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Rangsiman Rome Explains Leaving Protest Movement For Politics

By
Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer
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Rangsiman Rome, a former pro-democracy movement leader, registers Saturday as a member of the Future Forward Party.
Rangsiman Rome, a former pro-democracy movement leader, registers Saturday as a member of the Future Forward Party.

BANGKOK — One of Thailand’s most prominent pro-democracy activists is putting down his bullhorn and taking up mainstream politics.

Rangsiman Rome, one of the most visible faces among anti-coup and pro-election protesters, said Monday he will abandon street protests to join a new progressive party because he believes civilian politics needs help.

“If we have no strong political parties, it will be impossible for the fight for democracy to succeed,” Rangsiman said, adding that recent remarks by the new army chief raising the specter of another possible coup add to the urgency to support civilian politics.

Since founding the Democracy Restoration Group, 26-year-old Rangsiman has racked up almost as many criminal charges as the protests he’s helped lead. He said he thought long and hard before taking the plunge Saturday to become a lifetime member of the Future Forward Party of billionaire political novice Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.

Thanathorn is a former board member of Matichon Group, the parent company of Khaosod English.

Rangsiman said he’s ready to compete as an MP candidate for the party if chosen.

After saying earlier this year he didn’t plan on joining any party, Rangsiman said protests in May on the fourth anniversary of the coup changed his mind.

Rangsiman said that dramatic confrontation between security forces and protesters, which ended with him and some 20 other leaders arrested and charged with violating junta special orders, fell short.

“We gave everything we had, but what we expected didn’t materialized, be it elections this year or huge pressure [on the regime],” Rangsiman said.

The former activist said he chose Future Forward because it is unapologetically anti-junta and wants to check the military’s power over society. He also knows former law lecturer Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, a founder who now serves as party secretary general.

Asked what the loss will be for the movement he has helped lead for years, Rangsiman said it’s probably more psychological. Adopting the non-committal tone of professional politicians, Rangsiman said he’s willing to run as a candidate if asked, but could change his mind tomorrow.

Fellow pro-democracy protester Sirawith Seritiwat, who has also led street protests, said he was surprised by Rangsiman’s decision.

Sirawith said he understood that movement leaders had committed themselves to not joining any parties.

“The situation has changed, and I respect their decision,” Sirawith said, referring to the decision of Rangsiman and Piyarat Chongthep, another well-known pro-democracy activist who joined Future Forward on the same day. “They must think this is a way to elevate their struggle for democracy.”

Sirawith, also 26 and a former Rangsiman classmate at Thammasat University, said he’s chosen another path: seeking a scholarship to study political science in France or India next year.

Asked if the protest movement will be weakened with the departure of two key figures, Sirawith said it’s time for new leaders to step forward.

Related stories:
Protest Called Off After Police Seize Leaders by Force
Pro-Democracy Activist Rangsiman Rome Arrested, Again

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Leicester Mourns ‘A Great Man’ Who Made Them Champions

By
Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter
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Photo: AndyKingy / Twitter

LEICESTER, England — From Leicester to Bangkok and all over the internet, fans Monday were mourning the death of the billionaire football club owner who died in a helicopter crash.

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha’s death triggered an outpouring of tributes and grief less for the duty-free monopoly he built than the city he shepherded to Premier League supremacy.

Crowds gathered Sunday at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, spoke of his generous spirit.

A Leicester City football fan named Susan said Vichai and his family “always made a really big effort to take the fans into account. They’re always been very kind and generous,” referencing donations he made to local hospitals and charities. “They were different because they did exceptional things. They showed us warmth and generosity. They were very gracious and humble.”

Unlike other foreign owners of UK clubs, Vichai was widely admired for his attentiveness – not to mention engineering one of football’s greatest shockers in recent years when the unlikely team became champions.

Susan said Vichai always attended matches, unlike other club owners who “run the club like a business.”

“Everybody that you see here today is here for a very good reason, because they felt that he is part of the Leicester city family,” Susan said.

On Twitter, #VichaiSrivaddhanaprabha is trending today in both Thai and English, with football clubs and fans expressing their condolences.

