Two Suspected Insurgents Captured in Raid on Jungle Outpost

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12 June 2015, 13:59

Two suspected insurgents are detained by security officers at a jungle outpost in Narathiwat province, 12 June 2015.

NARATHIWAT — The Thai military says it detained two members of the southern separatist movement following a gunfight in the border province of Narathiwat today.

More than 30 soldiers, police officers, and paramilitary rangers raided an outpost in the jungle behind Ipayae village at 6am this morning after receiving intelligence that insurgents were gathering there to prepare attacks during the holy Islamic month Ramadan, said Col. Ekkawuth Kongkhakhet, the commander of the operation.

The security officers reportedly encountered gunfire from the militants, prompting them to return fire. Col. Ekkawuth said the gunfight lasted for 10 minutes, and that eight insurgents managed to escape while two others were captured by security officers. No injuries were reported.

The two suspects have been identified as Soma Samae and Ibrahim Uma. They are being detained at 48th Ranger Division for interrogation.

According to Col. Ekkawuth, officers also found two handguns and ammunition at the camp, which consisted of three sleeping tents.

He said the evidence will undergo forensic testing to determine whether it was used in any previous "national security case."

The protracted conflict between Islamic insurgents and authorities in southern Thailand has claimed the lives of more than 6,200 people in the region, known as the Deep South. The separatists are seeking to secede the area, which borders Malaysia and was annexed by Thailand in the early 20^th century.

At least 60,000 security officers are posted in the region, and have often struggled to secure the trust of local residents because of the impunity granted to officers accused of excessive brutality and foul play.

During a raid in Pattani province last month, security officers shot and killed four men who an investigative panel later determined were innocent and had no links to the insurgency. The military initially identified the victims as members of a militant group that regularly stages attacks in the region.

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Duo Busted for Pickpocketing Foreign Tourist in Pattaya

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12 June 2015, 13:34

The money recovered by police in a wallet stolen from a Japanese tourist in Pattaya, 12 June 2015.<br /> — The money recovered by police in a wallet stolen from a Japanese tourist in Pattaya, 12 June 2015.

CHONBURI — Police say they have arrested two transgender women for allegedly stealing a Japanese tourist’s wallet in the resort town of Pattaya this morning.

The two suspects were arrested shortly after they pickpocketed the tourist in front of a bar on Pattaya Beach Road at around 3 am, said Pol.Col. Sunand Buasingha, an officer at Mueang Pattaya Police Station.

According to Pol.Col. Sunand, a group of police officers were patrolling the street when they noticed two transgender women groping the 43-year-old Japanese man in front of the bar. One of the suspects pulled out the man's wallet while the other was distracting him, and then the pair fled on a motorcycle, Pol.Col. Sunand told reporters.

The officers chased down and arrested the suspects, who have been identified as a 29-year-old Thai resident named Winai Intarasawang and a 19-year-old Cambodian national named Na Songchan. Police say the stolen wallet contained nearly 5,000 baht in cash.

According to Pol.Col. Sunand, Na Songchan has previously been arrested for stealing from a tourist in Pattaya. The pair has been charged with theft, he said.

Pattaya, coastal resort town east of Bangkok, is known for its red-light district and high crime rate.

On the same night, a Chinese tourist reported to police that a man stole 3,7000 renminbi from her in front of an convenience store at Soi Pattaya 17. Police say they are looking for the suspect.

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Junta Tells Reporters to Stop Asking Confrontational Questions

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12 June 2015, 12:44

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha throws a half-eaten banana at reporters at Government House in Bangkok, 24 December 2014.<br /> — Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha throws a half-eaten banana at reporters at Government House in Bangkok, 24 December 2014.

BANGKOK — Thailand's military junta has instructed reporters not to ask any questions that will upset government officials and affect their reputations.

Lt.Gen. Suchart Pongput, a junta official in charge of media relations, told newspaper editors yesterday that reporters should only ask the Prime Minister and Cabinet members "constructive questions" that do not "incite" conflict or confrontation.

