Diplomat: Al-Ruwaili Family To Petition HM King

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4 April 2014, 13:56

(4 April) The family of the missing Saudi businessman will petition His Majesty the King to seek "fairness" over the recent court verdict, a top Saudi diplomat said.

On 31 March, the Criminal Court ruling found a group of police officers not guilty of abducting and murdering Mr. Mohammad Al-Ruwaili in 1990, citing insufficient evidence. Saudi officials and the family of Mr. Al-Ruwaili have expressed their disappointment at the verdict, particularly because of the abrupt judge change during the judgment writing session.

Mr. Somsak Phonsuk was removed from his position in January 2014 after presiding over the Al-Ruwaili case for 3 years. Court officials insisted that his removal is unrelated to the Al-Ruwaili trial, as Mr. Somsak was found guilty of approving bail release without due process during his tenure as a judge in Saraburi years ago.

However, in a recent interview with the media Mr. Somsak denied the allegation of inappropriate bail release. He also vowed to contest the court committee's decision to suspend him from his judicial duty.

Mr. Abdulelah Al-Sheaiby, Charge d'Affaires of Saudi Arabia to Thailand, said yesterday he is convinced that the abrupt removal of Mr. Somsak might be a result of "interference" from powerful figures who intend to rig the case in favour of the defendants, some of whom are high-ranking police officers.

To redress such alleged unfairness, Mr. Al-Sheaiby said via an interpreter, the family of Mr. Al-Ruwaili will file a Royal Petition to His Majesty the King, in order to inform the monarch of the sudden judge change and ask for a fair trial on behalf of Mr. Al-Ruwaili.

The diplomat refused to say when the relatives of Mr. Al-Ruwaili will file the petition, but stressed that the family of the missing Saudi businessman do not intend to "drag" His Majesty the King into getting involved with the court case, or to defame the him in any way.

"They want to file the royal petition precisely because they are sure that His Majesty the King can give them justice," Mr. Al-Sheaiby said, "The King is respected and loved by all sides. The goal of the petition is to ask His Majesty the King to support justice".

Mr. Al-Sheaiby added that he believes it is the right of all people who reside in Thailand to file the petition, because His Majesty the King is merciful to all his subjects, foreign or Thai.

The diplomat also expressed his bewilderment at a recent report in Thai Rath newspaper, which quoted Mr. Somsak as saying that he believes there is sufficient evidence regarding the murder of Mr. Al-Ruwaili – contrary to the ruling written by the judge who replaced him – and he is suspicious of the courts motive to remove Mr. Somsak from the case.

"This interview has clearly exposed all the unfairness of the case," Mr. Al-Sheaiby fumed, gesturing to a copy of Thai Rath article translated into Arabic, "I feel uncomfortable to see such an honest judge removed and targeted by an investigation without due reason. In my opinion, there should be a committee to investigate this judge change, instead".

According to Mr. Al-Sheaiby, the judge who replaced Mr. Somsak has only presided over 3 court hearing sessions – out of over 30 – yet he solely wrote the judgment for the 31 March verdict.

The diplomat also lashed out at speculation in a number of anti-government media agencies that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister, PM Yingluck Shinawatra, have been pressuring the court to convict the defendants in Al-Ruwaili case, in order to secure favour with the Saudi authorities.

"I strongly deny that there is any political involvement in this case. It's not related to politics," Mr. Al-Sheaiby insisted, "What happened is, that a Saudi business was abducted and killed here in Thailand. We just want to fight for his rights … I feel baffled by the allegation. This case is about murder of a victim, not politics"

He continued, "Did this man Thaksin give the evidence to the DSI? No. Was Thaksin there in the room when the officials interviewed the witness? No".

When a reporter asked him whether the Saudi government will impose other retaliatory measures against Thailand, Mr. Al-Sheaiby replied that the matter is still under deliberation by the Saudi authorities in Riyadh.