“Everyone at #MUFC is deeply saddened to learn that the Leicester City chairman and four fellow passengers have lost their lives following last night’s tragic incident. Our deepest condolences are with their families, friends and those connected to the club,” Manchester United tweeted.

Thai professional footballers sponsored by Vichai, including Chanchai Wanchamroen, also gave their condolences, kneeling at a memorial set up outside the stadium.

“When we practice, he comes and watches us and gives us advice too,” Chanchai said.

Chanchai said he watched Saturday’s match and saw the helicopter go down shortly after it with Vichai aboard.

“I stood there watching. At first I didn’t think the helicopter fell. I was so surprised and shocked,” Chanchai said.

Meanwhile, at the King Power Complex in Bangkok, reporters were barred from entry and remained camped outside. Late Monday afternoon, the company released a statement that it was grieving his loss.

“The world has lost a good-hearted, generous, merciful person who gave himself to his family, those around him and Thailand, making him loved by everyone,” it read. “Under Khun Vichai’s leadership, all of us at King Power felt like we were part of his family.”

King Power also posted a page for people to leave condolences.

Read: Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Triumphed in Football and Business, Dead at 60

Artiwara Kongmalai, better known as rock star and charity runner Toon Bodyslam, credited King Power as his charity’s largest corporate supporter to the tune of tens of millions of baht.

“Without the support of Khun Vichai and King Power, many of Kao Kon La Kao’s activities would not have begun or ended successfully,” Toon wrote online Monday afternoon of his charity that raised millions for insolvent state hospitals.

In 2017, Forbes ranked Vichai the fourth richest person in Thailand with assets totalling 155 billion baht.

King Power became the country’s largest duty-free retailer after it was granted a controversial monopoly concession to Suvarnabhumi International Airport by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 2004. King Power maintains a monopoly over the entire duty-free market, and has been the subject of legal action alleging it failed to pay billions of baht owed to the government.

In Leicester, he is just the wealthy man who made football dreams come true.

“In Khun Vichai, the world has lost a great man. A man of kindness, of generosity and a man whose life was defined by the love he devoted to his family and those he so successfully led. Leicester City was a family under his leadership,” the Leicester City club tweeted at 10pm Sunday local time. “It is as a family that we will grieve his passing and maintain the pursuit of a vision for the Club that is now his legacy.”

In Thai media, Vichai was remembered as a jao sua, or tycoon, who cast Thailand in a positive light.

“You are the jao sua that made all the world see the power of Thai people,” @Watthanasan tweeted. “You made me proud to be Thai and of Thailand. You showed the world that Thailand and Thai people have good in us.”

 

ดูโพสต์นี้บน Instagram

 

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of a great man. A great competitor on the polo field and kind soul off of it.

โพสต์ที่แชร์โดย Mateen (@tmski) เมื่อ

Related stories:

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, Triumphed in Football and Business, Dead at 60

Leicester City Confirms Chopper Crash Killed Vichai

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Indonesia Says Survivors Unlikely From Lion Air Plane Crash

By
Associated Press
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Relatives of passengers comfort each other as they wait for news on a Lion Air plane that crashed off Java Island at Depati Amir Airport in Pangkal Pinang, Indonesia Monday, Oct. 29, 2018. Photo: Associated Press

KARAWANG, Indonesia — A Lion Air plane crashed into the sea just minutes after taking off from Indonesia’s capital on Monday, likely killing all 189 people on board, in a blow to the country’s aviation safety record after the lifting of bans on its airlines by the European Union and U.S.

The national search and rescue agency said human remains have been recovered from the crash area. Its director of operations, Bambang Suryo Aji, told a news conference the search effort is focusing on finding bodies, and survivors are not expected.

More than 300 people including soldiers, police and local fishermen were involved in the search that has also recovered ID cards, personal belongings and aircraft debris. At least a dozen ambulances were parked at a nearby beach.

Indonesia’s disaster agency posted photos online of a crushed smartphone, books, bags and parts of the aircraft fuselage that had been collected by search and rescue vessels.

President Joko Widodo ordered the transport safety commission to investigate and urged Indonesians to “keep on praying” as rescuers search for victims.

An air transport official, Novie Riyanto, said the flight was cleared to return to Jakarta after the pilot made a “return to base” request two to three minutes after taking off. It plunged into the sea about 10 minutes later. Weather conditions were normal but the brand new aircraft had experienced a technical issue on its previous flight.

