Son of Koh Tao Island Chief Denies Role In Britons' Murder

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30 September 2014, 22:17

CCTV footage that reportedly shows Mr. Warot in Bangkok when the Koh Tao murder took place.

BANGKOK — The son of a powerful local administrator on Koh Tao island initially sought by police has denied any involvement in the murder of two British tourists there two weeks ago.

Warot Tuvichian, 22, said at a press conference today that he was nowhere near Koh Tao island when David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were killed on 15 September.

Mr. Warot's lawyer, Attakorn Onart, presented reporters with a still photograph from CCTV footage that showed Mr. Warot at his university and residence in Bangkok on 13-15 September.

Mr. Warot also attended classes during that period of time, Mr. Attakorn said.

"There are university documents that confirmed his class attendance and examination," the lawyer told reporters.

Last week police identified Mr. Warot as a primary suspect, claiming that he fled the island shortly after the bodies of Mr. Miller and Ms. Witheridge were found.

The police later retracted their statement and said Mr. Warot was no longer a suspect because he was in Bangkok when the murder took place.

Mr. Warot's father, Woraphan Tuvichian, who is a village headman on Koh Tao island, was also considered a person of interest by the police. After questioning, the police cleared Mr. Woraphan of a connection to the murder.

Mr. Woraphan previously threatened to press libel charges against media agencies that attempted to link him or any of his family members to the killing of the two Britons.

At the press conference today, Mr. Warot's lawyer said news reports have "greatly damaged" his client.

"He wasn't unable to attend classes because people kept asking him if he was involved in the murder," Mr. Attakorn said. "So I want to ask for fairness for Mr. Warot."

Mr. Attakorn said his client never went into hiding and that police never questioned Mr. Warot about the murder. He added that Mr. Warot is willing to cooperate with police if he is ever summoned for questioning.

Mr. Warot then told reporters that he has become a target of hateful comments from people on social media who are convinced he was behind the murder.

"I want justice. Right now I am very fearful, and only my close friends understand me," Mr. Warot said.

Two weeks after the murder of Mr. Miller and Ms. Witheridge, Thai police have yet to arrest any suspect in the case. Police say that DNA samples collected from more than 100 potential suspects on the island did not match the DNA traces found on Ms. Witheridge's body.

Police have given conflicting statements about whether DNA samples of Mr. Warot and his father have been tested.

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Fearing Unrest, Thai Airways Shuts Down Hong Kong Office

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30 September 2014, 18:34

Hundreds of thousands of protesters occupying roads in Admiralty, Hong Kong, 29 September 2014. [Photo: Hong Kong Democracy Now Facebook page.]

BANGKOK – Thailand's flag carrier airline has announced that it will close down its Hong Kong office for the next week, citing the escalating political unrest that has paralysed the city's financial district since Monday morning.

According to the deputy director of Thai Airways Ltd, Surapol Issarangkul na Ayudhya, the airlines' bureau in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will close down from 30 September to 5 October.

Mr. Surapol said the Thai Airways office in Hong Kong’s Admiralty district is too close to the ongoing pro-democracy protests, which escalated significantly over the weekend.

"We have to close it down out of security concerns for customers and staff," Mr. Surapol said, adding that Thai Airways flights between Bangkok and Hong Kong will continue normally.

Tens of thousands of peaceful protesters are currently camping out in Hong Kong’s financial district to demand open elections by 2017 and the resignation of the city’s pro-Beijing chief executive, Leung Chun-Ying.

The protests stemmed from the Chinese government’s decision to pre-select which candidates can run for chief executive in 2017. The protesters, led by Occupy Central, demand that the election be open to any candidate.

There are fears that Chinese authorities are preparing an imminent crackdown to end the mass protests.

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Phuket police send mystery murder victim’s body for examination

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30 September 2014, 16:34

(The Phuket News)

PHUKET – The badly decomposed body of a woman with her hands tied behind her back has been sent to Surat Thani Hospital for further examination in a bid to establish precise cause of death and, if possible, her identity.

The body, found on Surin Beach yesterday morning (September 29), was initially taken to Thalang hospital but this morning Cherng Talay Police commander Col Paworn Pornpromma said that Thalang Hospital does not have the forensic and pathology skills.

Student Seared With Candle During University Hazing

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30 September 2014, 16:34

A 19-year-old student filed a criminal complaint with the police after she was burned with a candle by senior students during a university hazing ritual.