"Sometimes, reporters interview government VIP officials and put them in a bad mood, and then it results in a bad image," Lt.Gen. Suchart said. "So, I'd like to ask the reporters to ask appropriate questions. Exercise their judgement to avoid causing conflicts or any troubles."

The officer continued, "I am not saying that the media distorts the news, but sometimes information [reported by the media] is not true. Please check and clarify the information first. Once the news gets published and mistakes are out there, you will have to spend time fixing them, and it causes the public to feel uncomfortable. I'd like the editorial boards to check every news before it’s published."

Junta chairman and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power from an elected government last May, is known for his short temper with the media and abrasive talking style. The general frequently lashes out at reporters during press conferences – sometimes with swear words.

In one incident, which has been widely lampooned by critics, Gen. Prayuth threatened to throw his podium at reporters. In another, Gen. Prayuth quipped that he may simply "execute" journalists who challenge his government.

Lt.Gen. Suchart also reminded the newspaper editors at the meeting that they have to strictly follow previous orders issued by the military junta, such as a ban on news coverage that criticizes the regime "with malicious intention," mobilizes protests, or threatens national security.

Last month, a TV station operated by Thailand’s Redshirt movement was ordered off the air because its news coverage was deemed too "divisive" by the state’s media regulating agency.

Public protests and political activities of any kind remain banned by the junta, which says the restrictions are needed to promote "national reconciliation" between the country's divided political factions. Violators are often arrested and some have been sent to stand trial in military court.

In January, the US-based rights group Freedom House downgraded Thailand in its worldwide freedom index from "Partially Free" to "Not Free," citing "severe restrictions on speech and assembly" imposed by the junta.

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Junta Tells Reporters to Stop Asking Confrontational Questions

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12 June 2015, 12:44

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha speaking to reporters at Government House in Bangkok, 4 June 2015

BANGKOK — Thailand's military junta has instructed reporters not to ask any questions that will upset government officials and affect their reputations.

Lt.Gen. Suchart Pongput, a junta official in charge of media relations, told newspaper editors yesterday that reporters should only ask the Prime Minister and Cabinet members "constructive questions" that do not "incite" conflict or confrontation.

"Sometimes, reporters interview government VIP officials and put them in a bad mood, and then it results in a bad image," Lt.Gen. Suchart said. "So, I'd like to ask the reporters to ask appropriate questions and exercise their judgement to avoid causing conflicts or any troubles."

The officer continued, "I am not saying that the media distorts the news, but sometimes information [reported by the media] is not true. Please check and clarify the information first. Once the news gets published and mistakes are out there, you will have to spend time fixing them, and it causes the public to feel uncomfortable. I'd like the editorial boards to check every news before it’s published."

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha throws a half-eaten banana at reporters at Government House in Bangkok, 24 December 2014.

Junta chairman and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power from an elected government one year ago, is known for his short temper with the media and abrasive talking style. The general frequently lashes out at reporters during press conferences – sometimes with swear words.

In one incident, which has been widely lampooned by critics, Gen. Prayuth threatened to throw his podium at reporters. In another, Gen. Prayuth quipped that he may simply "execute" journalists who challenge his government.

Lt.Gen. Suchart also reminded the newspaper editors at the meeting that they have to strictly follow previous orders issued by the military junta, such as a ban on news coverage that criticizes the regime "with malicious intention," mobilizes protests, or threatens national security.

Last month, a TV station operated by Thailand’s Redshirt movement was ordered off the air because its news coverage was deemed too "divisive" by the state’s media regulating agency.

Public protests and political activities of any kind remain banned by the junta, which says the restrictions are needed to promote "national reconciliation" between the country's divided political factions. Violators are often arrested and some have been sent to stand trial in military court.

In January, the US-based rights group Freedom House downgraded Thailand in its worldwide freedom index from "Partially Free" to "Not Free," citing "severe restrictions on speech and assembly" imposed by the junta.

