Royal Consort of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, followed suit. This was a rare event. Hundreds of loyal subjects lined Siriraj Hospital's walkways to greet the Royal Family. Since being admitted to hospital on September 19, His Majesty has appeared in public only twice, the first time on October 23. Although His Majesty remained in a wheelchair last night, he smiled and waved to his people. After floating his krathong, he viewed a floating procession of decoratively lit boats along the Chao Phya River. His Majesty also held a camera. The Royal Household Bureau said His Majesty's health has been improving. More than 20 million people have signed get-well messages for him during his hospitalisation. Many well-wishers braved Bangkok's notorious traffic to sign the messages at the hospital. Hundreds showed up yesterday, among them high-profile figures like Serb Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic. Nong Khai Girl,Young Boyfriend Steal Notebook Computers, Buy Drugs . Translated from Manager Online 31 October 2009 (Thai language report here.) At 10:30 hrs. on 31 October 2009, Pol. Lt. Col. Chakajn Thiamwongse, deputy commander of the Nong Khai meung district provincial police, and Pol. Major Tharathip Khaengmum, inspector, together with investigation staff, jointly interrogated Miss. Sarika Wivaisanau, age 22, residing at house no. 176, moo 5, Tambol Phochai, meung, Nong Khai, and Mr. Thiranongse Imnang, age 18, residing at house no. 19, moo 18, tambol Chumphol, Phimai district of Nong Khai province, together with seized evidence that Miss Sarika stole from many locations, consisting of notebook computers, gold pins, a gold-framed Buddha image, 18,000 Baht cash, a set of notebook computer speakers, a Thai Commercial Bank Visa credit card and one Nokia telephone. During interrogation, Miss Sarika confessed that she had, together with Mr. Thiranongse been patrolling government buildings and using the money from thefts to buy drugs. Police held the two for further processing. Photo of Dr. Phra Mahasomporn Sutpa Payyano. From: Council of Thai Bhikkus in the United States website, at http://thaitemple.iirt.net/?name=news&file=readnews&id=252.   FMC's Response to Our Letter Dear Mr. Anderson, Thank you for your email regarding your concerns about our product, Furadan. First, I want to let you know that FMC has extensive training and product stewardship programs on-going in Thailand on our products which include Furadan. The programs are for the distributors, farmers and their families. In addition, there are school programs targeted for children and teachers as well. Second, when Furadan is used according to label directions it is safe and provides farmers with an effective product to protect their crops against destructive insects. Third, you asked if the pumpkins your son and his family purchased recently in NE Connecticut were treated with Furadan. Furadan is not labeled for use on pumpkins in Connecticut. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Best regards, Linda Linda W. Froelich Global Product Stewardship Manager FMC Corporation 1735 Market Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA 215-299-6183 (office) 267-250-6328 (mobile) 29 October 2009 the Korat Post Online Translated from Manager Online, report in Thai here. Five+ Years On, Education Loan Losses Become An Issue... Mr. Tada Martin, Fund Manager, seeks solutions to A bit of notoriety once again visits the city and province in the latest news report that there are now over 6,000 cases of unpaid - and many unpayable - educational loan cases involving some 500 million Baht. According to the Thai language daily ASTV Manager Online website on 28 October 2009, local justices, officials of the Bureau of Disputes and the Korat-based District Court and Provincial Court met to set up a reform program as a result of huge defaults on the educational loan scheme. Representatives from state agencies and the courts are attempting to work out some sort of solution that sees agreement from lenders and borrowers, as well as possible solutions to avoid future repetitions of failed student loans. Today, 28 October 2009, in the Dispute Room of the Nakhonratchasima court, meung district, Mr. Thanit Sutthiphorn, judge and head of the Nakhonratchasima district court acted as chair in opening a project to resolve conflicts over borrowed funds for educational purposes prior to 2010 legal actions, whereby the Nakhonratchasima district court, Bureau of Disputes, working together with the Education Fund. In this, in order to provide an opportunity for default borrowers whereby they will become charged with default, this meeting to resolve disputes between November 2009 and March 2010, in 36 provionces nationwide in order to create conformity, decrease the number of cases proceeding to court and reduce related expenses. Nakhonratchasima province will hold the event between 28-31 this October and it will be attended by a significant number of borrowers who have owed funds for over five years. Mr. Tada Martin, fund manager for education fund loans disclosed that the statistics for borrowers in the northeast who have not repaid their loans for at least five years have shown altogether 59,000 cases, for an estimated value of 7,000-8,000 million Baht (Exceeds US$200 million). As for Nakhonratchasima, there are altogether 6,000 borrowers with an unpaid value of 500 million Baht, thus being the province with the most unpaid borrowings in the northeast region and the country as a whole.   New Mayor's Problem Stems From Former Mayor's Decision 23 October 2009 Translated from Manager Online File photo of previous mayor Cherdchai Rattanachoke Korat private citizens astonished at shortage of water that impacts business and investment, after the Administrative court suspends construction of a scandalous three billion Baht water supply project. Story by ASTV, Manager Online 23 October 2009. Korat Chamber of Commerce opens up platform to air opinions in finding a solution to the Administrative Court’s 23 October temporary suspension of construction of the Nakhonratchasima scandalous three billion Baht [$US 88 million] municipal water supply project. The Nakhonratchasima news center and its private groups are astonished at the shortage of water, which seriously impacts business and investment, and the Administrative Court’s decision to temporarily suspend construction of the Yaeng Ching Nam municipal water project, costing a scandalous three billion Baht. Chamber hastens to open platform to allow Korat municipality and affected agencies to clarify the truth and find a joint solution. Deputy mayor clarifies respect for the court decision but prepares to file an appeal in thirty days. He reiterated confidence that within 3-5 years Korat city would have sufficient water supply. As for the governor, he is preparing to set up a committee to jointly solve the problem between the people of Korat objecting to the project and the municipality. Today, 23 October 2009, media reported that in the Chamber of Commerce’s meeting room 4 in Korat, there was a panel presentation to reveal the facts and permit expression of opinion to find a joint way out related to construction of the municipality water project, to solve shortages in water for consumption and use by the Nakhonratchasima municipality. The raw water supply will come from Lam Chae dam at Khonburi. The Administrative Court temporarily suspended construction of the three billion Baht project after a group of ninety one persons representing “We Love Lam Chae” submitted a petition to the Administrative Court and there was a court order suspending the project issued on this last 15 October. Those attending the discussions included representatives from affected agencies, such as Mrs. Subhonge Wongwittayaporn, president of the Korat Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Phonglert Suphatrawanich, deputy mayor of Korat municipality, Mr. Cherdchai Chokerattahachai, former mayor of Korat – in the capacity of being the person who originally approved the project to proceed, representatives of a housing subdivision company, representatives of hotel tourism businesses, from hospitals the Federation of Thai Industries and merchants operating businesses in the city of Korat. Mr. Phonglert, desputy mayor, responsible for the city’s municipal water supply, disclosed that on this past 15 October, the Administrative Court of Nakhonratchasima ordered the Municipality to temporarily suspend construction of the project, intended to solve water supply shortages, until such time as the court adjudicates or issues other orders. As for the said construction project, the contractor, Sinothai Engineering and Construction, Aquathai Company Ltd. have already completed 67% of the project and received two billion Baht from the project. After the court ordered suspension the contractors put a complete halt to construction. Deputy mayor Phonglert stated, “I confirm that the proceedings for the project [award] were transparent and you can check this, and were according to rules and regulations. I affirm that this project is most necessary, because Korat has continued to expand and has to date depended on a single source for supply, Lam Takhong. Friday, 23 October 2009 Half of civil society representatives rejected from interface meeting with ASEAN leaders - Prompts walkout! Fri, 23/10/2009 - 14:07 At 1130pm, Thurs, Thai foreign Ministry officials informed organizers of APF that 5 out of 10 civil society representatives were rejected from the interface meeting with ASEAN heads of government. The remaining representatives were told to be ready for pick up at 7.A.M., nearly 5 hours before the scheduled meeting. (see below for list of delegates). These representatives arrived at the Dusit Hotel and were instructed that they would not be permitted to speak at the event. The only person from civil society allowed to make a statement would be Dr Surichai Wangaeo of Chulalongkorn University, who was originally appointed as moderator of the Interface. The representatives were further shocked to learn that Singapore and Myanmar had selected substitutes from government-sponsored agencies. Singapore selected a substitute from a charity and the Myanmar regime selected Sitt Aye and Win Myaing, of the Anti-Narcotics Association (Win Myaing is a former high-ranking police officer). These developments rendered the interface, an important space for civil society to engage with government officials, utterly meaningless. Therefore, the representatives of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia decided to walk out of the meeting. We feel strongly that the rejection of our democratically-selected representatives is a rejection of both civil society and the democratic process. Our delegates were selected during the 3-day APF/ACSC, Oct 18-20. Through this action, the governments concerned are fundamentally undermining the spirit and content of the ASEAN Charter that they ratified a year ago. The behaviour of the governments of Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Philippines and Burma in rejecting their civil society representatives sabotages the credibility of the ASEAN Inter-governmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) which is being inaugurated today. Civil society has been committed to the objectives of a people-centred ASEAN as enshrined in the Charter. We have remained determined in our commitment to the essential dialogue process despite the insults and obstacles generated by some officials. We were flexible when 2 out of 10 representatives were rejected in February. Civil society engaged with governments for the past few months in order to improve the relationship, however it is clear that the commitment to engagement has been one-sided, now that 5 out of 10 have been rejected, and the rest were essentially gagged. We are deeply disappointed at the irresponsibility and apparent irrationality of the governments’ position. At this time of crisis, we were absolutely committed to an opportunity to present civil society’s solutions. The tactics of the governments concerned prove they are not open to discussing solutions to the urgent problems confronting ASEAN – both governments and peoples. Finally we plead with these leaders to stop trying to kill the spirit of an ASEAN community. Such moves not only hurt the development of the region but also the credibility of individual member states and ASEAN as a whole. REJECTED Ms. Khin Ohmar, Burma/Myanmar Mr. Nay Vanda, Cambodia Mrs. Manichanh Philaphanh, Lao PDR Sister Crescencia L. Lucero, Phillipines Mr. Sinapan Samydorai, Singapore. INCLUDED BUT GAGGED * Ms. Yuyun Wahyuningrum, Indonesia * Mr. Moon Hui Tah, Malaysia * Ms. Sawart Pramoonsilp, Thailand Ms. Tran Thi Thu Thuy, Vietnam Dato Paduka Zainal Momin, Brunei * walked out Source:  > STATEMENT FROM THE ORGANISERS OF THE > ASEAN PEOPLES FORUM/ASEAN CIVIL SOCIETY CONFERENCE, 23 OCT 2009 ASEAN Headed for Noble Prize? See Editorial ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights Considered a Success of Thailand as Chair of ASEAN (21/10/2009) Thailand considers the formation of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights one of its successful results, as the current chair of ASEAN. The Terms of Reference for the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, known in short as AICHR, were endorsed on 20 July 2009 at the 42nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, a forum for the 10 ASEAN Foreign Ministers, held in Phuket, southern Thailand, between July 19 and 21. The move to adopt the Terms of Reference was seen as a historic step of ASEAN in developing regional cooperation in human rights. AICHR aims to promote and protect human rights in ASEAN. Its tasks also include enhancing public awareness of human rights, engaging with other ASEAN bodies, such as civil society organizations associated with ASEAN, obtaining information from Member States on promotion and protection of human rights, and consulting with relevant national and regional institutions and entities. Following the signing of the ASEAN Charter, ASEAN, under the chairmanship of Thailand, has been making efforts to ensure the establishment of AICHR. This human rights body comprises one representative appointed by each ASEAN member country, serving a three-year term. Its establishment is in line with the ASEAN Charter, with democracy and human rights as two basic principles enshrined in the charter. Thailand has selected Dr. Sriprapha Petcharamasree, a lecturer from the Human Rights Study Center, Mahidol University, in Bangkok, as Thailand’s representative in AICHR. She is well-known in the field of human rights, at both national and regional levels, and is also working closely with non-governmental organizations and grassroots people. Her term at AICHR will be from 2009 to 2012. ASEAN leaders will join a ceremony to inaugurate the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights at the 15th ASEAN Summit on October 23 at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel. They will also sign the Cha-am Hua Hin Declaration on the Inauguration of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights on October 25. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that the 15th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, scheduled for October 23-25 in Cha-am and Hua Hin, Thailand, would be divided into two parts. In the first part, one of the highlights would be the inauguration of the AICHR. The second part, involving the Plus Three Summit and the Plus Six Summit, will discuss the possibility of setting up a free-trade area in East Asia. During these summits, AICHR will meet for the first time after it is officially launched.   See new grafitti page First time ever on the Internet! Grafitti art from the walls of downtown Korat. If you like any, let us know and we will arrange to send you a full scale full high definition copy. Here. See other world grafitt, including Thailand, here. Yasothon and Consumers Face Toxic Threat From Prachatai (here) 19 October 2009 Bennett Haynes, Alternative Agriculture Network – Esan Yasothon, Thailand, 18 October 2009 (AAN) See AAN news archives about NE Thailand here. There are currently 41 tons of Furadan (Carbofuran) [produced by FMC Corp in Pennsylvania (company website here, wiki-here] sitting in the Kudchum district agriculture office storage silo.  Local government officials claim that farmers are demanding the free distribution of Furadan and have enlisted village headmen to sign up local rice and cassava farmers to immediately receive Furadan and other chemicals, in order to address what they are calling a “natural disaster” created by plant disease in both crops. This is a blatant failure of responsibility to protect the health and security of farmers, consumers and the environment. The agriculture office claims that farmers have been demanding chemicals since August, but in reality the project has just been written on Oct. 16. Furdadan is a systemic insecticide that has one of the highest acute toxicities of all agro-chemicals.  It has known impacts on the natural environment and human health, and is currently banned in the United States. Yasothon province has committed to an "Organic Agriculture Province" for a number of years.  Bunsong Mathkao, president of the AAN – Esan, who has long worked with the provincial government on developing organic agriculture policies, simply asks, “Why is the government doing this?  The MPs are just finding a reason to use their budget and find a place to use these chemicals. Kudchum is the only district to accept this project, other districts won’t accept it.” The AAN – Esan recognizes that this “demand” on behalf of rice and cassava farmers in Kudchum is just an excuse for local politicians to misallocate funds intended to support local farmers.  This situation represents a political system imbedded with corruption and agro-chemical interests.  The mass distribution and use of dangerous chemicals like Furadan is also a blatant violation of farmers’ rights to a safe and healthy environment. Tomorrow, the AAN and Love Nature Club will pursue this crisis with the Governor of Yasothon in negotiations to develop a solution for Kudchum district.  We maintain our demands that Yasothon province prohibit the use of these dangerous agro-chemicals, especially Furadan, and genuinely support sustainable agriculture policies. The Alternative Agriculture Network – Esan (AAN) monitors agricultural and trade policies in order to support and defend the rights of small-scale farmers. The AAN is a network of more than 3,000 farming families that works to develop appropriate and sustainable alternatives for community food security. (See our letter to FMC on Editorial pages (here)     Buriram Park Flooded, Animals Evacuated 17 October 2009 Translated from manager Online (here) Officials accelerate evacuation of animals from zoo in Lamnam Mas Park, Buriram, after waters from Talak Au suddenly flooded the area. The tourism facility was temporarily ordered closed until waters recede to normal levels. Local merchants suffering from income cutoff. Today, 16 October 2009, media reported that northern waters from LamPatheep, Nakhonratchasima province and various tributaries flowed downwards and met at LamnamMas, Lamplaimat district, Buriram province. In the past the local tambol administration organization had spent over five million Baht developing the area of 3,000 rai to draw in tourists. Because of the flooding, officials had to accelerate evacuation of over twenty species of animals in the zoo, including deer, ostriches and others to tambol Nong Khuu where waters can not reach. Some animals died, however, in the relocation process. Miss thong Faengphant, age 58, a merchant in the area, said that when the flood waters entered the park area, merchants were forced to stop selling to evacuate. She stated that the merchants, who had earlier been earning 2,000-3,000 Baht a day, were not making only 500. 16 October 2009 Summarized and translated from reports in Khon Isaan/Khorat Daily newspaper Mayor Suravut Cherdchai Over the last few days a detailed Thai language report was published in Khon Isaan/Khorat Daily, NE Thailand’s largest circulating Thai language newspaper, currently published every three days. The report alluded to refusal of Korat’s mayor, Suravut Cherdchai, to disclose details of a 412 million Baht municipal waste treatment project contract to a single company, Better World Green Ltd. (Public company), whose website is at http://www.betterworldgreen.com/www/th/index.php. According to the Korat Daily report, the mayor has continued to refuse to disclose details of the contract award and to explain why only one bidder was present. Mayor Cherdchai back in 2004 won an election as mayor then, but later found himself out of a job when he was defeated in a subsequent election by Dr. Cherdchai Chokerattanachai. At the time of the election defeat, it was widely rumored that a leading factor in the results was corruption under the outgoing administration. In the most recent mayorality election, Suravut Cherdchai proved that money counts in politics when news was carried in the local press that his mother, land transportation tycoon Jaekiew Cherdchai, chipped in fifty million Baht to help her son win the mayor’s seat. To which Cherdchai-friendly sources replied, “Fifty million? That’s hardly more than a drop in the bucket.”Korat municipality has entered into a partnership agreement with the UNDP called Clean Air, Clean Mind, the objective which in part is to promote clean air and transparent city administration. Based on the latter goal, we contacted the UNDP office in Bangkok on 15 October 2009 who indicated over the phone that “This is the first time we have heard anything about this kind of lack of transparency on anything we are involved in.” the UNDP office also indicated over the phone that it did not maintain any oversight functions re. Thai agencies – which is understandable. But when we then asked the UNDP whether they may not be interested in reviewing such Clean Air Clean Mind endeavors against a possible backdrop of significant lack of transparency or possibly even corruption, the UNDP indicated that it was interested. Based on that interest, we then went ahead and sent them copies of the recent news reports discussed and previous Korat Post online references to the mayor. It should also be noted that local watchdogs have forwarded the matter to Mr. Veera Somkhwamkit, http://th.wikipedia.org/wiki/ วีระ_ สมความคิด , who is heavily involved here in Thailand with fighting corruption, including that under the former Thaksin regime. Attention - all Americans Abroad! 13 October 2009 Translated from Korat Chamber of Commerce Bi-weekly Newspaper Dated 1-15 October 2009 Concept composite of how 56 Billion Baht motorway would appear after completion. After dusting off the project, the Thai Council of Ministers admits that land appropriation costs for the proposed dedicated motorway from Bang Pa-in to Korat have risen 40%, taking the current estimate for the project to 56,000,000,000 Baht ($US 1.65 billion). Government is prepared to proceed with the project, expected to take six years to complete. Opponents of the project are suggesting instead the old high-speed railway project formerly discussed and dropped because of serious questions on viability. Funding for the project is an obvious challenge, and state agencies, together with leading business figures and private groups is considering how to proceed. Ideas being considered include allowing private concessions to motorway operators. The project is still currently in the planning stages.   Just when you think Uncle Sam is finally dormant and not interested in your whereabouts or how much money you have in the bank, you find out the IRS has been working overtime. Click here to discover potentially devastating news. HANOI (AFP) 9 October 2009 Dam Schedule Delayed By 'Turbine Problems' Laos's largest infrastructure project, the Nam Theun 2 hydropower facility, will begin commercial operation later than planned, the power company said Friday. Nam Theun 2 had expected to begin selling electricity to Thailand on December 15 but the date has been pushed back to early next year, it said. "We hope it will be early in the first quarter but subject to further testing it could stretch to the end of the first quarter," Aiden Glendinning, communications manager for Nam Theun 2 Power Company, told AFP from Laos. Testing of the turbines that will generate the electricity began in June and has revealed some technical problems, the company said in a statement. "Specifically, the turbines are not operating at peak efficiency in the mid-power range," it said. Deferring the opening date will give the head contractor, Electricite de France, more time to adapt the turbines "to ensure reliable and stable electricity output," the power company said. Such engineering problems are not unusual for hydropower turbines, Jean Pierre Katz, the power company's chief executive officer, said in the statement. About 95 percent of production will be sold to Thailand, earning Laos revenues estimated at almost two billion dollars over 25 years, which the communist country pledged to spend on poverty reduction. After years of opposition from environmentalists, work on the 1.45-billion-dollar Lao-French-Thai project began in November 2005. It will have a generating capacity of 1,070 megawatts. The project is backed by the World Bank. BANGKOK, Oct 11, 2009 (TNA) Preparing for Trouble Nine companies of police will be deployed to ensure peace during Sunday’s rally to be staged by anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters in central Bangkok to mark the promulgation of the 1997 Constitution which was abolished by the September 2006 coupmakers, a senior police officer said. About 1,500 police officers altogether are involved in the deployment. Deputy spokesman Pol. Col. Piya Uthayo of the Police Bureau said he believed there would be no violence during the rally as no UDD supporters from upcountry would be asked to join it while the country is also facing the rainy season. Col. Piya said he expected that about 10,000 UDD marchers would participate in the demonstration. He said five companies of police would be posted around the Democracy Monument in Ratchadamnern Klang Avenue another three companies at the nearby Government House with the remainder at Bangkok Metropolitan Police headquarters. Key leaders of UDD said earlier that the Red Shirts will gather at the Democracy Monument beginning at 4 pm and that their demonstration will end at midnight. The anti-government protesters will call for the reinstatement of the 1997 Constitution while they oppose a government plan to retain and amend only six points in the current 2007 Constitution. Key UDD leader Natthawut Saikuea has said his group will begin collecting signatures for its campaign to remove Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva charging that he had taken power illegitimately and that his government is corrupt. Meanwhile, Bangkok’s deputy police chief Pol. Maj-Gen. Worasak Nopsitthiporn said some roads in areas near the demonstration site may be closed to traffic if the protesters block the road during the rally. (TNA) Revered Monarch Still Ailing Update: Refer to the following Straights Times article dated 30 September 2009 here. Brief extract: 30 September 2009 Dr. Kraisak Choonhavan, left, accepts plea from victim's wife to assist with forcing progress on the case. According to a report carried by the widely-read Khon Isaan/Korat Daily newspaper, issued dated 29 September - 1 October 2009, the wife of a presumed kidnapped man and Korat-based reporter for Matichon newspaper, as well as a former member of the Korat election commission, almost three weeks ago her husband disappeared and to date police have shown little to no progress on the case. Mr. Anunwat Atthanaphon, or Kamolphetch Phoonnamphetch, aged 45, a direct sales businessman, disappeared along with Mr. Nares Yuwarat, formerly a reporter for the Korat-based office of the Matichon newspaper and a former memer of the first Korat election commission. Relatives of Mr. Ananrat originally filed a missing persons report with the Korat provincial police on 10 September 2009. Seeing that there was no movement in the case, relatives then filed a complaint with the counter coruption office in Bangkok, in part because they suspected that someone in uniform (usually police, possibly military) was involved. This is because a witness at the scene of the incident reported by relatives stated that in front of Big C in Korat a group of trough-looking men that seemed like non-uniformed police carrying guns forcing Mr. Ananrat into a light green toyota pickup truck. Another group of tough looking men waied in a nearby pickup truck and all this was visible to passers-by. Locally, police commander Col. Boonlert Wongwatchana spoke to reporters and stated that police were not sitting on the case but that investigations were proceeding. Further details can be read in the original Thai language in the newspaper cited. 30 September 2009 the Korat Post Online Appellate Court Upholds First Judgment - Chingin Guilty of Defamation Frank G Anderson, founder of the Korat Post. With his wife was in 2005 accused by Chingin of defaming and damaging the Thai nationa, religion and king. Chingin, right, at Lady Mo monument before her own arrest for lese majeste. After an unexplained late arrival by the judge, court attendees gathered to listen to the judgment of the appeals court of Korat regarding the 2005 civil defamation claim against Papatchanan Chingin by Mrs. Tongmuan Anderson, editor and owner of the Korat Post newspaper, the paper of late being closed due to lack of local support by businesses and state authorities. Scheduled for 09:00, the court did not convene on the case until est. 10:00 hrs. The reading and processing of the judgment took approximately fifteen minutes, during which the appeals court upheld the Court of First Instance judgment against Chingin. In 2005, Chingin made a serious of false, fraudulent and inciting charges against Mrs. Anderson and her American husband, alleging that both were non-Thais engaging in acts that damaged the nation, the religion and the king. The allegations grew out of an original media report in part carried by Mrs. Anderson's newspaper, the Korat Post, which neutrally reported charges of sexual misconduct by the abbot of Watpa Salawan, charges made by almost a dozen other monks in the temple, including the deputy abbot. Over time police investigations white-washed the matter, with local Sangha authority help and insistence, to where the abbot was totally cleared of all charges. The ten monks who accused him have all since died, moved to new temples or in the case of one, recanted their earlier allegations against the abbot. Between February 10, 2005 and through 2005 and 2006, as well as intermittently over the years since, Chingin spent considerable radio time on her community radio FM 104.5 downtown Korat station lambasting the Andersons, Mrs. Anderson's newspaper and the monks who had made charges against the abbot. Early on, on 12 February 2005, Chingin led a group of army constripts and others to a temple residence where Mrs. Anderson and her assistant were speaking with monks about the abbot's case. It was then that Chingin actually physically attacked the two women and ordered one of her male assistants to slap the face of Mrs. Anderson's then 60 year old assistant. He did so. Chingin had also attempted to hit the assistant with the heel end of a high-hell woman's shoe, but Mrs. Anderson prevented the blow from landing by fending off the blow with her arm. In the process, her wrist was abraised and her gold Rolex watchband slightly damaged. The Court of First Instance awarded 60,000 Baht in damages to Mrs. Anderson in 2007, plus 10,000 in lawyer's fees. to date, should Chingin not pursue her right, within 30 days of today's judgment, to file an appeal with the Thai Supreme Court, she will now, considering additional interest, have to pay approximately 80,000 Baht to Mrs. Anderson as well as publish a public apology in three separate newspapers for a five day period. Complete details on the Watpa Salawan incitents are available at the Korat Post website and in other locations, both in English and Thai.   BANGKOK, September 20, 2009 (TNA) – His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been hospitalised with fever and fatigue, according to the first statement issued by the Royal Household Bureau on Sunday evening. The King is experiencing fever and fatigue and has lost appetite, the statement said. His physician are diagnosing the cause of his condition while issuing him antibiotics and intravenous fluid. The monarch was admitted to Siriraj Hospital on Saturday night for a medical check-up. Earlier Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva visited Siriraj Hospital before leaving for New York and signed the well-wishing book for His Majesty the King. At age 81, His Majesty the King is the world’s longest reigning monarch. On Sunday, people flocked to sign their names in the well-wishing books provided by the Royal Household Bureau. On Monday, the public is allowed to sign the well wishing books from 8 am to 8 pm.  (TNA) Khao Phrea Vihear Protesters Reach Buriram Today, 16 September 2009, news agencies reported that the Network to Return Thai Land – Khao Phrea Vihear - to Thais, belonging to the agriculture workers and people of the northeast region, and from the Center for Thai Refugees Without Land from four regions of the country that had begun its demonstrations in front of the Lady Mo memorial in Nakhonratchasima on 15 September 2009, have already reached Buriram province. The combined gathering, numbering some one hundred, was led by Mr. Uthai Precha, spokesman for the Northeast People’s Network, gathered together in the area of the Buriram Land Transport department, with Thai national flags and banners made by members. As well, the group broadcast its message along the roads within Buriram municipal district to invite those around listening to join the group’s protest to return Thai land surrounding the Khmer ruins to Thais, amounting to some 2,800 rai (1120 acres), in Kantarak district of Sisaket province. The protest will take place in full in the district on 19 September 2009. Daeng Appeal Hearing 1 October Papatchanan Chingin, as defendant will hear Appeals Court verdict on 1 October 2009. "Tongmuajn is not Thai." WRONG! 12 September 2009 Special from Korat Post Online Self-acclaimed community radio hostess Papatchanan Chingin, AKA "Daeng," besides getting into trouble with lese majeste charges, back in 2005 committed defamation against the owner and editor of the Korat Post hardcopy monthly tabloid, citing false allegations and inciting the public against the newspaper owner. found guilty in civil court for defamation, Daeng appealed the decision. In part, she modified her appeal by providing the court with incriminating evidence provided to her personally by the provincial public relations head. While it is expected that the court will uphold the initial verdict and Daeng will be forced to admit the decision and make the 60,000 Baht plu-interest payment award to Mrs. Anderson, in Thailand court decisions are not always announced along the lines of how they would initially appear. Appeals Court hearing scheduled for 09:00 hrs. 1 October 2009, Nakhonratchasima Court. Khao Yai Status Endangered By Project? 11 September 2009 Translated from Korat Daily/Khon Isaan Despite denials by Thai officials that the current world heritage status of Khao Yai National Park will not be endangered by a new four lane highway project designed to cut through the heavily forested area, there are concerns that the multibillion project will do just that. Another concern, that of wildlife, has also been swept aside by officials who maintain that animals in the park will be able to cross back and forth on each side of the project safely and conveniently. Reform? 6 September 2009 The Nation (See Korat Post Editorial) Calls for comprehensive reform are growing as the country struggles to achieve economic and political stability. Academics shared opinions yesterday and warned that even if ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra washed his hands of politics, the country could still be haunted by the same old problems. Only key changes designed to remove the root causes would ensure sustainable solutions, they said. Many political pundits and academics at a seminar in Bangkok yesterday agreed that, as long as Thaksin continued his political activities, the country would not achieve reconciliation and undertaking political reforms would be problematic. But some, such as Professor Amorn Chantarasomboon said there was no guarantee the country would achieve political stability even if Thaksin withdrew from politics. "Because we do not know if a new government will run the country for self interest, as Thaksin governments did, because our political system now is actually a dictatorship by capitalists,'' Amorn said. He said political reform had to be carried out simultaneously with administrative, legal, and justice reforms, if the country wanted to achieve sustainable stability. The most urgent task for the government was to end the political mess, Amorn said, because once political stability returned, economic confidence would return and the economy would get back on track. "The problem is who will sacrifice and pave the way for this reform,'' he said. Amorn did not believe political reform should be undertaken by politicians, because they had a conflict of interest in doing such. He suggested two panels be appointed - one to rewrite the Constitution and another to check whether a new charter really could help solve the country's political woes. Yesterday's seminar was organised by Chulalongkorn University and the People's Network for Election in Thailand (Pnet). Meanwhile, retired police general Vasit Dejkunchorn said he had been told by unconfirmed but reliable sources that Thaksin had sent a huge amount of laundered money through other people's bank accounts to fund political activities and create political disturbances in the country. Vasit, a former deputy police chief, believed many of Thaksin's red-shirt supporters were being used by him because they did not see through him. "Education is the best medicine [to solve this]," he said. "Our country will not come to this point if people understand the politicians' true colour." He said dissolving the Parliament was not a solution to national problems because a general election did not guarantee that the country would get "a new breed" of MPs or Senators who put the country's interests above their own. Vasit agreed that greater public participation in political reform and constitution amendment would ensure that reforms met what the public needed and desired. Pnet chairman General Saiyud Kerdphol urged Thaksin's family to stop him instigating political unrest and to face the justice system. "If Thaksin accepts the justice system, he will surely get the clemency he wants. He will be much happier than now. After all he has also done many good things for the country,'' Saiyud said. With the red shirts threatening to stage a mass rally, Saiyud voiced concern that the government may not be able to control Thaksin's supporters, even if the government invoked the Internal Security Act. "If this is the case, the red shirts may provoke a military coup. We have to watch out because some military men may respond to the call. We have a lesson from history that only 21 military men can stage a coup,'' he said.   Foul Mouth?   BURNING ISSUE Da Torpedo's downfall a warning to the like-minded By Avudh Panananda The Nation Published on September 1, 2009 (See editorialcomments on editorial page) The case of lese majeste convict Daranee Chanchoengsilapakul, aka Da Torpedo, brought up an interesting point about her outspokenness - even though she failed to win an acquittal.In one of its arguments, her defence team contended Daranee's remarks were of no consequence because she was in no position to make an impact deemed offensive to the monarchy.The Criminal Court struck down the argument on the ground that regardless of her social standing, she was accountable for her foul and offensive remarks.If viewed by the standard of legal strategy, the defence appeared to have mounted a surprisingly weak case. But Daranee's logic in explaining her action might have touched a chord with people of like minds posting their insults against the monarchy via thousands of web boards. Cyberspace is littered with political graffiti deemed offensive to the country's revered institution. Are Internet vandals sharing the same thoughts as Daranee and acting foul-mouthed out of spite, since they see themselves as too marginalised to make a difference?Daranee emerged out of obscurity to achieve instant fame, though in a bad way, by smearing the monarchy. Several people under catchy pseudonyms gain cult-like popularity in web boards by posting offensive messages. The royal bashing may be the name of the game for fame seekers, whatever the cost.Born into a Sino-Thai family, Daranee spent 45 years of her life like any law-abiding, tax-paying citizen. As a Ramkhamhaeng University graduate, she worked as a journalist for a number of media outlets. Following the ousting of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on September 19, 2006, she left her media profession to become an anti-coup activist. There was no clear explanation about her abrupt change nor about the financial backing for her advocacy.She struggled to form a people's network to oppose the power seizure and to demand the restoration of the suspended 1997 charter.She was among the first anti-coup groups to arrive at Sanam Luang and have a collection of rally sites set up a few short months after the coup. Crowds began to surge from less than ten to a few dozen after she began to pepper her speeches with foul words, gaining notoriety as Da Torpedo.The underlying theme to her speeches was the alleged link between the coup and the Royal Palace, with chief royal adviser General Prem Tinsulanonda as the conduit. She seemed,however, more intent on belching out foul words and curses instead of stating her case.For months, she was a regular crowd rouser at Sanam Luang but failed to gain any recognition even by fellow advocates in the anti-coup movement.Her fate changed overnight on May 30, 2007. She set up her stage as an auxiliary to the main rally site of the red shirts. Her speech on that fateful day was so foul that a street vendor, hawking her food nearby, threw a bag of faeces on to the stage. Finally, Da Torpedo received her due recognition from the red shirts. She became a regular fixture at their rallies. After the red shirts welcomed the anti-coup activists to their bandwaggon, her remarks expanded to cover pro-Thaksin messages.Last year, she framed her comments at three red-shirt rallies on January 18, June 7 and June 13 to make veiled attacks on the Royal Palace. Although she did not mention any names, her remarks were explicit and insulting.The matter came to light after yellow-shirt leader Sondhi Limthongkul blew the whistle on the inflammatory remarks.The Criminal Court ruled last Thursday Daranee had tarnished the reputation of Their Majesties with malicious intent to sway the crowds to lose their reverence and trust in the monarchy.Daranee was penalised with a combined jail term of 18 years for three counts of insulting remarks, each carrying six-year imprisonment.As Daranee languishes in her cell, she may reflect on whether she has accomplished anything worthwhile in return for her conviction. How many will remember her message other than the legacy of her foul mouth? August 17 Deadline BANGKOK, August 3, 2009 (TNA) – The Red Shirt movement plans to submit its petitions on August 17 seeking a royal pardon for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Veera Musikapong, Natthawut Saikua and Jatuporn Promphan, leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) told a news conference that verification of the petitions signed by more than five million people will be finished about August 15 or 16 and the UDD would submit the petitions on August 17. Some 100,000 petition papers will be put on trays while the rest will be boxed and carried by a thousand UDD members to the Bureau of the Royal Household. The government, Prime Minister and the Interior Minister oppose the UDD’s move to seek the royal pardon, said Mr Veera adding that the Red Shirts group was ready to clarify all related issues and would not allow (the government ) to use its power to hinder their plan to submit the petition. They will neither stage any protest nor deliver a speech to the crowd. The group will only travel to submit the petition and go home, Mr Nutthawut said. The UDD collected signatures of Mr Thaksin’s supporters seeking a royal pardon for the former prime minister in response to his being sentenced for two years imprisonment last October, despite not being present for the trial or verdict, for abuse of power in helping his then-wife securing a parcel of prime Bangkok commercial land at a price discounted much below the going market price. August 2, 2009 The Nation PAD Pressures Government To Act An embattled Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva came under mounting pressure yesterday as the powerful People's Alliance for Democracy continued to press for him to remove the national police chief while the opposition threatened to seek his impeachment. PAD spokesman Panthep Pua-pongpan said the PM had the power to prevent police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan from wielding influence by citing irregularities in the Bt18-million public-relation fund or the October 7 incident to transfer Patcharwat to an inactive post. "The PM must realise that the government's stability depends on the people's support not three or four people who try to wield influence over him,'' he said. PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul warned the ruling Democrats they could be in for political trouble if the prime minister "remains idle" regarding the post of national police chief. Panthep also urged the PM to make a bold and decisive decision as to who would replace Patcharawat as caretaker national police chief. He said if the PM did not intervene and let Police General Priewpan Damapong, who is most senior, take the top post the Sondhi shooting case would be even more entangled because Priewpan was part of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's family. Priewpan is the brother of Khunying Pojaman Damapong, Thaksin's former wife. Patcharawat countered Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's public announcement that the national police chief had taken 30 days leave by saying he would return from his official overseas trip and come back to work on Monday. He said the national police chief was fighting back because he did not want to allow any interference in the annual police reshuffle. Abhisit has been trying to remove stumbling blocks faced by police in the investigation into the assassination attempt on Sondhi by proposing that Patcharawat, who is believed to have stood in the way of police investigation, take leave if he did not want to be transferred. Panthep said there had been a behind-the-scenes deal before Abhisit announced that Patcharawat would take a long leave and the national police chief fought back by countering Abhisit's statement. Abhisit appeared moody when reporters pressed him to account for the conflicting stories, insisted that he had talked to all top officials in charge of security including Patcharat, Defence Ministry Prawit Wongsuwan and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban before Friday and there had not been any problem. "Everything is all right. Only some people with something to lose are trying to blow up the affair out of proportion, but that is normal,'' he said. Asked to comment on reports about political interference in the police reshuffle, Abhisit refused to answer and walked away. The premier said he had no conflict with the top police officer and believed that some groups wanted to manipulate the issue for their own political gain. Abhisit declined to say who would be appointed acting chief while Patcharawat was absent. Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the opposition party was planning to seek the impeachment of Abhisit for interfering in the annual police reshuffle. He said the PM might have violated the Constitution by suspending the reshuffle. "It is possible that the delay in the reshuffle is because politicians want to be in control of the police when the next general election is held,'' he said. He said the party would gather the signatures of one-fourth of MPs to submit to Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet next week to launch impeachment proceeding against the PM. The prime minister said yesterday that he was not concerned by the impeachment plan, the Thai News Agency reported. Stressing that he had violated neither the law nor the Constitution, Abhisit said he had done nothing wrong, despite charges to the contrary from Pheu Thai members. Farmers Demand Their Land  Thu, 23/07/2009 - 17:28 Since July 17, about 150 farming families have occupied a eucalyptus plantation run by the Forest Industry Organization (FIO) under the Royal Forest Department in Tambon Thung Phra, Khon San District, Chaiyaphum Province in the Northeast. They vow to stay on until the government gives them back their land. In 1979, the FIO started planting eucalyptus trees on their farmland and promised to give each family 6 rai in compensation. For 30 years, the promise has never materialized. 'At first, the FIO persuaded villagers to be members of the forest village project, claiming they would be qualified to work for the FIO and would be given 5 rai for farming and 1 rai for housing. Villagers who did not agree were threatened and abused by means of legal measures. Ammunition was buried in the ground and villagers were framed for possessing war weapons. Eucalyptus trees were planted on farmland. The villagers suffered. Many families have moved to work for wages in Bangkok to survive,' said Buala In-im, one of the villagers. According to Pramote Phonphinyo, advisor to the Northeast Land Reform Network, the FIO has claimed that the plantation is included in the terms of a concession, but the concession area is actually somewhere else. The threats and evictions of villagers from their farmlands have been going on since 1976, despite their resistance. After many years of local struggle, on July 7, 2005, a district-level joint fact-finding working group chaired by a Senior Deputy District Chief agreed that the FIO's plantation was imposed on the villagers' farmland, and the land should be redistributed to the farmers. In response to the farmers' complaint, the National Human Rights Commission's sub-committee on lands and forests, after having investigated the issue on the ground and held meetings with relevant state agencies, released a report on Dec 28, 2007, which concluded that the FIO had violated the rights of the villagers, and recommended that the government cancel the plantation and order the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to help the plaintiffs in cultivation and land management. The National Human Rights Commission approved the sub-committee's report and recommendations on Sept 20, 2007. On Dec 29, 2008, an official community meeting of Tambon Thung Phra resolved that the Khon San plantation be cancelled, and during the process of cancellation the villagers could utilize the 1,500 rai of land. On July 22, about 100 farmers rallied at four tambon of Khon San District, informing the public of the reasons for their actions.  Source: http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2009/07/25151 Subversive Media Identified - and Watched! Wednesday, 22 July 2009  From Prachatai 'Very confidential' letter instructs government to deal with red radio, websites and cable TV Tue, 21/07/2009 - 11:30 A confidential letter has been sent to a Prime Minister's Office Minister, blacklisting websites, community radio stations and cable TV stations. The source of the letter has not been reported. On July 20, Thai Rath and Manager reported that the letter was sent to PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtoei and contained a list of websites, and radio and cable TV stations which were considered subversive and inflammatory. The letter indicates that a cable TV station located in Lad Phrao broadcasts the activities of Thaksin Shinawatra around the clock. Manager points out that this is to emulate royal activities. According to the letter, a special task force which includes Special Branch police has been formed and assigned to monitor the contents of these outlets. And it has been found that these outlets have been inciting the public against the government and democracy as well as the Monarchy on an almost daily basis. Songs attacking the government and the elite are written and played. All information has been sent to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban for further action. Abhisit, Suthep and Satit are reportedly coordinating with the police, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology and the task force to make arrests. The community radio stations include Udon (87.75MHz), Khon Rak Thai (95.25), Chiang Mai (92.50), Lampang (90.25), Chiang Rai (104), Rim Ping, Lamphun, Ubon, and Khon Rak Taxi (92.75). The websites are www.redthai.org, thaienews.blogspot.com, www.chupong.info, www.chupong.org, www.thaipeoplevioce.info, www.jaunuea.com, www.Konthai.org, www.Konthaiuk.com, www.redplus.org, www.thaipuworinusa.com, www.vod-station.com, www.vod-station.org, www.sameskybooks.org, www.konrakya.com. And the cable TV station is MVTV5. According to Satit Wongnongtoei in a Matichon report on July 21, a subcommittee under the National Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NTC) has allowed community radio operators from across the country to register, and over 4,000 have done so. The NTC will later have to announce rules and terms for the issuance of temporary licenses, under which the registered operators have to operate. The operators are bound by two restrictions: not to use transmitters that interfere with mainstream radio frequencies, and not to air content subversive to Thai institutions and the government. 'It has been checked and found that community radio operators who have not registered are mostly those who serve political interests. The PM has already said that he wants the relevant agencies to take care of them, but the agencies have been waiting for the NTC announcement. Two weeks have passed, but it has not yet been put on the NTC table. I don't know why. Today, I have called NTC Secretary-General Suranant Wongwitthayakamchorn to push for the announcement soon. Once the announcement takes effect, those who have not registered will be considered illegal, and will have to stop operating,' Satit said. Satit said that if the NTC could announce the rules and terms by next week, non-conforming community radio stations would be immediately closed, especially the dozens of stations which served political interests. It is necessary to maintain order, he said, noting that more than 99% of the operators who are good have now registered. So he is not worried about the remaining 1% holdouts who are bad people, as they are just a minority. Source: http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2009/07/25145 BANGKOK, 20 July 2009 (NNT) An ABAC Poll revealed that more than half of Thai people have an average debt of 300,000 baht per person, while the average debt per household is at 500,000 baht. Director of ABAC Social Innovation in Management and Business Analysis (SIMBA), Noppadon Kannikar, revealed the survey findings about debt and political issue among people over 18 years old in 17 provinces of Thailand covering 4,102 households during 7 - 18 July 2009. It found that more than half of Thai people or about 54.4% had an average debt at 304,842.32 baht per person, while the average debt per household was at 514,313.72 baht, the lowest debt per household was at 12,000 baht, while the maximum amount was at 30 million baht. Regarding the political issue of share-holding case in state’s concessionary companies, 59.3% of people considered that those Senators and Members of Parliament (MP) who were disqualified by the Election Commission (EC) should wait for the final verdict according to the judiciary process, however 40.7% of people said that they should immediately resign. 62.7% of respondents said that the Constitution should be urgently amended now. ASTV Manager Online 17 July 2009 Sondhi's Assassination Case Subject to "Interference, Obstacles" Thailand's two top police generals at odds over freedom of speech concerning the attempted assassination of media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul on 17 April 2009.  As Manager Online [go to link for Thai language report] reported, "Intolerable" words of Gen. Thani somboonsap, deputy national police commissioner of Thailand, who oversees the case of the attempted assassination of Sondhi Limthongkul, founder of the newspaper ASTV Manager and leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, who stated that the case was conducted full of obstacles, interference and warnings,...and what is important is that the case was not proceeding because there were 'undercover police agents' that allowed suspects to remain on their toes, aware of what was going on, and permit the instigator [of the assassination attempt] to be aware of progress being made in the case.  When it's like this, what does it mean? Instead of General Patharat, in his capacity of National Police Commissioner, has to acknowledge this, but instead is outside the circle and appears indifferent....when it's like this, looking at it straightforwardly one can only say he is "distrustful." In the past if we follow activities from the day that the assassination attempt on Sondhi took place, 17 April 2009, up until today, before police were able to issue two arrest warrants for just two suspects, it took three months.  There is constant and pervasive interference and intimidation in the case, up to bringing in many high-level police officers who then withdrew because they were not brave enough to pursue investigations, because they feared they would not advance in their police careers.  Regardless, looking at it a different way, it's not much of a surprise that we run into this kind of behavior. since we know that the 'instigator' ' in the background is at the level of "Superbig" who oversees power in the government and has connections with a terrifying network.  It's said that the objective in that assassination attempt, besides to create confusion, and taking advantage of the all-powerful emergency decree, also needed to reign in Sondhi as a member of the media who was consistently likely to reveal oddities,...all of it needed to be dealt with at once.  Prior to now many parties had concluded that assassinating Sondhi occurred after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was trapped in Pattaya and continued through the Ministry of Interior, but when the attempt on the prime minister failed they came after Sondhi. Thai Police Given Fait Accompli - for Now Police dumbfounded after encountering argumentative PAD suspects  The Nation, 17 July 2009 Although the 30 suspects from the People's Alliance for Democracy yesterday met with investigators, they refused to acknowledge the charge of international terrorism and police were at a loss and pleaded for time to consult with the law book. In unprededented legal tactics, the PAD suspects declined to follow the prescribed procedures of honouring their summonses for questioning. Instead they have claimed the charges related to the two siezures of Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports as unjustified and wrongful. By refusing to acknowledge the charges filed by police, they have deviated from a normal proceedings applicable to all suspects. And in the counter move, they filed a petition disputing the police justification to classify the seizures of two Bangkok airports as an act of international terrorism. Since the PAD's defence team raised objection to honouring the summonses, police could not proceed to complete the execution of the legal proceedings and were obligated to check relevant provisions before making a next move.   Warrants Out For Witness-Identified Participants 15 July 2009 From the Nation Two arrest warrants sought - Police name a police officer and soldier as top suspects in case [but avoid higher level names for now] Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that the government would be very serious about handling the assassination attempt on Sondhi Limthongkul and that the police were preparing to issue arrest warrants for two suspected gunmen - a non-commissioned police officer and a non-commissioned military man. Abhisit made the comment after rumours started doing rounds that deputy police chief General Thanee Somboonsab, the chief investigator, had instructed his subordinates to seek court approval for issuing arrest warrants for two suspects believed to be involved in the attempt on Sondhi's life. The first suspect is Pol Corporal Weerawut Mungsanti, a non-commissioned officer under the jurisdiction of the Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau, who currently works under Justice Ministry's Special Investigation Department's deputy director general Pol Colonel Dussadee Arayawuthi. The second man is identified only as Panya, a non-commissioned military official under the jurisdiction of the Lop Buri-based special warfare centre. Abhisit said that when Thanee reports to him, he would ask if any obstacles had be put in front of him as far as solving the case went. Thanee met the PM yesterday afternoon at Government House but refused to answer any questions. A source said investigators had earlier questioned witnesses, who had incriminated the two suspects for opening fire at Sondhi's car. The source added that since the case involved a police officer, the two suspects would be tried in ordinary court, not a military one. A dark purple pick-up truck with a Lop Buri licence plate numbered 1474, seen parked at a hotel in Thon Buri area before the attack, was found to be owned by 27-year-old Rassami Mekchai, a resident of Lop Buri's Muang district. When the vehicle was brought to the Traffic Police Division at 11am, Scientific Crime Detection officials found a water bottle and an official ID card carrying the name Rassami Mekchai inside. They also dusted the pick-up for fingerprints. At noon, 10 military officials from the Lop Buri-based special warfare centre came to the Traffic Police Division after hearing that police had confiscated the pick-up truck. However, no senior police officials give the media any details about the case, either before or after the chief investigator met his team after the pick-up was checked. Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda said he had not been given details about the arrest warrants for the non-commissioned military suspect. He said the military was ready to help the police deal with the case according to law. He added that he had not issued any special instructions for Lt-General Puchong Ratanaworaron, chief of the Special Operations Command, to follow when arresting the soldier. He said if the police sought any cooperation from the military about the case, they must comply with the law. 13 July 2009 Translated by the Korat Post, from Khon Isaan/Korat Daily 13 July 2009 Northeast Thailand's Largest Center Buriram ups the stakes in hosting meeting and conference attendees by constructing northeast Thailand's largest conference center, able to hold 4,000 attendees at one time, and to be constructed on the current site of the Thepnakhorn Hotel in Buriram (See complete hotel details at Buriram Expats website link here). Construction on the fifty million Baht venture is expected to be completed by year-end, 2009. Mr. Sant Thepnakhorn, managing director and chairman of the board of Buriram Thepnakhorn company, Ltd., and president of the Tourism Association of Buriram, disclosed recently that he had put into effect a plan to construct Isaan's largest conference center to boost tourism and investment in Buriram province, and had been waiting for an appropriate time when construction material prices has subsided to justify such an investment. The new conference center, he indicated, will occupy 2,000 square meters within the hotel complex, located at 139 Jira Road, Tambol Isan, meung district, Buriram province. He indicates that the main conference hall will accommodate 3,000-4,000 persons or between 250-300 'Chinese tables.' Mr. Sant indicates that the capacity differs significantly from other hotels throughout the region where the maximum capacity is between 1,000-2,000 persons. He indicated in the Thai language interview with Khon Isaan/Korat Daily newspaper that for the project he had hired a well-known architect from Bangkok and that the center's structure will be exposed metal as is that of Suvarnabhumi Airport. Budgeted at 40-50 million Baht, the project is already 50% completed and due to be 100% complete by year-end 2009. When asked regarding clientele, Mr. Sant indicated that for the most part visitors consisted of Thai nationals, or Thai wives of foreigners. When asked whether local politicians were supporting the venture through encouraging government and other meetings at the center, Mr. Sant said that from the very beginning of the project local politicians were supportive. Readers who are interested in inquiries with the hotel in Buriram might first wish to visit Buriram Expats site at http://www.buriramexpats.com/hotels/    New Bus Route - Korat to Vientiane According to the most recent edition of the Nakhonratchasima chamber of Commerce newspaper, dated 1-15 July 2009, Thai and Lao authorities have signed a joint cooperation agreement to open up a new direct bus route from Korat to Vientiane. The Korat-Vientiane route will be the sixth such service between the two countries. The five existing routes between Thailand and Laos are: (1) Nong Khai - Vientiane,  (2) Udornthani-Vientiane,  (3) Khon Kaen-Vientiane,  (4) Ubonrachathani-Paksae, and  (5) Mukdaharn-Savannaket.  On 19 June 2009 in the City Park Hotel's conference room, Mr. Chaiwat Thongkhamkhun, transport specialist with the Office of Goods Transport, acting for the director of the office of planning, head of the board of Land Transportation, Ministry of Communications, joined in a signing ceremony for joint cooperation and recording of agreement, as well as discussions, in completion of a public international bus route, between Nakhonratchasima and Vientiane. Officials from relevant departments of Ministries of both countries attended the conference and ceremonies. Mr. Chaiwat indicated that the route was in part due to holding of the 25th SEAGAMES (Wiki) Official Website in Laos this year. Translator's note: A full translation of the entire article is available upon email request and confirmation of deposit of $5.00 to indicated bank account in return email reply. 