However, he said the verdict on 31 March "makes every previous effort to improve relationship a waste, even though there are many Thais who want to see our relations back to normal".

Al-Ruwaili Verdict: Removed Judge Insists Innocence

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Van Driver Molests Passenger, Gets Punched By Her BF

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4 April 2014, 12:41

(4 April) Police are searching for a public van driver who reportedly attempted to rape his passenger, but fled after he was beaten up by her boyfriend.

The police received calls for help at around 01.00 this morning and arrived at minivan 'queue' for the DK Van Company on Central Pattaya Road, in Chonburi's Banglamung district, to find a woman, still visibly shaken by the incident, waiting for the officers to arrive.

The 18-year old victim told police she boarded the minivan on Bangkok-Pattaya route from Mo Chit Terminal at around 21.00 last night to see her boyfriend in Pattaya. The minivan was legally registered to Transport Co.Ltd., bearing license plate number of 15-1405 BKK.

When all of the other passengers had left the van, the victim said, the driver coerced her to sit in front seat with him. She described the driver as a Thai male, 20-25 years old.

The driver then allegedly molested the victim and drank beer as he continued to drive the vehicle. Once the van reached Pattaya town center, the victim said, the driver parked at a petrol station and dragged her to the backseat where he attempted to rape her, but the victim reportedly persuaded him to let go, promising to return to him once she had finished her business in Pattaya.

The driver reportedly complied, exchanged phone numbers with the victim, and then dropped the victim off at mini-van queue on Central Pattaya Road. The victim said she immediately phoned her boyfriend and told him what happened, while the driver waited in his vehicle and drank his beer patiently.

Her boyfriend arrived at the scene a short while later, and proceeded to beat the driver out of rage, causing the driver to bleed profusely and flee the scene.

The police found a can of beer in the vehicle, and said they have contacted the van operators to identify the driver.

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'The Nation' Exec Lodges Complaint Over Sordid Pics

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3 April 2014, 17:16

(3 April) Famous anti-government TV show host and executive of The Nation news agency has filed a complaint to the police, urging them to take action against a mysterious individual who accused him of cheating on his wife.

Over the past week, an Instagram user who went by the name "Lie Kanok" posted series of photos and videos purported to show Mr. Kanok Ratwongsakul and his penis, along with an accusation that Mr. Kanok, though a married man, had fooled her into engaging in a sexual relationship with him, only to "ditch" her later.

In one image, a figure identified by the poster as Mr. Kanok could be seen holding his penis to the camera.

The accuser also released a short video clip showing a likeness of Mr. Kanok looking at camera and murmuring "I love you" as he presumably lay on a bed.

The journalist has used his social network profile to deny the authenticity of the images and videos purported to show him and his penis, at one point he joked that his own penis is larger than the one in the images. Mr. Kanok also denied any extra-marital relationship or any sexual manipulation.

However, the mysterious accuser stepped up the attack, threatening to release yet even more sordid video footage of Mr. Kanok if he still refused to apologise for his alleged lies to her.

When Mr. Kanok dismissed the threat, the individual posted an image purportedly showing Mr. Kanok as he performed oral sex on an unidentified woman, and claimed that the image was merely a screenshot of a longer video clip which would show the entire action.

Mr. Kanok spoke out about the incident during a public panel discussion in the National Book Week expo at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre yesterday evening, telling a crowd of reporters that he would file charges under the Computer Crime Act against the accuser for falsely defaming him.

He added that he has been urged by his company to take legal action against the allegations.

Nevertheless, Mr. Kanok admitted that the man seen whispering "I love you" in the video clip could have been him, but claimed to be unable to recall where and how the video was taken. He also explained that he has been "involved" with other women in the past year, but insisted that his wife had permitted him to do so occasionally, and that these involvements had always been on short term.

Mr. Kanok also questioned whether his dedication in anti-government causes has been the reason behind the smear attack against him.