Lion Air said the jet, on a 1 hour and 10 minute flight to Pangkal Pinang on an island chain off Sumatra, was carrying 181 passengers, including one child and two babies, and eight crew members.

It said there were two foreigners on board the plane: its pilot, originally from New Delhi, and an Italian citizen.

Distraught friends and relatives prayed and hugged each other as they waited at Pangkal Pinang’s airport and at a crisis center set up at Jakarta’s airport. Indonesian TV broadcast pictures of a fuel slick and debris field in the ocean.

At the search agency’s headquarters in Jakarta, family members arrived, hoping desperately for news.

Feni, who uses a single name, said her soon to be married sister was on the flight, planning to meet relatives in Pangkal Pinang.

“We are here to find any information about my younger sister, her fiance, her in-law to be and a friend of them,” said Feni.

“We don’t have any information,” she said, as her father wiped tears from reddened eyes. “No one provided us with any information that we need. We’re confused. We hope that our family is still alive.”

Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani also arrived at the agency and met with its chief, seeking information about 20 ministry staff who were on the flight after attending a ministry event in Jakarta. Photos circulating online showed the distraught minister trying to comfort stunned colleagues.

The search and rescue agency said the flight ended in waters off West Java that are 30 to 35 meters (98 to 115 feet) deep.

The agency’s chief, Muhammad Syaugi, told a news conference that divers are trying to locate the wreckage.

Weather conditions for the flight were safe, according to the Indonesian meteorology agency. It said the type of clouds associated with turbulence was not present and winds were weak.

The Boeing 737 Max 8 was delivered to Lion Air in mid-August and put in use within days, according to aviation website Flightradar24. Malindo Air, a Malaysian subsidiary of Jakarta-based Lion Air, was the first airline to being using the 737 Max 8 last year. The Max 8 replaced the similar 800 in the Chicago-based plane maker’s product line.

Lion Air president-director Edward Sirait said the plane had a “technical problem” on its previous flight from Bali to Jakarta but it had been fully remedied. He didn’t know specifics of the problem when asked in a TV interview. The pilot of Flight 610 had more than 6,000 flying hours while the co-pilot had more than 5,000 hours, according to the airline.

“Indeed there were reports about a technical problem, and the technical problem has been resolved in accordance with the procedures released by the plane manufacturer,” he said. “I did not know exactly but let it be investigated by the authorities.”

Boeing Co. said it was “deeply saddened” by the crash and was prepared to provide technical assistance to Indonesia’s crash probe.

In a statement, the Chicago-based manufacturer expressed its concern for the 189 people onboard and offered “heartfelt sympathies to their families and loved ones.”

The Transport Ministry said the plane took off from Jakarta at about 6:20 a.m. and crashed just 13 minutes later. Data from FlightAware showed it had reached an altitude of only 5,200 feet (1,580 meters).

The crash is the worst airline disaster in Indonesia since an AirAsia flight from Surabaya to Singapore plunged into the sea in December 2014, killing all 162 on board.

Indonesian airlines were barred in 2007 from flying to Europe because of safety concerns, though several were allowed to resume services in the following decade. The ban was completely lifted in June this year. The U.S. lifted a decadelong ban in 2016.

Lion Air, a discount carrier, is one of Indonesia’s youngest and biggest airlines, flying to dozens of domestic and international destinations.

In 2013, one of its Boeing 737-800 jets missed the runway while landing on Bali, crashing into the sea without causing any fatalities among the 108 people on board.

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1st-Class Drama: Thai Airways Sides With Passengers Over Pilots

By
JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI
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Thai Airways executives Monday apologize at a news briefing regarding the delay earlier this month of flight TG971, which was held up by a dispute over seating pilots in first class.
Thai Airways executives Monday apologize at a news briefing regarding the delay in October 2018 of flight TG971, which was held up by a dispute over seating pilots in first class.

BANGKOK — Thai Airways on Monday released its findings about a much-debated episode in which a flight from Zurich was delayed hours by a dispute over first-class seats for two traveling pilots.