11 July 2009 Thai News Agency Southern Conflict -  "They Started It" The Democrat-led administration raises hope of an end to the southern unrest due to the party's stronghold in the southern region. The southern conflict is one of the Government's urgent policies declared to Parliament but so far no concrete improvements in the region has been seen. Government officials have admitted that it is not easy to combat the southern unrest amid deep political divisions and the economic crisis. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva always emphasizes that the Government's policy for the deep south problem is based on the "politics before military" rationale. Apart from this, the Prime Minister sees the necessity of development in the southern border provinces which have been affected by insurgency for more than 5 years. Mr Abhisit recently reiterated his southern unrest policy, saying that the southern problem can be solved and the Government will not resort to violence in dealing with it. He stated that the Government does not believe that violence can put an end to the southern unrest as violence only causes fear and will not lead to a better standard of living of the locals. The Prime Minister said the Government will soon launch projects for the development and promotion of local administration and set up a probate court for Muslim people. The Prime Minister elaborated that the military will still play an active part in tackling the southern unrest based on the politics before military rationale. He said the current situation in the southern region still needs the military which operates under policies handed down by the Government. Mr Abhisit stressed that he believed the politics before military policies will be realized. Under the Government's development plans for the deep south, there are more than 600 projects with a budget of more than 60 billion baht already approved by the Cabinet. The Government hopes that these development projects, with an implementation period of 3 years, will overshadow insurgency in the region and win local people's support. Prem Dons White Prem seen with Army backup in Korat this week during Thailand's famous candle festival. 8 July 2009 Translated from Manager Online, Thai report from Manager Online follows English Nakhonratchasima News Center - "Pa Prem" leads military and Korat Buddhists in a candle parade to mark the day before and the beginning of Buddhist Lent in front of Army Region2 Buddhism Monument, calling for more Thais to enter temples to pray, especially young men and women so that they know what it means to enter the temple. Prem also called for Thais to use the words of the Lord Buddha in their own daily life practices, as those words are able to solve all of society's and the nation's problems.  General Prem, President of the Privy Council and statesman, headed ceremonies on 7 July 2009 commemorating the words and guidance of Buddha and of celebrating Buddhist Lent. ศูนย์ข่าวนครราชสีมา- "ป๋าเปรม" นำเหล่าทหารและพุทธศาสนิกชนชาวโคราช ทำบุญ-เวียนเทียนเนื่องในวันอาสาฬหบูชาและเข้าพรรษา ที่ พุทธศาสนสถาน กองทัพภาค 2 เผยคนไทยเข้าวัดมากขึ้นโดยเฉพาะกลุ่มวัยรุ่นหนุ่มสาวรู้จักว่าการเข้าวัด เป็นประโยชน์ แนะให้นำคำสอนของพระพุทธเจ้าไปถือปฏิบัติ สามารถแก้ไขปัญหาได้ทุกเรื่องที่เกิดขึ้นในชาติบ้านเมือง ช่วงค่ำวันนี้(7 ก.ค.) ที่พุทธศาสนสถาน ค่ายสุรนารี กองทัพภาคที่ 2 อ.เมือง จ.นครราชสีมา  พล.อ.เปรม ติณสูลานนท์ ประธานองคมนตรีและรัฐบุรุษ เป็นประธานพิธีบำเพ็ญกุศลและเวียนเทียนเนื่องในวันอาสาฬหบูชาและวันเข้า พรรษา มี พล.ท.วิบูลย์ศักดิ์ หนีพาล แม่ทัพภาคที่ 2 พร้อม นายประจักษ์ สุวรรณภักดี ผู้ว่าราชการจังหวัดนครราชสีมา และ เหล่าข้าราชการทหาร พลทหาร และประชาชนชาวจังหวัดนครราชสีมาเข้าร่วมพิธีจำนวนมาก โดยได้ร่วมฟังพระธรรมเทศนาจากพระภิกษุสงฆ์ ก่อนร่วมกันเวียนเทียนรอบพุทธศาสนสถานค่ายสุรนารี 3 รอบ เพื่อถวายเป็นพุทธบูชา และรำลึกถึงพระธรรมคำสอนขององค์พระสัมมาสัมพุทธเจ้า พล.อ.เปรม ติณสูลานนท์ ประธานองคมนตรีและรัฐบุรุษ กล่าวว่า ขณะนี้คนไทยเข้าวัดกันมากขึ้นโดยเฉพาะเด็กหนุ่ม เด็กสาวรู้จักว่าการเข้าวัดจะเป็นประโยชน์กับตัวเอง นอกจากจะเข้าวัดแล้วจะต้องเข้าใจคำสั่งสอนของพระสัมมาสัมพุทธเจ้าให้ลึกซึ้ง ด้วย ว่าท่านทรงสั่งสอนอย่างไร แล้วก็นำไปปฏิบัติ ต้องให้ได้ประโยชน์ พล.อ.เปรม กล่าวต่อว่า การนำเอาคำสอนของพระพุทธเจ้ามาถือปฏิบัตินั้น ไม่ใช่แก้ปัญหาได้เฉพาะเรื่องความวิตกกังวลกับปัญหาภาวะเศรษฐกิจที่ตกต่ำ เท่านั้น เรื่องอะไรก็ตามที่พวกเรากำลังประสบปัญหาอยู่สามารถนำไปใช้ได้ทั้งหมด ไม่ใช่เฉพาะเรื่องเศรษฐกิจ แต่เป็นเรื่องทุกเรื่องในชาติบ้านเมืองของเราเอาคำสอนของพระพุทธเจ้าไปใช้ ได้ จะได้ประโยชน์อย่างมาก ต่อข้อถามถึงกรณีที่กลุ่มคนเสื้อแดงล่ารายชื่อ 1 ล้านรายชื่อเพื่อถวายฎีกาขอพระราชทานอภัยโทษให้ กับ พ.ต.ท.ทักษิณ ชินวัตร อดีตนายกรัฐมนตรี นั้นบังควรหรือไม่ พล.อ.เปรม ปฏิเสธที่จะตอบคำถาม พูดแค่ว่า คิดว่าผู้สื่อข่าวจะถามคำถามนี่อยู่แล้ว ไม่เอา ไม่พูด ก่อนเดินออกไป ขณะ ที่บรรยากาศตามคุ้มวัดต่างๆ ในจังหวัดนครราชสีมา ประชาชนต่างพาบุตรหลานและครอบครัวออกมาร่วมทำกิจกรรมทางพระพุทธศาสนา และฟังธรรมเทศนา พร้อมร่วมกันเวียนเทียนรอบพระอุโบสถวัดเพื่อแสดงตนเป็นพุทธมามะกะตามแบบ อย่างที่ดีขององค์สมเด็จพระสัมมาสัมพุทธเจ้า ส่งผลให้บรรยากาศตามคุ้มวัดต่างๆ คึกคักไปตามๆ กัน New Politics Party seeking members  By The Nation  Published on July 7, 2009  New Politics Party seeking members The New Politics Party of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday officially kicked off its membership drive, with its core leader expressing readiness to contest a general election - if there is one - at year-end.  Party secretary-general Pichit Chaimongkol said more than 1,000 people from upcountry had shown up at the residence of party leader Somsak Kosaisuk, while more from the South had yet to arrive. He said provincial leaders of the PAD were first to apply as party members and that they would return to their provinces to establish local branches and accept more applicants. In the North, branches will be set up in Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok provinces; in the Northeast, in Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima; in the South, in Songkhla's Hat Yai district and Surat Thani province. Along the Eastern Seaboard, a branch will be established in Chon Buri, one in Rayong and another in Phetchaburi. When the party has 5,000 members, as required by law, a party caucus will be held to vote for the party leader and party executive board in September and October. "If there's a House dissolution at the end of the year, we'll be ready to contest an election in Bangkok and the large provinces in which we have branches," Pichit said. BANGKOK, July 5, 20p09 Thailand News Agency (TNA)  Burma Commerce Wins, Burma Human Rights Loses Thailand's Board of Investment (BoI) will lead some 25 Thai businessmen to explore investment opportunities in four major cities in Myanmar next week, a senior BoI official said Sunday. Mrs. Vasana Mututanont, director of BoI's International Affairs Bureau, said under the agency's programme called 'Business Mission', the prospective investors will leave Bangkok and visit four Myanmar cities including Yangon, Toungoo, Bagan and Mandalay between July 13-17. The BoI official said that the Thais will have opportunities to discuss with Myanmar entrepreneurs regarding several important industries, including furniture manufacturing, cement and automobile assembly. Currently, the major Thai goods exported to Myanmar are motorcycles, vegetable oil and diesel oil. Most goods are exported through the Thai border district of Mae Sot. So far, Thai businesses have invested in 58 projects in Myanmar with a combined value of about US$7.4 million. Under the 'Business Mission' activity, Thai investors are encouraged to invest in neighbouring countries including Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar as Thailand shares borders with them, said Mrs. Vasana. Investment in these countries could be expanded to southern China and India in the near future after transportation facilities are built. (TNA) Nong Khai Police Senior Sergeant Major Incensed - Debt Collection Gang Follows Him Home  5 July 2009 Translated from Manager Online, 4 July 2009  Fellow police officers taking statement from owner of stray bullet. The bullet killed a 12 year old child. At 12:00 hrs. today on 4 July 2009, Pol. Colonel Prasong Kongpanya, an investigations officer with the Nong Khai provincial police, Meung district, was notified of a a shooting incident that took place at Baan Dao Reung, Tambol Song Hong, Meung district of Nong Khan province, and thus reported the incident to the local police commissioner. Police subsequently went to the scene for investigation. The incident took place at House no. 112 Moo 6, Baan Reung, Tambol Song Hong, Meung district of Nong Khai. Adjacent to the house were found large quantities of bloodstains; the injured had been taken to the Nong Khai hospital. It was later discovered that his name was Sarn Chaisarn, aged 12, residing in the same village. He had been shot with an 11 millimeter bullet in the center of the face, bullet lodged inside, and had earlier been reported in critical condition. Doctors attempted to resuscitate the victim but were unable to save him. In their investigation, police questioned the instigator of the incident, police senior sergeant major Pathomchai Sukwhaiya, aged 44, who was responsible for guarding a suspect as he was attached to the Nong Khai court at the time. From their investigations, police questioned Mrs. Soomla Wirasakdi, age 41, the boy's aunt. She told police that before the incident she had been transplanting rice seedlings behind the house belonging to the police sergeant major, which was a bit away form where the shooting took place. The child had been sitting playing in front of the house, but about thirty meters away. All morning, she told investigators, there was loud shouting as the police sergeant major had been arguing with his wife, until approximately 11:00 a.m. At that time two men in a pickup truck, arrived to collect daily payment for debts the police sergeant major had incurred. They parked in front of the home and asked about payment of debt for purchase of a bicycle that the police officer's wife had bought. The daily debt payment was 200 Baht. But the discussions turned heated, with the police senior sergeant major cursing the two with vile language. They hurriedly turned about and jumped in the truck to leave. As the truck was speeding off, the police sergeant major fired off two rounds at the men, but missed, with one stray bullet catching the young child instead. Police investigations and prosecution of the case continue, but it was learned that the sergeant major's wife had leased the bicycle without his knowledge and that the argument that morning was over the increasing debts incurred. From: http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/1285  FCCT board members accused of lese' majeste' Law's shame mounts. Fury of a woman slighted? Laksana Kornsilpa, Thailand's latest lese majeste heroine. Fri, 03/07/2009 - 06:01 International Federation for Human Rights Paris, 2 July 2009 : The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) expresses its deepest concern regarding the increased use of lese majeste' law in Thailand. The Organization already drew the attention of the Thai authorities to restrictions to the right to freedom of expression and to the political implications of the abusive use of the legislation on le`se majeste'. According to the information received, the whole board of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) (1) has been accused of committing lese majeste', a crime with a maximum jail sentence of 15 years. For the first time in its five-decade history, a FCCT board will be under police investigation for lese majeste'. The lese majeste' complaint against the 13-member board was filed at Lumpini police station on Tuesday night, June 30th 2009. The complaint was filed by a translator and a critic of ousted and convicted former premier Thaksin, accusing the board that the decision to sell DVD copies of a controversial speech held at the club back in 2007 constitutes a lese majeste' crime. The complaint is reportedly based on the allegation that the whole board "may be acting in an organized fashion and the goal may be to undermine the credibility of the high institution of Thailand". In reaction to the complaint, FCCT president Marwaan Macan-Markar issued a statement saying: "The FCCT will cooperate with such an inquiry". On 1st July 2009, FIDH made public a briefing note on the restrictions to freedom of expression through the notorious Lese Majeste' Law (available on FIDH website: http://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/thpositionpaper.pdfhttp://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/thpositionpaper.pdf), following two research visits, conducted in Bangkok, in February and in May 2009. FIDH had met with several representatives of civil society, academics, activists and human rights associations, as well as the Thai authorities, in particular members of the National Human Rights Commission and high officials of the Ministry of Justice. FIDH expresses its deepest concern regarding the abusive use of the law on le`se majeste', in particular the filing of complaints by any Thai citizen rather than by the person targeted. The Organisation urges the authorities to ensure, as an immediate step that the law is not used to curb the right to freedom of expression. More generally, FIDH calls upon the government of Thailand to reform the legislation on the lese majeste' crime in conformity with international human rights standards and principles. 27 June 2009 the Nation Thaksin Does Not Disappoint Pheu Thai proves hold over northeast By The Nation Published on June 29, 2009 Elated Thaksin invites campaign teams to Dubai Ads by Google Sunbelt Legal Advisors Company Set-Up, Property, Visa, Work Permit, Business, plus more. www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com The Phue Thai Party's landslide victory in the by-election in Si Sa Ket yesterday, following hot on the heels of its by-election conquest in Sakhon Nakhon, proves the solid allegiance that northeasterners still hold for ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, Pheu Thai chairman Chalerm Yoobamrung said. Thaksin's popularity has brought Surachart Charnpradit his polling triumph, Chalerm said in congratulating the Pheu Thai candidate during a press conference. Thaksin called Pornsak Charoenprasert, an MP for Si Sa Ket, asking him about the results. When Thaksin was told that the Pheu Thai candidate beat his rival handily, he responded with a cheer and told both the Si Sa Ket and Sakhon Nakhon campaign teams to visit him in Dubai, Pornsak said. They are expected to see Thaksin in two weeks after the Election Commission endorses them. As of 7.30pm, the count showed the Pheu Thai candidate with 106,915 votes against just 68,560 votes for Sakulthip Angsakulkiat of the Chart Thai Pattana Party. Somsak Prissanananthakul, a core leader of the Chart Thai Pattana Party, conceded defeat. Some polling stations in nine districts witnessed a higher turnout than others. EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond said the EC accepted five election complaints about political bias by government officials, solicitation of voters by trucking them to balloting stations and mudslinging against candidates. He said he expects the voter turnout would reach 60 per cent, higher than Sakhon Nakhon's 58 per cent. Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit questioned the use of funds by the Internal Security Operations Command, which held a secret meeting at a Bangkok hotel. He suspected that the agency was mapping out tactics to block the growth of the Pheu Thai Party. He said 11 MPs from government coalition parties and former People Power Party MPs from northern and northeastern provinces expressed interest in joining Pheu Thai because they sensed that the party's popularity remained strong.  27 June 2009 Translated from Manager Online "Cambodian Troops Must Withdraw First!" Thai and Cambodian military beef up forces along their joint border, preparing for meeting any situation. "Suthep" meets Hun Sen in Phanom Penh over Thailand's submitting its objection to UNESCO's listing of Khao Phra Viharn as a World Heritage site under Cambodian caretakership. Suthep tells Cambodia to withdraw its troops and civilians from the area adjacent to the ancient ruins before peace talks can proceed. On 27 June 2009, news reports indicated that the border area along the line of the Khao Phra Viharn ruins was very tense, with Thai and Cambodian troops facing one another and separated by one fifty meters. Both sides had shifted troop positions increasing the tension by making preparations to deal with the outcome of Thailand's submittal to UNESCO to request a review of the agency's registration of Khao Phra Viharn as a World Heritate site under Cambodian application. Especially noted was Cambodia shifting positions of its armored personnel carrier units, which use RPGs as primary weaponry to Phuma Kheua, west of Khao Phra Viharn, a location of frequent conflict between Cambodia and Thailand and where there has not yet been bilateral agreement on exact border demarcations. Thai military had shifted troop positions to allow exhausted military personnel to take a break after having to man the border points over an extended period of stress and strain. Mr. Khanit Saensa, aged 78, a writer who chronicled the construction of Khao Phra Viharn, and owner of Saensawittaya School in Kantarak district of Sisaket province, stated that in today's (27 June) trip by Thai deputy prime minister Suthep Therbsuban to hold discussions with Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen regarding review of submittal of Khao Phra Viharn to be a World Heritage site that he agreed with the trip and fully supported the mission. But he also stated that another item that must be discussed between the two leaders was that of encroachment by Cambodian military and permanent civilian shops and structures adjacent to the ruins. He stated that this matter should be resolved because the area concerned was clearly Thai territory, and that while in some spots the border was not clearly marked…that there was an area of about 2,500 rai that was a no-man's land where no structures were to be built nor was anyone supposed to be using any part of that area. "Therefore, if there are going to be peace negotiations over the area concerned near Khao Phra Viharn, Cambodian forces must withdraw and those Cambodian civilians who have moved into the area must also vacate and return to Cambodian territory," Mr. Khanit said.Tuesday, 23 June 2009  Daranee Charncherngsilpakul Daranee before her life in prison... Home Talk with Da Torpedo's lawyer Mon, 22/06/2009 - 19:47  Daranee Charncherngsilpakul, aka 'Da Torpedo', who has been accused of le`se majeste' and held in prison without bail since 22 July 2008, will face her first trial in court on June 23, and trials in her other two cases in which she is accused of leading protesters to surround ASTV and insulting coup leader Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr will follow. Prachatai talked to her lawyer Prawase Praphanukul who agreed to take the case despite their different political stance. When asked why he accepted the case, Prawase said he anticipated the question and had been thinking about how to answer. In a sense, it is just another case. His close associates know that he is quite a maverick, undaunted by what may intimidate many. As a lawyer, he thinks he should accept any case for consideration. And the agreed fee for his services is affordable for the client and satisfactory to him. When he was approached by the client, he was told that other lawyers had turned down the case. He thought that everyone who is accused has the right to a lawyer, regardless of what crimes they might have done. Prawase set a condition upon accepting to do the case that he would not twist the facts. He would not fight for wrongdoers to get acquitted. But he considered this was a political case, not a true criminal case. Another reason for him to accept the case is that there are no conditions set between him and the client that this case must be won. The lawyer says he agreed to do the case, although he and his client have different views about Thaksin. He does not like Thaksin, and he joined the anti-Thaksin movement until the 19 Sept coup in 2006. 'After the coup, I even felt relieved that this was going to end. However, in retrospect, [the coup] might not be the right thing. It disrupts the development of democracy. Da is clear in her support for Thaksin. Am I yellow? I used to join their rallies as a fellow citizen before the coup, but never after that. Now I'm probably not yellow, but I've never liked Thaksin,' Prawase says. Prawase was upfront about this with Daranee, and they had a strong debate inside prison. He says in Daranee's view, elections seem to matter the most, but in his view elections do not always mean democracy; they are just one component. 'Nowadays, I'm reluctant to say that there's democracy in Thailand. Elections are just one of many ways to rise to power. At the end of the day, it's up to those in power whether they really use power for the people or not. But as seen today, governments from coups or elections all use power for their own interests.' So he is neither yellow nor red, but against Thaksin. However, he feels that even if the Thaksin regime was totally eradicated, there will always be someone else or another regime in its place, and they are no different, albeit probably more circumspect or more subtle in their corruption. Almost everybody he knows has commented against his decision to do the case, mostly without clear reasons or no reason at all. All in all, they are concerned that his reputation will be tarnished, given that Daranee's public image is not good, he says. Through the phone inside the prison, Daranee has insisted to him that she is fighting for democracy. In Prawase's view, she has quite a good understanding of Thai politics, but sticks to elections too much. According to Prawase who has visited Daranee inside prison, living conditions in there are poor, but it does not seem she is discriminated against, as it is equally bad for all inmates. But she attracts more attention and is well known inside due to the le`se majeste' charge. 'She told me she had been promoted to a certain position, sort of head of a cell. She caught a thief in the cell, and was hit on the head by the thief, and they fought. Wardens punished them both. Food is poor and insufficient. Bathing is very limited. Restrictions on life are harsh.' Regarding her detention without bail, Prawase says according to the universal rules of law, all accused have the right to bail, because they are presumed innocent. To deny them bail is to presume them guilty. This practice seems to apply to Article 112 only. It may apply to other Articles in the National Security Section as well, but he does not know as he has never seen proceedings against other crimes, such as rebellion against the state. 'For crimes under other Articles, such as 288 or 289, which deal with murder and where the maximum penalty is execution, the accused get bail. Is [le`se majeste'] a real crime? I feel it's probably not. A real crime must be explicit, like murder or stealing. In some cases, accused who are sentenced to a hundred years in jail still get bail during the court proceedings.' Prawase agrees with calls to abolish this article, because there is already an article for libel in the Criminal Code. In contrast to cases of defamation, where the offended persons have to file the lawsuits themselves, he says the police should be authorized to file charges against le`se majeste' offenders without a plaintiff. He says the Thai political system is incongruous. The idea of the monarchy being above politics goes against the concept of democracy with the King as head of state, because the head of a democracy cannot escape politics. And that may lead to the question as to whether the head of a democratic state can be criticized. If this can be solved, this article is not necessary. Otherwise there will always be cases for prosecution, he argues. He sees that Daranee's case is about the right to freedom of expression, although he thinks she might have used some inappropriate words in the current social context. He notes that after several precedents of le`se majeste' crimes, political speeches in public have been less aggressive. 'Harsh punishments have been handed down, harsher than for crimes of murder. The red shirts' public speeches have been less aggressive. It is an effective suppressive measure. I don't like the red shirts, so to speak.' Prawase feels that Daranee has been forsaken by her fellow red shirts. Lawyers for the red shirts dare not take the case. At first, some people visited her, but there are none today. What worries him most about doing the case is the attitudes of the people involved, of the judges in particular. He does not know what he will encounter. But at least if Daranee's ideological fellows are present at the court, he says that would help boost her morale. Source: http://www.prachatai.com/journal/2009/06/24749 About 40 MPs face disqualification  By Attayuth Butrsripoom  The Nation Published on June 23, 2009  EC to rule against lawmakers who held stakes in firms linked to state concessions At least 40 out of 61 sitting MPs are likely to be disqualified for holding stocks linked to state concessions, an Election Commission source said yesterday. In its meeting today, the EC will consider the status of MPs - mostly from the opposition Pheu Thai and government coalition parties - named in a complaints filed by Senator Ruangkrai Leekitwattana and independent academic Somkid Homnate. Six ministers are also included but they could resume their portfolios provided their shares aren't in media companies, the EC source said. The six are Deputy Prime Minister Sanan Kachornprasart, Labour Minister Phaithoon Kaeothong, Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, Deputy Public Health Minister Manit Nop-amornbodi and Deputy Transport Minister Kuakul Danchaiwijit, according to the source. It is up to EC chairman Apichart Sukhagganond whether the EC rules today on the MPs or waits, the source said. Supachai Jaisamut, deputy government spokesman and Bhum Jai Thai Party spokesman, when he was deputy spokesman for the People Power Party, also filed a complaint to the EC against 28 Democrat MPs. But the EC panel in charge has not finished its investigation. EC member Prapun Naigowit said the EC would announce its decision without waiting for the Constitution Court's verdict on similar charges against 16 senators. The EC does not prosecute anybody, he said. The Constitution's ban on political officeholders holding shares in companies with state concessions was also written into the 1997 charter and not just drafted against any particular politician, he said. Whether senators holding shares before assuming their positions would get to keep them would be up to the Constitution Court. But the EC would observe the same standard in considering senators, MPs and ministers, he said. The EC last week ruled against 16 senators with shares in 14 companies - PTT, PTT Exploration and Production, PTT Chemical, TPI Polene, Electricity Generating, Ratchaburi Holding, Sahacogen (Chonburi), Shin Corp, Thaicom, True Corp, TT&T, Manager, Bangkok Mass Transit System and Bangkok Expressway. The disqualifications of the 16 senators would need endorsement by the Constitution Court before taking effect. 22 June 2009 Ubon's Governor With Bad PR? The former head of Ubon's Public Relations Department, previously cited as outstanding but having been banished from the inner circle, has collected evidence and filed a complaint against the governor of Ubon for improper conduct, as she believed the protests of several provincial media representatives that the governor had a detailed plan to place his own choices in key positions in the province.   At 11:00 hrs. on 21 June 2009, Pol. Col.Wichathon Thawee, chief investigations officer of Ubon's Meung district police, received a case filing from Mrs. Promaphorn Srisiltharakul, the head of Ubon's Public Relations office, aged 58 who wished to place charges of malfeasance against the provincial governor Mr. Chuan Srirnan. Mrs. Promaphorn stated that on 9 December 2008, the Department of Public Relations received an order to fire three individuals from their original positions and exchange transfer them with personnel from Buriram province.   By THE NATION ON SUNDAY THAI NEWS AGENCY Published on June 14, 2009 Legislation in pipeline for new administrative body, premier says Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday pointed to a need for the authorities to change policies in tackling problems in the deep South amidst a shift in tactics by the insurgents and the changing nature of the violence. The PM said he would also see to it that funding approved for the deep South reached those it was intended for. Abhisit said new legislation was being drafted to create a body that would help administer the three southernmost provinces. Abhisit said people must understand that the insurgents always sought new tactics and the violence was not due to the failure of existing government policies. Asked if the killing of a monk while Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban was visiting the was "audacious" or not, the PM said insurgents often carried out such attacks when senior figures visited the area. The disbursement of Bt18 billion will be closely monitored, Abhisit vowed, adding that the stress was on people's participation and making sure as much money as possible reached local people. Abhisit defended the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc), which receives part of the funding, by saying it was not purely military but included other government agencies as well. Abhisit also urged the public not to be duped by the insurgents into hating the government and said the government had no reason to want to see the problem worsen and would bring those responsible to justice. It had been alleged that the state was behind the attack on a mosque in Yala on Monday. Suthep, meanwhile, urged the public to be as patient as they had been with the red-shirt protesters and vowed to solve the problem within three years. On a visit to Narathiwat, Suthep also dismissed the allegation that the state was behind Monday's mosque attack, and he said the truth would eventually emerge. "I'll try not to let incidents occur again. Though there are many state officials, people must remain vigilant too. Let me urge you to not be shaken or to listen to rumour or divisive talk," he said. Suthep, accompanied by Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, visited Narathiwat's al-Furqan mosque, in which six gunmen fired on worshippers on Monday night, killing 10 and injuring 12. He later visited a hospital where he met people wounded in the attack. The deputy PM in charge of security affairs was also briefed about the ongoing violence in the region during a meeting with officials of Isoc. Suthep told journalists prior to his departure that the government was trying to apprehend the mosque attackers so that legal action could be taken against them. He reiterated that state officials were not behind the attack and said the government would use peaceful means along with development programmes to resolve the violence in the South and raise the standard of living of local people. The number of security personnel patrolling the southernmost provinces could be increased, he added. In a related development, Democrat Party spokesman Buranat Samutarak admitted that it was difficult to solve the problem in the deep South as it would require ensuring greater economic equality and mutual understanding between Buddhists and Muslims. BANGKOK, June 11, 2009  (TNA) -  Revising policy for the restive South Cabinet ministers tasked to resolve the southern unrest meet Thursday to consider revising policy for the restive South and conduct development projects to create jobs and investment in the troubled region. The meeting is in response to the most recent violence in the southernmost provinces, in particular the mosque massacre in Narathiwat on Monday night which left 11 men dead and a dozen of worshippers wounded. At the meeting, the Army Chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda will brief the panel on the latest attacks after he flew to the southern provinces Tuesday for first hand information following the mosque attack. The government said earlier that the measures to address the southern problems will not be changed, but the focus will stress development and creating understanding among the local residents. Some 40,000 police and military personnel are now assigned in the southern provinces to help develop every village, and to prevent the insurgents from drawing new volunteers to join the insurgency movement from the more than 2 million people who live in the area. The Cabinet will likely discuss and adopt a development plan for the five southern provinces after the southern development plan committee reviewed development and investment projects for creating jobs in the south on Wednesday. The committee proposed to inject Bt16 billion into funding development in the southernmost provinces. The committee also proposed several economic measures including tax rebates, discounted loan interest rates and a fee reduction programme for companies registering for doing business in the southern provinces, as well as a debt moratorium for farmers. A group of heavily-armed men burst into a mosque in Joh-airong district of Narathiwat through a back entrance at about 8.30pm Monday, firing on about 50 Muslim men who were performing evening prayers inside the mosque.Ten people died at the scene and another succumbed en route to hospital, while a dozen others were seriously wounded. (TNA) บุกรวบตัวนายสุปัญญา กุลไชยกุล Police Charge In, Arresting Gang and Leader - Ubonratchathani 6 June 2009 Manager Online Gang shown in police officers, 6 June 2009, Ubol/Warin. Thai police officers arrested Mr. Supanya Koonchayakun, or "Oi Thongyadai," leader of a major loan shark gang and contraband business, and other gang members after conducting surveillance, seizing evidence in the process. Seized items include guns, methamphetamines, and a large number of cars and motorcycles. At 11:30 hrs. on 6 June 2009, Ubonratchathani police gave a press conference announcing they had apprehended Mr. Supanya or “Oi Thongya Dai” Koonchayakun, aged 35, head of a major loan sharking and contraband goods gang in the province. Although the suspect hails originally from Sirin district of Ubon, he set up a shop selling Korean-style barbequed meat in the municipal district of Warin in Ubon. He had his wife, Mrs. Suchawadee look after the place. Police first were alerted to the couple after they had arrested a local drug dealer who put them onto the two, identifying Supanya as the gang’s leader. On the 5th of June, suspicious police entered the store pretending to order twenty methamphetamine tablets. When they had duped Mr. Supanya, police then swept in and arrested the couple along with five other assistants. Police also confiscated six stolen motorcycles that had been hidden in the back of the store, a pickup truck and sedan, a .38 caliber pistol with eight bullets, 4,900 Baht used to deceive the gang. Supanya admitted to the first class offense of being in possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell. As to the car, motorcycles and pick-up truck, as well as the gun, he stated that these had been provided to secure personal loans. Police then took all suspects into custody, charging them with three separate offenses and processing them for prosecution. As to Mr. Supinya, he was a major target of the police investigators who had him under surveillance as he was suspected of being a major figure in loan sharking, drug dealing and dealing in contraband and stolen goods, with transporting stolen cars for sale to Laos. As to his loansharking, clients who could not repay loans were threatened and even beaten to coerce repayment. Thai language report here. 29 May 2009 the Nation and other agencies Controversial Democrat In Electoral Hot Water Suthep Theubsuban The Election Commission will file a charge of electoral fraud against Deputy Prime Minister and Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban for handing out towels carrying his and the party's name. If found guilty, Suthep could be stripped of his electoral rights for 10 years, given a jail term ranging from one to 10 years and forced to pay a fine from Bt20,000 to Bt200,000. Election commissioner Prapun Naigowit said yesterday the EC would go ahead with filing a charge against Suthep because the Court of Appeal yesterday endorsed its judgement on the matter. Court sanction is required because the EC had endorsed the victory of politicians linked to Suthep before proof of fraud was found. Prapun said the EC's legal side would inform election authorities in Surat Thani to file an electoral-fraud charge against Suthep. A similar charge would also be filed against Democrat politicians Chumpol Kanchana and Praphon Ninwatcharamanee for handing out towels with their and the party's name to people at a Songkran celebration last year, the commissioner said. The incident took place in the run-up to local elections in Koh Samui, where Suthep's brother Thanee and Surinya Yuennan, another politician linked to the Democrats, were contesting. Thanee's victory was rescinded by the EC and Surinya disqualified. Prapun said even though Suthep is a Democrat executive, the charges against him would not lead to the ruling party being dissolved. "This case involves a local election, while the dissolution penalty only applies to MP elections," Prapun said. He added that the law does not require Suthep to be suspended and that as an MP he could exercise his right for immunity during a parliamentary session. