BANGKOK — Thai students are now required to memorise the "Twelve Values" bestowed by junta leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in a new poem released by the Ministry of Education.

The poem, unveiled by the Ministry of Education on its website yesterday, is based on the Twelve Values Gen. Prayuth said he wants every Thai youth to adopt.

Gen. Prayuth's wise words were rendered into a poetic rhythm as followed:

One, love the Nation, Religion, Monarchy
Two, honesty, sacrifice, endurance
Three, gratitude to your parents with all your hearts
Four, strive to learn and be diligent in studies
Five, preserve the national culture   
Six, do not lack in morality and religion
Seven, learn about sovereignty of the people
Eight, maintain discipline and Thai law
Nine, practice the Royal Teaching
Ten, you can live on Self-Sufficiency 
Eleven, be strong in body and mind
And twelve, think of the greater good

Suthasri Wongsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Educaton, said he believes the Twelve Values can also be practised and applied by teachers, bureaucrats, education officials, and all members of the public.

"They should seriously practice these values," Mr. Suthasri said in statement released by the Ministry of Education.

In addition to the poem, the Ministry will set up a committee to "consider" ways to include the Twelve Values in textbooks for public schools.

"Many experts are already submitting guidelines about practical application of the values," Mr. Suthasri said in the statement.

The Ministry of Education is currently mired in a separate controversy over newly revised history textbooks that fail to mention former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, an extremely influential political figure who backed the government toppled in the 22 May coup.

The revelation alarmed many observers who interpret the move as an effort by the junta to "rewrite" history.

Gen. Prayuth, who is wielding a near-absolute power as the government leader, army chief, 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.

More recently, the military junta warned against disseminating photoshopped images of Gen. Prayuth on social media, arguing that they mislead the public and distort the truth.

BANGKOK — DNA traces found on the bodies of two British tourists murdered in southern Thailand do not match any of the possible suspects detained by police, confirming that the culprit behind the gruesome murder is still at large.

The naked bodies of  David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found beaten to death on 15 September in Koh Tao, a popular resort island in the Gulf of Thailand.

Thai police held at least six Burmese migrant workers and one British man for questioning in the wake of the murder, but forensic tests reveal that the DNA  found on the victims' bodies do not match any of the potential suspects, said Pol.Maj.Gen. Pornchai Sutheerakhun, director of Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM).

The British man, a friend of Mr. Miller, was detained at the airport and asked to stay in Thailand to assist with the investigation. 

The DNA traces came from semen found in Ms. Witheridge's body. According to Pol.Maj.Gen. Pornchai, the single hair found in Ms. Witheridge's left hand could not be used for DNA testing. 

The results have sent the investigation back to square one, as Thai police say they currently have no information about other possible suspects. It is unclear whether the perpertrator is still on the tiny 21 km sq island because boats have been able to leave the area since Monday. 

The latest development will likely be seen as another example of incompetence on the part of authorities investigating the case. Thai police have already committed several blunders, such as failing to seal off the crime scene, misidentifying Mr. Miller and Ms. Witheridge in the CCTV footage, and providing contradictory statements to the press.

However, Pol.MajGen. Pornchai, the director of Thailand's forensic institute, said yesterday that police are hoping three cigarette butts found near the crime scene will provide a new lead. The DNA traces found on the cigarettes do not "conflict" with the semen found in Ms. Witheridges' body, but police say more samples are needed to make a definitive match. 

Pol.Lt.Gen. Panya Mamen, commander of 8th Provincial Police Force, said he has instructed officers around Koh Tao to "expand" their investigation and possibly round up "Thais and fishing boat crews" in the area for questioning.

"We will send more reinforcements to Koh Tao," Pol.Lt.Gen. Panya said, "We will conduct a raid on the entire island if we have to."

Thailand's Prime Minister and junta leader Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha has also come under fire from a number of British news outlets who have accused him of victim blaming in recent days.

"[Tourists] think our country is beautiful and is safe so they can do whatever they want," the general was quoted as saying yesterday.  "Can they be safe in bikinis… unless they are not beautiful?"

A day earlier he said, "We also have to look into the behaviour of [Mr. Miller and Ms. Witheridge]."

The British Embassy is seeking clarification about Gen. Prayuth's comments, which they said have "raised" their concerns, according to a statement released today. 

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — As voters in Scotland decide whether to secede from the United Kingdom today, citizens in northeastern Thailand are also engaged in a fierce separatist debate.

The question is whether Nakhon Ratchasima, the largest province in Thailand, should be divided into two. 

Officials have proposed separating eight districts of Nakhon Ratchasima – Bua Yai, Baan Lueam, Pratai, Kong, Noan Daeng, Kaeng Sanamnaeng, Bua Lai, and Sida – into a new province, called Bua Yai, which would make up less than one sixth of the current province's area. The move is billed as an effort to increase the budget and resources allocated to local residents. 

But the plan has outraged many citizens in the area who say the separation of Korat, a common nickname for Nakhon Ratchasima, is an insult to the province’s dignity and heritage.

