MAE HONG SON — Six Falung Gong activists were briefly detained by soldiers in the north of Thailand today for carrying pamphlets deemed critical of China.

Soldiers stopped the group as they were traveling by van today in the Pai district of Mae Hong Son and confiscated their brochures, which introduce Falun Gong and criticize Beijing’s suppression of their faith, because they were concerned they might affect international relations.

The six campaigners – a Thai man and woman; an Akha woman, a Burmese woman, and two Chinese women – were briefly detained and later released. Soldiers kept their more than 600 pamphlets.

Wattana Anuraksrithong, who identified himself as leader of the group, said he assured the soldiers their literature was legal.

Soldiers said they would return them to Wattana once they determine they do not affect peace and order in the country.

All six campaigners were later released from custody.

Thailand’s military government has banned all political activities and public gatherings since they seized power from an elected government in 2014. Although religious evangelization is mostly tolerated, Thai officials have treated Falun Gong with suspicion, fearing that its rhetorics risk antagonizing the Chinese government – a major junta ally.

China banned the movement in 1999, accusing the group of being a dangerous cult. An application to form a Falun Gong society in Thailand was rejected in 2005 on the grounds that approving it would damage Thai-Chinese relations.

However a recent court verdict overturned that decision and granted official recognition to the association.

Falung Gong activists previously handed out materials without incident on Sunday in Chiang Rai province.

Related stories:

Falung Gong Wins Right to Organize in Thailand

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BANGKOK — A powerful tropical storm from the South China Sea is causing havoc over the southern and eastern regions of Thailand, with devastating floods that threaten to cut off some communities from the outside world.

Since arriving over Thailand on Tuesday, tropical storm Vamco has unleashed heavy rainfall and gales of wind causing floods and damage in various locales, and its effects will continue to be felt through tomorrow, the Meteorological Department said.

In the last 24 hours, there were reports of heavy rain and flooding caused by Vamco in at least four provinces: Chonburi, Trat, Chumphon and Trang.

Southeast of Bangkok in Chonburi province, home to the popular resort town of Pattaya, floods hit many roads and alleys, including a beach-front road where many restaurants, hotels and bars are located.

Floods were also reported at main roads around Sattahip district, causing major traffic jams that lasted for several hours.

While many shops were forced to close down because of the storm, one roadside restaurant on Sukhumvit Road decided to stay open for customers nonplussed by the deluge.

Owner Sophon Thongsamrit said typical flooding only reaches the front of his shop.

“But this time, it’s really severe,” Sophon said. “It flooded my shop. But I don’t know why I should just close it down. It’s better to just continue my business. It would be a unique experience for the customers, too.”

Diners roll up their pants and make do at this Chonburi restaurant.

Meanwhile, local authorities in the southern province of Chumphon dispatched workers to fix a bridge in Pa To district, which has been damaged by the flood.

The bridge, which passes over Lang Suan River, is the only transport link connecting villages to the outside world. It is also a way to a popular river rafting destination for tourists there.

Wongsasiri Promchana, governor of Chumphon, said authorities are also monitoring any possible landslide in the province.

Flooding today in Chumphon province.

Flooding today in Chumphon province.

Flooding yesterday in Chonburi province.

Flooding yesterday in Chonburi province.

Flooding yesterday in Chonburi province.

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BANGKOK — The seas will be rough and the streets soaked through Friday as a tropical depression continues afflicting Thailand with the monsoon blues.

Tropical depression Vamco will continue its meteorological mission to saturate Bangkok and other parts of Thailand through the rest of the week, the Meteorological Department said, after causing sporadic havoc since arriving yesterday.

The capital city will experience heavy rain through Friday, including some gusty winds, according to forecasts. Fishermen and boat operators in coastline provinces have been warned of rough seas.

"All ships in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand should proceed with caution and small boats keep inshore," the meteorological department warned.

A Three-Hour Tour: Passengers were stuck on a Koh Lan-Pattaya ferry for several hours today due to the weather.

Particularly heavy traffic jams and some brief flooding were reported in some parts of Bangkok today. As a precaution, officials in eastern metro Bangkok province of Samut Prakarn ordered inspection of drains and sewage to ensure all the water had a place to go.

Kangwan Deesuwan, director of Bangkok's Department of Drainage and Sewage, said city workers are closely monitoring the situation and will respond to any flooding as soon as possible. 

He also warned motorists not to risk driving through flooded areas.

"If we found any area that is flooded, we will close the road down, and dispatch police and soldiers to assist the people," Kangwan told Thai Rath newspaper yesterday.

Meanwhile, local authorities in the resort town of Pattaya had to dispatch a ship to pick up foreign tourists who were stranded for several hours on Koh Laan, a small island just off the coast of the seaside town. Bad weather and high waves prevented smaller ferry boats from bringing the tourists back to the mainland.

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BANGKOK — Princess Chulabhorn has called upon all Thais to pray for her father, King Bhumibol, who is being treated for blood and lung infections at a hospital in Bangkok.

The princess, who is His Majesty’s fourth and youngest child, put the call out during a speech to staff members of a royally supported medical charity in Chachoengsao province on 14 Sept.

“I’d like Princess Mother's Medical Volunteer Foundation staff and all Thais to recite the prayer of Pochangkaparitra for His Majesty the King and pray for the King to recover from the illness that is afflicting him right now,” Princess Chulabhorn said.

Pochangkaparitra is mentioned several times in Buddhism’s holy scripture – the Tripitaka – as a prayer that can cure disease and illness.

King Bhumibol at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital in an undated file photo.

The 87-year-old monarch has been residing at Siriraj Hospital for more than three months, after being sent to the hospital for what the palace described as a routine check-up in May. The Royal Household Bureau later announced that the king was being treated for water on the brain.

This past weekend the palace added that the king was also afflicted with lung and blood infections, and doctors noted he had a fever.

His condition somewhat improved yesterday, according to the latest announcement issued by the palace. It said that the king has not had any fever since Tuesday morning, while the levels of infection had also decreased.

Answering the princess’ call, Chachoengsao authorities held a mass recital of Pochangkaparitra this morning in honor of His Majesty the King.

King Bhumibol is currently the world’s longest-reigning monarch, having been on the throne for 69 years. His frail health is a cause of anxiety for many Thais, who credit him with bringing stability to the kingdom.

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