The airline said it found both pilots and Zurich airport ground staff responsible for “not prioritizing the passengers” in the incident aboard TG971, which was kept from taking off until two passengers gave up their first-class seats to the pilots, who were being flown to their next assignment.

Airline President Sumeth Damrongchaitham said the employees would be penalized “according to the company’s codes,” and all passengers compensated for the Oct. 11 flight, which was delayed over two hours.

“I acknowledge the mistake and would like to apologize for what happened,” he said. “The company will improve service … to prevent this kind of problem from happening again.”

Thai Airways is a popular punching bag, and the incident sparked debate over whether the pilots were being given special treatment or afforded necessary comfort given their duties.

Sumeth said that although the pilots and agent did not violate airline or airport rules, they failed to communicate effectively, causing the delay. He said they damaged the company’s reputation by failing to follow the airline’s ethical code by not prioritizing the passengers.

The drama broke out less than two weeks ago when a complaint letter against Thai Airways was leaked to the media. In it, a passenger later identified as a former permanent secretary of the Industry Ministry, said he and his wife gave up their first-class upgrades for two of the pilots after a delay of over two hours.

They were among four pilots flying “deadhead,” an aviation term for crew being flown off-duty to another assignment. The flight’s on-duty pilots, the letter said, refused to fly until their colleagues were seated in first class, which until recently had been policy.

“I was informed that if I refused to switch my seat with the deadhead pilots, the on-duty pilots wouldn’t take off,” the letter read. “If my wife and I hadn’t given up our seats, the delay would’ve continued. We felt sorry for the other passengers who were also affected.”

The issue metastasized on social media. Sumeth, who was recently appointed airline president, quickly apologized and promised to conduct an internal investigation.

An internal memo from Thai Airways titled “Request for seating guidelines for flight deck passive crew on B747/A380” indicates the flight had been changed from a Boeing 777-300 to a 747-400.

The older plane, the 747, doesn’t have a crew quarters where the pilots normally would rest. Unlike the newer plane, it did have a first-class section with seats that can lie flat.

But those seats were filled up with upgraded business-class passengers when they became available in the system, according to the memo.

It said the Zurich ground staff put the pilots in business class, but the on-duty pilots in charge of the flight refused to let anymore passengers board unless all four deadheads were seated in first class.

The review of the pilots’ actions triggered a small rally of support by about 50 Thai Airways pilots last week at the company’s Bangkok headquarters.

There’s no specific law regarding required seats for deadhead crew, but civil aviation rules bar pilots from flying more than 34 hours in seven days, and must rest for a time equivalent to how long they were last in the air.

The case divided opinions between those blaming the crew for taking passengers hostage for their own benefit and those asserting the importance of well-rested pilots.

Sanong Mingcharoen, who heads the Thai pilot association, said online shortly after the incident blew up in the media that the pilots had been accused unfairly.

He complained that the airline recently changed its contract terms to say deadhead pilots would only be entitled to the first-class seats if they were empty; otherwise, they would be seated in business class.

“If we back off too much, one day there will be no space left for us,” he wrote.

His post was heavily criticized and later deleted. It later came out that the airline barred crew members involved from talking to the media.

Thai Airways union president Damrong Waikanee last week said the crew had the right to first-class seats and did nothing wrong under the guidelines. But, he said, they should have given priority to the passengers.

“If pilots are not on duty, they will be like other passengers and will be given seats in either first class or business class,” he said. “But if they travel to be on duty, seats in first class will be assigned to them. It’s the same practice at every airline, as pilots need to be fully rested to prepare for their next flight … or it will compromise passenger safety.”

Still, they should have made the sacrifice, he added.

“The pilots weren’t wrong because it’s their right, but because they weren’t conscientious,” Damrong continued. “If I were them, I would have let the passengers take the seats or change my flight, because we get our salary and our wages from them picking our service.”

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Convicted of Assault, ‘Buddha Issara’ Vows Return to Monkhood

By
Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief
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Suwit Thongprasert, on wheelchair, leaves the court on Monday.

BANGKOK — A former activist monk convicted of assaulting police officers said he would soon return to the monkhood after he was freed on parole Monday.

Suwit Thongprasert, formerly known as Buddha Issara, had his monk status stripped when he was arrested in a predawn raid in May and put on trial. A court today found Suwit guilty of ordering his followers to detain and beat up two undercover policemen during a street protest he led in 2014.