Both sides have staged demonstrations and rallies in the province's town centre, despite a ban on public protests imposed by the military junta following the 22 May coup. 

Yes Bua Yai

Kampan Boonyued, a former education official in Bua Yai district and the leader of pro-separation campaign, said during a recent rally that the current size of Korat makes it extremely difficult for citizens to commute to the nearest public schools, hospitals, and other important sites. 

Thailand's heavily-centralised government is notorious for favoring Bangkok and providing limited funds for infrastructure at the provincial levels. The pro-separation faction hopes that becoming a new province will entitle the eight districts to their own colleges, hospitals, and administrative authorities. 

"Children in the eight districts have to travel for more than 100 km to study," Mr. Kampan said, "Sometimes, patients died on their way to Maharaj Hospital, which is the only major hospital in the province. All these things make us feel like second-class citizens."

He added, "I'd like to ask the opposition who likes to use emotion in their judgment to give fairness to 340,000 citizens [of the eight districts]."

Mr. Kampan was referring to the anti-separation activists who say the separation will insult the legacy of Lady Suranaree, a semi-historical figure who reportedly fought off Laotian raiders and defended the "independence" of Korat in the late 19th century. 

Lady Suranaree, greatly revered by Korat citizens, is Thailand's answer to William Wallace of Scotland. Many locals make daily trips to her statue in the town centre to worship and pray for good fortune. Even the pro-separation group has sought to portray themselves as loyal to Lady Suranaree, who is also known as Ya Mo; Mr. Kampan, for instance, chose to hold a rally in front of her statue on 16 September.

"Ya Mo understands the need for Bua Yai province," read one banner at the pro-separation rally, which was attended by over 1,000 people.

Better together as Korat

Somporn Jintanamaneerat, an administrative official of Noan Soong district who recently voted "No" in an official preliminary meeting concerning Korat's separation, said the anti-opposition camp is united by "the love for our land," for the long history of Korat, and for Lady Suranaree.

"We do not want to separate Ya Mo's land," Ms. Somporn said. She also urged the pro-separation faction stop their campaign for the sake of "love, unity, and reconciliation."

Winai Kirati-urai, the administrator of the Facebook page "Korat People Oppose the Separation Into Bua Yai Province," said the separation movement has infuriated many Korat citizens who will not allow "Ya Mo's land" to be divided.

"I think that act does not have the support of a majority of Korat people, it's just an action by a certain group," Mr. Winai said, adding that he wants to see a proper referendum so that all citizens in the province can vote on the matter. 

Mr. Winai also raised concerns that the pro-separation group may have a hidden agenda to gerrymander voting districts in the region and give advantage to a certain political party – a charge vehemently denied by the pro-Bua Yai faction. 

Furthermore, Mr. Winai questioned whether the separation effort is a veiled attempt to rig the price of land in the potential new province. He said his group is currently collecting 20,000 signatures for a petition asking Thailand's military government not to endorse the separation plan. 

The junta's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has not publicly weighed in on the issue. For the new province to be officially approved, Korat's Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) will need to submit a proposal to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), who will decide on the matter, along with the Cabinet. 

Yet it is unlikely that the proposal will be picked up by the PAO any time soon, as Kittipong Pongsurawate, chairman of Korat's PAO, suddenly resigned from his post on 14 September. He explained that his resignation was meant to "ease the tension" and block any attempt by the pro-separation group to submit a proposal through the PAO.

The Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thongchai Lue-adul, recently warned the anti-separation group against organising public demonstrations, citing the junta’s ban on gatherings. He did not make any comment concerning the recent pro-separation rally. 

At the rally, Mr. Kampan, the pro-separation leader, attempted to appease anti-separatists by suggesting that the new province could be called Suranaree as a token of loyalty towards the heroine.

"We are not demanding that the new province must be called Bua Yai. We are happy to name it Suranaree province, or any other name that is appropriate," Mr. Kampan said, "Ya Mo belongs to all Thais in Thailand, not only for Korat people. The claim of her as our identity is not right. We respect Ya Mo like every Koratian and Thai."

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

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — As voters in Scotland decide whether to secede from the United Kingdom today, citizens in northeastern Thailand are also engaged in a fierce separatist debate.

The question is whether Nakhon Ratchasima, the largest province in Thailand, should be divided into two. 

Officials have proposed separating eight districts of Nakhon Ratchasima – Bua Yai, Baan Lueam, Pratai, Kong, Noan Daeng, Kaeng Sanamnaeng, Bua Lai, and Sida – into a new province, called Bua Yai, which would make up less than one sixth of the current province's area. The move is billed as an effort to increase the budget and resources allocated to local residents. 

But the plan has outraged many citizens in the area who say the separation of Korat, a common nickname for Nakhon Ratchasima, is an insult to the province’s dignity and heritage.

Both sides have staged demonstrations and rallies in the province's town centre, despite a ban on public protests imposed by the military junta following the 22 May coup. 