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, declined to comment on the matter yesterday, saying he preferred to look at the court verdict in detail first. In a separate development, Prompong Nopparit, spokesman for the opposition Pheu Thai Party, said he submitted a petition to the EC asking for it to expedite inquiries into alleged irregularities involving a donation of Bt258 million to the Democrat Party. Prompong said two months had passed since Pheu Thai filed the complaint. He said if the EC adhered to the same principle used in the dissolution of Thai Rak Thai and People Power parties, the Democrat Party should also end up being disbanded. BANGKOK, May 25, 2009 (TNA, Agencies) Myanmar Accuses Thailand of Meddling The trial of Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi resumed on Monday as Myanmar accused neighbouring Thailand of meddling in its internal affairs. Thailand as the rotating chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) last week issued a statement expressing "grave concern'' over the trial, saying "the honour and the credibility of the (Myanmar government) are at stake.'' The ruling junta rejected the statement and issued its statement on Monday through the New Light of Myanmar, state television nd radio accusing Thailand of interfering in the country’s internal affairs. "This statement issued by the alternate ASEAN chairman -- which is not in conformity with ASEAN practice, incorrect in facts, interfering in the internal affairs of Myanmar -- is strongly rejected by Myanmar," it said. "It is sadly noted that the alternate ASEAN chairman failed to preserve the dignity of ASEAN, the dignity of Myanmar and the dignity of Thailand," said the statement. Mrs. Suu Kyi, who has been in detention without trial for more than 13 years, is being tried on charges of violating the terms of her house arrest after an American, John W. Yettaw, swam to her home on May 4 and stayed for two days. The Nobel Peace laureate pleaded not guilty last Friday. If found guilty, the 63-year-old Suu Kyi faces up to five years in prison. (TNA) สุรินทร์- เมืองช้าง ไล่ล่าแก๊งต้มตุ๋นตระเวนหลอกขายทองปลอมชุบ Chasing Down Gang Defrauding With Plated Gold ไล่ล่าแก๊งต้มตุ๋นตระเวนหลอกขายทองปลอมชุบ ให้ร้านทองในเขตเทศบาลตำบลระแงง อ.ศีขรภูมิ เผยไหวตัวทันหลบหนีไปจนมุมที่โรงพยาบาลศีขรภูมิ เจอรวบยกแก๊ง 7 คน แต่ยังปากแข็งให้การปฏิเสธ วันนี้ ( 22 พ.ค.) พ.ต.ท.กิตติพงศ์ กฤษณะสุวรรณ พนักงานสอบสวนสืบสวน สภ.ศีขรภูมิ จ.สุรินทร์ พร้อมด้วย ตำรวจชุดสืบสวน ตำรวจจราจรกว่า 20 นายร่วมกันไล่ล่าจับกุมแก๊งคนร้ายที่นำทองปลอม Police in Surin chased down a gang defrauding the public by peddling plated gold. Chased, the gang was finally caught at Sricharaphum Hospital. Seven members were apprehended, but remained tight-lipped and denied all charges against them. On 22 May police col. Kittiphongse Kritasuwan, of the office of investigations at Srichrphumi district station, together with about twenty police investigators and other traffic police caught up with seven members of a gang who had been peddling fake gold. มาหลอกขายให้กับร้านทองในย่านตลาดเทศบาลตำบลระแงง อ.ศีขรภูมิ หลังได้รับแจ้งจาก นางสาวอรทัย แซ่ตัง อายุ 57 ปี เจ้าของร้านทองทวีชัย เลขที่157 ม.2 ตำบลระแงง อ.ศีขรภูมิ จ.สุรินทร์ ว่า ได้มีคนนำทองน้ำหนัก 2 สลึง มาขายให้กับร้านในราคา 7,000 บาท และรับซื้อไว้แต่ขณะที่กำลังนำทองไปเก็บได้รับแจ้งจากร้านทองศรีสุวรรณ ว่า มีคนนำทองปลอมออกเร่ขายขอให้ ระมัดระวังด้วย จึงนำทองที่รับซื้อไว้มาตรวจสอบปรากฏว่า เป็นทองปลอมชุบทอง จึงโทรศัพท์แจ้ง ตำรวจ สภ.ศีขรภูมิ ต่อมาตำรวจสามารถจับกุมคนร้ายกลุ่มนี้ได้ ขณะพากันเข้าไปในโรงพยาบาลศีขรภูมิเพื่อขับรถยนต์ยี่ห้อ อีซูซุหมายเลขทะเบียน บพ -8855 กรุงเทพมหานคร หลบหนี โดยสามารถจับกุมผู้ต้องหาได้ยกแก๊งรวม 7 คน The gang had been defrauding customers with fake gold in the vicinity of Sangaeng municipality, Sricharaphum district. Miss Orathai Chaetankg, aged 57, owner of Thaweechai gold shop in the said municipality stated to investigators that someone came into her shop asking for price of gold they wanted to sell, and Miss Orathai discovered that it was fake gold, and thus called the police in the district. Police followed up on the report and then apprehended the seven who were at the hospital to drive off in a vehicle. ประกอบด้วย นางสาวพรพรรณ มงคลเมือง อายุ41 ปี อยู่บ้านเลขที่ 5/9 เขตบางขุนเทียน กทม. ,นางวาสินี ฟักผ่อง อายุ 23 ปี อยู่บ้านเลขที่ 41/1ม.5 ต.หนองตูม อ.เมือง จ.ขอนแก่น, นายนพรัตน์ คำลือ อายุ33 ปี อยู่บ้านเลขที่153 บ้านแม่คืบ อ.งาว จ.ลำปาว ,นางรัตนา ประทุมรัตน์ อายุ 34 ปี อยู่บ้านเลขที่ 76/5 ซ.เพชรเกษม 48 แขวงบางด้วน กทม. ,นางสาวอำภาพร เสือมิง อายุ 16 ปี, นางสาวอุภาพรรณ เสือสมิง อายุ 16 ปี พี่น้องกัน อยู่บ้านเลขที่76/5 โดยผู้ต้องหาทั้งหมดยังให้การปฎิเสธ เจ้าหน้าที่ตำรวจ จึงควบคุมมาสอบสวนเพิ่มเติมที่สภ.ศีขรภูมิ พร้อมแจ้งข้อหาดำเนินคดี และ ยังไม่ให้ประกันตัว The gang members consisted of people ranging in age between 16 and 41, who all under questioning have so far denied charges. Internet censorship to be followed by censorship of radio and TV Thu, 21/05/2009 - 02:00 Reporters Without Borders Reporters Without Borders is alarmed by a government announcement on 14 May that it will introduce new regulations for community radio stations and cable and satellite TV stations aimed at controlling programme content. Broadcasters would be required to seek permission for each programme being aired, the government said. “The adoption of these regulations would deal a fatal blow to free expression in Thailand, which is already heavily restricted on the Internet,” Reporters Without Borders said. “The government will have the power to ban programmes that question their policies and legitimacy. We urge the authorities to scrap this plan.” Sathit Wongnongtoey, the minister in charge of the prime minister’s office, said the regulations would enable the authorities to take action against any broadcaster airing content deemed to undermine democracy. They would be enforced even-handedly with both “red-shirt” (anti-government) and “yellow shirt” (pro-government) broadcasters, Sathit said. “Once the regulations take effect, any broadcast station airing content deemed to be politically incendiary will not be allowed to operate,” he added. The communication ministry has been censoring the Internet strictly since January, ridding it of all content that is deemed to be “politically incendiary” or to “attack the king.” Suwicha Thakor, for example, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on 3 April on a lese majeste charge for posting content critical of the monarchy online. 16 May 2009 From ASTV Manager Online 3,500 Baht Payment Becomes 15,000+ - or "No entry!" Rollover images show Buriram Matayom 1 students and guardians attempting to fight the system of high extra payments to allow students to gain entry to classrooms. Thai language Report. Students from Buriram province's Nang Rong district are prevented from enrolling for studies because of "procedures." After protests and detailed negotiations between parents, school and education officials, as well as with students, officials now indicate the problem should be resolved within a week. Officials also indicate that an investigation committee will be set up to verify facts related to reported ‘extra payments’ required from parents and students. Press reports indicated that twenty six Nang Rong Matayom 1 students were unable to enter studies or even draw lots for entry but were willing to pay 3,500 Baht for a set of chairs and table to support the school they were trying to enter. However, when the term began they were refused entry. Guardians believe that it was because they did not pay the 15,000-20,000 Baht ‘additional expenses’ required by school officials. The latest news is that parents and guardians of six of the twenty six students, together with the six, visited school officials to appeal but to no avail. 11 May 2009 Thailand's traditional soothsayers predicted an abundance of food production in the kingdom during the coming year, and a proper supply of water -- with plentiful rice yields – after divining the signs indicated in the royal ploughing ceremony, marking the beginning of the planting season on Monday. The ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, represented His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives Charanthada Kannasuta, who served in the Brahman ceremony from ancient India as the Lord of the Plough, was offered three pieces of folded cloth of different lengths and he selected one of medium length. Based on his selection, proper water supply, with plentiful food and rice were predicted. The sacred oxen, Fah and Sai, ate grass and sesame seeds and the Brahmin seers accordingly interpreted the actions as meaning there will be an abundance of food and average water supply in the kingdom of Thailand during the coming year. Mr. Charanthada is serving as the Lord of the Plough for the last time as he will retire at the end of this September. The royal ploughing ceremony is an ancient Indian Brahmanic rite, in which sacred oxen plough a furrow at the Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. The ceremony has been performed in Thailand since the Sukhothai period, some 700 years ago. Four consecrated ladies carry gold and silver baskets filled with rice seed, which they scatter into the newly-ploughed furrow. Walking alongside the plough are official Brahmans from the royal court who are chanting and blowing conch shells. (TNA) 4 May 2009 Translated from Manager Online Kalasin Youths Race, Two Die At The Scene, Multiple Injuries Today, 3 May 2009, a four vehicle accident ensured when racing youths lost control and slammed into a ten-wheel truck on the Kalasin Sakonnakon highway. At 15:00 hrs. on 3 May 2009, Kalasin provincial police received a report indicating that a multiple vehicle accident had occurred rfesulting in deaths and several injuries. The accident occurred on the Kalasin-Spmdej Road in the vicinity of Baan Kham Maek, Tambol Phai, Kalasin province. After receiving the report, police rushed to the scene accompanied by emergency personnel and doctors from Kalasin Hospital. There they discovered a fully loaded overturned ten wheel truck and other vehicles. A white Mitsubishi sedan, Roiet plate no. 80-6490, that lost control had also overturned in the middle of the road and was resting near the truck. they also found another sedan, a bronze colored Honda Civic, Chaiyaphum plate no. Kor Khor 4978 which had been struck and demolished. There were two deceased victims in the car, Mr. Anant Yananant, age 25 of Khon Kaen province, and another male victim who could not be identified because there were no documents on his possession. There were also two other women injured who were taken to the hospital for treatment. Near the back of the ten wheel truck were two other vehicles, a Nakhonphanom plate Nissan van and a Bangkok plate Toyota van, both vehicles with several persons injured. It was surmised by police that the accident occurred when the two sedans both turned into the road toward town and sideswiped one another, then losing control and striking a pickup truck. When drivers attempted to drive away, they struck the ten-wheel truck which then flipped over in the middle of the road, posing a hazard to the other two vehicles coming along which then struck the overturned truck causing the two deaths. 1 May 2009 Taken from the AHRC Website relating to third warning letter to Thailand's so-called Human Rights Commission   [AHRC Open Letter] THAILAND: Strongly oppose nomination of Parinya Sirisaragarn to the NHRC and again call for delay in process FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2009 AHRC-OLT-015-2009 A Third Open Letter to the Senate of Thailand by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) Prasobsuk Boondech President Senate of Thailand Office of the Senate Secretariat 499 Sukpraprueit Building Prachachuein Road Bangsue, Bangkok 10800 THAILAND Fax: +662 831 9211EXTREMELY URGENTDear Mr. Prasobsuk THAILAND: Strongly oppose nomination of Parinya Sirisaragarn to the NHRC and again call for delay in process The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is writing to you to oppose the nomination of Parinya Sirisaragarn to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Thailand on the basis that he has been named in a 2007 NHRC report as the licensee of a salt company that has degraded the environment, and due to potential conflicts of interest. The case of Mr. Parinya clearly illustrates the need for a delay in the process and proper study of the backgrounds of the candidates. The fact that one of the nominees for the NHRC has himself been named in an earlier report as an alleged rights violator speaks loudly to the dangers posed by rushing the selection procedure, to which we have already referred in our letter to you of April 29 and our letter of April 25 to the chairperson of the Senate selection committee.To the case details, the AHRC has obtained a copy of NHRC Report 74/2550, dated 5 April 2007, concerning environmental degradation caused by salt extraction in Samrong Subdistrict, Nonthai District of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The report followed the complaint of a local resident to the NHRC in 2005. According to the report, eight salt extraction licensees in the subdistrict have over some years seriously damaged the local environment. The damage includes soil erosion, land subsidence and collapse, and the entry of salt into the water table, making water undrinkable and unsuited for agriculture. Mr. Parinya is identified in the report as one of the eight licensees (Licence No. Jor.3-103[1]-8/40NorMor). Even though his licence had expired on 2002 he had been permitted to continue extracting salt while an application for renewal was pending, up to the date of the report. The NHRC report recommended, among other things, that the eight licences be revoked within 30 days of the report being received by the relevant government department. However, the AHRC has confirmed that Mr. Parinya in his capacity as managing director of Kijsubudom Co. Ltd. is continuing to extract salt from the subdistrict. In addition to the above, which the AHRC notes has already been brought to the attention of the Senate by the Northeastern Natural Resources Protection Network in a letter last week, Mr. Parinya is involved in a variety of other commercial ventures that may bring him into conflicts of interest with the work of the NHRC. He has concerns in two companies, EMP Engineering (Thai-Singapore) industrial equipment company and Cartoonek (Thai) chemical industries, and he is a member of the Federation of Thai Industries Nakhon Ratchasima. He has also worked as a consultant for various private firms. In light of the NHRC report of 2007, not only should Mr. Parinya not have been nominated to the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand but furthermore, questions should be asked as to why he has continued to degrade the environment of Thailand through his commercial interests. The Asian Human Rights Commission therefore strongly opposes his candidacy, calls for him to be rejected from the list of nominees, and also calls for an investigation as to why his licence to extract salt in Nonthai was not revoked in accordance with the NHRC's prior recommendation.  Beyond this, the AHRC is concerned that there may be other candidates among the seven who are also unsuited for the commission on the basis of past and present activities, but as the procedure for their nomination and screening has been grossly inadequate and no time has been allowed for civil society organizations to look into their records and come forward with information of the sort outlined above, details on their suitability or lack thereof is wanting. In fact, the AHRC can identify only one person among the seven who has practical human rights experience and is manifestly suitable for the job to which he has been nominated. We point to Mr. Parinya's case to again stress that by going ahead with the nomination process tomorrow, May 1, the Senate risks jeopardizing the status of the NHRC at home and abroad. The Senate should also be aware that in the event that it goes ahead with the process, the Asian Human Rights Commission will be left with no option but to call for the downgrading of the NHRC from an "A" Status institution under the Paris Principles on National Human Rights Institutions on the basis of the Senate's failure to comply with the minimum requirements for selection procedure and composition under the principles. This would, among other things, result in the NHRC being denied the right to participate actively in United Nations forums. The AHRC will also be forced to treat the NHRC of Thailand as a non-human rights organization. We thus urge you to seriously reconsider the selection and appointment of the NHRC candidates before proceeding with a vote tomorrow as planned. Yours sincerelyBasil Fernando Executive Director Asian Human Rights Commission, Hong KongCc: 1. Mr. Abhisist Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand 2. Ms. Jennifer Lynch, Chairperson, International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 3. Ms. Margaret Sekaggaya, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders 4. Mr. Homayoun Alizadeh, Regional Representative, OHCHR, Bangkok Posted on 2009-04-30 Back to [AHRC Statements 2009]   Statement by WHO Director-General, Dr Margaret Chan (See Swine Flu Map) 29 April 2009, Swine influenza From: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_20090429/en/index.html Ladies and gentlemen, Based on assessment of all available information, and following several expert consultations, I have decided to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5. Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world. Related links Listen to the audio [mp3 57 Mb] Swine influenza - full coverage Current WHO phase of pandemic alert International Health Regulations (IHR) On the positive side, the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history. Preparedness measures undertaken because of the threat from H5N1 avian influenza were an investment, and we are now benefitting from this investment. For the first time in history, we can track the evolution of a pandemic in real-time. I thank countries who are making the results of their investigations publicly available. This helps us understand the disease. I am impressed by the work being done by affected countries as they deal with the current outbreaks. I also want to thank the governments of the USA and Canada for their support to WHO, and to Mexico. Let me remind you. New diseases are, by definition, poorly understood. Influenza viruses are notorious for their rapid mutation and unpredictable behaviour. WHO and health authorities in affected countries will not have all the answers immediately, but we will get them. WHO will be tracking the pandemic at the epidemiological, clinical, and virological levels. The results of these ongoing assessments will be issued as public health advice, and made publicly available. All countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. Countries should remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities. This change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the pharmaceutical industry and the business community that certain actions should now be undertaken with increased urgency, and at an accelerated pace. I have reached out to donor countries, to UNITAID, to the GAVI Alliance, the World Bank and others to mobilize resources. I have reached out to companies manufacturing antiviral drugs to assess capacity and all options for ramping up production. I have also reached out to influenza vaccine manufacturers that can contribute to the production of a pandemic vaccine. The biggest question, right now, is this: how severe will the pandemic be, especially now at the start? It is possible that the full clinical spectrum of this disease goes from mild illness to severe disease. We need to continue to monitor the evolution of the situation to get the specific information and data we need to answer this question. From past experience, we also know that influenza may cause mild disease in affluent countries, but more severe disease, with higher mortality, in developing countries. No matter what the situation is, the international community should treat this as a window of opportunity to ramp up preparedness and response. Above all, this is an opportunity for global solidarity as we look for responses and solutions that benefit all countries, all of humanity. After all, it really is all of humanity that is under threat during a pandemic. As I have said, we do not have all the answers right now, but we will get them. Thank you. Red-shirts in Korat charged with lèse majesté for burning coffin in protest against General Prem Sun, 26/04/2009 - 07:57 Prachatai (Edited by us...) Group of pro-PAD Korat residents file lese majeste charge against "Daeng." "Daeng" - Seen as never apologetic! On Apr 24, Papatchanan Ching-in, leader of a group of red-shirts in Nakhon Ratchasima province, reported to police after arrest warrant had been issued for her by the provincial court on the previous day. She and her friends were charged with lèse majesté after they had staged a protest against President of the Privy Council Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and the government by burning a mock coffin at the province’s Tao Suranari Statue on Apr 7. On the coffin, they reportedly put a message referring to Prem by a royal prefix to mock what was believed to be PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul’s slip of the tongue when he routinely appeared on his ASTV on Apr 3, saying, ‘the yellow shirts come out to protect Gen Prem, as […censored to save Prachatai of another possible charge..] [Ed note: The text on the front of the coffin read, "His Majesty...General Prem...The PAD...Government of Crooks...born....died 8 April 2009] is President of the Privy Council’. (see clip in Thai) On 26 April 2009, "Daeng" denied lese majeste allegations and cursed police official filing the charge. See audio here ( - MP3) The recording is about one hour long, from local FM 104.5 community radio that "Daeng" now claims to own. According to Nakhon Ratchasima Police Superintendent Pol Col Bunlert Wongwajjana, Col Weerapattarapol Bunchiaw, a military officer attached to Army Region 2 at the province, filed the charge with the police on Apr 9. On Apr 10, PAD members in the province also filed charges against them for lèse majesté, violations of national security under Criminal Code Articles 113, 114 and 115, and defamation under Article 326. Denying all the charges, Papatchanan was brought to the provincial court and was granted bail guaranteed by her relative’s public service teacher position. She is obliged to report to the court on May 6. Her friends have yet to be identified by the police, said Pol Col Bunlert. PAD members also filed charge against the police themselves, including Provincial Police Commander Maj Pol Gen Chatkanok Kiewsangsong, Pol Col Bunlert Wongwajjana, Deputy Police Superintendent Lt Pol Col Pichet Orachun, Deputy Police Superintendent Lt Pol Col Chalasin Chalalai and 10 other policemen who were present at the scene for dereliction under Criminal Code Article 157 which carries a penalty of 1-10 years in prison and a fine of 2,000-20,000 baht. 25 April 2009 Public Relations Department & Thai News Agency Violence Against Children, Not Children Soliders Foreign Affairs Spokesman Tharit Charungvat rejects the allegation that the Thai Government has child soldiers, saying that the government has no policy on the matter. The spokesman said the news report on Thailand’s deployment of child soldiers was inaccurate and there were laws prohibiting people under the age of 18 from being recruited in the military service and joining a military battle. Violators of the laws are subject to punishments according to the Criminal Code and the 2003 Child Protection Act. According to the spokesman, the news report also mentioned violence against children and schools in the southern border provinces. However, it praised the Thai Government for their operations to protect children in the deep South which resulted in a significant decrease in child injuries and fatalities from insurgency. BANGKOK, April 23, 2009 (TNA) Army Chief Admits Army Involvement!...But... Sondhi, left, recovering as Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, right, admits that Army ammo-possessed was used. Thai Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda admitted on Thursday that some of the ammunition used in last Friday’s attempted assassination of Sondhi Limthongkul, leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), belonged to the army, and pledged to take serious action against the culprit. Mr. Sondhi survived an assassination attempt last Friday when at least five gunmen fired a hail of bullets into his car as he was being chauffeured to work. Police investigators said 64 AK-47 cartridges were recovered, 16 M-16 cartridge casings and 17 SK cartridge casings were found at the crime scene. Gen. Anupong revealed that according to an investigation carried out by police and the Army Ordnance Department, 20 of the spent bullets were from army stocks, including 17 SK shell casings and three M-16 cartridges distributed in the First Army Area. The army chief said, however, that the military stores might have been stolen. An investigation will be carried out the as the First Army Area covers many sub-agencies in Bangkok and some central provinces. “As I have been informed, the specific ammunition was used during army field training. To identify where it comes from is very difficult as up to ten thousand (rounds of) ammunition are distributed each time,” the army chief said. Gen. Anupong said any soldier found involved in the case will face harsh punishment. (TNA) Lese Majeste - Woman arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima Woman arrested for photocopying offensive leaflets in Nakhon Ratchasima Sat, 18/04/2009 - 17:28 Matichon/Prachatai On April 18, 2009, Matichon reported that police arrested Thossaporn Ruethaiprasertsung, 48, at a photocopying shop in Nakhon Ratchasima, and seized several leaflets whose contents reportedly were offensive to the monarchy and the Privy Council. Thossaporn told the police that she worked for hire. Each morning, she would walk from home to get a bus to a market. While waiting for the bus this morning, she found a stack of leaflets. She picked up some to read, and found they were about the monarchy. She brought them to the market and wanted to share with friends, so she went to the shop just to make copies, with no other intent. The police charged her under Article 112 of Criminal Code on lèse majesté, which carries a penalty of 3-15 years in prison, and sent an investigation team to find the source of the leaflets. Thaksin Archenemy Nearly Assassinated 17 April 2009 the Nation and agency reports Sondhi Limthongkul has been declared to be in safe condition after being shot by heavily-armed gunmen. The gangland-style shooting in the early morning hours of 17 April 2009 is expected to prolong the state of emergency in Bangkok and suburbs, government leader said. There had been serious concerns for Sondhi's life as a bullet lodged in his skull, causing bleeding inside his brain. Vajira Hospital doctors conducted an urgent operation on Sondhi which completed before noon. Sondhi is now safe and even able to speak, medical sources said. Sondhi, a core leader of yellow shirts, known also as People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), who seized Bankok airports late last year, has no wounds on his body. His driver, Vayupak Mussi, was also seriously wounded from the attack. Doctors said later that he survived and was now in stable condition. PAD's spokesman Parnthep Pualpongpan said at least two attackers riding on a pickup blocked Sondhi's vehicle who was on Samsen Road, heading to Manager newspaper office in Banglampoo area early Friday morning. The attackers then shot four tyres of Sondhi's vehicle before stepping out of their car and sprayed more bullets on the car. The attack lasted about five minutes and the attackers went back to their pickup which sped away along Tevet Road. Police who rushed to the scene found Sondhi's car riddled with bullets and they could collect more than 100 cartridges of AK-16 and rifles from the scene. Parnthep said Sondhi was informed of reports that he could possible a target of attack, but he simply ignored the warnings. Meanwhile Chamnong Paokorn, 53, a bus driver, said that he was driving his bus past Iamworanut Temple when he saw a blue pickup truck which had no license plate blocked Sondhi's vehicle. Then two men on the back of the pickup then opened fires on the vehicle. Then another vehicle sped to the scene and exchanged fires with the attackers who later escaped the scene. The incident will surely renew political tension which seemed to subside over the past two days after the red-shirted protesters decided to end their Bangkok rally after three days of turmoil in Pattaya and the capital. Sondhi is the leader of the anti-Thaksin movement, but those close to him said he had too many enemies to pinpoint who could have masterminded the assassination attempt. He has heavily criticized the police and the military over their handling of the pro-Thaksin red-shirted protests and called for removal of police and military leaders. Bangkok, Thailand 16 April 2009 Agencies Interpol Arrest Warrant For Thaksin The Thai Government submitted an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to Interpol, and will issue additional arrest warrants for those accused in insurrection-related incidents in Pattaya and at the Interior Ministry in Bangkok. Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Satit Wongnongtaey said today (April 16), that the Government would take legal action against core leaders of the anti-government protesters. Warrants have been issued for 37 accused, including ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The Government has submitted arrest warrants to Interpol which has an anti-crime network in 186 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, in order to bring former PM back to Thailand and answer in court criminal charges against him as soon as possible. See Thaksin's open letter explaining his innocence related to recent events. (Here) BANGKOK, April 13, 2009 (TNA) Two Dead, Local Neighborhoods Angry Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced on Monday night that the situation in the capital was under control following violent clashes between city residents and anti-govenment protesters which have claimed two lives and left more than 100 injured. In his latest and second televised address of the day, the prime minister said the situation in Bangkok had returned to normal except for the anti government gathering outside Government House. The premier also warned about possible sabotage of people’s property, key establishments and public utilities. The government had therefore instructed all authorities concerned to guard against possible untoward incidents, while rapid mobile units would swiftly respond to any situation, he said. Earlier Monday, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Sathit Wongnongtoey said a man had been gunned down in Bangkok's Nang Lerng area after a street gunbattle with the anti-government protesters. The man identified as Mr. Pom, 54, was among local residents who clashed with anti-government protesters, Mr. Sathit told a local television station, adding that red-shirt protesters had fired at the residents, also injuring two other people. A private hospital later said a 19-year-old man had died from gunshot wounds and five others were injured. The deadly violence occurred after Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban appealed to the Thai public to stay vigilant, as he feared red-shirted protesters might plan to unleash yet more rioting Monday night. The latest injury toll from the day's violence was reported at 113 people, including soldiers. Addressing the nation through telecast, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep who’s in charge of security chronicled violent incidents and riots by the Red Shirts seeking ouster of the government, starting from disruption of the ASEAN summit meetings in Pattaya on April 11, the attack on Mr. Nipon Prompan, secretary-general to the Prime Minister at the Interior Ministry on Sunday and blockades in several of Bangkok’s major streets. Mr. Suthep commended the performance of law enforcement officials who have successfully worked together to seize the roads back from protesters, without fatalities. “Despite these efforts to this evening, the government remains concerned. We would like therefore to inform the people in Bangkok that we are afraid rioters may unleash acts of sabotage such as arson, bomb attacks in many areas. The people can help by being the government’s eyes and ears, so that we can work better. Still, there is no need to panic. We just want to exercise maximum caution,” he said. The protesters earlier retreated to gather outside the gates of Government House following a day of clashes with security forces which injured more than 100 people, while troops secured key intersections in the capital. Prior to Mr. Suthep’s address to the nation, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra gave an interview to CNN, accusing the government of covering up “deaths” among protesters as a result of security operations. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier asserted that no one died in the military operation to open traffic to the public early Monday. The premier also urged protesters at Government House to return home to let the responsible government personnel to carry out their duties as the government will try to ease the tensions and bring back peace. "If you want to help the government to bring peace back to our country, you can go back to your homes so we can create a good, strong, peaceful society together," said the prime minister. In Washington, the United States said on Monday it condemned the "unacceptable violence" by anti-government protesters in Thailand, according to the Agence France Presse. "We're watching the situation in Thailand very closely and condemn... this unacceptable violence by the protesters," AFP quoted the State Department spokesman Robert Wood as saying. He said the United States urged the "protesters and their leaders to forswear additional ... use of violence, to exercise their right to assembly, but... to do so ... peacefully." (TNA) BANGKOK, April 13, 2009 (TNA) Shinawatra-Owned LPG Gas Truck Threat As Bomb Patients in hospital, residents of a densely-occupied low-income housing estate, patrons of a upscale shopping mall, and the ruling Democrat party headquarters were all at risk at midday Monday (See Thai language report) as increasingly violent anti-government protesters fielded fully-loaded liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker trucks for possible use as mobile bombs. As fighting continues between government security forces and red-shirt activists from the UDD for control of Bangkok’s main traffic arteries at Din Daeng intersection, firefighting personnel throughout the capital are on full alert following the red-clad activists seizure of at least three LPG tanker trucks, parking one at Democrat Party headquarters beside Vichaiyuth Hospital, one at a government housing estate and the other at the King Power Shopping Complex. At Din Daeng intersection, gunshots were heard at noon as military and police continued to move against red-shirted protesters. A suspected red-shirt guard was arrested and protesters ran towards Rajaparop intersection while the army regained the Din Daeng intersection. Bangkok Disaster Prevention and Mitigation chief Niyom Karnasuta said Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) permanent secretary Pongsak Semsan had ordered the BMS’s firefighting fleet on standby as red-clad United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) threaten to open a gas cylinder's valve. Residents of Din Daeng flats were alarmed earlier when UDD protesters drove a second LPG truck into their compound. Protesters ordered residents to evacuate their homes immediately, with residents believing that the protesters would explode the gas tank. One LPG tanker is parked at the estate compound near the scene of Monday’s pre-dawn clash between the UDD protesters and the military and police. Mr. Niyom said the Public Health Ministry should coordinate with the hospital and prepare to evacuate patients if the protesters open the gas container's valve. However, the BMA disaster chief said he believed the hospital has safety measures in place for its patients. Another LPG tanker was also seized and parked inside the King Power Shopping Complex near Victory Monument and the Skytrain, but officials have already moved the truck from the compound. (TNA) Well-Known Rabble Rouser Arrested "Daeng," or Papatchanan Chingin, seen at Lady Mo statue area prior to burning a coffin in effigy that offended the monarchy. 12 April 2009 the Korat Post Papatchanan Chingin, or 'Aunt Daeng,' finds herself accused of lèse majesté. According to local reports, military arrived at her home in central Korat City to take her for questioning. A subsequent report now indicates that she was indeed placed under arrest and is currently in jail waiting complete investigation for lese majeste. Generally, under Thai criminal law, such accused persons can be held for a maximum of 84 days at twelve day extensions without charge while the investigation is taking place. It is also not likely that Chingin will receive the benefit of bail as she was witnessed in public by a large number of people in an act considered extremely disrespectful to the monarchy. She has claimed over the radio that she meant General Prem, but even if she did the act of using "His Majesty" as an address to someone so close to the king seems highly inappropriate at best. Police Arrest Privy Councilor Plotters Police arrested Maj Thienchai Muangchantuek at an army camp on Tuesday night for allegedly masterminding a plot to assasinate Privy Councillor Chanchai Likhitjittha. The arrest came after three men who were earlier held in connection with the plot implicated the major as the mastermind. The arrested men told the investigators that a group of military officers wanted to instigate turmoil ahead of today's rally by the red shirts, according to the source. The three were Kamik Sukkanjanakas, 33, Panupong Rattanapaiboon, 32 and Sakchai Lim, 29. They were described as the gunman, the driver of the getaway motorcycle, and the contractor. Chanchai, a former president of the Supreme Court, was accused by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra of plotting the 2006 coup against him along with other senior judges and a few privy councillors. Following his retirement, Chanchai became justice minister in the post-coup government of Surayud Chulanont. Under the royal command, he was appointed to the Privy Council in 2008. General Jongrak Chuthanont, deputy national police chief, yesterday told a press conference the three suspects had confessed. He said the arrested suspects were found to be in possession of a pistol and ammunition, and a motorcycle. The alleged gunman told police he was hired for Bt130,000 and was told the target was an embezzling businessman. Police said the suspected gunman was taken into custody after being spotted on Monday night casing Chanchai's home at Soi Suksawat 66, in Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng district. According to the source, police managed to break the assassination plot after being alerted by an informant who got access to Chanchai's picture and his car licence number given to the hitman's team. After news of the assassination plot, national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan yesterday ordered extra police protection for Chanchai and other senior figures accused by Thaksin of plotting the coup against him, the source said. Chanchai, speaking at his home, said yesterday he was unaware of any motive for the alleged bid on his life. He said he was told of the plot during the Privy Council meeting earlier in the day. The privy councillor said he was not worried about the plot and he would not take extra precautions following the incident. Two policemen were dispatched to provide security to the former court president at his home. 4 April 2009 Agency Reports On Friday 3 April 2009, the Thai Criminal Court with police assistance found Mr. Subvicha Thakhor guilty of endangering national security by placing material offensive to right-wing elements claiming to protect the Thai monarchy. Despite the human rights violations inherent in such sentences, and over the advice of the Thai monarch, fundamentalist pro-monarchy forces pursue relentless prosecution against those who they deem offensive. The Nation Reports... By Kesinee Tangkhio The Nation Published on April 4, 2009 A man was yesterday sentenced to 10 years in jail for posting on the Internet doctored images mocking certain members of the royal family. Ads by Google Amari Atrium Hotel Located near subway station of New Petchburi Road. Real-time booking! www.Amari.com/Atrium Koh Chang Beach Hotel Seaview rooms for everyone right on Koh Chang's Lonely Beach, Thailand www.SiamBeachResort.in.th Thailand Real Estate Ultimate Legal Guide for Buyers Free Download for 15 Page Report Siam-Legal.com/Attorneys-Solicitors The Criminal Court found Suwicha or Chinnapat Thakho, a 34-year-old resident of Nakhon Phanom province, guilty of acting in contempt of the monarchy. The defendant was found to have violated the Penal Code, the Constitution and the Computer Crime Act. According to the lawsuit, the defendant on many occasions in August 2008 uploaded onto the Internet altered pictures of unidentified members of the royal family, in contempt of the monarchy. He was arrested in January and later confessed to the crime. The court yesterday gave an initial penalty of 20 years' imprisonment but later reduced it by half due to the defendant's confession. Suwicha, taken from the Bangkok Remand Prison in inmate attire to attend the verdict reading, wept with his parents and relatives from Nakhon Phanom upon hearing the ruling. See Manager Online Thai language report here. In a callous observation of the sentencing, ultra-monarchist channel ASTV anchors on 3 April 2009 observed that he got what he deserved... 29 March 2009 The Nation, Agencies Nakhon Ratchasima - An air-conditioned bus heading to Bangkok overturned and crashed with a pick-up truck and another passenger bus of the same company, killing 17 people and injuring over 50 others Friday. The drivers of the two buses of Ratchasima Tour and three persons inside the pick-up were among those killed in the accident, which happened on the Mittraparb Road in Pak Chong district at 6 pm on Friday. Witnesses told police that the bus, who was heading to Bangkok, lost control on the slippery downhill road and the bus eventually overturned and crossed the road island into the opposite lane, crashing with the pikc-up truck and another bus, which was travelling from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. 22 March 2009 Translated from Manager Online Region 3 Police Stop Online Casino Operation Region 3 Police on 22 March 2009 swept down on a Surin-based online casino operation, apprehending five staff and gamblers who were involved in the illegal online business. Media reports indicated that based on a search warrant issued by the Surin court, Region 3 police entered an illegal online gambling in Surin province and arrested staff and gamblers involved, including the chief organizer. Police are certain that the operation has direct ties to a Cambodia-based gambling network, located near Osamet along the permanent Thai-Cambodian border. The arrest followed investigations by police based on reports that at "Apsa Store" located at 65 Soi Sa Nong Bua, Surin municipal district, had opened as a front gaming store but inside had available real-time high-speed internet connected with high-speed casino networks in Cambodia. Live high-quality transmission speed was being used in the store. In interrogating those arrested police found that three were staff looking after the store. When police made the arrests, the main casino kingpin was not in. Police charges against those arrested were operating a gambling establishment. Police seized four computers at the scene as well as gambling accessories and proof of gambling. "A Sustainable Economy" Cross-section of new Korat 18 km ring road. 20 March 2008 Nakhonratchasima Manager Online Thai Army Region 2 staff led a group of reportedly 4,000 Thai citizens in planting grass along the side of the Stage 1 Korat Ring Road, in commemmoration of His Majesty the king's many contributions to society. On 20 march 2009 media reports indicated that in the area of Stage 1 of the Korat Ring Road, tambol Klang, Sung Nern district, Nakhonratchasima province, Lt. General Wiboonsakdi Neephlan, Army Region 2 commander, presided over the opening of the project "Fight Economic Crisis With Sufficiency Economy: Celebration By Planting Elephant Grass in Celebration" whereby Mr. Prajak Suwanphakdi, governor of Nakhonratchasima Province, togehter with heads of government agencies, military, police, businessmen, politicians, students and members of the general public totally over 4,000 all joined together in planting some 520,000 tons of grass along gthe eighteen kilometer stretch of bypass road. In addition to the ceremony, there were also exhibits on elephant grass, soil, water, fertilizer, arrangement of a sufficiency economy celebration, composting and more. 16 March 2009 Nakhonratchasima News Center Translated from Manager Online Non Daeng District police in Korat seize more than 200 kilograms of marijuana. When police set up a checkpoint on the Friendship Highway side entering Korat City, avoiding the checkpoint barrier and losing control of the pickup truck carrying the MJ. The truck rolled over revealing the marijuana carried underneath vegetables. The bed of the truck was covered with fresh vegetables to make it appear as if there was nothing unusual. The truck driver disappeared scot-free. Non Daeng District police in Korat seize more than 200 kilograms of marijuana. When police set up a checkpoint on the Friendship Highway side entering Korat City, avoiding the checkpoint barrier and losing control of the pickup truck carrying the MJ. The truck rolled over revealing the marijuana carried underneath vegetables. The bed of the truck was covered with fresh vegetables to make it appear as if there was nothing unusual. The truck driver disappeared scot-free. ศูนย์ข่าวนครราชสีมา - ตร.สภ.โนนแดงโคราช ตรวจยึดกัญชาอัดแท่งได้กว่า 200 กก.ขณะตั้งด่านตรวจบน ถ.มิตรภาพ ฝั่งขาเข้าตัวเมืองโคราช คนร้ายขับรถแหกด่านก่อนเสียหลักพลิกคว่ำตกถนน เผยยัดกัญชาไว้ด้านล่างกระบะรถและเอาผักสดปิดทับด้านบนเพื่ออำพรางสายตา จนท.ส่วนคนขับรถขนกัญชา หนีลอยนวล Today, 16 March 2009, in the area in front of Korat’s provincial police headquarters, Pol. Maj. General Chatrakanok Khiewsaengsong, Commander of Nakhonratchasima Provincial Police, together with Police Col. Somphak Akrasaa, Commander of Nong Daeng district police, joined together in giving a press conference on the search and seizure that they had found 210 packages of dried marijuana weighing 210 kilograms.        วันนี้ (16 มี.ค.) ที่บริเวณด้านหน้า กองบังคับการตำรวจภูธรจังหวัดนครราชสีมา อ.เมือง จ.นครราชสีมา พล.ต.ต.ฉัตรกนก เขียวแสงส่อง ผู้บังคับการตำรวจภูธรจังหวัด (ผบก.ภ.จว.) นครราชสีมา พร้อม พ.ต.อ.สมพรรค อักขราสา ผกก.สภ.โนนแดง ร่วมกันแถลงข่าวการตรวจยึดกัญญา ได้ของกลางเป็นกัญชาอัดแท่งจำนวน 210 ห่อ รวมน้ำหนัก 210 กิโลกรัม Regarding the seizure, it was discovered that from early this morning Non Daeng police set up a checkpoint and barrier in Non Daeng district on Friendship Highway leading into Korat. They discovered an Isuzu pickup truck, Bangkok license plate no. Thor Ngo 3984 carrying a bed full of fresh vegetables, and thus called for the truck to stop for inspection. But the cited truck refused to stop and avoided the checkpoint barrier to then disappear.        ทั้งนี้ สืบเนื่องจากเมื่อเช้ามืดวันนี้ เจ้าหน้าที่ สภ.โนนแดง ได้ตั้งจุดตรวจบริเวณหน้าตู้ยามโนนตาเถร ถ.มิตรภาพ อ.โนนแดง จ.นครราชสีมา ฝั่งขาเข้าตัวเมืองนครราชสีมา พบรถยนต์กระบะ ยี่ห้ออีซูซุ หมายเลขทะเบียน ถง 3984 กรุงเทพมหานคร บรรทุกผักมาเต็มคันรถจึงเรียกตรวจ แต่รถคันดังกล่าวไม่ยอมหยุดขับรถแหกด่านเจ้าหน้าที่หลบหนี Police officers then drove pursuit vehicles after the fleeing truck, following until KM 70-71 of Tambol Tonyaoyai, Non Daeng district, Nakhonratchasima province. There they discovered the damaged and overturned pickup truck , with its load scattered all over but did not find the driver. From an inspection of the back of the truck police discovered 210 packages each one kilogram of marijuana. The marijuana was wrapped in white fertilizer sacks with Vietnamese writing on the front. The bags were also externally wrapped with black plastic, all hidden underneath the bed of the truck to conceal from police check. At this time police officials are pursuing the escaped driver to proceed with the case. As to the marijuana, it is expected that it was imported from a friendly neighboring country and its value is estimated to be ten million Baht.        เจ้าหน้าที่ตำรวจประจำด่านตรวจจึงขับรถสายตรวจไล่ติดตาม เมื่อมาถึง กม.ที่ 70-71 ต.ดอนยาวใหญ่ อ.โนนแดง จ.นครราชสีมา พบรถยนต์คันดังกล่าวพลิกคว่ำลงข้างทาง สิ่งของที่บรรทุกมากระจัดกระจายได้รับความเสียหาย ไม่พบคนขับรถ จากการตรวจค้นด้านท้ายกระบะพบกัญชาอัดแท่งจำนวน 210 ห่อๆ ละ 1 กิโลกรัม รวม 210 กิโลกรัม บรรจุอยู่ในกระสอบปุ๋ยสีขาว เขียนด้านหน้าเป็นภาษาเวียดนาม และพันรอบด้านนอกด้วยพลาสติกสีดำ ซุกซ่อนอยู่ด้านล่างกระบะส่วนด้านบนมีผักสดชนิดต่างๆ ปิดทับเอาไว้ เพื่ออำพรางสายเจ้าหน้าที่ตำรวจ        ขณะนี้เจ้าหน้าที่อยู่ระหว่างการติดตามจับกุมตัวคนขับรถคันดังกล่าว มาดำเนินคดี สำหรับกัญชาอัดแท่งดังกล่าวคาดว่าน่าจะนำเข้ามาจากประเทศเพื่อนบ้าน โดยคิดเป็นมูลค่ากว่า 10 ล้านบาท   Prem Presides Over Water Park Opening Translated From: Nakhonratchasima News Center/Manager Online See Thai language report and more photos on Manager Online here. 14 March 2009 Northeast Thailand’s largest water park was opened yesterday, 14 March 2009, amid big fanfare with His Excellency Prem Tinsulalonda, chair of the Privy Council, presiding. Among the water attractions at the new facility at Korat Zoo (Thai language link) Zoological Park (English) and more (w/map) is a 75 meter long water slide. At 10:30 hrs., at the Korat Zoo, Tambol Chaiyamonkol, General Prem Tinsulalonda, Chairman of the Privy Council and statesman, presided over the opening ceremony for the new Korat Zoo Waterpark. See headlines for details. Separately, Thai students at Oxford petition prime minister here...from Prachatai. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of environment and Natural Resources, Army Region 2 commander Lt. General Viboonsakdi Neephlan, Region 3 commissioner Pol. Col. Krysapha Phankhongcheun, Thailand’s Director of Zoos, the governor of Korat Mr. Prajak Suwanphakdee and other high ranking officials, as well as members of the general public and press, attended the opening. In this, the Korat Waterpark “Isaan Lake” is the largest water park in northeast Thailand, built for fifty five million Baht on over ten rai of land, behind the zoo’s children’s zoo area. There is a squid slider 75 meters long with a surrounding water canal. Both children and adults can use the facilities. Colorful decorations and artificial mushrooms and more greet visitors to this new facility. The Korat Zoo was built based on a council of Ministers’ resolution during the administration of Prime Minister Chatchai Choonhavan on 23 May 1988, on a 545 rai parcel of land and officially opened to the public on 14 December 1996, also presided over by General Prem. Now open for some twelve years, the zoo has serviced over 700,000 visitors and guests. In all of this, the Korat Zoo is the Safari of the Northeast, since its main theme is African animals, but also includes wild animals of Thailand. Currently there are over 1,600 wild animals in the zoo. The zoo has also been deeply involved in wild animal breeding, with the zoo having gained a reputation with breeding the Thai Crane, the only and first time ever bred in a zoo in the world. The Thai Crane is one of fifteen protected wildlife species that had been regarded as extinct. The breeding program has been so successful that currently over 100 Thai cranes have been bred. After the opening of the facility, General Prem and entourage sat on the mini-train, toured the zoo for an hour and then returned to Bangkok.   "Mother fu..er!" was what 'Daeng' said to vent some steam at this website's webmaster. 7 March 2009 at Thao Suranaree pavilion. See Youtube video of "Daeng" using the M.F. word at Lady Mo statue on 7 March 2009. Or go to Youtube frankganderson and check for Daeng video. The shocking curses are said by some to be typical of this particular radio hostess. The moment this photo was snapped, Daeng called the photographer (yours truly) Mother fuc....". She also repeated former defamation that photographer's wife is Muslim. So what! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AHRC-STM-051-2009 March 6, 2009 A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission THAILAND: AHRC strongly condemns police raid on news outlet According to an announcement issued today on the website of Prachatai, one of the few independent and outspoken media outlets operating in Thailand, "On March 6, at 3 pm, seven police officers visited Prachatai office in Bangkok, showing a search warrant and an arrest warrant for Chiranuch Premchaiporn, Prachatai Director. She is charged with the offense according to Article 15 of the Computer Crime Act. She has refused to answer any questions, and is waiting for her lawyer." The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has confirmed this information. According to the relevant section of the 2007 Computer Crime Act read with section 14, any service provider consenting to any act that involves, among other things, the importing of "false data" likely to "cause damage" to the public or the country's security, or likely to cause "public panic" is liable to a jail term of up to five years and a fine of up to a hundred thousand Thai baht. The AHRC condemns this police raid and the issuing of the arrest warrant for the Prachatai director in the strongest possible terms. There can be little room for doubt that this raid is part of the systematic ultraconservative agenda since the 2006 army coup to intimidate and silence critics, human rights defenders and social activists in Thailand. In fact, the odious law under which the raid and arrest warrant have been issued is one of the main planks in the platform designed to be built over the heads of dissenters in Thailand that was given effect by an assembly of military appointees in 2007. The AHRC expresses its strong support for the staff of Prachatai, for the work that it is committed to doing as an independent media agency working under very difficult conditions and at a time of dramatic social and political change in Thailand; a time when outspokenness and sincerity are the rarest and most valuable commodities. The AHRC calls upon all regional and international media organisations, human rights groups, and the UN Human Rights Council, which is opening its tenth session in Geneva, and UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression to join in expressing outrage at this latest attack on freedom of speech and thought in Thailand, and call for the immediate cessation of arrests and threats, against Prachatai and all other media and human rights organizations there. About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984. FCCT Panel Discussion On Missing Lawyer Working Group on Justice for Peace presents 5th Anniversary Disappearance of Somchai Neelapaichit A Panel Discussion Wednesday, March 11, at 8:00 pm No cover charge Somchai Neelapaichit has been missing since 12 March 2004, when he was last seen in Bangkok being forced into a car by a group of men. He was Chairman of the Muslim Lawyers Association and Vice-Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Law Society of Thailand at the time of his disappearance, when he was also representing five Muslims accused of terrorism-related activities in the Southern provinces. Five years on, the investigation into the circumstances of his enforced disappearance remains incomplete and the whereabouts of his body is still unknown. His wife and four children remain in the dark as to what happened. On 12 January 2006, the Criminal Court convicted a senior police officer of coercion and assault – but not of the enforced disappearance itself – and was sentenced to three years imprisonment despite evidence presented at trial indicating that a more serious crime was committed. The police officer was released on bail pending his appeal, which is still outstanding. The fifth anniversary of a person’s disappearance takes on particular significance in Thailand as at this point the person is considered legally dead under civil law. The series of events commemorating Somchai Neelapaichit’s disappearance will highlight the continual pursuit of truth and justice of this particular case, underscore the abhorrent nature of enforced disappearances, and represent public and high-profile efforts at seeking justice for an emblematic case in the fight against impunity in Thailand. Speakers will be: - Mrs. Angkhana Neelapaichit - Kraisak Choonhavan - Justice Elizabeth Evatt Past Monk Murder Case Still Smolders The Late Activist Phra Suphoj Suwajo On 2 March 2009, media reported on progress related to the murder case of Phra Suwajo, former president of the Mettatham Foundation, located on a 1,500 rai plot in Tambol Sansai, Fang District, Chiangmai province. The latest reports were that Phra Kittisakdi Kittisophano disclosed that at approximately eight pm the evening before, reports were received from local villagers that some burning was taking place in a protected forest reserve of about 200 rai. The villagers said that there was also what appeared to be light from flashlights in the area just before the fires, and that the fires were not likely caused by nature. They also indicated that the burning had affected some 3,000 teak trees, 1,000 planted banana trees and other naturally growing trees. “At the time of the incident, residents, officials and fire fighters all assisted to combat the flames but the fire spread quickly because of the dry climate, with grass and leaves in the area dry. The fire resulted in loss of some 200 rai of forestry area, and firefighters had hosed water over the area to keep the fire from spreading further. It was not until around midnight that the fire was finally extinguished,” Phra Kittisakdi said. The monk also stated that the cause of the fire was likely from efforts to resurrect the Phra Suphoj murder case, because before this about two weeks ago there was some shooting, several shots at the temple, and a group of men sitting on a pickup truck who had come in asking villagers about what the temple monks were up to. The latest is that TV challen 9 program, “Investigations, the Truth” was broadcast on the air regarding the murder case of Phra Suphoj. After the news was carried, about 7:30 p.m, it was suggested that the cause was that an influential person in the area had encroached onto the forest and was involved in a political conflict. About an hour after the reported conflict allegations the fires began. “This fire it is thought to be a signal in the area that criminals will still employ violence,” Phra Kittisakdi said. Colonel Piyyawat Keunghet, commander of the office of Special Criminal Cases of DSI stated that “Reports were received of fires in the Mettatham Forest. Initially it was thought the incited occurred around eight p.m., after the Channel 9 program, where there was some discussion about the murder case of Phra Suphoj that was possibly connected to forest encroachment and political matters. So at this time DSI staff have been told to speed up investigations and it is expected that the facts of the fire will be known within 1-2 days.” 28 February 2009 the Korat Post & Manager Online Parliamentarians Visit milk Factory As Parents Remain Wary Udorn milk plant seemingly cleaned up for photo. Milk plant worker sanitizes milk handling equipment at plant. วันนี้(26 ก.พ.) เวลา13.00 น. นายพรศิลป์ อินทะเคหะ เภสัชกรระดับ 7 ประจำกลุ่มงานคุ้มครองผู้บริโภคและเภสัชสาธารณสุข สำนักงานสาธารณสุขจังหวัดอุดรฯ พร้อมเจ้าเหน้าที่สาธารณสุข เข้าตรวจสอบคุณภาพนม ของบริษัท อุดรแดรี่ฟูดส์ จำกัด เลขที่34/6 ม.5 บ้านดงอุดม ต.หนองบัว อ.เมืองอุดร หลังเด็กนักเรียน ชั้นป.4 ร.ร.บ้านหนองสะแก ต.แหลมทอง อ.หนองบุญมาก จ.นครราชสีมา 24คน ดื่มนม เกิดอาการปวดท้อง คลื่นไส้ และอาเจียน ถูกหามส่งร.พ. ทำให้มีการหยุดระงับส่งนมไปที่เรียนในขณะนี้ 5 จังหวัด แล้ว On 26 February 2009 at 13:00 hrs., Mr. Phornsilp Inthakhaha, a Grade 7 pharmacist assigned to the Office of Consumer Protection and Public Health Pharmacists of the Udornthani Provincial Public Health Department, together with Public Health staff, quality inspected Udorn Dairy Food Co. Ltd., at 34/6 Moo 5, Tambol Nong Bua, Meung district, Udornthani, after 24 Prathom 4 schoolchildren at Baan Nong Sakae, Tambol Laemthong, nong Boonmaak District, Nakhonratchasima consumed milk and developed stomach aches, became nauseous and vomited and were taken to the hospital. This caused the current interruption of milk supplies to schools in five provinces. นายพรศิลป์ เปิดเผยว่า ได้มาดูขั้นตอนในการผลิตก็คือ ตั้งแต่น้ำนมดิบมาอย่าไร การปรับอุณหภูมิ อุณหมิฆ่าเชื้อเท่าไร การบรรจุใส่ถุงหรือกล่อง ถูกตามขั้นตอนหรือไม่ รวมไปถึงกับขั้นตอนในการลำเลียงส่ง ส่วนในการนำนมตัวอย่างไปทำการตรวจนั้น ต้องส่งไปยัง ห้องแล็ป ที่ศูนย์วิทยาศาสตร์การแพทย์ จ.อุดรธานี ว่า ในเนื้อนม มีสารอะไรเจือปนหรือไม่ ต้องใช้ระยะเวลา จำนวน 7 วัน ถึงทราบผล Mr. Phornsilp disclosed that the group had arrived to view the production process, that is, from when raw milk is first delivered, temperature controls, what temperature bacteria are killed at, filling of milk bags or cartons, every stages up to the distribution process. As to taking of test samples, they have to be sent to the laboratory testing center at Udornthani to determine what chemicals may be mixed in the milk or not, and that seven days are needed to determine the results. นายพรศิลป์ กล่าวว่า หากตรวจพบเจอ สารปนเปื่อนอยู่ในนม ที่เป็นอันตรายต่อผู้บริโภค ทางสาธารณสุข สามารถดำเนินตามกฏหมาย ตามมาตรา 6 (7) พ.ศ.2522 พ.ร.บ. คุ้มครองผู้บริโภค โทษ ปรับไม่เกิน10,000 บาท ให้หยุดการผลิตช่วงคราว ได้ทันที และให้ปรับแก้ไขการผลิตต่อไป Mr. Phornsilp stated that if any contaminants are discovered in the milk that are hazardous to consumers that the Ministry of Public Health will proceed according to the law via Section 6 (7) dated 1979 of the Consumer Protection Act, which calls for penalties of not more than 10,000 Baht and for immediate temporary suspension of production and that a solution must be effected before production is restarted. ด้านนายบัญชา ธิติวัฒนการ กรรมการผู้จัดการ บริษัท อุดรแดรี่ฟูดส์ กล่าวว่าทางบริษัท ได้จัดส่งนมไปตามโรงเรียนต่างๆในพื้นที่ 5 จังหวัด ประกอบด้วย จ.