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Police Visit Home of Thai Student Arrested in Pakistani Airport

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11 June 2015, 18:40

Prasert Suthok (L), father of Faruk Suthok, talks to police officers from Special Branch Police at his home in Krabi province, 11 June 2015

KRABI — Thai police visited the home of one of the five Thai students who were arrested in Pakistan for allegedly trying to smuggle a firearm and ammunition onto a plane.

Prasert Suthok, 46, told Khaosod that police officers from the Special Branch department arrived at his home in the southern province of Krabi at around noon today. His son, Faruk Suthok, is one of the five students who were detained at the Lahore airport on 8 June before boarding a Thai Airways flight bound for Bangkok.

Sek Wannamethee, a spokesperson of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the five students were hiding separate pieces of a 9 mm. handgun, its magazine, and some ammunition, according to Pakistani authorities.

Prasert said the officers asked him about Faruk's background and education records, but did not file any charges.

According to Prasert, Faruk graduated from an Islamic high school in Songkhla province and continued his study at another Islamic school in Krabi. Faruk was later sent to a madras in Pakistan, where he has been studying for two years, Prasert said, adding that the school pays for his studies.

He told reporters that he last heard from Faruk on the night of 8 June, when his son told him that he was about to board a plane to Bangkok.

"Then a cleric at the [religious school] in Krabi told me that he was arrested for firearm charges with his friends at the airport in Lahore," Prasert said. "My family was shocked."

Prasert insisted that his son is a well-behaved student who is passionate about Islam and has no links to any terror group.

"I don't believe my son would carry any weapon, and I don't believe he was a part of any terrorist group,” Prasert said. “This matter is really suspicious. My son is a well-behaved person. He has always been living his life under religious principles. He never made his parents worried or upset. That's why he chose to do religious studies, so that he can come back to teach people in his village."

Faruk's mother, Amphorn Suthok, also said her son would never get involved in any terror network.

"I am really worried about my son," Amphorn said, "I'd like to ask the Thai government to help him and bring him back to Thailand safely."

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Cambodian Troops Occupy Thai Farmer's Land in Sa Kaeo

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11 June 2015, 18:09

Subin Thiangsan with local Thai officials on her farmland in Sa Kaeo province, 11 June 2015.<br /> — Subin Thiangsan with local Thai officials on her farmland in Sa Kaeo province, 11 June 2015.

SA KAEO — A small-scale territory dispute broke out along the Thai-Cambodian border today over a plot of land that currently belongs to a Thai farmer.

The 61-year-old rice farmer, Subin Thiangsan, said Cambodian soldiers arrived on her fields in Sa Kaeo province today and claimed the land is Cambodian territory.

A group of Thai officials and Border Patrol Police later arrived and negotiated with the Cambodian troops. Both sides were unarmed.

Pol.Col. Rerk Panitcharoen, a local commander of the Thai Border Patrol Police, said he instructed Subin to stop working on her plot of land for one week while the two sides negotiate a solution.

Suhari Channok, a local administrator, told reporters that Cambodian authorities have been installing new border markings in recent months, and have been encroaching deeper into Khok Soong district, which borders Cambodia.

He said a barbed wire fence had been placed near the border by Thai authorities many years ago, but does not mark the exact border, and was only constructed to prevent illegal border crossings.

"So, as days go by, the Cambodians have claimed that the area beyond the barbed wire is their own territory," Suhari said, adding that some Cambodians had entered Subin's farmland and tried to plant rice in her fields.

Subin told reporters she had documents to prove her ownership of the land, and pays taxes to the Thai government every year.

"I'd like to ask Gen. Prayuth to help residents along the border whose lands are being intruded on by the Cambodians," Subin said, referring to junta chairman and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power in a military coup last May.

Thailand and Cambodia have several long-running territory disputes along their border. The most prominent case involves the ruins of a stone temple, called Preah Vihear, located on a promontory near Si Saket province.