Speaking to reporters after the verdict, Suwit said he would ordain as a monk again on Dec. 1. He declined to say whether he would return to Wat Or Noy, where he resided for decades prior to his arrest.

The 62-year-old former monk arrived and left the court in a wheelchair. His aides said he’s suffering from severe back pain caused by a herniated disc.

Suwit was given a three-year jail term, which was reduced to a year because he pleaded guilty. The court then freed him on a year’s parole on the grounds that Suwit had taken steps to compensate his victims after the assault. He spent three months in jail before being released on bail on a 200,000 baht bond.

Prosecution on other charges, including insurrection and forging a royal emblem, are ongoing.

Related stories:

 

Cops Detained, Beaten By Buddha Issara’s Guards

Buddha Issara ‘Not Yet a Suspect’ in Lese Majeste Case: Police

Police Apologise To Buddha Issara For Tear Gas Barrage

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Analysis: Why Pheu Thai Made Its Unglamorous Pick For Leader

By
Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer
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Pheu Thai caretaker leader Viroj Pao-in was reappointed to his role Sunday.
Pheu Thai caretaker leader Viroj Pao-in was reappointed to his role Sunday.

BANGKOK — There was a pragmatic reason the caretaker leader of what has been Thailand’s largest political force was given that job again Sunday, despite his lack of a political base or public renown.

An unknown outside political circles, 84-year-old Viroj Pao-in was re-elected in a realpolitik calculation he and the party may not make it to Election Day.

That’s because of the very real possibility the military government’s Election Commission will find a reason to banish Pheu Thai in the same way its two predecessors were, by disbanding the party and banning its leaders from politics.

That’s where the party’s proxy organizations come in, ready to take Pheu Thai’s place with its leaders ready to assume control.

The strategy has been openly acknowledged in recent weeks as threats against the party have escalated. Senior Pheu Thai members such as former Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang have said the party was preparing for the eventuality that whoever became leader would be unlikely to be around come elections.

Indeed, missing from the 15 names tapped for the party’s executive committee – who would all be ejected from politics were the party disbanded – were its brightest stars and heirs apparent.

That includes Chaturon, who took a principled stand against military rule in the wake of the 2014 coup. Or Sudarat Kaeyuraphan, who has long been counted a key contender for the prime minister’s post. Then there’s popular former transportation minister Chadchart Sittipunt, though he has played down that prospect.

From left, Pheu Thai's Sudarat Kaeyuraphan, Chadchart Sittipunt and Chaturon Chaisang, sit at a Sunday party meeting in Bangkok.
From left, Pheu Thai’s Sudarat Kaeyuraphan, Chadchart Sittipunt and Chaturon Chaisang, sit at a Sunday party meeting in Bangkok.

Sudarat on Sunday was instead made head of the party’s strategic committee, which gives her a top role without risking banishment were the party dissolved.

A series of threats have been issued that could lead to the party being dissolved. Last week, the Election Commission said it was investigating whether it breached the law by being unduly influenced by its founder, ousted and fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. That new legal stipulation seemed tailored for Pheu Thai when it was introduced this year.

The party has also been accused of meeting too soon before the junta had relaxed its ban on all civilian politics.

If found to have violated the election or political party laws, all members of the executive committee would be banned from politics.

That’s when two new affiliated shell parties, Pheu Tham and Thai Raksa Chart, would come into play. People like Sudarat and other prominent non-executive members could migrate and run for office unhindered.

At Sunday’s meeting, the post of secretary general was kept by Phoomtham Vejchayachai. Phoomtham said it wasn’t clear if Viroj would be among Pheu Thai’s three allotted candidates.

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Carnal Choreography: ‘Party Animal’ to Debauch Silom Library

By
Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter
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Photo: Jitti Chompee / Courtesy

BANGKOK — Inspired by a wild night at Berlin’s most notorious techno club, a Thai choreographer will take over a Bangkok library to explore sexuality, gender and animal movement.

Space once again becomes a canvas for choreographer Jitti Chompee, whose latest dance piece “Party Animal” will be staged inside a historic Silom-area library.

