28.8 C
Bangkok
Monday, July 6, 2026
Home Blog Page 3295

Police Apologise To Buddha Issara For Tear Gas Barrage

By
Khaosod English
-

BANGKOK — The police have formally apologised to a core anti-government leader for spraying him with tear gas and a high-pressured water hose during a skirmish in Bangkok yesterday.

The clash between protesters and police occured when the monk and activist Buddha Issara led supporters of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) to the headquarters of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) on Viphavadee Road.

The monk and his entourage attempted to enter the CAPO compound, and police responded by firing barrage of tear gas and high-pressured water at them, forcing Buddha Issara to retreat.

The monk later pressed charges with Thoong Song Hong Police against the police force, accusing them of attempting to murder him and violating his constitutional right to peaceful assembly. 

Today Buddha Issara led hundreds of protesters back to the CAPO headquarters to demand a formal apology from police. When the police initially failed to respond to his request, Buddha Issara ordered supporters to start dismantling concrete barriers around the entrance to the CAPO compound.

PCAD guards also briefly blocked Viphavadee Road and the elevated tollway during the demonstration, disrupting traffic and forcing a number of foreign tourists to walk with their luggages to find another way to reach Don Mueang Airport. 

However, the police eventually sent several representatives bearing traditional garlands to apologise to Buddha Issara. The officers knelt down humbly and asked the monk to forgive police for their actions on the previous day. 

Pleased with the gesture, Buddha Issara accepted the apology, and the protesters dispersed peacefully from the area.

 

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

Advertisement

Police Apologise To Buddha Issara For Tear Gas Barrage

By
Khaosod English
-

BANGKOK — The police have formally apologised to a core anti-government leader for spraying him with tear gas and a high-pressured water hose during a skirmish in Bangkok yesterday.

The clash between protesters and police occured when the monk and activist Buddha Issara led supporters of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) to the headquarters of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) on Viphavadee Road.

The monk and his entourage attempted to enter the CAPO compound, and police responded by firing barrage of tear gas and high-pressured water at them, forcing Buddha Issara to retreat.

The monk later pressed charges with Thoong Song Hong Police against the police force, accusing them of attempting to murder him and violating his constitutional right to peaceful assembly. 

Today Buddha Issara led hundreds of protesters back to the CAPO headquarters to demand a formal apology from police. When the police initially failed to respond to his request, Buddha Issara ordered supporters to start dismantling concrete barriers around the entrance to the CAPO compound.

PCAD guards also briefly blocked Viphavadee Road and the elevated tollway during the demonstration, disrupting traffic and forcing a number of foreign tourists to walk with their luggages to find another way to reach Don Mueang Airport. 

However, the police eventually sent several representatives bearing traditional garlands to apologise to Buddha Issara. The officers knelt down humbly and asked the monk to forgive police for their actions on the previous day. 

Pleased with the gesture, Buddha Issara accepted the apology, and the protesters dispersed peacefully from the area.

 

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

Advertisement

Building Regulation 'To Be Revised' After Earthquakes

By
Khaosod English
-

BANGKOK — A Senator has called to amend national building regulations following a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Chiang Rai province last week.

The quake shook the northern region on 5 May, as the nation was celebrating the auspicious anniversary of His Majesty the King's Coronation, and caused extensive damages to many roads, residences, and historic sites.

The earthquake was one of the largest to have hit Thailand in modern history.

Speaking to the newly-convened Senate in Bangkok, Chiang Rai Senator Mongkolchai Duangsaengthong said he has asked Chulalongkorn University and local administrations in Chiang Rai province to send experts to inspect many affected buildings and look for any long-term consequences caused by the earthquake.

Mr. Mongkolchai also urged the authorities to dispatch psychiatrists to help frightened citizens who have fled their homes in the aftermath of the quake and have been living in temporary shelters since. 

"The people who are affected are too afraid to return to their homes," Mr. Mongkolchai said.

Furthermore, the Senator said the government should amend the current Building Control Act to include preparations for future quakes, while the Department of Disaster Prevention should regularly conduct earthquake drills for the public. 

Senate Speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai replied that he would pass Mr. Mongkolchai's proposals to relevant authorities, and added that the Senate could also organise a fund-raising on behalf of the earthquake victims in Chiang Rai province.

Meanwhile, local officials in Chiang Rai said the damage survey in the province showed that at least 54,000 people have been affected by the 5 May earthquake and its numerous aftershocks. One fatality has been reported. 

According to the reports, 8,371 residential buildings, 63 temples, 31 governmental buildings, five roads, three schools, one hotel were damaged by the quake.

Officials warned that the toll is not the final number, as the damage survey is still ongoing in some districts.

 

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

Advertisement

Man Throws Grenade at Woman 'For Dumping Him'

By
Khaosod English
-
Damage from a grenade blast in Prachuap Kiri Khan, 10 May 2014.