BANGKOK — A 19-year-old student filed a criminal complaint with the police after senior students burned her with candle wax during a university hazing ritual.

According to police at Samsen Police Station, the student told officers that several senior students forcefully dropped hot candle wax on her arm as a part of an initiation ceremony known as rub nong (“welcoming new brother and sisters”). The student’s arm was severely burned in the process.

Police say they will contact Bangkok’s Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University and charge whichever students are responsible for the burns with physical assault.

Rub nong rituals are common in many Thai universities and schools. While a number of universities opt for friendly initiation ceremonies, some schools are known for violent and abusive activities that involve assaulting students and forcing them to drink alcohol.

Brutal activities in the name of the rub nong tradition have also led to fatalities. Last month, a 16-year-old student from a vocational school in Pathum Thani province died after a night of seaside hazing.

The rector of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Ruedet Kertwichai, told Khaosod that the candle incident was reportedly conducted by senior students from the Faculty of Industrial Technology.

“I don’t know how many senior students are involved, and I don’t know the full details,” Mr. Ruedet said, “But the university is taking this very seriously. We will investigate the case in the fullest manner.”

If the senior students are found guilty by the university’s disciplinary committee, they will be suspended from the university, Mr. Reudet said. He also offered an apology to the student and her family.

Mr. Ruedet admitted that it is not the first time a violent rub nong ritual has occurred at the university, despite the school administration’s instructions that all initiation ceremonies be conducted in a non-violent, legal, and respectful manner.

In recent years progressive student activists have campaigned to end rub nong practices, but defenders of the tradition say it helps promote the ideals of SOTUS – Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity, and Spirit – among freshmen.

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Chiang Mai Royalists File Lese Majeste Against Facebooker

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30 September 2014, 16:34

A group of ultra-royalists in Chiang Mai province asked police to take action against a Facebook user who allegedly insulted the monarchy, 29 Sept 2014.<br /> — A group of ultra-royalists in Chiang Mai province asked police to take action against a Facebook user who allegedly insulted the monarchy, 29 Sept 2014.

CHIANG MAI — A group of ultra-royalists in Chiang Mai province have urged police to take action against a Facebook user who allegedly insulted the monarchy, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison in Thailand.

According to the group, a Facebook user by the name of Roongnapha Kampichai repeatedly posted comments defaming the Royal Family. The account has since been de-activated.

Under Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, criticizing the monarchy, known as lese majeste, can land offenders 15 years behind bars. The law also permits anyone to file a lese majeste complaint against another person.

Krit Yiammethakorn, the leader of the royalist group, met with Mueang Chiang Mai Police yesterday to file the lese majeste complaint against Ms. Roongnapha.

Speaking in front of the police station, Mr. Krit said that Chiang Mai residents cannot tolerate any libelous remarks directed at the monarchy.

"Above all, we love His Majesty the King," Mr. Krit said. "So we decided that it is time for a majority of Chiang Mai residents who love the nation and the monarchy to come out and defend the institutions they revere."

He continued, "Those who insult the monarchy work together to cover up their identities. They are a network intent on destroying the monarchy. Now that we received information that one such individual is in Chiang Mai, we want a swift legal action taken against that person."

The monarchy remains a largely taboo subject in Thailand because of the draconian lese majeste law. Those charged with lese majeste are often denied bailand tried in secret. Suspects in lese majeste cases are also stigmatised by the alleged offence even if they are ultimately deemed innocent.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the coup on 22 May and is now Prime Minister, is a staunch royalist. Since seizing power, he has promised to crackdown on suspected anti-monarchy activities and use "legal measures, social-psychological measures, and telecommunications and information technology to deal with those who are not mindful of their words, are arrogant at heart, or harbour ill intentions to undermine the important Institution of the nation."

On 28 September, Gen. Prayuth told reporters that the authorities are also working to extradite Ekkapob Luara, a lese majeste Redshirt active who is reportedly living in Cambodia.

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Chiang Mai Royalists File Lese Majeste Against Facebooker

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30 September 2014, 16:34

Royalists in Chiang Mai urging police to take action against a Facebook user who allegedly insulted the monarchy, 29 Sept 2014.<br /> — Royalists in Chiang Mai urging police to take action against a Facebook user who allegedly insulted the monarchy, 29 Sept 2014.