Yes Bua Yai

Kampan Boonyued, a former education official in Bua Yai district and the leader of pro-separation campaign, said during a recent rally that the current size of Korat makes it extremely difficult for citizens to commute to the nearest public schools, hospitals, and other important sites. 

Thailand's heavily-centralised government is notorious for favoring Bangkok and providing limited funds for infrastructure at the provincial levels. The pro-separation faction hopes that becoming a new province will entitle the eight districts to their own colleges, hospitals, and administrative authorities. 

"Children in the eight districts have to travel for more than 100 km to study," Mr. Kampan said, "Sometimes, patients died on their way to Maharaj Hospital, which is the only major hospital in the province. All these things make us feel like second-class citizens."

He added, "I'd like to ask the opposition who likes to use emotion in their judgment to give fairness to 340,000 citizens [of the eight districts]."

Mr. Kampan was referring to the anti-separation activists who say the separation will insult the legacy of Lady Suranaree, a semi-historical figure who reportedly fought off Laotian raiders and defended the "independence" of Korat in the late 19th century. 

Lady Suranaree, greatly revered by Korat citizens, is Thailand's answer to William Wallace of Scotland. Many locals make daily trips to her statue in the town centre to worship and pray for good fortune. Even the pro-separation group has sought to portray themselves as loyal to Lady Suranaree, who is also known as Ya Mo; Mr. Kampan, for instance, chose to hold a rally in front of her statue on 16 September.

"Ya Mo understands the need for Bua Yai province," read one banner at the pro-separation rally, which was attended by over 1,000 people.

Better together as Korat

Somporn Jintanamaneerat, an administrative official of Noan Soong district who recently voted "No" in an official preliminary meeting concerning Korat's separation, said the anti-opposition camp is united by "the love for our land," for the long history of Korat, and for Lady Suranaree.

"We do not want to separate Ya Mo's land," Ms. Somporn said. She also urged the pro-separation faction stop their campaign for the sake of "love, unity, and reconciliation."

Winai Kirati-urai, the administrator of the Facebook page "Korat People Oppose the Separation Into Bua Yai Province," said the separation movement has infuriated many Korat citizens who will not allow "Ya Mo's land" to be divided.

"I think that act does not have the support of a majority of Korat people, it's just an action by a certain group," Mr. Winai said, adding that he wants to see a proper referendum so that all citizens in the province can vote on the matter. 

Mr. Winai also raised concerns that the pro-separation group may have a hidden agenda to gerrymander voting districts in the region and give advantage to a certain political party – a charge vehemently denied by the pro-Bua Yai faction. 

Furthermore, Mr. Winai questioned whether the separation effort is a veiled attempt to rig the price of land in the potential new province. He said his group is currently collecting 20,000 signatures for a petition asking Thailand's military government not to endorse the separation plan. 

The junta's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has not publicly weighed in on the issue. For the new province to be officially approved, Korat's Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) will need to submit a proposal to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), who will decide on the matter, along with the Cabinet. 

Yet it is unlikely that the proposal will be picked up by the PAO any time soon, as Kittipong Pongsurawate, chairman of Korat's PAO, suddenly resigned from his post on 14 September. He explained that his resignation was meant to "ease the tension" and block any attempt by the pro-separation group to submit a proposal through the PAO.

The Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thongchai Lue-adul, recently warned the anti-separation group against organising public demonstrations, citing the junta’s ban on gatherings. He did not make any comment concerning the recent pro-separation rally. 

At the rally, Mr. Kampan, the pro-separation leader, attempted to appease anti-separatists by suggesting that the new province could be called Suranaree as a token of loyalty towards the heroine.

"We are not demanding that the new province must be called Bua Yai. We are happy to name it Suranaree province, or any other name that is appropriate," Mr. Kampan said, "Ya Mo belongs to all Thais in Thailand, not only for Korat people. The claim of her as our identity is not right. We respect Ya Mo like every Koratian and Thai."

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

BANGKOK — Thailand’s military regime has scolded internet users for mocking junta leader and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha with photoshopped images posted on social media.

"There have been people with ill intention altering photos of the NCPO leader and posting them on social media  in order to mislead the public," said spokesperson of the junta's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Col. Winthai Suvaree at a press conference yesterday.

"It is very inappropriate. It should not be done," Col. Winthai said. "I am sure that the people are aware it is an effort to smear Gen. Prayuth."

While most major Thai media agencies are either controlled by the state or practicing self-censorship in the face of the junta's intimidation tactics, political discussion remains relatively vibrant on social media. 

Many critics of the 22 May coup have taken to Facebook and Twitter to circulate images poking fun at Gen. Prayuth and some of his controversial statements.

The junta has sought to suppress anti-coup dissent on social media in the past by briefly blocking Facebook and encouraging citizens to report anti-coup activity on social media for 500 baht rewards.

"I am pleading Internet users to help build a quality online society and eliminate any act that distorts facts, defames, creates division and hatred, or misleads the public," Col. Winthai said.

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