PRACHUAP KIRI KHAN — A man reportedly hurled a grenade at his ex-girlfriend out of jealousy in Prachuap Kiri Khan today.

The victim, a 27 year old woman who gave her name as Kamolthip, was struck in the head by shrapnel from the blast. 

Her mother, who identified herself as Cha-on, 62, said the explosion occurred inside garage where Ms. Kamolthip was sitting with her current boyfriend. When Ms. Cha-on rushed to the scene, she found Ms. Kamolthip writhing with pain because of large wounds on her head. The garage ceiling was also damaged by the blast. 

Ms. Kamolthip was promptly sent to hospital, where she continues to receive treatment for her head injuries. 

According to Ms. Cha-on, Ms. Kamolthip broke up with a man she had been dating in Prachap Kiri Khan when she moved to Bangkok for her studies. Ms. Kamolthip has recently returned home after finishing her studies, and began a new relationship, Ms. Cha-on said.

Ms. Cha-on believes her ex-boyfriend may have been enraged to see Ms. Kamolthip dating another man, and decided to throw a grenade at them out of jealousy. 

Police say they are investigating the incident.

 

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

Advertisement

Suthep Tells Senate To Appoint Unelected PM

By
Khaosod English
-
PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban at a press conference 10 May 2014

BANGKOK — Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban is demanding the Senate and courts seek Royal Approval for an unelected Prime Minister.

Mr. Suthep, the firebrand leader of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), voiced his demands during yesterday’s "Final Battle," in which thousands of anti-government demonstrators took to the streets and besieged nearly all state-owned TV stations and important government buildings in Bangkok. 

In a speech last night, Mr. Suthep insisted that the government has ceased to exist since ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted by the Constitutional Court on Wednesday.

"Today Thailand has no government, and Thailand is not in the state to form a government," Mr. Suthep said. "It's a headless ghost."

He dismissed the Cabinet's appointment of a new PM, former Commerce Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisarn, calling it illegal and meaningless. 

According to Mr. Suthep, the only solution for Thailand is to replace the remaining Cabinet with an unelected one, chaired by a PM appointed by His Majesty the King. 

The PCAD leader called on the newly-elected Senate Speaker Surachai Liangboonlertchai to urgently "consult" with other Senators to agree on a candidate for the premiership and submit the name to His Majesty the King for his Royal Approval. Mr. Surachai is an appointed member of the Senate – which is half elected, half appointed –  who is thought to be sympathetic to the anti-government cause.

Mr. Suthep also urged top judges of various courts, along with the chairman of the Election Commission (EC), to meet with the Senators and provide them with advice concerning the choice for unelected PM. 

"Tomorrow is Saturday, but you must work. You must not rest. You must urgently meet with each other to proceed with these [instructions]," Mr. Suthep said.

He added, "I would like to humbly address the puuyai [elders] that they must choose someone who is honest, uncorrupt, and loyal to the country. Don't pick anyone from any political party to be Prime Minister, because the Great Mass of the People will not accept it."

Mr. Suthep stressed that his demands should not be interpreted as any sort of ultimatum or intimidation, as he was simply relaying the will of the people to the establishment.

"I would like to humbly inform you that the Great Mass of the People has been fighting for over six months now. We cannot wait any longer. This thing has to end by Monday. If you don't do it, or if you can't do it, don't be angry at me, because the people will take matters into their own hands," Mr. Suthep warned. 

Pro-government supporters have repeatedly threatened a massive "resistance" if Mr. Suthep's demands for unelected Prime Minister are accepted by the establishment.

 

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

Advertisement

Myanmar Stresses China's Peaceful Rise to Regional Leadership

By
Khaosod English
-
Workers pass across the road next to the gateway decorated for 24th ASEAN Summit in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, 09 May 2014 (DPA).

NAYPYITAW (DPA) — Myanmar officials highlighted the importance of China's peaceful rise in the region on Saturday ahead of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.

Myanmar will host Sunday for the first time since it joined the 10-nation bloc in 1997.

"China is not only a big friend of Myanmar's, but China is also the biggest trading partner of most of the ASEAN counties so China's peaceful rise is very important for the ASEAN region," said Ye Htut, a spokesman for President Thein Sein.

ASEAN summits, held twice a year, end with declarations on regional issues such as economic integration and common security concerns.

The Philippines and Vietnam are lobbying this year for a strong statement from ASEAN against aggression in the South China Sea. Several countries have territorial disputes with Beijing over sovereignty claims to the sea, petroleum reserves and rights to fishing grounds.

Myanmar, as host, will play a crucial role in determining the tone of the final ASEAN statement on China, its northern neighbour and main foreign investor.

ASEAN foreign ministers met in the capital Naypyitaw Saturday to discuss regional issues, including the South China Sea tensions, ahead of the summit.

