Suspects say they were electrocuted, beaten during Thai military detention

By

-

13 October 2014, 12:22

A military parade in Nakhon Nayok province, 29 September 2014.

(Prachatai English)

Prachatai talked to the three suspects, who were arrested after the 22 May coup d’état and were allegedly tortured during detention. Two of them are red-shirt supporters whose charges are related to political violence. The other has been accused of trafficking illicit drugs.

The accounts of alleged torture include electric shocks to the genitals, suffocation, continuous beatings all night, and detention in a hole in the ground, while the hole was being filled.

Read the exlcusive report here.

Note: Khaosod English is not responsible for content on other websites.

Malala and Kailash Satyarthi win Nobel Peace Prize

By

Khaosod English

-

11 October 2014, 04:01

The Nobel Peace Prize

Oslo, 10 October 2014 – The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014 is to be awarded to Kailash Satyarthi and Malala Yousafzay for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education. Children must go to school and not be financially exploited. In the poor countries of the world, 60% of the present population is under 25 years of age. It is a prerequisite for peaceful global development that the rights of children and young people be respected. In conflict-ridden areas in particular, the violation of children leads to the continuation of violence from generation to generation.

Showing great personal courage, Kailash Satyarthi, maintaining Gandhi’s tradition, has headed various forms of protests and demonstrations, all peaceful, focusing on the grave exploitation of children for financial gain. He has also contributed to the development of important international conventions on children’s rights.

Despite her youth, Malala Yousafzay has already fought for several years for the right of girls to education, and has shown by example that children and young people, too, can contribute to improving their own situations. This she has done under the most dangerous circumstances. Through her heroic struggle she has become a leading spokesperson for girls’ rights to education.

The Nobel Committee regards it as an important point for a Hindu and a Muslim, an Indian and a Pakistani, to join in a common struggle for education and against extremism. Many other individuals and institutions in the international community have also contributed. It has been calculated that there are 168 million child labourers around the world today. In 2000 the figure was 78 million higher. The world has come closer to the goal of eliminating child labour.

The struggle against suppression and for the rights of children and adolescents contributes to the realization of the “fraternity between nations” that Alfred Nobel mentions in his will as one of the criteria for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Deputy PM Claims US Ambassador's Eyes Show Confidence in Thai Junta

By

Khaosod English

-

10 October 2014, 20:10

A sample of images attacking US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney circulated by some conservative Thais on social media. Supporters of the 22 May coup claim Kenney and the US government unlawfully interfered with Thai politics.

BANGKOK – A top official says he saw a glimpse of confidence in Thailand's military regime in the eyes of the American ambassador, who is due to leave her post next month.

"I looked into her eyes, and I believe she understood the situation and had confidence in the government," said Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula yesterday, following a private meeting with the ambassador, Kristie Kenney, at the Government House in Bangkok.

Kenney is scheduled to leave her post as the US Ambassador to Thailand in November after spending nearly four years in the position. She paid Pridiyathorn a visit yesterday to bid a formal farewell.

Although Thailand retains close ties to the US in the wake of the military coup on 22 May, the US government has criticised the military takeover and called for a swift return to democratic rule in the Kingdom, drawing ire from the junta and its mostly-nationalist supporters who saw the gesture as an unwanted interference.

Ambassador Kenney herself regularly came under rabid attacks from pro-coup Thais on social media.

Speaking to reporters after meeting, Kenney said it had been a pleasure for her to have lived and worked in Thailand, a country she called "an important ally of the United States." Her successor will be appointed by US President Barack Obama in the near future, Kenney said.

She added that she was discussing economic ties between Thailand and the US with Pridiyathorn, and said she hoped she would be able to work with the Thai government in the future.

When a reporter asked for her opinion about the military junta, Kenney declined to comment, and suggested that the opinion "is up to the Thais."

After her term as ambassador to Thailand is completed, Kenney will take up a position in the US State Department in Washington DC. Patrick Murphy, charge d'affairs to Thailand, will serve as the head of the US diplomatic mission in Bangkok until Kenney's successor is appointed.

Pridiyathorn, the Deputy Prime Minister, made an effort to leave Kenney with a lasting impression of the Thai junta as an efficient regime.

"The US may even see that we work better than an elected government does," Pridiyathorn said.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Attorney: NACC's Corruption Case Against Yingluck Still Incomplete

By

Khaosod English

-

10 October 2014, 18:26

Former Prime Minister Yingluck visiting the Supreme Patriarch, the leader of Thai Buddhism, in Samut Prakarn province, 10 October 2014.

BANGKOK – The Office of Attorney-General has yet to take up the corruption case against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, due to a lack of sufficient evidence submitted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

"The case filed by the NACC is still incomplete," said Chutichai Sakakorn, a leading member of the Office of Attorney-General (AG). "The AG will continue to consider the matter and re-convene another meeting to decide whether we will prosecute the case in the Supreme Court's Division for Persons Holding Political Office."

NACC representatives were meeting with the AG today to discuss the unfinished case file.

In July the NACC found Yingluck guilty of negligence that led to massive corruption in the rice-pledging scheme, a key policy undertaken by her administration. According to the NACC, Yingluck's failure to tackle corruption cost the Kingdom more than 500 billion baht in damages.

Under Thai laws, the NACC could ask the AG to prosecute the former Prime Minister in the Supreme Court's Division for Persons Holding Political Office. Yingluck could be banned from politics and face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty by the court.

However, the AG has refused to take up the case due to a lack of clear evidence that implicates Yingluck in the corruption. Last month, a spokesperson of the AG Office criticised the NACC for citing an academic paper as a proof of Yingluck's involvement in the graft, yet only attaching a photocopy of the paper's cover page in its case filing.