อุดรธานี , จ.หนองบัวลำภู ,จ.หนองคาย ,จ.สกลนคร และ จ.นครราชสีมา และยืนยันว่าในขบวนการผลิตของเราได้มาตราฐาน เพราะเราทำการตรวจสอบทุกขั้นตอนอยู่เสมอ ในส่วนนมดิบ เป็นผู้จัดส่งมา มีสหกรณ์ปฎิรูปเมืองเลย , สหกรณ์ ปฏิรูปที่ดิน จ.หนองบัวลำภู และวิสากิจชุมชนปกช่อง ซึ่งทางเราเองสามารถผลิตนมได้ต่อวัน จำนวน 7-8 หมื่นถุง Mr. Bancha Thithiwattanakarn, Managing Director of Udorn Dairy Food Co. Ltd. Stated that his company had delivered milk to various schools in five provinces, which were Udornthani, Nong Bua Lamphu, nong khai, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhonratchasima, and assured that the company’s production process met standards because “we have inspections at every stage of the production process.” He also indicated that the company was able to produce from 70,000-80,000 bags of milk daily. สำหรับการจัดส่งนั้น เรามีรถห้องเย็นควบคุมอุณหภูมิ ซึ่งมีอุณหภูมิอยุ่ระหว่าง 0 องศา ไปยังคลังสินค้า แต่ละจังหวัด ส่วนรถที่มารับนมที่คลังสินค้า ส่งไปยังโรงเรียน เราไม่ได้เป็นผู้ควบคุมดูแล อย่างไรก็ตามต้องรอผลตรวจ ระหว่าง สสจ.อุดรธานี และ สจจ.จ.นครราชสีมา ต่อไป As to delivery, “We have refrigerated vehicles controlling temperatures which are held at zero Centigrade up to delivery to distribution centers, but each province where delivery vehicles then pick up the milk for further distribution, we do not control this stage of the process. However, we have to wait for the analysis results from the centers in Udorn and Nakhonratchasima.” Opium Fields Destroyed in Loei Province วัันนี้ (26 ก.พ.) เมื่อเวลา 12.00 น.นายพิสุทธิ์ บุษยพรรณพงศ์ นายอำเภอด่านซ้าย จังหวัดเลย พร้อมด้วย พ.ต.อ.สุภัทร ม่วงสมัย ผกก.ตชด.24 อุดรธานี พ.ต.อ.จุลฤทธิ์ จุลกะ ผกก.สภ.อ.ด่านซ้าย นายเปี่ยมบุญ เทพศุภร ผู้อำนวยการสำนักงานปราบปรามยาเสพติด สหรัฐ (DEA) ประจำประเทศไทย กำลังอส. กำลังเจ้าหน้าที่ตำรวจภูธร อ.ด่านซ้าย ตชด.247 ด่านซ้าย จำนวน 50 นาย พร้อมด้วยเฮลิคอปเตอร์ จากค่าย ตชด.24 จากจังหวัดอุดรธานี เข้าทำลายไร่ฝิ่นประมาณ 2 ไร่ที่ลักลอบปลูก บนบริเวณภูสามหมื่น เขตท้องที่บ้านหมากแข้ง หมู่ที่ 4 ต.กกสะทอน อ.ด่านซ้าย จ.เลย เขตรอยต่อพื้นที่บ้านภูทับเบิก อ.หล่มเก่า จ.เพชรบูรณ์ On 26 February 2009 at 12:00 hrs., Mr. Phisutr Butthayaphanpongse, Dan Sai district officer, Loei province, together with Col Suphan Muangsamai, Area 24 superintendent Udornthani and others, including a US DEA representative, and a total of fifty officials, arrived via helicopter from Udornthani province to destroy an illegally planted opium field approximately 2 rai in area in a hilly area of the province, located at Moo 4, Tambol Koksathon, Dan Sai district, Loei province. Officials disclosed during the visit that the opium was likely planted by Hmong people for personal use, but that the field had to be destroyed and the matter followed up otherwise there was a possibility of the product entering the drug market. The district official indicated that the Hmong had been permitted into the area over the last ten years, and when they came in they planted opium for their use. จากการเข้าทำลายไร่ฝิ่นดังกล่าว พบต้นฝิ่นปลูกเป็นแปลงหย่อมๆ แปลงละ 1-2 งาน มีร่องรอยการกรีดไปบ้าง และบางส่วนที่กำลังออกดอกสะพรั่งรอการกรีด จากการคำนวณ ถ้านำไปผลิตจะได้ฝิ่นประมาณ 4 กิโลกรัม มูลค่า 4 แสนบาท นายอำเภอด่านซ้าย เปิดเผยว่า เป็นเวลาเกือบ 10 ปี ที่ปล่อยให้ ชาวเขาเผ่าม้ง นอกเขตจังหวัดเลย เข้ามาลักลอบปลูกฝิ่น แต่จาการสังเกต คาดว่า จะปลูกเพื่อเสพเพียงอย่างเดียว เราต้องตัดตอนพวกนี้ เพราะหากปล่อยไปอาจพัฒนากลายเป็นทำไร่ฝิ่นเพื่อการค้า ถึงเวลานั้นคงยากต่อการปราบปราม และเป็นที่สังเกตอีกอย่างหนึ่งว่า ที่อำเภอด่านซ้าย เป็นพื้นที่แห่งเดียวในภาคอีสาน ที่สามารถปลูกฝิ่นได้เจริญงอกงามดี Pardoned From Intensely Unjust Sentence Report From: Sydney MorningHerald, 21 February 2009 (here) Australian author released from jail * Tom Reilly * February 21, 2009 - 10:53AM "Australian author Harry Nicolaides, who was jailed in Thailand for criticising the country's royal family in a book, is on his way home after being granted a royal pardon. Nicolaides walked free from prison yesterday after Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej issued a royal decree on Wednesday, his brother Forde Nicolaides said. The 41-year-old author spent five months in a Thai jail after being arrested last August for insulting the Thai monarchy in his book Verisimilitude. He was sentenced to three years' jail last month after pleading guilty to 'lese majeste' - the crime of criticising the royals. His release ends a "six-month nightmare" for the family, his brother said. "It's great news for everyone but this is a great relief," he said. "Harry's imprisonment is something that's consumed the family for so long and we wish we could have had him released sooner. "Harry was ecstatic when he heard the news and is very grateful to the King of Thailand. He needs a lot of work on his health, which has deteriorated, and we're just delighted to have him back with us." His lawyer Mark Dean said this morning the pardon was granted on Thursday night and Nicolaides was deported from Thailand at midnight. "The Australian Government and the Thai Government have been working together very closely on the resolution of Harry's case," he told ABC Radio. "The various steps that had to be taken in Thailand were expedited in this case, resulting in the King being able to grant th pardon last Thursday." Nicolaides is expected to arrive in Melbourne this afternoon. But any planned celebrations will be tempered following the hospitalisation of his mother Despina, who suffered a stroke a fortnight ago. Forde Nicolaides said his brother would be taken straight to hospital to see their mother, adding the family would still toast his freedom at the earliest opportunity. "Dad is ecstatic that he's got another son back home to help,'' Mr Nicolaides said. "I spoke to Harry last night, he rang me from the airport and assured me he is reasonably fit, despite his ordeal. "He is in good spirits and is looking forward to arriving home - he cannot wait to see his family.'' Nicolaides was arrested in late August and locked up in jail before pleading guilty last month to lese majeste in 12 lines he wrote in his 2005 novel, which referred to an unspecified crown prince's love life. With AAP" 19 February 2009 Translated from Manager Online, 18 February 2009 Suicide Attempt By Former Accident Victim On 18 February 2009, Korat news sources reported that at 09:30 in the morning, an incident occurred on a 130 tall high-tension powerline structure. According to sources, Mr. Amnat Khiankhokkruat, aged 22, had climbed the structure and threatened to end his life by jumping off. Given the situation, rescue and other units were dispatched to the scene and placed a large air-filled mattress on the ground in case the distraught man followed through on his threat. Huk 31, police and provincial rescue units were on the scene to deal with the situation. According to Mrs. Norm Khiankhokkruat, aged 60, the young man, her nephew who lives in the same village as she, had some three or four years prior been involved in an accident where he suffered a head injury. Mrs. Khiankhokkruat indicated that while Mr. Amnat had suffered seizures in the past, that he had never threatened to end his life or climb a power structure before. She also stated that Amnat had had frequent female visitors to his home, one of whom had just parted company with him that morning. The aunt also indicated that Mr. Amnat had undergone psychiatric care at Korat’s Psychiatric Hospital, and had stopped because it was thought his problems were dealt with and expenses for care were high. Witnesses on the scene indicated that Mrs. Norm had several times shouted up at her nephew perched on the power structure to climb back down but without result. After some four hours had passed in the high heat, Mr. Amnat shouted down to those looking on asking for cigarettes and water. These were carried up to him about halfway up the structure. After some conversation with rescue staff and his brother, Amnat climbed back down to the ground.   New City Hall Complex Translated from Korat Hiclass Business Newspaper Mr. Soontorn Yongsuwannakul, Head of Korat’s Utilities and Planning Department, indicated that the new city hall complex will be built around the existing building. The total area for the U-shaped nine storey construction is 17.8 rai (7.12 acres). Said to be built to conserve spending, the complex layout will be as follows: first floor with 5,200 square meters space forbanks, shopping outlets and restaurants; floors 2-3 an estimated 10,400 square meters for 500 car parking; floors 4-8 for consolidated provincial government offices for 3,500 people with an estimate floor space of 36,200 square meters. The entire construction is scheduled to cost 360 million Baht and take five years to complete. This new building is only expected to be able to accommodate requirements for 10-15 years because future needs are expected to exceed current planning. For his part, Municipality Treasurer Lt. Prajak somphornchaikit stated that originally this project was under a budget submitted to the province in the past as a design to accommodate at least twenty years in the future use and included many centers for services, etc. He also indicated that currently approval form the local Army Region 2 is being solicited for construction, as building near the existing facility can lead to complications. Thai Public Relations Department 14 February 2009 Inappropriate Content - "the nation, religion, monarchy, culture, and traditions..." Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has established the Internet Security Operation Center, known in short as ISOC, to monitor the websites it believes present inappropriate content undermining national security. The establishment of the center came after the Prime Minister has appointed a committee to prevent and suppress the presentation of unlawful and inappropriate news and information through information and communication technology. The committee, chaired by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, consists of representatives from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the Special Investigation Department, the Royal Thai Police, the Office of the National Security Council, and the Government Public Relations Department. The committee held its first meeting on February 5, chaired by the ICT Minister, Second Lieutenant Ranongruk Suwanchwee, to set the policy framework for its operations and form a working group for ISOC. The working group for the Center is responsible for monitoring websites carrying inappropriate messages. It comprises ICT officials and personnel from related agencies working together in cracking down on cyber crime. The hotline 1122 is open around the clock to receive complaints and information on the issue. The inappropriate content involves several areas, such as the nation, religion, monarchy, culture, and traditions, including the posting of obscene pictures, sex trade advertisements, and online gambling, which is considered dangerous to children and youth. The Ministry has monitored consistently inappropriate websites and brought cases to the court, which has ordered the suspension of 4,818 URLs. Out of this number, 4,683 URLs contained malicious content concerning the monarchy, 98 URLs regarding obscenity, and 37 URLs involving dishonest advertisements. The ICT Minister said that the presentation of inappropriate content on the Internet would damage not only relevant institutions, organizations, and individuals but also the country’s national security in terms of political, economic, and social conditions. Moreover, it is also against Thailand’s Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007). According to the law, the perpetrator of an act that is likely to damage computer data or a computer system related to the country’s security, public security, and economic security or public services, or in an act against computer data or a computer system available for public use shall be subject to imprisonment from three years up to 15 years and a fine of 60,000 baht up to 300,000 baht. Udorn Prepared For Clashes 13 February 2009 Agencies The Udon Thani governor chaired a meeting of senior officials from relevant state agencies Thursday in a bid to prevent any serious incident during a political concert by the "yellow shirts" on the Valentine's Day. The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) plans to hold its "PAD Caravan for New Politics" concert tomorrow at a public park in the northeastern province. The group has held similar events in other provinces before. Udon Thani is a stronghold of the "red shirts" - people who support ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's bid to make a political comeback. Some local leaders of the red shirts threatened to obstruct the event. Nakhon Ratchasima to help agriculturists affected by 2008 floods 10 February 2009 Public Relations Department Northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province has set aside 500 million baht budget to help agriculturalists who were victims of flash flloods in 2008, All the money would be transferred to the victims by February 25. Mr. Prajak Suwannapakdee (ประจักษ สุวรรณภักดี), Governor of northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province, revealed today (February 10) that the province has been rush to aid agriculturists who were affected by flash flood during September to November 2008. Crops of 28 districts were affected with total 785,812 rais of land being damaged. They included 468,740 rais of paddy fields and 15,485 rais of other crops. The Nakhon Ratchasima province's committee helping victims of natural disasters has received 500 million baht budget from the Department of Agricultural Extension, the Ministry of Agricultural and Cooperatives, to mitigate the victims. To help the affected agriculturists, the ministry has scheduled to transfer the money to deposit accounts of the affected agriculturists at the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural and Cooperatives (BAAC)'s branchces in the province's 28 districts. The province has proceeded distributing 12 million baht to aid 886 victims in Lam Thamenchai district. All the transfer would be done by February 25. Somchai Neelapaijit 8 February 2009 The Thai 'government,' accent on 'government' because of constant rumors that it's also sort of a stand-in for others, has brought up the issue of Somchai Neelapaijit. (Wiki) (Thai Wiki) (HRW Report) The Muslim lawyer disappeared on 12 March 2004, amidst a Thaksin-led clampdown on human rights, not overly dissimilar to that currently being pedaled by the current Thai government – itself being watched and some say manipulated by armed force personnel and others. Somchai’s body was never found despite numerous attempts by relatives, family, friends, international human rights groups and others. Like other such cases in Thailand, this one also seems destined for the back burnder in the near future, and to remain unsolved unless powerful vested interests demand the case be solved. This is not expected to happen, however. Conflicting liaisons in Thailand do not make strange bedfellows, and a single disappearance is not of much ado to them. Being implicated is. On 8 February 2009, Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejajjiva responded to press questions about the Somchai case by indicating that there were 'signals' to delay progress on the case. What that meant was strangely accepted by lack of penetrating further questions. The prime minister, however, indicated that Khunying Pornthip had briefed him on the status of the case. Roadshow To Restore Thailand's Image BANGKOK, February 5, 2009 (TNA) Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva left for Tokyo on Wednesday leading a high-powered team of top Thai government officials and Japanese investors in a roadshow designed to restore Thailand's image, battered by political turbulence and a declining economy, as well as to attract critically-needed new foreign investment. Among planned activities during the three-day visit include Mr. Abhisit's address to a gathering of a thousand senior Japanese government officials and businessmen intended to present a fresh view of Thailand as a land of opportunity. This is the first of a series of roadshows, and the prime minister's first trip outside the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries since his administration took power six weeks ago. Thai Industry Minister Charnchai Chairungrueng said earlier that the roadshow is aimed at reassuring foreign investors that normalcy has returned to Thailand and that the government's policy to welcome foreign investment remains intact. The prime minister will also present his government's policy on improving Thailand's economy in both the short- and long-term. During the visit, Mr. Abhisit will meet Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso and the latest developments of the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) are expected to be on the agenda. According to Thailand's Board of Investment (BoI), Japanese investors are Thailand's largest investment segment. In 2008, Japanese companies sought a total of 324 promotional privileges from the BoI, representing 40 per cent of all total foreign organisations seeking such privileges, with a combined investment of about Bt103 billion, equivalent to 35 per cent of total foreign investment. Most Japanese investment in Thailand is in the automobile and automotive parts, electrical appliances and electronics, and hard disk drive production. The prime minister plans to conduct a trade and investment promotion roadshow in China in late March to expand trade and investment between the two countries. (TNA) Provincial 'Father' Learns About Local Poverty 1 February 2009 Mukdaharn provincial governor and leading staff will, on 6 February 2009, conduct a mobile tour of two villages in the province to learn about hardships caused by poverty and to offer government assistance where possible. See Thai language report here. Temple Monks Caught With Marihuana 3 January 31, 2009 Nakhonphanom, NE Thailand NE Public Relations Report Nakhon Phanom Police With Headline News... On 29 January 31, 2009 Police Major Ratchaphongse Nampatsa, inspector of the Nakhon Phaonom provincial police investigation unit, traveled to inspect and apprehend monks in the city who had gathered to use marihuana. The inspector thus joined with Police Major Nataphongse Trongthieng, inspector of police Suppression Division together with officers and apprehended monks in a local temple who were using marihuana inside one of the monk’s temple houses. Among the evidence collected was a quantity of marihuana and an adapted plastic water bottle. Police interrogated the two caught, one of whom was 24 year old Phra Sakda, or Mr. Sakda, who confessed saying he had ordained about a year ago, as did his companion in the same temple. The older monk indicated that he had contacted a friend and purchased marihuana at about 200-300 Baht a time. Police took the two for disrobing from the monkhood and case processing. Surin Residents Get Free Cataract Surgery 25 January 2 PRD Surin Free cataract surgeries for over 600 people in Surin The Thai Physician Association in the United States in collaboration with surgeons in Thailand will offer free cataract surgeries for over 600 people in Surin province. Director of Surin Hospital Thongchai Treewiboonwanit (ธงชัย ตรีวิบูลย์วณิชย์) said that Thai Physician Association in the United States and surgeons of Surin Hospital, Buri Ram Hospital as well as plastic surgery physicians from Chulalongkorn Hospital cooperated in organizing the free surgery project for cataract patients, the disabled, hare lipped patients, and other patients who need plastic surgery. The project is scheduled from January 26th – 30th, from 8am to 4pm at Surin Hospital. The Suring Hospital’s director invites people to participate in the project. The hospital will provide free transportation for people from other districts in the province. Rights Abuses in Thailand From: http://rspas.anu.edu.au/rmap/newmandala/2009/01/24/abhisits-human-rights-challenge/#comment-602600 24 January 2009 The following opinion piece, which I authored, appeared in today’s Sydney Morning Herald. Rights abuse? You wouldn’t read about it SMH Illustration: Rocco Fazzari Harry Nicolaides was herded, shackled, into a Bangkok holding cell on Monday. He was sentenced to three years in prison for the contents of a single paragraph. The Melbourne author’s crime was to write a short passage referring to the private life of Thailand’s crown prince in a self-published novel that sold only 10 copies.He was sentenced under Thailand’s draconian lese-majeste law, which forbids any frank discussion of the royal family. In the wake of the conviction, he threw himself on the mercy of the people he was accused of offending, petitioning the palace for a royal pardon. On Wednesday, this newspaper reported that the Thai army had - on two separate occasions - pushed about 1000 Burmese boat people back into international waters. The refugees were escaping from the Burmese regime’s persecution of ethnic minorities. More than 500 are now said to be dead or missing. The Thai military stands accused of detaining the refugees and beating and whipping them, before setting them adrift without motors or sufficient food and water. The Government says it has launched an investigation, while the local army commander denied the accusations, arguing his men gave the refugees provisions and “helped them on their way”. Thailand’s human rights reputation has taken a battering. These two incidents represent a serious challenge for the new Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, who says he is determined to restore his country’s reputation after last year’s political turmoil. His Government came to power a month ago, after the dramatic occupation of Bangkok’s international airport by protesters determined to overthrow the previous government. The protesters crippled Thailand’s lucrative tourism industry, and shredded its long-cultivated image as a foreigner-friendly destination. Abhisit presents himself as an urbane and modern leader (and Oxford educated to boot), one who can guide Thailand through the international financial crisis, restore the rule of law, and repair the country’s damaged image. But the Nicolaides case and the humanitarian tragedy of the Burmese boat people are not isolated incidents that can easily be dealt with by public relations spin. They relate to the role of two of the country’s most powerful institutions - the monarchy and the army - which helped bring Abhisit to power. The Government has placed protecting the monarchy’s reputation at the top of its political agenda. Heightened political divisions over the past few years have generated increasing comment domestically and internationally about the political role of the royal family. There is unprecedented discussion about the palace’s support for the campaign waged by the People’s Alliance for Democracy against Thailand’s former government, which was democratically elected in December 2007. The Economist suggested - in a now infamous article - that the Thai king had “lost faith in democracy” by endorsing a series of military coups during his reign and remaining silent throughout last year while the ultra-royalist PAD campaigned to overthrow an elected government. Forbes magazine encouraged further discussion by reporting that the king was the world’s richest royal, with assets worth $US35 billion ($54 billion), while Thai internet bulletin boards regularly feature barely coded anti-royal comments that are especially critical of the Queen, given her open support for the PAD’s campaign. There has been a vigorous royalist backlash to this outbreak of free speech. The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has tried to block thousands of websites that carry material on the royal family, army units have been ordered to monitor the internet for inappropriate content and ordinary citizens have been encouraged to report anti-royal comments to police. The crackdown is serious: a political activist was sentenced to six years in prison for criticising the king at a public rally, while another is in prison awaiting trial and facing the prospect of an even heavier sentence. Just this week came another charge of lese-majeste. An academic at a prestigious university was charged because eight paragraphs in his book about the military coup in September 2006 referred to the political influence of the king. Nicolaides was in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught up in a campaign of good old-fashioned political repression. It is clear the Thai Government is willing to sacrifice freedom of speech for protection ofthe royal family’s image. But how will it respond to human rights abuses perpetrated by the army? The gravity of the charges over its actions towards the Burmese boat people, plus ongoing international scrutiny, should prompt firm action against the perpetrators. But this is far from inevitable, as there are bigger political issues involved. The extent of military influence within the Government is not clear, but Abhisit owes his commanders big favours. His path to the prime ministership goes back to the 2006 coup, which overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra’s populist government and sent him into exile. The military-controlled government that followed put in place a new constitution. This included provisions that could be used to undermine a pro-Thaksin government if one was to regain power, which is exactly what happened in December 2007, at the first post-coup election. The newly elected government had to live with judicial interference and speculation about another coup for much of its short life. Its fate was sealed when the army refused to move on PAD protesters who occupied Government House and, later, the international airport. The army chief even took the extraordinary step of calling on Abhisit’s predecessor, Somchai Wongsawat, to resign during the airport crisis. When the ruling party was finally dissolved by the Constitutional Court, the army chief played a key role in persuading government politicians to defect to Abhisit’s camp, giving him the numbers to win the parliamentary vote for prime minister. The army is politically powerful, and Abhisit can be expected to come under pressure not to expose it to undesirable domestic and international scrutiny. There is no lese-majeste law that can be called upon to cover up reports of refugee mistreatment. But already Abhisit seems to be laying the groundwork for a minimalist investigation, suggesting that media coverage of the incident may be exaggerated and that witnesses may have misunderstood what they were seeing. On Thursday he even seemed to endorse the army action, announcing a crackdown on illegal immigrants, declaring “we will push them out of the country”. The brutal dirty work against the unfortunate refugees is alleged to have been done by the internal security operations command, a military unit dating from Thailand’s fight against communist insurgents during the Cold War. It was given expanded powers after the 2006 coup, and its broad national security brief may grant it protection from close scrutiny. But whatever the outcome of the investigation, the incident is the latest in the army’s very patchy human rights record. There is a well-documented history of forced repatriation of refugees by army units. And in the southern Muslim provinces, the army’s heavy-handed response to low-level insurgency has compounded grievances and strengthened the cause of anti-government elements. In 2004 there were two notorious cases of military brutality. In April, 28 militants were killed when the army stormed the sacred Krue Se mosque after a poorly managed siege. One of the commanders involved in the mosque killings, Colonel Manat Kongpan, is accused of leading the recent push-back action against the Burmese boat people. In October about 80 protesters suffocated when they were detained and stacked like logs in army trucks for a three-hour journey to a military base. No one has been punished for these incidents, which took place under the watch of Thaksin, the champion of the notorious “war on drugs” that claimed over 2000 lives in a nationwide rampage of extrajudicial killings. Abhisit is undoubtedly keen to distance his administration from the excesses of the Thaksin era. So far, despite some hitches, he has succeeded in presenting a positive image to the international community. After the political turmoil of the past year, his leadership holds out the attractive prospect of stability, perhaps even reconciliation. But unless his Government is willing to expose the monarchy and the military to internationally acceptable standards of scrutiny and accountability, his human rights credibility will be compromised and he will bear a heavy burden of repression. Murderous military brutality cannot go unpunished, especially when writing a paragraph about the private life of a prince in an unread book lands you in jail for three years. Ungpakorn Details Charges Against Him 20 January 2009 Details of lese majeste charges against Giles Ji Ungpakorn Today, the police informed me that I have been charged with lese majeste because of 8 paragraphs in Chapter 1 of my book "A Coup for the Rich". The paragraphs are listed below. According to the police charge sheet, the charges arise from the fact that the Director of Chulalongkorn University bookshop decided to inform Special Branch that my book "insulted the Monarchy". The bookshop is managed by the academic management of the university. So much for academic freedom! Paragraphs deemed to have "insulted the Monarchy" (1) The major forces behind the 19th September coup were anti-democratic groups in the military and civilian elite, disgruntled business leaders and neo-liberal intellectuals and politicians. The coup was also supported by the Monarchy. What all these groups have in common is contempt and hatred for the poor. For them, "too much democracy" gives "too much" power to the poor electorate and encourages governments to "over-spend" on welfare. For them, Thailand is divided between the "enlightened middle-classes who understand democracy" and the "ignorant rural and urban poor". In fact, the reverse is the case. It is the poor who understand and are committed to democracy while the so-called middle classes are determined to hang on to their privileges by any means possible. (2) The junta claimed that they had appointed a "civilian" Prime Minister. Commentators rushed to suck up to the new Prime Minister, General Surayud, by saying that he was a "good and moral man". In fact, Surayud, while he was serving in the armed forces in 1992, was partly responsible for the blood bath against unarmed pro-democracy demonstrators[1]. He personally led a group of 16 soldiers into the Royal Hotel which was a temporary field hospital. Here, his soldiers beat and kicked people [2]. News reports from the BBC and CNN at the time show soldiers walking on top of those who were made to lie on the floor. Three months after the 2006 coup, on the 4th December, the King praised Prime Minister Surayud in his annual birthday speech. (3) The members of the military appointed parliament received monthly salaries and benefits of almost 140,000 baht while workers on the minimum wage receive under 5000 baht per month and many poor farmers in villages live on even less. These parliamentarians often drew on multiple salaries. The government claimed to be following the King's philosophy of "Sufficiency" and the importance of not being greedy. Apparently everyone must be content with their own level of Sufficiency, but as Orwell might have put it, some are more "Sufficient" than others. For the Palace, "Sufficiency" means owning a string of palaces and large capitalist conglomerates like the Siam Commercial Bank. For the military junta it means receiving multiple fat cat salaries and for a poor farmer it means scratching a living without modern investment in agriculture. The Finance Minister explained that Sufficiency Economics meant "not too much and not too little": in other words, getting it just right. No wonder Paul Handley described Sufficiency Economics as "pseudo-economics"[3]! In addition to this, the junta closed the Taksin government's Poverty Reduction Centre, transferring it to the office of the Internal Security Operations Command and transforming it into a rural development agency using Sufficiency Economics[4]. (4) It should not be taken for granted that the anti-Taksin military-bureaucratic network is a network led by or under the control of the Monarchy, despite any Royal connections that it might have. Paul Handley argues that the Monarchy is all powerful in Thai society and that its aim is to be a just (Thammaracha) and Absolute Monarch [5]. For Handley, Taksin was challenging the Monarchy and seeking to establish himself as "president". There is little evidence to support the suggestion that Taksin is a republican. There is also ample evidence in Handley's own book that there are limitations to the Monarchy's power. Never the less, Handley's suggestion that the 19th September coup was a Royal Coup, reflects a substantial body of opinion in Thai society. (5) The Monarchy over the last 150 years has shown itself to be remarkably adaptable to all circumstances and able to gain in stature by making alliances with all sorts of groups, whether they be military dictatorships or elected governments. The Monarchy may have made