Ye Htut described the Philippines' and Vietnam's problems with China as a matter of "bilateral relations."

China's policy has been to address its territorial disputes at the bilateral level, while the Philippines and Vietnam want a common ASEAN stance to pressure Beijing to agree to a Code of Conduct in the disputed areas.

The issue is seen as a test for ASEAN unity, in the face of China's growing political and economic clout in the region.

China was one of the few countries that stood by Myanmar when it was under military junta rule between 1988 to 2010, and propped it up during years of Western economic sanctions.

ASEAN groups Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.

Advertisement

Indonesian Opposition Party Wins Parliamentary Vote

By
Khaosod English
-
Electoral officials check ballot papers during vote counting at a polling station in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, 09 April 2014 (DPA).

By Ahmad Pathoni (DPA)

JAKARTA — The opposition Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), led by former president Megawati Sukarnoputri, secured 19 percent of the vote in April 9 parliamentary elections, the General Election Commission said.

Golkar, the ruling party during the reign of former dictator Suharto, was second with about 15 per cent. The Gerindra Party of former military general Prabowo Subianto, who is a presidential hopeful, came in third with 12 per cent, the commission said.

PDI-P has nominated popular Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo as its candidate for the July 9 presidential election. But the party needs to form an alliance with one or more other parties, as a party or coalition of parties that must receive 25 per cent of the popular vote or 20 per cent of seats in parliament to nominate a presidential candidate.

PDI-P has struck an alliance with the National Democratic Party (NasDem), which won nearly 7 per cent of the vote but is still trying to woo other parties to broaden its support base.

Surveys before the parliamentary elections indicated Widodo would win the presidency by a landslide, with his popularity ratings more than double those of his closest rival, Subianto.

Widodo, a heavy metal fan and former furniture retailer, rose to political prominence as mayor of Solo in Central Java province, where he introduced a series of policies including free health care and education.

Widodo won the Jakarta gubernatorial election in 2012 and has since built a reputation as a capable and hands-on leader with a common touch, through his frequent visits to the capital's poor neighbourhoods.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Democratic Party, which leads the ruling coalition, was at 10 per cent in the official vote tally, a sharp drop from 21 per cent in 2009 elections.

Yudhoyono cannot run again after two terms in office, and his party has been embroiled in corruption scandals involving senior members.
 

Advertisement

Motorist Reportedly Attacked By Armed PCAD Militants

By
Khaosod English
-
PCAD guards man the Uttrapimuk-Don Muang Tollway  while PCAD supporters demonstrate at the Police Sports Club nearby, 9 May 2014.

BANGKOK — A motorist says he was attacked by a group of anti-government protest guards during their brief occupation of the Uttrapimuk-Don Muang Tollway in Bangkok today.

Viphavadee Road and its elevated toll way were shut down by supporters of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) while they clashed with police at the Police Sports Club this afternoon. 

During the PCAD demonstration at the Police Sports Club nearby, masked "guards" wearing bullet-proof jackets manned the expressway to regulate traffic. Videos posted on social media show the guards threatening commuters not to drive past their checkpoint without permission.

One motorist told Khaosod that he was driving to Don Mueang Airport with his girlfriend when PCAD guards forced him to park his car on the right lane of the toll way.

According to Mr. Sorasak, who requested to be identified only by his surname for fear of retaliation by PCAD supporters, a group of masked PCAD guards approached his vehicle and ordered him to roll down the window. When he refused, one of the guards broke the windshield with a handgun and and another repeatedly punched him in the face until he fell unconscious, Mr. Sorasak reported.

The assault on Mr. Sorasak was captured on video by another motorist, who later posted the video clip of the incident on Facebook.

Mr. Sorasak, who was reportedly sent to Viphavadee Hospital to treat injuries from the assault, said his mother has filed formal complaints with Thoong Song Hong Police; Mr. Sorasak explained that he could not file the complaints himself as the doctors have not permitted him to leave the hospital.

Pol.Cpt. Anuchit Chartchuliam, a police officer at Thoong Song Hong Police Station, told Khaosod that Mr. Sorasak's family have filed charge yesterday, and the police are now investigating the incident.

PCAD guards have a record of physically assaulting random bystanders, despite PCAD leaders' insistence that they have intensified discipline training for their guards. Some PCAD guards also carry firearms. 

Last month a group of PCAD guards beat and shot an army colonel after he attempted to remove traffic cones placed by PCAD protesters on Chaeng Wattana Road. PCAD core leader Buddha Issara later apologised to the Royal Thai Army, claiming that the colonel was assaulted because of a "misunderstanding."

 
 

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

Advertisement

Rice Payments Further Stalled By Ousting of Finance Minister

By
Khaosod English
-
Rice farmers gather in front of Ministry of Commerce to demand payment for their mortgaged rice, 6 February 2014.