Today Mr. Kanok met with the technology crime police at Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road, where anti-government protesters remain encamped, to press charges. He stressed to reporters that he believed the incident has been an attempt to "discredit" him thanks to his political activities.

However, Mr. Kanok said he would suspend his duties as a journalist for one month in order to avoid any effect on the credibility or image of his profession, and insisted that decision was meant to show responsibility, and should not be interpreted as an acknowledgement of the allegation against him.

"I want to tell the person who keeps defaming me that such action must be stopped," Mr. Kanok told reporters, "If anyone can produce proof that I have used my media profession to fool or molest any woman, I will quit my media career for life,"

The Nation has already set up a committee to investigate the matter, he added.

The police said they would carefully investigate the authenticity of the images and video clips via scientific procedures.

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UDD: Over 200,000 Redshirts To Join 5 April Rally

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3 April 2014, 14:54

Redshirts activists inspect Aksa Avenue in preparation for 5 April rally, 2 April 2014

(3 April) Redshirts leaders hope that at least 200,000 of their supporters will join the mass rally on 5 April at a picturesque boulevard in Nakhon Pathom province.

The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) is organising the rally at Aksa Avenue as a massive "show of strength" for the embattled government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Anti-government protesters have been calling for her resignation, and urging the military and the courts to depose her.

Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, former Democrat MP and leader of the anti-government movements, vowed to "finish the fight" before Songkran (a traditional New Year holiday) festival in mid-April.

But Mr. Anuwat Thinnarart, regional UDD leader in northeastern Thailand, said he is not concerned by Mr. Suthep's threat, as Mr. Suthep has made many other unfulfilled threats and deadlines in the past.

"We have a goal on this Saturday to mobilise the Redshirts all over the nation in greater numbers than the PCAD supporters," Mr. Anuwat said, referring to the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), "We want to show our force, so they will see that the majority of the nation does not agree with PCAD's goals"

Mr. Anuwat also warned that numerous Redshirts across the country will not tolerate any move by the so-called "independent agencies" to dismiss Ms. Yingluck from her caretaker position.

According to Mr. Anuwat, local Redshirts in the Isaan region will travel to Aksa Avenue via personal cars and charted buses. They will also bring along security guards and medical workers in order to assist the protesters under the hot April weather, he added.

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Owner Of Bombed Scrap Warehouse 'Still Missing'

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3 April 2014, 14:54

(3 April) The death toll of huge explosion at an unregistered scrap yard in Bangkok suburb has risen to 8, while its owner remains missing, police have said.

The blast occurred yesterday at the scrap warehouse in Soi Lat Prakao 72 after its employees reportedly attempted to dismantle a WWII-era bomb with a gas-fueled cutter. The 230 kg bomb was said to have been unearthed by a group of construction workers in the vicinity.

Today Pol.Gen. Ake Angsananond, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police, said 8 people have been killed by the explosion so far, with "dozens" more injured. He stressed that rescue workers are still searching for other possible survivors and dead bodies.

Pol.Col. Wirasak Foithong added that the deceased victims include one child who was reported missing by the parents. "We have gathered the body parts and determined that it was indeed the missing child" Pol.Col. Wirasak said.

According to Pol.Col. Wirasak, the owner of the scrap yard, Ms. Euamphon Suebniam, is still missing. If found to be alive, Ms. Euamphon would likely face charges, as her warehouse was operating without proper a registration or permit from the district office, according to Mr. Sanya Chanrat, secretary to the Governor of Bangkok.

Mr. Sanya said the shop has been in service for over 10 years, but he offered no explanation as to why the authorities have not closed down the scrap yard earlier.

Mr. Krit Kiatponchart, Bang Khen district director, said the Bang Khen police force will set up special posts for receiving complaints from the affected residents in the area, in order to allow the police to proceed with legal prosecution against the owner of the scrap yard.