mild criticisms of the Taksin government, but this did not stop the Siam Commercial Bank, which is the Royal bank, from providing funds for the sale of Taksin's Shin Corporation to Temasek holdings[6]. Nor should it be assumed that Taksin and Thai Rak Thai were somehow "anti-Royalist". For over 300 years the capitalist classes in many countries have learnt that conservative Constitutional Monarchies help protect the status quo under capitalism and hence their class interests. However, it is also clear that the Thai King is more comfortable with military dictatorships than with elected governments. This explains why the Monarchy backed the 19 September coup. (6) In April 2006 the present Thai Monarch stated on the issue of the use of Section 7[7] that: "I wish to reaffirm that section 7 does not mean giving unlimited power to the Monarch to do as he wishes… Section 7 does not state that the Monarch can make decisions on everything… if that was done people would say that the Monarch had exceeded his duties. I have never asked for this nor exceeded my duties. If this was done it would not be Democracy." [8] However, by September and certainly by December, the King publicly supported the coup. (7) For this reason there is a very important question to ask about the 19th September 2006 coup. Did the Thai Head of State try to defend Democracy from the military coup which destroyed the 1997 Constitution on the 19th September? Was the Head of State forced to support the military junta? Did he willingly support those who staged the coup? Did he even plan it himself, as some believe? These are important questions because the military junta who staged the coup and destroyed Democracy have constantly claimed legitimacy from the Head of State. Starting in the early days of the coup they showed pictures of the Monarchy on TV, they tied yellow Royalist ribbons on their guns and uniforms and asked the Head of State to send his representative to open their military appointed parliament. Later in his annual birthday speech in December, the King praised the military Prime Minister. We need the truth in order to have transparency and in order that Civil Society can make all public institutions accountable. What we must never forget is that any institution or organisation which refuses to build transparency can only have conflicts of interest which it wishes to hide. (8) In the early part of his reign the Monarch was young and unprepared for the job. He only became King because of an accident which happened to his elder brother. More than that, the Thai government at the time was headed by General Pibun who was an anti-Royalist. Therefore the Monarchy faced many problems in performing its duties as Head of State. This helps perhaps to explain why the Monarchy supported the military dictatorship of Field Marshall Sarit. It is Sarit who was partly responsible for promoting and increasing respect for the Monarchy [9]. But many years have passed. The status and experience of the Thai Head of State have changed. The Monarch has much political experience, more than any politician, due to the length of time on the Throne. Therefore the Monarch today exhibits the confidence of one who has now gained much experience. For example, he chastised elected governments, like that of Prime Minister Taksin. The important question for today therefore is: if the Monarch can chastise the Taksin government over the human rights abuses in the War on Drugs[10], why cannot the Monarch chastise the military for staging a coup and abusing all democratic rights? Reading through these paragraphs it is clear that this lese majeste charge is really about preventing any discussion about the relationship between the military junta and the Monarchy. This is in order to protect the military's sole claim to legitimacy: that it acted in the interests of the Monarchy. Associate Professor Giles Ji Ungpakorn Faculty of Political Science Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand 20 Jan 2009 Ji.ungpakorn@gmail.com Another Lese Majeste Arrest Reporters Without Borders 15 January 2009 News Reporters Without Borders deplores today's arrest of Internet user Suwicha Thakhor on a charge of insulting the monarchy (lèse majesté ), just one day after Thai Netizen Network, a group that defends online freedom of expression, met with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and suggested ways to reach a compromise on Internet regulation, including the issue of lese majeste. "This arrest gives the government the opportunity to demonstrate its readiness to maintain a real dialogue by keeping a close watch on the conduct of the investigation," Reporters Without Borders said. "We urge the government to do everything possible to ensure that Thakhor is released as soon as the authorities establish that he has not done anything that violates democratic norms." The Department of Special Investigations said Thakhor was arrested because his computer's Internet address matched the address from which comments about the king and his aides had been sent. He was picked up by the police while visiting friends in the provinces. The authorities say they suspect he knew the police were after him and that he left the capital for this reason. Thakhor, who is being held at Department of Special Investigations headquarters in Bangkok, has denied the charges. Supinya Klangnarong, the coordinator of Thai Netizen Network and a media advocate, spoke to Reporters Without Borders after yesterday's meeting with the prime minister. "During this meeting, we were able to express our views and concerns," she said. "Meeting with the PM is the first step to beginning negotiations aimed at seeking appropriate regulation that will uphold cyber-liberty in Thailand." Political science professor Giles Ji Ungpakorn yesterday called for a national and international campaign to demand the abolition of the crime of lèse majesté. On 11 January, Ungpakorn was ordered to report to a Bangkok police station on 20 January to be charged under the lese majeste law in connection with his book "A Coup for the Rich," which can be downloaded at no cost from his blog, http://www.wdpress.blog.co.uk. Reporters Without Borders reiterates its call for the withdrawal of the charges against him. [Ed note: If you have trouble dowloading, contact me.] Border Checkpoint Bombed NARATHIWAT, January 14, 2009 (TNA) Two bombs exploded on Wednesday at a Thai-Malaysian border checkpoint in this southern border province, but no one was injured in the incident occurred hours before Thai new defence minister and the army chief are scheduled to visit the insurgency-plagued region. Narathiwat police and other security personnel rushed to the scene and found that a bomb had damaged four aluminium computer boxes installed about 300 metres from the border. The computers are to record the number of vehicles crossing the border each day. Another bomb exploded three metres from the first blast site as the authorities were beginning to inspect the scene. There were no reports of casualties. The bombings occurred a few hours before Thailand's new defence minister retired army general Prawit Wongsuwan and Army commander-in-chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda (Wiki Ref.) were to visit the region. Speaking to reporters before departing, Gen. Prawit said the visit was to boost troop morale and to review the work of the Internal Security Operation Command (ISOC). "The number of violent incident has receded recently as s result of increased public understanding and improved public support for local security personnel," the defence minister said. He added that Tuesday's Cabinet resolution to establish a committee tasked with developing the five southern provinces will boost efforts to tackle insurgency in the southern border region, while Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who concurrently heads ISOC, will help facilitate its work. The premier will make a one-day visit to Yala, one of the most troubled border provinces, on Saturday. It will be his first visit since taking office in December. More than 3,500 people have been killed since the violence erupted in early 2004. The Thai cabinet agreed to extend the enforcement of emergency rule in the Muslim-predominant region for another three months from January 20 through April 19. It is the 14th extension since the emergency was first imposed during the then Thaksin administration in 2005. (TNA) Associate Prof. Giles Ji Ungpakorn Summoned By Police Over Lese Majesty Allegation 12 January 2009 News Associate Professor Giles Ji Ungpakorn, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, has been summonsed to Pathumwan police station for questioning at 13.00 hrs on Tuesday 23th January 2009. The summons was issued as a result of a complaint filed by Special Branch Police Lt Col. Pansak Sasana-anund. Professor Ungpakorn has been accused by the above individual of les majesty. No details have been given of the allegations. Such details should be revealed after the initial police interview. Professor Ungpakorn has not yet been officially charged. Professor Ungpakorn will give a press conference outside the Pathumwan police station at 12.30 and will also be available to answer questions after the police interview. As a political science lecturer, Professor Ungpakorn has written a number of academic articles concerning the monarchy. These can be read on his web blog: http://wdpress.blog.co.uk/ and in his book “A Coup for the Rich”. The book was withdrawn from sale by Chulalongkorn University and Thammasart University bookshops. It can be down-loaded from his weblog for free. The Monarchy has been quoted and used by various political factions in Thailand to legitimise their actions. The most notable cases are the 19th September 2006 military coup and the illegal protests by the yellow-shirted P.A.D., which included shutting down the international airports. Les Majesty charges in Thailand are notorious for being used by different political factions to attack their opponents. Many believe that this law is actually counter-productive to defending the Monarchy. This is why it is very important that political scientists attempt to analyse the real role and nature of the Thai Monarchy in an atmosphere of freedom and democracy. Professor Ungpakorn is prepared to fight any les majesty charges in order to defend academic freedom, the freedom of expression and democracy in Thailand. Since this accusation was filed by a Special Branch officer, the present Democrat Party Government should be questioned about its role in this and many other cases. The new Prime Minister has stated that he wants to see a firm crackdown on les majesty. In late December, the police filed allegations of les majesty against the BBC correspondent in Bangkok, Jonathan Head. Many other cases are also pending. There are charges that Israel is using a weapon even more inhumane than landmines. Called the DIME, this weapon seems designed to cause damage to body rather than physical structures. 2006 report. Military reference. A leading Thai academic and human rights activist has been hounded by the police, this time with a summons to appear for lese majeste allegations. See summons here. Pathumwan police tel. 02 215 2991-3. Abhisit calls for cooperation from all political parties 13 January 2009 National News Bureau of Thailand 236 Wiphawadee Rd. Dindaeng Bangkok. 10400 Prime Minister Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva asked for cooperation from all political parties to jointly propel Thailand to leap forward. Congratulating new 29 MPs following Sunday (January 11)’s by election, Mr. Abhisit said on Monday that he appreciated general public who participated in the election process which was vital procedure under democracy. The election results, he said, reflected that general public wanted the country to leap forward, adding they preferred to see declining conflicts, government’s solution in various problems, in particular economic woes, to be swiftly and smoothly achieved. It was the government’s tasks to fulfill these desire, he said, adding that the administration needed cooperation from both old and newly elected MPs. Mr. Ahhisit urged MPs from all political parties to help pushing the government’s agenda to be submitted to the Parliament during the first two weeks of its session, including accords to be signed during the upcoming 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Hua Hin between February 27 and March 1, as well as 2009 mid fiscal year budget. He noted that if economic solution measures could be blessed by the Parliament’s first reading by the end of January and the ASEAN’s accords being endorsed, other matters would be more easy as it would mean the government has laid down foundation to resolve major problems. The three coalition parties won a combined 20 MPs from the Sunday’s by election. They included three MPs under Democrat party, 10 MPs under Chart Thai Pattana, and three under Puea Pandin. While opposition parties won nine seats altogether, including five MPs under Phuea Thai party and the remainders under Pracharaj. Mr. Abhisit also said that the government’s coordinating committee was working with opposition parties regarding the administration’s tasks. However, opposition Phuea Thai party was in the process of singling out a new leader. So, a normal coordination process would be able to proceed. He added there would be no cabinet shake-up following Sunday’s by-election as agreement has been reached between coalition parties and factions after formation of his administration. He said that number of MPs would not take into account for cabinet’s reshuffling, adding that the move, if occurring, would depended on government’s works which has not yet been the case at the moment. Mr. Abhisit insisted the government would not be spoiled by the result of Sunday’s by-election, adding number of government’s MPs did not significantly overshadow the opposition parites. He also said that he has implemented a clear principle that every single minister must be prepared to be probed for their works. Political movement outside the Parliament could be done as far as it was under legal framework with non-violence. Democrats Take Bangkok Victory clashes with Isaan propensity toward populist candidates... 12 January 2009 Agencies MR Sukhumbhand delighted by exit poll result The Bangkok governor candidate number 2, MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, gave a big hug to his mother after the exit poll result was unveiled this afternoon (January 11th). Democrat Party's Bangkok governor candidate MR Sukhumbhand offered his mother, Mom Dusdi Paribatra Na Ayutthaya, a big smile and a hug upon his acknowledgment of the exit poll result indicating his possible victory by landslide. Mom Dusdi sympathetically pointed out to her son that being in the Bangkok governor's seat will bring heavy responsibilities and tiring workloads while blessing him in assuming governorship for two consecutive terms. In addition, MR Sukhumbhand vowed that, if elected, he would give his best efforts in serving Bangkok residents and would not to be discouraged by his work or resign from the position. He stated that he would wait for the ballot counting result at the Democrat Party Headquarters this evening. At least He Takes Family... 10 January 2009 The Nation Some 50 traffic policemen of the Chiang Mai head office Friday field complaint against their peer, alleging him with cheating them out of Bt1.2 million in traffic fine rewards. The policemen filed complaint against Police Senior Sergeant Major Thanawat Sinpieng, 47, at the Chiangmai Muang district police station. They said Thanawat was assigned to withdraw the money of traffic fine rewards for December from the Krung Thai Bank's San Pa Khoy branch in the Muang district on December 29 but he disappeared. The money was for sharing among 150 traffic policemen, they said. They said Thanawat was earlier assigned to withdraw the money several times with no problem. He has disappeared with his family. The Nation 9 January 2009 By The Nation, Hua Hin "The only agenda we have..." Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya [bio] said this morning Thailand should be more strategic and proactive in Thai-US relations, instead of reacting to the US foreign policy and requests. Kasit told international participants at "Refreshing Thai-US Relations" conference, in Hua Hin that Thailand and US should "plot strategically together and work vigorously to face challenges posed by globalization." As a former Thai envoy to the US, Kasit said Thai-US friendship of more than 175-year-old ties are fundamentally strong but they do need to reinvigorate their friendship and make bilateral cooperation more tangible and meaningful. In his first foreign policy speech, Kasit said that the Abhisit government will conduct the country's foreign policy in transparent and accountable ways without hidden agendas or vested interests. "The only agenda we have is to protect the interest of Thai people and the country," he reiterated The new governments of Thailand and US, he pointed out, shared many commonalities--new, young and dynamic--led by young leaders who have visions to see strong engagements and cooperation with one another. "I am optimistic that both countries could work for better relations." The conference was organized by the American Studies Program, Chulalongkorn Univerity's Institute of Security and International Studies. Surin Accident Record Down From 2008 Surin province reports its accident tally at the end of the 7 dangerous days with 112 injuries and 5 deaths from an overall 105 accidents throughout the province. Surin province summarized on the accident tally at the end of the 7 dangerous days from December 30, 2008 – January 5, 2009 that, a total number of 105 accidents was witnessed and resulted in 5 deaths, of which 3 of them were males and 2 were females, as 4 of them were local residents. A total number of 112 injured cases were also reported, as 95 of them were males and 17 were females. Motorcycles were accounted for 80% of road accidents in the province, while drunk-driving and speeding held about 40% of total death tolls. Surin Deputy Governor Mr. Wirat Limsuwat revealed that accidents during the New Year Festival 2009 were 44.44% less than those in the previous year, while the number of injured victims was decreased by 29.11%. An earlier report... Surin governor Mr.Pramoj Sanyalak (ปราโมทย์ สัญลักษณ์) revealed details about the measures aimed at preventing and reducing road accidents during New Year festival between December 28 December, 2008 and January 3, 2009 or being set as seven dangerous days proned to accidents. Mr. Pramoj urged provincial officials to prepare plans to prevent road accidents at main and minor roads because a great number of people were expected to use the roads during the holiday festival. In addition, Surin provincial officials would strictly enforce relevant laws and regulations in an effort to reduce the accidents. Officials also planned to hold daily meeting to examine the problems and determine solutions. Surin province had 136 road accidents, nine deaths and 158 being injured during 2008 New Year festival. Death Toll Rises To Sixty Four BANGKOK, January 5, 2009 (TNA) A japanese reveller succumbed to severe burns from the New Year's Eve inferno at a luxury nightclub in a prime Bangkok entertainment venue late Sunday, bringing the death toll to 64, a senior public health ministry official said on Monday. Dr. Chatree Charoentheerakul, Secretary-General of the Institute of Emergency Medical Services, said Keiichi Wada, 25, was pronounced dead at 9.05pm at Chulalongkorn Hospital, four days after the fire at the Santika Club on Ekamai Road. By early Monday, 68 of the injured victims were still receiving treatment in various hospitals, 35 in intensive care units, according to Dr. Chatree. Police General Jongrak Jutanont, Deputy National Police Commissioner, said the investigators had interviewed survivors to establish the cause of the blaze, which was yet to be concluded. Police did not rule out the possiblility that the cause of the fire could have been caused by either stage effects used by the club, or fireworks lit by a customer, Gen. Jongrak said. Suriya Rit-rabue, managing director of White & Brothers (2003) Co and registered owner of the pub, will face charges of recklessly causing other people's deaths and allowing customers aged under 20 into the pub, as a 17-year-old high school student was found among the dead, Gen. Jongrak said. The major partner of the Santika Club, Wisuth Setsawat, said he had initially compensated relatives of 11 of the dead Bt20,000 each and had collected money totalling Bt2 million from 12 other partners of the club to be distributed to the next-of-kin of the fatalities and those survivors who were injured. A centre will be set up Monday to accept donations aimed at assisting inferno victims, Mr. Wisuth said, insisting that the incident would leave his partners and him unable to claim insurance money because their coverage had expired four months ago and they did not renew it. (TNA) Early Elections Turnout Heavy 4 January 2008 Translated from NE News Center Buriram residents began casting ballots at local election centers for members of Parliament, with 21,300 voters from two districts casting their votes. Most were reported to residents who were working in other provinces of the country. Thawee Khunkrau, director of Buriram provincial elections committee, indicated that voter turnout for the by-election was heavy and voter interest high. Club fire Raises Several Questions, Including the old bribery one... BANGKOK, January 2, 2009 (TNA) Thailand's Minister of Interior has ordered authorities involved to inspect safety measures at entertainment venues in Bangkok and throughout Thailand and outline measures to prevent possible accidents following a New Year fire at a packed Bangkok club which killed 60 partygoers. Interior minister Chavarat Charnvirakul said during his visit to Chulalongkorn Hospital where blaze victims from the New Year’s blaze at Santika Club were being treated that law enforcement in fire safety and the building code must be stepped up. “We should learn from this tragic event and come up with measures to avoid repeating the same mistakes. There should be random inspections on safety measures to be conducted by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials,” said the interior minister. Thai officials said so far 11 charred bodies were still unidentified from the Santika blaze and the death toll had risen to 60. Thirty-five foreigners were among the nearly 250 people injured in the fire on New Year's Eve. According to Chulalongkorn Hospital director Adisorn Pataradul, his hospital was treating 12 people injured in the blaze, and one of two critically-injured patients was a Japanese national, Keiichi Wada. Department of Information director-general Tharit Charungvat said Chinese ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jiuhuan had sent a message of condolence regarding the loss of lives and injuries in the fire. China was also to send medical supplies worth US$500,000 for treatment of the fire victims, due to arrive in Thailand on Saturday. Police Maj. Gen. Jongrak Jutanont said police had interviewed witnesses and survivors to establish the cause of the blaze, which was yet to be concluded. “Now the initial allegation is the club operator broke the law by allowing people under the age of 20 to enter the club,” he said. Gen. Jongrak said a seventeen-year-old was found dead in the fire. Police will press charges against the club’s owner, who was reportedly being treated in a hospital. The Police Chief added the incident was not likely arson, as the club’s insurance had expired in mid 2008. (TNA) By: Bangkok Post Published: 3/01/2009 at 01:30 AM Owner Wisuk Setsawat and others responsible for the Santika pub, which caught fire on Thursday causing the loss of 59 lives, will face legal action for admitting underage revellers, letting its insurance lapse and not having an operating licence. Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Jongrak Chuthanont said the owner of Santika on Ekamai road applied for an operating licence in 2004, but the request was rejected because construction was unfinished at the time. The owner then asked the Administrative Court to temporarily approve the operation, which it did. Deputy city clerk Wanwilai Phromlakhano said the pub building received a construction permit when it was built in 2003. However, approval of the operating licence rested with police, who were in dispute with the owner of the building. Ms Wanwilai did not elaborate. Pol Maj-Gen Chokechai Deeprasert, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau's Division 5, said Santika was not insured. Its insurance coverage expired four months ago and was not extended as the pub lease contract was about to expire. As the insurance had expired, police have ruled out the possibility of arson. However, experts have yet to conclude whether the fire started by accident, Pol Maj-Gen Chokechai said. Police were waiting for Santika pub owner Wisuk Setsawat to show up for questioning. Pol Maj-Gen Chokechai said he did not know when Mr Wisuk would turn up and added that the pub owner suffered a respiratory problem in the fire. Mr Wisuk was hospitalised but police said his whereabouts were not immediately known. Police will call Chris Pongpithaya, the owner of the pub building, and Suriya Ritrabue, the pub manager, for interrogation instead. Worapot Inthulak, chief of the Watthana district office, said an early investigation attributed the fire to fireworks set off inside the building during the Santika's farewell party that night. He said the fireworks set ablaze materials inside the building. The fire killed 59 people and injured at least 243. Twenty-one bodies, 14 of which had been taken to Chulalongkorn hospital, still could not be identified. Nantana Sitthisak, head of Chulalongkorn hospital's forensics department, said six of the 14 bodies were burned beyond recognition. An autopsy report shows all were Asian women. Another two days to a week would be needed to complete the body identification process, she said. A body identification centre has been set up at the Thong Lor police station. Pol Lt-Gen Danai Wongthai, chief of the Police Forensic Science Department, said identification would have to rely on DNA tests. Some of the dead's relatives filed complaints on Friday. Yai Waythita from Pattani said her younger brother who died in the Santika fire always carried his ID card and 10,000 baht in cash with him, but both were missing. Patthida Phosri, who lost her husband Arthithep, said she had first seen the body of her husband wearing a gold necklace weighing five-baht and two gold-framed amulets, but the valuables later disappeared. Another Bangkok bar caught fire early Friday, but there were no casualties. The four-storey Rawhide bar on Soi Cowboy off Sukhumvit Soi 23 caught fire after hours. A faulty electric connection to decorations on a Christmas tree was blamed. The mezzanine floor and ceiling tiles on the first floor were damaged but no one was injured because the fire happened after the pub had closed. Like the Santika, the Rawhide bar had been full of customers on New Year's Eve, but was very quiet in the early hours of Friday. Fire at popular Santika Pub in Ekkamai Soi 9 - Sukhumvit 63 1 January 2009 The Nation Wednesday night, killing nearly 60 people celebrating the New Year countdown and injuring many others, police said. TV Channel 7 reported that at least 59 people were killed and more than 200 injured. TV footages showed the entire three-storey structure, which covered hundreds of squaremetres, on fire. Tearful revellers were being comforted by friends. Firemen were alerted shortly after midnight but when they arrived at the three-story building, pandemonium was already breaking out with hundreds of people scrambling for their lives. Charity foundations' workers were trying to bring New Year celebrators out the narrow front door one by one. A lot of people remained trapped inside the most popular pub in the area when the firemen arrived, screaming for help. It took two hours to bring the blaze under control. Police said at least 54 people were killed and scores were injured. It was believed hundreds were inside the popular pub. Some pub workers told police that the fire was likely caused by firework explosions which set alight the pub's interior which housed many inflammable materials. One pub worker told reporters that the explosions were heard shortly after the New Year countdown ended. "After the explosions, someone shouted 'Fire!"," the pub worker said. Fire started on the top floor and spread quckly, the pub worker said. The quick smoke caused immediate panic, sending people scrambling to the front door where they had come in. Most of them were unaware there were three other exits, the pub worker said. The exact number of people injured remained unknown. Many have been sent to 14 hospitals including Ramkhamhaeng, Bangkok, Kluaynam Thai 2, Vipa-Ram hospitals. The pub worker said up to 1,000 people could have been inside when the fire broke out. One man, Somchai Frendi, who was inside the pub when the fire broke out, said the blaze was caused by a "special-effect" firework to usher in the New Year. It made the ceiling, which was made largely of inflammable sound-proof materials, catch fire which spread very quickly. The fire and smoke sent people on the second floor scrambling downstairs while those on the ground floor also rushed for the door. But with most people knowing only one exit _ through which they had come in _ they crammed the space and the results were deadly. The pub's promotion poster called the New Year Party "Goodbye Santika", apparently because the pub owner was planning to move to a new venue as the lease on the property could not be extended. Those who died either suffered severe burns or were suffocated by smoke, police said. Red-clad Demonstrators To Rally Continuously BANGKOK, December 28, 2008 Thailand News Agency Red-clad demonstrators will rally continuously on December 29-30, when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will deliver the government's policy statement, according to Veera Musikapong, a leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD). The UDD leaders began addressing the demonstrators at 4pm from their Sanam Luang platform on Sunday, one day ahead of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's delivery of the government's policy statement in Parliament. Mr. Veera said UDD leader Nuttawut Saikua planned to talk on stage about financial support from TPI Polene Pcl to the Democrat Party and show evidence of money transaction. He said the wrongdoing can be punished by the party's dissolution. UDD leader Chatuporn Promphan said that the UDD will announce at 8 pm Sunday evening whether it will move its widely publicised protest to Parliament to pressure the government on Monday or not. If there is no so-called 'third party' joining the protesters and the UDD leader can control the crowd to protest in a peaceful manner, he said, the group will move to Parliament. After the New Year the UDD activists will decide whether to prolong their protest, he added. About 5,000 police officers have reinforced security at Parliament. Meanwhile, Puea Thai party spokesman Pormpong Nopparit said that the content of 40,000 pamphlets distributed by the police in Bangkok, surrounding areas and other provinces is considered threatening. The pamphlets said those, who obstructed the government's policy statement delivery in the parliamentary seesion, would be charged with insurrection, said Pormpong. While calling on Prime Minister Abhisit to dissolve the parliament, he told those who received the pamphlets from the police that peaceful protests without weapons is not against the law. (TNA) BKK Governor Candidate No. 7 to promote city's true name 27 December 2008 NNBT Bangkok Governor Candidate No. 7, Issara Amornvech (อิสระ อมรเวช) this morning reveals his policy to place emphasis on drawing foreign tourists back to Thailand in order to remedy the economy. To do so, he will promote a competition to create logo for the capital for becoming an internationally recognized landmark. Mr. Issara stated that if he were to be elected as Bangkok Governor, he would hold a logo competition to create a symbol that would represent Bangkok, as what the Statue of Liberty has done to New York City. He remarked that the symbol might be a statue of peace or carry similar sentiments that would be constructed into a landmark. He also stated that if elected to the office, he would promote the city's actual name, Krungthep Mahanakorn, to the world instead of having the city known among foreigners as Bangkok, which is inaccurate. Internet Pornography Relegated To Second Place - After Lese Majeste! 