BANGKOK — Farmers who are still waiting to be paid for participating in the government’s rice-pledging program will be forced to wait even longer now that the country lacks a Finance Minister, a government official said.

The former Minister of Finance, Kittirat Na Ranong, was ousted alongside ex- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and eight other Ministers on Wednesday after the Constitutional Court  found them guilty of unlawfully transferring the head of the National Security Council (NSC) in 2011.

The Cabinet post has yet to be filled, which means there is currently no one with the authority to approve payment of the 5 billion baht owed to rice farmers who sold paddies to the government under its rice mortgage scheme, said Manas Chaemweha, director of the Comptroller General Department (CGD).

According to Mr. Manas, budget regulations require that any state expenditure of more than 500 million baht be personally approved by the Minister of Finance. 

The payment to the farmers must be paid by 31 May, Mr. Manas added.

Earlier this year, thousands of farmers marched to Bangkok after the government failed to pay them on schedule.

The costly rice subsidy scheme, in which the government bought rice from farmers at almost twice the market price, has caused huge financial losses for the government and incurred harsh criticism from a number of financial experts.

In addition, Thailand’s anti-graft agency indicted Ms. Yingluck yesterday for failing to stop the widespread corruption that purportedly plagued the program. The Senate may now use the case as grounds to impeach Ms. Yingluck and ban her from political office for five years.

Of the 20 billion baht owed to farmers, 15 billion has already been paid, and the last 5 billion baht is waiting for official approval, Mr. Manas said.

Mr. Manas said the Deputy Minister of Finance may be able to sign the payment order on behalf of the absent Minister of Finance, although this could entail legal complications.

Apart from the rice payments, the government also needs to approve money to repair damages caused by the recent earthquake in Chiang Rai province, Mr. Manas said.

According to the Director of the Department of Foreign Trade, Surasak Riangkuea, the massive stocks of rice accumulated by the government are being "steadily" sold off to foreign buyers. 

Mr. Surasak claimed that many foreign countries are pursuing contracts with the Thai government because they are aware that the price of Thai rice has fallen sharply over the past few months.

"It's a good opportunity for Thai rice," Mr. Surasak said, "I am confident that at least 8-10 million tons of Thai rice will be exported throughout this year."

 

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

Advertisement

PCAD Monk Leader Calls Tear Gas Barrage “Attempted Murder”

By
Khaosod English
-
PCAD activists dismantling barbed wire erected by the police at the entrance to the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) before the police dispersed them with tear gas, 9 May 2014

BANGKOK — A Buddhist monk and core anti-government leader has filed attempted murder charges against the police that used tear gas on him and his group of demonstrators today.

It was the first instance of violence during today's large-scale anti-government demonstrations, referred to as the "Final Battle" by leaders of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD). The massive rally is part of the group’s ongoing effort to replace the current caretaker government, now led by Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Boonsongphaisarn, with an unelected PM and "People's Council."

Protesters led by the core PCAD activist and Buddhist monk Buddha Issara clashed with police this morning after attempting to enter the headquarters of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Ordre (CAPO) on Viphavadee Road.

Buddha Issara led protesters to CAPO’s headquarters with the intention of negotiating with a high-ranking government representative. When his request for a dialogue was ignored, the monk attempted to enter the building despite police orders that he stop “trespassing.”

When Buddha Issara refused to stop, police fired tear gas and high-pressured water at the monk and his entourage.

PCAD protesters hurled water bottles and screamed insults at the police in response, but eventually retreated. 

After the clash subsided, Buddha Issara went to Thoong Song Hong police station to file charges of “attempted murder” against the officers who unleashed tear gas on his group.

Meanwhile, in a statement read this afternoon, CAPO announced a decision to charge 51 PCAD leaders with serious offences including terrorism, insurrection, illegal assembly, causing public disorder, and obstruction of the 2 Feb. elections.

This morning's confrontation at CAPO also brought traffic on Viphavadee Road to a halt, with PCAD guards blocking several lanes of the road near the CAPO headquarters.

According to a statement by the Traffic Police Command, traffic on Viphavadee Road and the elevated toll way above the road were completely "paralysed" by  the clashes.

Those who wish to travel to Don Mueang Airport have been advised to avoid Viphavadee Road use Phahon yothin Road instead. 

On Friday, other groups of PCAD protesters marched through Bangkok’s financial district and demonstrated in front of a number of state-owned TV stations and government buildings, including the Government House and Parliament.

 

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

Advertisement

1...3,2943,2953,296...3,466Page 3,295 of 3,466

Hot News

LATEST NEWS

Travel & Tourism

Bangkok
overcast clouds
28.8 ° C
28.8 °
25.5 °
82 %
3.7kmh
100 %
Sun
30 °
Mon
32 °
Tue
34 °
Wed
33 °
Thu
33 °