Both Thai and Cambodian authorities have claimed ownership of the temple, but in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear and its surrounding area belongs to Cambodia. However, Thai authorities have disputed the ruling and continue to post troops in the vicinity of the temple. Skirmishes occasionally break out between Thai and Cambodian troops, with latest gunfight taking place in 2011.

In November 2013, the ICJ affirmed its 1962 ruling and ordered Thai authorities to withdraw from the area. No fighting between the two sides has been reported in recent years.

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Cambodian Troops Occupy Thai Farmer's Land in Sa Kaeo

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11 June 2015, 18:00

Thai border patrol police and Cambodian soldiers negotiate over farmland in Sa Kaeo province, 11 June 2015.

SA KAEO — A small-scale territory dispute broke out along the Thai-Cambodian border today over a plot of land that currently belongs to a Thai farmer.

The 61-year-old rice farmer, Subin Thiangsan, said Cambodian soldiers arrived on her fields in Sa Kaeo province today and claimed the land is Cambodian territory.

A group of Thai officials and Border Patrol Police later arrived and negotiated with the Cambodian troops. Both sides were unarmed.

Pol.Col. Rerk Panitcharoen, a local commander of the Thai Border Patrol Police, said he instructed Subin to stop working on her plot of land for one week while the two sides negotiate a solution.

Suhari Channok, a local administrator, told reporters that Cambodian authorities have been installing new border markings in recent months, and have been encroaching deeper into Khok Soong district, which borders Cambodia.

He said a barbed wire fence had been placed near the border by Thai authorities many years ago, but does mark the exact border, and was only constructed to prevent illegal border crossings.

"So, as days go by, the Cambodians have claimed that the area beyond the barbed wire is their own territory," Suhari said, adding that some Cambodians had entered Subin's farmland and tried to plant rice in her fields.

Subin Thiangsan with local Thai officials on her farmland in Sa Kaeo province, 11 June 2015.

Subin told reporters she had documents to prove her ownership of the land, and pays taxes to the Thai government every year.

"I'd like to ask Gen. Prayuth to help residents along the border whose lands are being intruded on by the Cambodians," Subin said, referring to junta chairman and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power in a military coup last May.

Thailand and Cambodia have several long-running territory disputes along their border. The most prominent case involves the ruins of a stone temple, called Preah Vihear, located on a promontory near Si Saket province.

Both Thai and Cambodian authorities have claimed ownership of the temple, but in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 1962 that Preah Vihear and its surrounding area belongs to Cambodia. However, Thai authorities have disputed the ruling and continue to post troops in the vicinity of the temple. Skirmishes occasionally break out between Thai and Cambodian troops, with latest gunfight taking place in 2011.

In November 2013, the ICJ affirmed its 1962 ruling and ordered Thai authorities to withdraw from the area. No fighting between the two sides has been reported in recent years.

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Former Prisoner With 3 University Degrees Arrested Again on Drug Charges

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11 June 2015, 16:31

Setthapong Thammarak (sitting) at a police press conference in Samut Prakan, 11 June 2015.

SAMUT PRAKAN — A former convict who graduated with three university degrees during his time in jail was arrested for drug dealing in Samut Prakan province early this morning, police say.

Setthapong Thammarak, 38, was arrested in a sting operation at around 3:30 am when he attempted to sell crystal-methamphetamine to undercover police officers, said Pol.Lt. Thanakrit Ruai-ari, an officer at Mueang Samut Prakan Police Station.

According to Pol.Lt. Thanakrit, Setthapong has previously served 18 years in prison on narcotics charges.

Speaking at the police press conference today, Setthapong said he managed to study from his cell and graduate with three Bachelor's Degrees, including one in engineering. He also told reporters that he made an income in prison by teaching lessons to other prisoners, earning 1,500 baht per month.