26 December 2008 National News Bureau of Thailand Reported by Itiporn Lakarnchua ICT minister reports to first day of duty, swearing to tackle lèse majesté websites The Minister of Information and Communication Technology today's begin her first day of duty, indicating that the ministry will crackdown on websites defaming the Royal Institution. Minister of ICT Ranongruk Suwunchwee (ระนองรักษ์ สุวรรณฉวี) has today (December 26th) begun her first day of active duty. Speaking to the press after paying respect to the ministry's shrine, the minister indicated that the priority of the ministry is to deal with websites defaming the monarchy and committing lèse majesté as they are the most pressing matters. She also stated that the ministry will deal with ICT related problems directly impacting children, such as game addiction, pornography and online gambling. The minister assured that she can handle the position as she was once a minister before. She said she has not yet appointed an advisory team or set policies for the ministry, saying that she will wait until the Prime Minister delivers the government policy statement to the parliament. Mrs Ranongruk assured that her ministry would officially declare all policies on January 5th. 25 December 2008 Thai News Agency UDD Learned From PAD The anti-government "Red-Shirts" on Thursday vowed to gather one day before the government policy statement is delivered at Parliament and to protest indefinitely until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolves the House of Representatives as the group distrusts the prime minister to run the country. Leaders of the red-clad pro-Thaksin Shinawatra group, the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) and the TV talk show programme hosts of 'Truth Today', a programme which was recently removed from state-run television NBT, affirmed that they would hold a peaceful mass protest against the Democrat-led coalition government. Key UDD leader and veteran politician Veera Musikapong, a Truth Today host, said the mass protest would be held at Sanam Luang on Sunday from 3pm. The aim of the gathering is to show their disapproval of the newly-appointed premier who, Mr. Veera accused, evaded conscription into military service. The government will present its policy to Parliament on Monday and Tuesday (December 29-30). "Mr. Abhisit is not qualified for the premiership as he avoided military conscription. His behaviour violates the constitutional law and the UDD can't trust him to lead the country," Mr. Veera said. Referring to reported attempts to prevent UDD members in the provinces to join the Bangkok rally this weekend, Jatuporn Prompan, another 'Truth Today' host and a Puea Thai Party MP, said that the blockades cannot stop the anti-government UDD from protesting. A third 'Truth Today' host, Nattawut Saikuea, who was a government spokesman for the Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat administrations, said that the group would adopt new strategy to fight against the Abhisit government. House dissolution is the only target of the group, he said. Mr. Nattawut said some UDD will rally at Parliament Monday but will not use the same methods that the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) used against the previous governments, particularly the seizure of Government House. The UDD will focus on the draft-dodger issue, the appointment of PAD-related Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, and the funding of the Democrat Party. "We will set up a new structure for the Red-Shirts," Mr. Nattawut said. "There will be a red-shirted legal expert team to handle lawsuits, red-shirted medics to take care of members well-being, and a team of red-shirted academics to provide useful advice." In early 2009, the UDD plans to protest in every province and distribute its information to members worldwide. In response to the UDD rally at Sanam Luang Sunday and Parliament on Monday, police plan to maintain security for members of parliament attending the two-day policy statement session. Police officers thoroughly inspected the Parliament premises in order to prepare exits for MPs in case of any blockade. (TNA) 24 December 2008 Thai National News Agency Buses Ready To go For New Year Nakhon Ratchasrima's mass transportation is all set for 2009 New Year Northeastern Nakhon Ratchasrima province has provided full security for passengers traveling by buses around the clock. Mr. Wattana Phattarachol (วัฒนา พัทรชนม์), Nakhon Ratchasrima province's transport division official, revealed today (December 24) that the Nakhon-Ratchasrima bus number 21 had three entrepreneurs: Air Kho Rat Company, Ratchasrima Tour Company and Suranari Air Company with a total of approximately 210 buses. Their regular daily schedules of passengers' transportation consisted of 180 and 220 pick-up and drop-offs trips. But during the New Year festival or any other festivals when there were increased significant of passengers, the number of pick up and drop offs trips would be available around the clock. To ensure passengers' safety during the festivals, a programme which drivers would be checked for their conditions before driving would be provided. Also, reserved drivers would be implemented. The province has conducted random safety tests and have determined that they were in perfect condition for the upcoming New Year festival. 23 December 2008 Translated from Kunthaluk website http://www.kunthaluk.com/news/show.php?Category=sisaket&No=164 Side-by-side fake and genuine 1,000 Baht banknotes. Srisaket – Merchants and people of Srisaket shocked over widespread distribution of take 1,000 Baht banknotes, beg counterfeiters to cease, pointing to already poor state of the economy. Srisaket’s police commissioner, however, says the province has not yet experienced incoming fake notes. Mr. Wira Thamtom, aged, 34, owner of Warisra store, fresh beef, of the ton Maleu fresh market, stated that he had been following news of the fake banknotes since the story surfaced. He indicated that while he was concerned he was concerned but had not turned down 1,000 Baht notes. Another merchant, 42 year-old Mrs. Wanphen Hongseto, said that while she was worried about fake banknotes she had also instructed her staff not to accept any while she was away on business. Authorities indicate that according to latest checks, they had not discovered any fake 1,000 Baht banknotes in circulation in the province. 20 December 2008 Agency Reports Thai Cabinet Lineup, Actual - Changes From Proposed With Asterisk The following Thai cabinet appointments were made by Thailand's new Democrat-led government: Deputy Prime Ministers: Kobsak Sabhavasu, Suthep Thaugsuban, Sanan Kajornprasart PM's Office Minister: Veerachai Veerametheekul Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister: Theera Wongsamut Commerce Ministry Minister: Pornthiwa Nakasai Deputy: Alongkorn Ponlaboot Culture Minister: Thira Salakphet Defence Minister: Gen Prawit Wongsuwan Education Ministry Minister: Jurin Laksanavisit Deputy: Chaivuth Bannavat, Narisarat Chawaltanpithak * Energy Minister: Wannarat Channukul Finance Ministry Minister: Korn Chatikavanij Deputy: Dr Pruektichai Damrongrat (PPD)*, Pradit Phataraprasit Foreign Minister: Kasit Piromya Industry Minister: Charnchai Chairungrueng* Information and Communication Technology Minister: Ranongruk Suwanchawee* Interior Ministry Minister: Chavarat Charnvirakul Deputy: Boonjong Wongtrairat, Thavorn Senniam Justice Minister: Peeraphan Saleerattavipak Labour Minister: Paitoon Kaewthong Natural Resources and Environment Minister: Suvit Khunkitti Public Health Minister: Witthaya Kaewparadai Science and Technology Minister: Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich Social Development and Human Security Minister: Vithoon Nambutr Tourism and Sports Minister: Chumphol Silpa-archa Transport Ministry Minister: Sopon Zarum Deputy: Prajak Klaewklaharn, Kuarkul Danphisitchaikul Democrats Pull It Off, Red Shirts Put Off BANGKOK, December 15, 2008 (TNA) About a hundred red-shirted demonstrators blocked access to Parliament and threw bricks at vehicles belonging to departing members of parliament, following Monday morning's critical vote, injuring one journalist and three MPs in their cars and damaging 30 vehicles after Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva won the vote as Thailand's new prime minister. Disgruntled supporters of ousted, self-exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra threw plastic bottles into the Parliament grounds and dragged police barricades to block the intended departure of the lawmakers after the vote finished around 11am. Riot police negotiated with the protesters and were able to open exits for MPs to leave Parliament after a ten-minute altercation between the angry demonstrators and the authorities. However, some protesters threw bricks pulled up from the footpaths at MPs vehicles, particularly from the Democrat Party. Democrat MPs Peeraphan Saleeratwipak and Thana Cheerawinit as well as Puea Pandin MP Chaiyod Chiramethakorn were injured in the incident when their cars were attacked. Meanwhile, some protesters kicked at vehicles of the MPs, and a bottle of liquid believed to be acid was thrown toward a group of red-shirted protesters, but no one was injured. Protest leaders later told red-shirted group to disperse at Puea Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan's request for fear of any violence caused by a possible third party, so police could open traffic on Sukhothai Road. Some protesters announced that they would gather at a community radio station in Soi Vibhavadi 3 and at Sanam Luang. (TNA) Upbeat Isaan Note Re. Thai Politics Translated from Korat Daily – Northeasterner Year 34, Issue 1722, 12-15 December 2008 Speed-up to solve economic problems, favorable polar change in politics Northeastern leaders want to see an image of a neutral 27th prime minister, not inflexible, not dishonest, who will speed up solving economic problems for the nation to advance. After the Constitutional Court ruled for dissolution of three political parties – that is, the People Power Party, Chart Thai and Machisimatippatai – and decided to prohibit the party leaders and executives from politics for five years, which impacted the government led by Mr. Somchai Wongsawat to be removed from its station, including all cabinet members – this all became the center of attention from many parties and shifted attention to the new party, Pheua Thai (For Thailand),  Prachathipatai (Demmocracy), or caretaker administration would proceed with setting up a government and fill cabinet seats with a new 28th prime minister to administer the country. Emphasis on life being most important As to opinions regarding a new prime minister, Nong Khai’s lord mayor [Thai language municipality of Nong Khai page] Mr. Songphol Kowit Sirikul, disclosed to Korat Daily Easterner that the prime minister he wants is a person who comes into office to work for the advancement of the nation and not just walk back and forth or regress. Because currently politics has already been damaged enough, including creating divisiveness of people in the country, including economic problems that are now important. Full Thai language report available here. BANGKOK, December 12, 2008 (TNA) Another Thaksin Puppet Not Acceptable The anti-Thaksin People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) declared on Friday its opposition to any possibility that the next prime minister come from the Puea Thai Party or any others of the previous coalition government. The group also lodged a dozen demands sought from the likely new Democrat Party-led coalition government. PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said the demands included calls for the new government to accelerate investigation concerning lese majeste charges against key members of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), Veera Musikapong and Jakrapob Penkair, former minister to the prime minister's office. The PAD also reasserted its opposition to constitutional amendment attempts, Mr. Suriyasai said, called for revoking former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's diplomatic passport, and demanded that the new government bring the deposed premier to face corruption charges in Thailand. In addition, the PAD called on the government to penalise the police officers accountable for the crackdown on anti-government protesters that resulted in two deaths during the October 7 street clashes near the Parliament: Deputy Police Chief Pol. Gen. Jongrak Juthanond, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol. Lt-Gen Suchart Muenkaew and Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol. Maj-Gen. Amnuay Nimmano. Additionally, the PAD called for the 'Truth Today' TV news talk to be banned from being broadcast. (TNA) Vote - New Prime Minister on Monday, December 15 BANGKOK, December 11, 2008 (TNA) Thailand's House of Representatives will vote for a new prime minister on Monday after His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej approved a royal decree for an extraordinary session of Parliament, according to House Speaker Chai Chidchob. "The meeting is scheduled on Monday at 9:30 am," the House Speaker said on Thursday. Earlier, the Democrat Party gathered names of all its MPs in the House of Representatives for submission to the House Speaker to petition his opening of an extraordinary session of Parliament to elect a new prime minister. The rival Democrat and the Puea Thai parties are now vying to form a new government, with both claiming they have enough Members of Parliament on their side to form a new government. The new prime minister will succeed Somchai Wongsawat, who was barred from politics for five years by the Constitution Court on December 2 in last year's electoral fraud case. The court ruling also dissolved the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and two of its coalition partners -- the Chart Thai and Machimathipataya parties. (TNA) Four small parties to form coalition government with Democrats But can it work when it fell through before? A potential horror story for Thailand's future - Democrats stooping to Newin's level. BANGKOK, December 9, 2008 (TNA) In an attempt to ease political 'confusions' in Thailand, four small political parties which formerly were coalition parties in the ruling government reasserted their intent to join the Democrat Party in forming a coalition government. The former coalition government was comprised of the People Power Party (PPP), as the core of the coaltion, and the Chart Thai, Puea Pandin, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, Pracharat and Matchimatipataya parties. The Puea Thai Party, a new party set up recently to absorb the PPP legislators who have been forced to seek a new political home after the Constitution Court on December 2 ordered the dissolution of the PPP and two allied parties in the coalition -- the Chart Thai and the Matchimathipataya parties -- relating to fraud conducted during the general election held in December last year. The executives of the three parties, including former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, were forced to leave their posts and are not allowed to enter politics for five years. MPs of the dissolved parties have 60 days to join a new party. Senior officials of the four parties -- the Chart Thai Pattana (formerly Chart Thai), Puea Pandin, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, and MPs of the disbanded Matchimatipataya parties told a joint press conference after a meeting that they would stand firm on their commitment announced on Saturday that they would join Democrat to form the new government and support Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as the new prime minister. They also affirmed they had decided to work together from now on and agreed to commit to not contesting with one another in the by-election coming soon. They would allow a party whose member won in the previous general election, held in December last year, but was stripped later due to electoral fraud charges, to field a new candidate to run in a by-election. Caretaker deputy prime minister Maj-Gen. Sanan Kajornprasart, chief adviser of the defunct Chart Thai Party, now Chart Thai Pattana, said Mr. Abhisit would be first choice for Prime Minister but all the four parties would reconsider if Mr. Abhisit cannot become prime minister. The Puea Thai Party charged Mr. Abhisit, of evading army conscription. He was studying overseas when he was 18, at which age all Thai men must register for military service. But Mr. Abhisit had argued that he was not a draft dodger because he later served in the military as a lecturer at the military academy. The House of Representatives is expected to open next week for an extraordinary session to elect a new prime minister. (TNA) BANGKOK, December 7, 2008 (TNA) Democrat Bravado Claims Victory Thailand [reportedly] moved closer Sunday to resolving its ongoing political impasse as former Ministry of Interior permanent secretary Yongyuth Vichaidit was elected to lead the newly-formed Pheu Thai Party (PTP) and try to form a new government. The Democrat Party, however, is confident that it can effectively join with members of parliament from smaller parties which were allied with the PTP's predecessor party in the previous government to set up a new administration, bringing the Democrats out of opposition. Mr. Yongyuth's nomination for the leadership of PTP, set up recently to absorb members of parliament (MPs) from the now defunct People Power Party (PPP), was unchallenged. The PTP also received applications from MPs of the three dissolved political parties wishing to join it. The PPP, formerly the ruling party of former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, and two other parties in the coalition government were disbanded following the verdict Tuesday by the Constitutional Court that party leaders committed fraud during the general election held in December 2007. Executives of the three dissolved parties are now banned from entering politics for five years. However, rank-and-file members of parliament of the dissolved parties wishing to continue in political life must become members of new parties within 60 days, according to the Constitution. The PTP and the Democrat parties are competing to form a new government with members of both camps engaging in mud-slinging. Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban reiterated Sunday that parties in the former government would join his party in establishing a new coalition government with Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as prime minister. He denied that military leaders were involved in forming the new government, but said that "old influential power groups" were on the scene and that money being offered to political parties in exchange for influence. Mr. Suthep said his party would "approach outsiders" to help administer the country if the Democrats are able to form a new coalition government. (TNA) Youths Burn Nakhon Ratchasima Corrections Center NAKHON RATCHASIMA, December 6, 2008 (TNA) About 500 detained young men residents of a juvenile detention centre went berserk late Friday following the appointment of a new director whom they claimed was overly strict. The rampaging youth burned three buildings located inside a juvenile detention centre in this northeastern province, a senior police officer said Saturday. Pol. Col. Pongdej Prom-michit, deputy police chief of Nakhon Ratchasima, said the incident took place when detainees at the centre became wild and destroyed over 10 buildings at the centre, three being totally damaged. Three structures -- an office building, a reception building and a training center -- were burned to the ground. Damages were initially estimated at Bt20-30 million. A total of 66 youths escaped during the violence but 34 were again taken into custody, Col. Col. Pongdej said, but 32 are still at large. Parents and relatives of the 32 youths still on the run have been urged by the authorities to help locate the delinquent youths, he said, and encourage the young men to return to custody. The violence erupted after youths at the centre were dissatisfied with the appointment of a new director, Tassanawilai Krainara, whom they said was too strict as she did not permit programme participants to bring anything except clothes to the centre. Mrs. Tassanawilai has declined to talk to journalists. (TNA) Suvarnabhumi International Airport Resumes Full Service BANGKOK, December 5, 2008 (TNA) Thailand's main airport, Suvarnabhumi International Airport, officially resumed full service again at 11am on December 5 after thousands of anti-government protesters ended their siege at the airport on Wednesday, with happy passengers lining up at check-in counters since 6am, altogether in a festive atmosphere. Traditionally-clad dancers and rural kathin players beating gongs and drums greeted departing passengers with apologies from the people of Thailand, in elegant processions organised by the Ministry of Culture. The first three flights were provided by Thai Airways International, Thai Air Asia, and Bangkok Airways, while varied international airlines were to gradually resume their flights later in the day, with it being expected that a total of more than 100 flights would operate Friday. Only a few problems was reported including the flight schedule screen displayed outdated information for example, "cancelled" while some flight was slightly delayed. Acting Transport Minister Santi Prompat had inspected the readiness of the airport as officials from many agencies including the Department of Civil Aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the International Air Transport Association and the Airport Operation Committee who together observed the airport in operation on Friday morning to ensure passenger safety and security. Customs Department director general Uthit Thammawathin said the department – and Thailand -- had suffered the loss of revenue from taxes and duties amounting to hundreds of million baht as many cargo shipments were stranded because of the closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. The director-general said he has instructed the customs officials to strictly inspect the cargo as the smugglers may take this opportunity to smuggle or transfer illegal goods during the time the officials tried to clear the stranded cargo. BANGKOK, December 4, 2008 (TNA) His Majesty To Forego Birthday Speech Due To Illness Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej failed to deliver his traditional birthday-eve speech to the nation Thursday due to his ill health, the crown prince announced on Thursday. HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn made the announcement in a national address broadcast via national radio that a mild illness prompted his father to be unable to deliver the speech on the eve of his 81st birthday. "His Majesty asked me to thank you on his behalf for the best wishes given and to wish his subjects to stay physically and mentally strong to perform their duties,'' the crown prince said. The crown prince's sister, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, said the king's condition is mild. "His Majesty has a throat infection but no fever. He is now on a saline drip with poor appetite," the princess said. On the eve of his annual birthday, King Bhumibol, who has been reigning in the country for 62 years, usually delivers his speech to senior government officials, representatives of the legislative and judicial branches as well as well-wishers across the spectrum of society who were granted an audience at a ceremonial throne hall to wish him a happy birthday. Thais cherish the monarch's sage advice with utmost importance and they usually return the king's goodwill with love and devotion. The world's longest-reigning monarch played a crucial role in resolving national crises, providing counsel and moral support to his subjects for decades. His speeches over the past few years have focused on national unity amid a continuing political crisis between government supporters and opponents which has dragged on for years. (TNA) Suvarnabhumi Airport ready to resume full service Friday SAMUT PRAKAN, December 4, 2008 (TNA) Suvanabhumi Airport will be fully functional on December 5 from 11am onwards, according to Serirat Prasutanond, director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, after thousands of anti-government protesters ended their siege at the airport on Wednesday. However, the airport has already opened to serve passengers for inbound and outbound flights Thursday, although outbound passengers must report at temporary check-in counters at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Bangna on the eastern approaches to Bangkok. The check-in counters were moved to BITEC to facilitate passengers departing via U-Tapao, the military airport which temporarily replaced Suvarnabhumi, which was shut down by protesters from November 25 to December 3. AoT will be able to resume full operation of the check-in counter system on Friday at about 11am. Mr. Serirat, who is also acting president of the Airports of Thailand (AoT) said that a total of 101 flights from a number of airlines had already informed the airport authorities for their aircraft to land and take off at Suvarnabhumi Airport. He said that the airport invited officials from many agencies including the Department of Civil aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the International Air Transport Association and the Airport Operation Committee to observe the airport in operation on Friday morning to ensure passenger safety and security. (TNA) BANGKOK, December 2, 2008 (TNA) Constitutional Court Strips Thaksin Brother-in-Law PM From Office Anti-government protest leaders officially announced they would end their week-long siege of Bangkok’s two main airports on Wednesday morning. Sondhi Limthongkul, a key People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader, announced victory after the Constitution court stripped Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat of his post and dissolved the ruling People Power Party and its coalition partners the Matchimatipataya Party and Chart Thai Party for electoral fraud during elections in December 2007. Serirat Prasutanont, chief of the Suvarnabhumi airport and acting director of Airports of Thailand (AoT), said the AoT needed to clean up and inspect security and damage at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Suvarnabhumi would remain closed until December 15, he said. [Note: This date was advanced to 5 December by Airport authorities.] Cargo services resumed operation on Tuesday, with eight cargo-flights landing at Suvarnabhumi airport in the evening. Mr. Serirat reiterated Thai people should never use airports as a tool for political strategy. Meanwhile, PAD protesters were still occupying the airport areas. The airport was shut down since last Tuesday after PAD protesters stormed the terminal and blocked the runways. The shut down has left hundreds of thousands of foreign travellers stranded in Thailand. (TNA) Thai Government Forced To Dissolve By Courts BANGKOK, December 2, 2008 (TNA) The ongoing political turbulence in Thailand entered a new phase Tuesday after the Constitutional Court judged that the ruling People Power Party (PPP), headed by embattled Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, and two parties in his coalition were guilty of electoral fraud in last December's general election, and ordered them dissolved. Under the 2007 constitution, written by appointees of the September 2006 coupmakers, senior executives of the PPP and two other parties -- Chart Thai and Matchimathipataya -- would be banned from politics for five years. MPs of the three parties must move to new parties within 60 days in order to retain their parliamentary seats. The court ruled to convict the senior executives of the three coalition parties of vote buying in the general election held in December 2007. Mr. Somchai did not attend the court session but presided over the weekly Cabinet meeting, convened in the northern province of Chiang Mai. He will also have to leave his office. But Yuenyat Jaisamut, a lawyer of PPP, said before the verdict was made that his party would not accept the court ruling because no formal advance notice was given to PPP that the verdict, instead of being handed down at the Constitutional Court, would be given at the Administrative Court building. Charging that the Constitutional Court had no right to move the site of the ruling and that such a change of venue was against the law, Mr. Yuenyat said the accused officers of the PPP were unable to appear for the ruling. For that reason, he said, the party considered the ruling to be null and void. The Court decided to move the site to the Administrative Court after angry government supporters gathered at the Constitutional Court since early in the day on Tuesday in a bid to pressure and prevent the nine judges from attending the session. Soon after the verdict was issued, government spokesman Natthawut Saikuea said the three remaining parties in the coalition government would carry on forming a coalition government. Acknowledging the Court's verdict, Mr. Somchai said tersely that he had "done everything for the happiness (of the people) of Thailand". (TNA) 1,000 Outgoing Passengers Per Hour... Thai Tourism Minister Weerasak Kowsurat in spoof photo...Readers note that he is deputy leader of the Chart Thai Party which is very possibly to be dissolved this week. His party leader, known for distributing vote payments, is known as Mr. ATM. International Balloon Festival in NE (Click on image for website) Given the country's current impasse between the People's Alliance for Democracy and the government, which has led to airport closures, will participants and observers be able to make it to this colorful festival?   BANGKOK, December 1, 2008 (TNA) Thailand's Minister of Tourism and Sports assured on Monday all 240,000 stranded passengers could board flights to their destinations within 10 days as Vietnam war-era U-tapao naval airport has been serving a great number of inbound and outbound passengers. The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy protesters continue to occupy Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport and Don Mueang airports. The two airports have been closed since early last week, causing tens of thousands of international travellers to be stranded while thousands of Thais abroad are unable to return home. U-tapao security chief Captain Somnuek Kaewmarerng said about 400 flights had so far used the U-tapao Naval airport, carrying 50,000 passengers. Check-in counters at Bitec exhibition center in Bangna were now up and running around the clock to accommodate more passengers to check in for their flights and board buses to U-Tapao airport. Passengers are advised to arrive at Bi-Tec 7 hours before their flight departure time. All check-in locations at six hotels in Bangkok, meanwhile, were closed on Monday. Minister of Tourism and Sports Weerasak Kowsurat said another check in location at Muang Thong Thani will be ready by Wednesday. It will serve passengers leaving for Nakorn Ratchasima airport which can accommodate three Boeing 737s at one time. Bangkok Airways will operate 2 departing flights daily from Hua Hin airport departing at 2 pm and 5 pm to Samui airport for passengers to connect to Hong Kong. All foreign passengers falling sick are eligible for free medical care at all private or public hospitals, according to the Public Health Minister Chalerm Yubumrung. (TNA) BANGKOK, December 1, 2008 (Thai New Agency) 'Sitting Ducks' Decide To Move - to Airport! Frequent grenade and shooting attacks in recent weeks on the anti-Somchai government Peoples' Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters occupying Government House since August 26, the long-standing occupation of Thailand's seat of government was lifted Monday, not as a change of heart regarding the policy, but to reinforce their fellow protesters at the capital's two airports. Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, a key PAD leader, told protesters occupying Government House that it is better for them to leave the compound and join their PAD compatriots occupying Don Mueang domestic airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport, but for their personal safety and because the airports are more politically sensitive than the traditional centre of government. Demonstrating at the two airports has proven more effective than staying at Government House, Gen. Chamlong said. It was unclear whether PAD security guards will continue to occupy Government House. The protesters seized Government House on August 26, forcing his predecessor and the prime minister's staff to leave the compound. Mr. Somchai and his staff moved to Don Mueang airport, Bangkok's former international port of entry, the temporary site of the national government, but it was occupied by the protesters last Wednesday. By Monday afternoon, most protesters had left Government House and headed to the two airports. The protesters have demanded that Mr. Somchai resign unconditionally and not amend the 2007 charter. Meanwhile, security measures at Don Mueang airport have been tightened as police have joined PAD security personnel to patrol the area to prevent any third party from launching any violent attacks. Air Force commander-in-chief Air Chief Marshal Ittiporn Suppawong said he and his subordinates will help transport stranded foreigners so that they could return to their home countries. In echoing Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda's earlier request for Mr. Somchai to resign and return power to the people by holding a general election, ACM Ittiporn said the prime minister should resign because he has no office now and the country would suffer more as long as he stays on. On reports that pro-government supporters may be dissatisfied with whatever rulings to be made Tuesday by the Constitution Court which might dissolve three political parties, including the ruling People Power Party headed by Mr. Somchai, ACM Ittiporn said it is the duty of police to provide security and take severe action against lawbreakers. (TNA)       Versicherungsvergleich bei FinanzXL.de Private Krankenversicherung ab 57,99 Euro monatlich

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