The routine consists of five performers going through some erotically charged moves to unwind matters of gender and identity. It was inspired by Jitti’s experience at Berghain, Berlins’s libertine house of music and debauchery, where access is exclusiveness and the sights occasionally X-rated.

“I met people who truly freed themselves. They dressed up to their own styles, pretty unique, while some dressed in fantasy themes, so they were allowed to go inside more easily,” Jitti said. “I observed these people get drunk, mingle, use drugs, dance and lustfully hunt.”

“Time, space, site-specific, sexual content, gender, identity and animal movements; all of these elements were there,” Jitti said. “So it’s perfect to use them to create my own work with my own perspective in terms of scenography and choreography.”

“Party Animal” will field performers Benjamin Tardif, Dovydas Strimaitis, Sukadeva Joshua Horn, Sun Tawalwongsri and Pattarasuda Anuman Rajadhon – all dressed in kinky pink gimp tights. There is no structured storyline.

IMG 0214 2

“Coming to my show is always like seeing a painting, photography exhibition or art installation. It’s just that the performers move all the time.”

“Party Animals” has 7:30pm showtimes Nov. 16 to Nov. 19 at the Neilson Hays Library. The British-built home of thousands of English-language books is located on Surawong Road. Tickets are 1,000 baht for adults and 400 baht for students.

After Neilson Hays, the show will move north to Chiang Mai’s Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum for a 7pm show on Nov. 23.

Jitti Chompee is best known blending animal movement in his works. In 2010 he founded the 18 Monkeys Dance Theatre where he works as choreographer and director. Some of his creations are surreal physical performances, such as when he portrayed ape-to-human transformation in “Red Peter” or Unfolding Kafka, a biennial festival paying tribute to postmodernist writer Franz Kafka.

Related stories:

Get Your Kafka Knowledge Kicking as Fest Runs in Bangkok, Chiang Mai

Totally Kafka: Artists Interpret Writer at Traveling Fest

Kafka’s Chimp Apes as Human in ‘Red Peter’

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Bangkok, You Can Now Send Mail From 7-Eleven

By
JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI
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BANGKOK — Thailand’s most prolific retailer on Monday launched yet another offering – mail delivery – at thousands of its stores across metro Bangkok.

The 24/7 Speed-D express delivery service is now available at more than 3,000 7-Eleven stores in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan provinces. Packages and letters are guaranteed delivery by 6pm the next day if processed by 9pm.

The service is a joint venture between the megachain’s parent company CP All and delivery firm Dynamic Logistics. Customers can purchase boxes and envelopes at the stores, where they can also collect packages if they don’t opt for home delivery. All deliveries include a GPS tracking service available from Dynamic Logistics website.

Customers need to show ID to use the service. Rates range between 35 baht and 119 baht according to the size of the package.

On Wednesday, 7-Eleven stores nationwide will offer basic banking services for the Government Savings Bank, allowing customers to withdraw and deposit money with its Counter Service for a fee.

Last week, Kasikorn Bank began offering deposit service through the competing Cen Pay service at five Family Mart stores in Bangkok for a 20-baht charge. Customers can deposit up to 5,000 baht each day. Bank representatives said the service would be expanded to all Family Mart stores next year.

Earlier this month, 7-Eleven began piloting a limited delivery service via Line. It allows customers to order products including ready-made meals and coffee but is only being tested at two stores in metro Bangkok.

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Anti-Junta Rap Video is ‘Abominable,’ Suthep Says

By
Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter
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Suthep Thaugsuban canvasses for the Action Coalition for Thailand Party Saturday in Chinatown, Bangkok. Photo: Suthep Thaugsuban / Facebook

BANGKOK — The politician who organized the street protests which ushered in military rule said Sunday that a YouTube rap video criticizing the junta was “abominable.”

After threats of prosecution drew wide interest in anti-junta song “My Country’s Got” (“Prathet Ku Mee”) – it’s been watched 18 million times on YouTube alone as of Monday – Bangkok Shutdown protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban joined conservative politicians to harshly condemn the song.

“[The rappers] were born Thai, but they express themselves in such a disgusting, abominable way where they aim to destroy their own homeland like this. It’s highly unwarranted and inappropriate,” Suthep wrote Sunday, following a campaign trip through Bangkok’s Yaowarat area.