However, he said he was unable to find any work after he was released last year because of his prison record, despite his three university degrees. Setthapong said he eventually decided to contact several Nigerian men that he knew from prison and buy drugs from them, which he later sold to his own clients.

"If society had accepted ex-convicts like me and given me chance to work, I wouldn't have returned to selling drugs and got myself arrested like this," Setthapong told reporters.

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Aide to Former Princess Detained by Police

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11 June 2015, 15:03

Police chief Pol.Gen. Somyot Pumpangmuang (L) and Montri Sotangkul, a former senior assistant to ex-Princess Srirasmi Suwadee, at police's headquarters in Bangkok, 11 June 2015.

BANGKOK — The former chamberlain of the Thai Crown Prince's third ex-wife was handed over to police today for prosecution on charges of defaming the monarchy.

Montri Sotangkul, a former senior assistant to ex-Princess Srirasmi Suwadee, was given to police by Royal Household Bureau officials at an undisclosed location last night, said Pol.Col. Akradetch Pimonsri, commander of the Crime Suppression Division.

He said Montri was detained at the headquarters of the Crime Suppression Division overnight, and then transferred to the Royal Thai Police this morning.

The 53-year-old official has been charged with violating Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, which outlaws defaming the monarchy. Police say Montri exploited his post as a chamberlain and claimed close ties to Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to secure his position as an executive board member of several state agencies, including the petroleum enterprise PTT.

Montri also abused his royal position to secure the rights to sell and buy land in Bangkok, according to police.

Pol.Lt.Gen. Sriwarah Rangsiphramanakul, commander of Bangkok Metropolitan Police, said today that apart from insulting the monarchy – which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison – Montri is facing three additional charges of bribing state officials, coercing others to bribe state officials, and abuse of power.

"We have transferred the suspect to doctors for physical examination, and to establish that he is in good health," Pol.Lt.Gen Sriwarah said. "And then, we will hand him over to investigative officers at the Metropolitan Police Bureau for interrogation. We expect that it will take all day, because he has four arrest warrants on him."

The officer continued, "Whether he will confess to the charges is up to the suspect. If he does, there will be crime re-enactments. I expect that tomorrow we will bring him to be remanded at a prison."

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) may also be involved in the prosecution because Montri is was a state official, Pol.Lt.Gen. Sriwarah said.

Pol.Gen. Somyot Pumpangmuang, commander of the national police, said police will request the court deny Montri release on bail.

"We won't let him have bail," Pol.Gen. Somyot said. "Otherwise, he may flee, mess with the witnesses, or intimidate them."

Yesterday, Pol.Gen. Somyot told reporters that former Princess Srirasmi personally appointed Montri to her entourage, and that the Crown Prince was not involved in her decision.

"What Mr. Montri has done, he has done on his own, and it is something related to the the former Royal Consort," Pol.Gen. Somyot said, referring to Srirasmi. "It is not related to, and it is not something Mr. Montri has done for Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn. Let me insist again: His Royal Highness is not involved or aware or related to what Mr. Montri has done."

Former Princess Srirasmi has not been seen in public since she resigned from the royal family in December 2015 amidst a string of lese majeste charges against members of her family, including her brothers, sister, parents, and uncle. All of them are now serving time in prison.

The palace scandal exploded in November 2014 when Sriasmi's uncle, former Central Investigative Bureau chief Pol.Lt.Gen. Pongpat Chayaphan, was charged with running a massive crime syndicate and using the Crown Prince's name to further his riches.

In response, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn stripped Srirasmi's family of the royally-bestowed surname Akharaphongpreecha, forcing them to revert back to their "commoner" surname, Suwadee, on 30 November.

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and Srirasmi were married in 2001. They have one 10-year-old son.

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Aide to Former Princess Detained by Police

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11 June 2015, 15:03

Montri Sotangkul, a former senior assistant to ex-Princess Srirasmi Suwadee, arriving at the police headquarters in Bangkok on 11 June 2015.