CHIANG MAI — A group of ultra-royalists in Chiang Mai province have urged police to take action against a Facebook user who allegedly insulted the monarchy, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison in Thailand.

According to the group, a Facebook user by the name of Roongnapha Kampichai repeatedly posted comments defaming the Royal Family. The account has since been de-activated.

Under Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, criticizing the monarchy, known as lese majeste, can land offenders 15 years behind bars. The law also permits anyone to file a lese majeste complaint against another person.

Krit Yiammethakorn, the leader of the royalist group, met with Mueang Chiang Mai Police yesterday to file the lese majeste complaint against Ms. Roongnapha.

Speaking in front of the police station, Mr. Krit said that Chiang Mai residents cannot tolerate any libelous remarks directed at the monarchy.

"Above all, we love His Majesty the King," Mr. Krit said. "So we decided that it is time for a majority of Chiang Mai residents who love the nation and the monarchy to come out and defend the institutions they revere."

He continued, "Those who insult the monarchy work together to cover up their identities. They are a network intent on destroying the monarchy. Now that we received information that one such individual is in Chiang Mai, we want a swift legal action taken against that person."

The monarchy remains a largely taboo subject in Thailand because of the draconian lese majeste law. Those charged with lese majeste are often denied bail and tried in secret. Suspects in lese majeste cases are also stigmatised by the alleged offence even if they are ultimately deemed innocent.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the coup on 22 May and is now Prime Minister, is a staunch royalist. Since seizing power, he has promised to crackdown on suspected anti-monarchy activities and use "legal measures, social-psychological measures, and telecommunications and information technology to deal with those who are not mindful of their words, are arrogant at heart, or harbour ill intentions to undermine the important Institution of the nation."

On 28 September, Gen. Prayuth told reporters that the authorities are also working to extradite Ekkapob Luara, a lese majeste Redshirt active who is reportedly living in Cambodia.

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Muslim Cleric Shot Dead, Authorities Brace For 'Retaliation'

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30 September 2014, 14:33

2,000 Marines attended a farewell ceremony at a military base in Chonburi province before their departure to the three southern border provinces, 29 Sept 2014.

PATTANI — Authorities in southern Thailand are seeking to distance themselves from the assassination of a Muslim cleric who was shot in the restive province of Pattani last night.

Waesuemae Suden, 67, was flanked and shot by two gunmen on a motorcycle while he was driving to his home in Panare district at around 8 pm. Onlookers rushed Mr. Waesuemae to a hospital, but he eventually succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head.

Mr. Waesuemae was a local ustad, or a Muslim cleric, who taught religious lessons at mosque schools, officials say.

Military units in Pattani quickly eschewed responsibility for the murder of Mr. Waesuemae. A note forwarded to all military outposts in the area said that Muslim insurgents will most likely blame the Thai military for the murder in order to escalate a confrontation.

The note also instructed all military units to increase vigilance for a possible "retaliation," a Khaosod correspondent reported.

Groups of Islamic insurgents in Pattani and several neighbouring provinces have been waging a bloody separatist campaign since early 2004. Over 6,000 people have died in the violence. Although many deaths have been caused by attacks from the separatists, there has also been violence committed by security officers in the region.

Earlier this month, a southern ranger admitted to shooting and killing a 14-year-old Muslim boy and then planting a firearm in his hand to falsely frame the teenager as an insurgent.

Pol.Col. Anand Kemkam, an investigative officer at Panare Police Station, said this morning that it is too early to determine the motive behind the murder of the cleric.

"We cannot say whether it's personal vendetta, or an attempt to inflame the situation," Pol.Col. Anand explained.

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Muslim Cleric Shot Dead, Authorities Brace For ‘Retaliation’

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30 September 2014, 14:33

PATTANI — Authorities in southern Thailand are seeking to distance themselves from the assassination of a Muslim cleric who was shot in the restive province of Pattani last night.

Waesuemae Suden, 67, was flanked and shot by two gunmen on a motorcycle while he was driving to his home in Panare district at around 8 pm. Onlookers rushed Mr. Waesuemae to a hospital, but he eventually succumbed to the gunshot wound in his head.

Mr. Waesuemae was a local ustad, or a Muslim cleric, who taught religious lessons at mosque schools, officials say.