Read: Rap Video Blasting Junta Reaches 6M Views After Police Threats

Suthep, who vowed to never re-enter politics after organizing the protests that brought down Yingluck Shinawatra’s elected government, is now one of the leaders of the Action Coalition for Thailand Party, which has been canvassing potential voters.

Deputy police chief Gen. Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said Friday that the authorities would bring the artists in for questioning, alleging the song may have violated an unspecified junta order. However, the deputy director of the Technology Crime Suppression Division seemed to walk back the threat.

“These days, all citizens are free to express their opinions in all aspects. So the authorities have to admit that we can’t limit the personal opinions of people, especially of the youth,” Maj. Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, who also heads the Immigration Bureau, wrote Sunday on Facebook. “This is their opinion, which the poo yai should listen to.”

Surachate said he’d not been asked to investigate the case.

In addition to its popularity on YouTube and Facebook, the song is No. 1 on local iTunes charts and has been played more than 42,000 times on Spotify.

The video, released this past Monday, features 10 artists taking turns laying out the country’s perceived ills. The backdrop evokes the laughing lynch mob that watched a hanged corpse be beat with a folding chair, an indelible image of the 1976 massacre at Thammasat University by far right ultra-royalists.

Related stories:

Rap Video Blasting Junta Reaches 6M Views After Police Threats

Police to Summon Rappers Who Criticized Military Govt

With ‘My Country’s Got,’ Thai Rap Voices Rare Dissent Against Junta

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Malaysia to Sell Superyacht Linked to 1MDB Scandal

By
Associated Press
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The luxury yacht Equanimity is seen in February 2018 in the Benoa harbor in Bali, Indonesia. Photo: Ambros Boli Berani / Associated Press
The luxury yacht Equanimity is seen in February 2018 in the Benoa harbor in Bali, Indonesia. Photo: Ambros Boli Berani / Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s government launched a one-month auction Monday for a luxury yacht bought with money stolen from the multibillion-dollar looting of a state investment fund.

The sale came nearly three months after Indonesia returned the USD$250 million (8.3 billion baht) yacht, Equanimity, after it was seized off Bali in February in cooperation with the U.S. FBI. The U.S. Justice Department, one of several foreign agencies investigating a massive graft scandal at the 1MDB fund, had listed the yacht among assets it could seize and sell to recover stolen funds.

U.S. investigators said Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, who the Justice Department alleges was a key figure in the theft and international laundering of $4.5 billion from 1MDB, bought the yacht with proceeds diverted from 1MDB.

Ong Chee Kwan, a lawyer for 1MDB, says the government opened bids for the 91.5 meter yacht following a lengthy court process.

Low, who has so far evaded investigators, has through statements issued by his U.S. lawyers slammed the handover of the yacht to Malaysia as illegal but didn’t claim ownership of the vessel in the Malaysian court. The court awarded ownership of the yacht to 1MDB and the government as no one challenged their claim.

Ong said advertisements were placed in international and local media on the yacht sale that will be handled by London-based brokerage Burgess Yachts. He said interested parties must put in a USD$1 million deposit to bid for the vessel.

Once the auction ends Nov. 28, he said the government could make a decision on the sale within a week.

Burgess said on its website that the “judicial sale will provide the buyer with an internationally recognized ownership title free of mortgage, attachment and all encumbrances.”

Former Prime Minister Najib Razak set up 1MDB when he took power in 2009 but it accumulated billions in debts. The 1MDB fiasco led to Najib’s electoral defeat in May’s general elections and ushered in the country’s first change of power since independence from Britain in 1957.

Najib and his wife have been charged with multiple counts of corruption and money-laundering over the 1MDB case. Both have pleaded not guilty and their trials will start next year.

The new government has said corruption by Najib’s administration caused national debt to pile up. The yacht, currently docked at Port Klang outside Kuala Lumpur, is being sold to recover as much money as possible.

The Equanimity’s lavish amenities include a helicopter landing pad, plunge pool, gymnasium and a cinema. It was built in 2014 by the Dutch yacht manufacturer Oceano, which received detailed instructions from Low about its outfitting, according to the Justice Department’s asset recovery case.

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