It later emerged that the paper in question was also published before the rice mortgage scheme kicked off.

Sansern Poljiak, sec-gen of the NACC, admitted today that the Commission failed to convince the AG to accept the case.

"Each side has to go back to work on the case, and come back for another meeting," Sansern said.

Sansern suggested that if the AG ultimately decides not to take up the case against Yingluck, the NACC may be able to act as the prosecutor in the trial instead.

Although the NACC insisted that its anti-graft crusade against Yingluck is impartial and in accordance with the rule of law, supporters of Yingluck view the case as an attempt by the NACC and other so-called "independent agencies" to dismantle the political base of Yingluck and her allies.

Critics of the NACC point to the contrast of the agency's aggressive effort to pursue corruption charges against Yingluck and its 'hands-off' attitude toward the military junta and its legislative bodies.

The NACC previously ruled that members of the Cabinet and the National Reform Council (NRC) are not obliged to declare their assets, as opposed to the usual requirement for political officer holders in Thailand.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

BKK Police Defend 'Anti-Bribery' Cash Reward

By

Khaosod English

-

10 October 2014, 16:22

Pol.Lt. Rachan Chomsuwan (L) receiving a 10,000 baht reward for refusing to accept a 100 baht bribe from a motorcyclist, 10 October 2014.

BANGKOK – The Metropolitan Police Bureau has defended the 10,000 baht cash reward it's giving out to traffic police officers who refuse to accept bribes.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul Narongsak, deputy commander of the MPB, said today that the reward is a "morale-boosting" instrument that encourages police officers to perform their duties honestly. The reward is a part of the anti-bribery campaign launched by Bangkok police on 4 October.

He went on to dismiss accusations from the public that the 10,000 cash reward is unnecessary as police officers are already required by law to turn down bribes.

"Police commanders have to respond appropriately to the success or failure of their agencies," said Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul. "In the past, we have also handed out rewards to police officers as a morale-boosting method, such as the Traffic Police Gentleman Award, certificates, and trips to study police operations in foreign countries."

The officer also hopes that the cash payment will help reduce the widespread problem of police officers extorting bribes from motorists, and added that the public can assist the police force by snapping photos or filming police officers who take bribes.

"It's a way to help improve our society. I admit that police commanders cannot monitor the behaviour of their subordinates adequately, so if there's any photo or video of such actions, we will harshly punish the officers," said Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul.

Today, the cash award was handed out to Pol.Lt. Rachan Chomsuwan for turning down a 50 baht bribe offer from a pick-up truck driver who allegedly broke traffic laws near Phang Mueang Intersection yesterday morning.

The motorist has been identified as Wanchai Saengsutta, 25. Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul said he was arrested shortly after he attempted to bribe Pol.Lt. Rachan.

Under Thai law, those found guilty of bribing state officials can face up to five years in prison, while accepting bribes from the public can land state officials in jail for life.

However, in reality bribery is extremely common among the Thai police force, and traffic laws are often poorly enforced.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Lights, Camera, Junta, Action: Film About Prayuth's Teachings Announced

By

Khaosod English

-

10 October 2014, 14:23

Guideline for the template of "Twelve Values" banner provided by the Ministry of Education to all public schools in Thailand [image from the website of Ministry of Education]

BANGKOK – Coming soon to theatres near you: the wisdom of Thai junta leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Thailand's military-backed government announced yesterday that it is planning to produce a dramatisation of Gen. Prayuth's teachings known as "Twelve Values," which he says all Thais should practice.

"This is our first effort to comply with Gen. Prayuth's policy that called for a production of a film that promotes national identity," said Panadda Diskul, the head of the Office of Prime Minister, at a meeting yesterday with a group of film-makers and actors at the Government House.

Panadda said the government is looking to produce a "30-minute film" based on the "Twelve Values" preached by Gen. Prayuth, and asked the film-makers to submit ideas to the government.

Panadda added that once finished, the film will be played in "all cinemas across the country," though he did not say whether the tickets will be free of charge.

"[The film] will focus on Thai culture, peace and order, the national identity, and the adaptation of the Twelve Values," said Panadda. "That way, new generations and people of all ages can watch without getting bored."

In July, Gen. Prayuth said in a public address that he wants every Thai to adhere to the following principles:

1. Loyalty to the Nation, the Religion, and the Monarchy
2. Honesty, sacrifice, endurance, and noble ideology for the greater good
3. Gratitude for parents, guardians, and teachers
4. Diligence in acquiring knowledge, via school studies and other methods
5. Preserving the Thai customs and tradition
6. Morality and good will for others
7. Correct understanding of democracy with the King as Head of State
8. Discipline, respect for law, and obedience to the older citizens
9. Constant consciousness to practice good deeds all the time, as taught by His Majesty the King
10. Practice of Self-Sufficient Economy in accordance with the teaching of His Majesty the King
11. Physical and mental strength. Refusal to surrender to religious sins.
12. Uphold the interest of the nation over oneself.

The Ministry of Education has already unveiled a poem based on the those commandments and a pop song inspired by the Twelve Values is said to be under production.

To ensure that all Thais will take the Twelve Values to heart, authorities also instructed every public school and state agency to hang a banner listing Gen. Prayuth's wise words.

Gen. Prayuth, who is wielding a near-absolute power as Prime Minister and junta leader, is increasingly seen as an authoritarian ruler with a growing cult of personality.

A patriotic ballad Gen. Prayuth allegedly wrote "in one hour" has been played nonstop on state-owned media for months. The General also gives weekly televised lectures about morality to the public and has banned protests or any display of dissent against his rule.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Lights, Camera, Junta, Action: Film About Prayuth's Teachings Announced

By

Khaosod English

-

10 October 2014, 14:23