Military units in Pattani quickly eschewed responsibility for the murder of Mr. Waesuemae. A note forwarded to all military outposts in the area informed members of the armed forces that Muslim insurgents will most likely blame the Thai military for the murder in order to escalate a confrontation.

The note also instructed all military units to increase vigilance for a possible “retaliation,” a Khaosod correspondent reported.

Groups of Islamic insurgents in Pattani and several neighbouring provinces have been waging a bloody separatist campaign since early 2004. Over 6,000 people have died in the violence. Many deaths are believed to result from attacks by the separatists, though there has also been violence committed by security officers in the region.

Pol.Col. Anand Kemkam, an investigative officer at Panare Police Station, said it is too early to determine the motive behind the murder of the cleric.

“We cannot say whether it’s personal vendetta, or an attempt to inflame the situation,” Pol.Col. Anand explained.

Earlier this month, a southern ranger admitted to shooting and killing a 14-year-old Muslim boy and then planting a firearm in his hand to falsely frame the teenager as an insurgent.

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Train Rapist & Murderer Sentenced to Death

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30 September 2014, 13:15

Wanchai Saengkhao reacting the crime for police on 9 July 2014.<br /> — Wanchai Saengkhao reacting the crime for police on 9 July 2014.

PRACHUAP KIRI KHAN — A Thai court has sentenced to death the state railway employee found guilty of raping and murdering a 13-year-old girl on a moving train two months ago.

Wanchai Saengkhao, was accused of sexually assaulting the girl before throwing her body overboard on a night train bound for Bangkok on 5 July. Mr. Wanchai worked as a cleaner on the train.

Mr. Wanchai was charged with sexually assaulting a minor, committing premeditated murder, and concealing the body. He was also charged with nighttime theft and drug abuse, as it emerged that Mr. Wanchai stole the victim's phone and took methamphetamine pills prior to committing the crimes.

Today Hua Hin Provincial Court found Mr. Wanchai guilty of all charges and sentenced him to death.

The court justified the verdict by noting that Mr. Wanchai's crimes were "cruel and without any shed of humanity," therefore deserving the harshest punishment available under the law.

Although Thai courts usually reduce sentences for defendants who confess, the judges said Mr. Wanchai's confession did not merit such reduction because he only confessed "when defeated by evidence."

The court also found a colleague of Mr. Wanchai guilty of assisting with the rape and murder. Nattakorn Chamnarn, who allegedly served as a look-out for Mr. Wanchai and kept silent when police investigation began, was sentenced to four years in prison.

Mr. Wanchai remained expressionless throughout the verdict reading. He was later escorted out of the courtroom without speaking to the press.

A relative of the murdered girl said his family still makes merits to her soul every day.

"I feel sorry for her mother. She misses her very much," the relative said.

Her family will continue to press for making the death sentence the highest penalty for convicted rapists, added the relative, who was wearing a black t-shirt that said "Rape = Execution."

Under Thai law, rape is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and a rape assisted by weapons in punishable by life in prison.

The campaign calling for the death penalty started almost immediately after Mr. Wanchai's crimes were reported in the news. Pro-execution activists gathered tens of thousands of signatures and staged rallies to voice their demands in defiance of the junta's ban on all public protests.

Pro-death penalty supporters insist that executing rapists will decrease the number of rape incidents, though human rights activists say there is little proof that the death penalty is an effective deterrent against crimes.

The junta's National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has not yet publicly responded to the campaign.

Panadda Wongphudee, former actress and a core leader of the pro-death penalty campaign, said more than 100,000 people have signed a petition that calls for punishing convicted rapists with the death penalty.

"This case is just one of many other rapes that happen every day," Ms. Panadda said. "I want the laws to be something that people can rely on, and I want to the public to step up the campaign for this issue."

Sexual abuse is considered to be widespread in Thailand. An average of 87 cases of sexual violence are reported every day – one case per every 15 minutes – according statistics from 2013 compiled by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

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Train Rapist & Murderer Sentenced to Death

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30 September 2014, 13:15

The family of the 13-year-old girl who was raped and murdered on a train attended the court case that sentenced her rapist and murderer to death, Sept 30 2014. Their shirts bear slogans advocating for punishing rapists with the death penalty. <br /> — The family of the 13-year-old girl who was raped and murdered on a train attended the court case that sentenced her rapist and murderer to death, Sept 30 2014. Their shirts bear slogans advocating for punishing rapists with the death penalty.