Over 30 houses have been damaged by the blast, Mr. Krit said, he went on to say it is too early to estimate a total cost of damage in the incident, but insisted that the authorities will provide financial support to those affected by the explosion.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hiranwat Sopitseehasoop, the 40-year old leader of the construction worker team who found the explosive, told police that they unearthed the bomb when they attempted to drill into the ground for pillar construction.

Mr. Hiranwat claimed he already suspected it was a bomb, so he photographed the device and instructed his workers not to move it, but the workers reportedly took the bomb away from the site and sold it to the scrap yard without his permission.

A local resident, Ms. Chomechin Chantachart, claimed she witnessed the purchase at the scrap warehouse. According to Ms. Chomechin, the workers told her they believed it was a vintage defunct bomb, and agreed to sell it for 2,300 baht to the scrap yard owners.

The workers also jokingly suggested that she leave the area as the bomb might go off during the dismantling process, Ms. Chomechin added. She said the explosion occurred later when she went back to her residence.

Officials believe the bomb was likely dropped from an Allied airplane during the Second World War, and originally possessed a blast radius of 500 metres, but the device had lost much of its power due to so many years having passed since it was produced.

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Al-Ruwaili Verdict: Removed Judge Insists Innocence

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2 April 2014, 18:49

Saudi officials and relatives of Mr. Mohammad Al-Ruwaili in the press conference on 31 March 2014

(2 April) The former judge who had been removed from controversial case of missing Saudi businessman has denounced the court's allegation that he had inappropriately performed his duty.

Mr. Somsak Ponsong was abruptly suspended from his duty in January as he was penning the ruling on the abduction and murder case of Mohammad Al-Ruwaili, who went missing in Bangkok 24 years ago.

Another judge replaced Mr. Somsak and delivered the verdict on 31 March, proclaiming 5 police officers not guilty of kidnapping, torturing, and murdering Mr. Al-Ruwaili as charged by the prosecutors. Saudi officials and Mr. Al-Ruwaili's relatives have expressed their outrage at the sudden judge change which, they said, led them to believe they had not received a fair verdict by the Thai court.

Court official explained that Mr. Somsak was removed after he was found guilty of committing a breach in ethics during his service as a judge in Saraburi province, that his removal was completely unrelated to the Al-Ruwaili case.

But Mr. Somsak insisted his innocence, telling reporters today that he is greatly surprised by the court committee's decision to suspend his duty. According to Mr. Somsak, the investigation was launched 5 years ago and meant to determine whether he had inappropriately approved bail release to defendants.

However, Mr. Somsak said, the suspects in 17 out of 20 bail releases he had approved did not attempt to flee; one did flee but was later brought back to the court by the authorities; while another case was ended when the defendant was shot dead during his bail release.

He insisted that he had not exercised poor judgment in the approval of these bail releases. "Some defendants were bailed in the cases of possessing more than 100 amphetamines, but I have studied the Supreme Court cases, and I discovered that a defendant with as much as 36,000 amphetamines was also granted bail," Mr. Somsak said.

The judge added that the neither the prosecutors, nor the defendants, nor the bail officials ever filed complaint about his bail decision.

"Please note that all the things I've been accused of happened 5 years ago," Mr. Somsak told reporters, "There is no evidence of my ethical breach, but a committee has just been set up recently. It makes me wonder whether it was meant to coincide with the period of verdict writing [in Al-Ruwaili case]"

He vowed to fight the allegation put forth by the Criminal Court committee, stating that he would present the evidence proving his innocence on 2 April.

"I have to admit, I feel really sad to have my duty suspended, even though I have performed my duty in the best way I can," Mr. Somsak said.

Mr. Thongchai Senamontri, Director of the Criminal Court, has previously admitted that the defendants in Al-Ruwaili case have filed their request to have Mr. Somsak removed from the case, claiming that they had received unfair treatment from Mr. Somsak, though the request was eventually rejected.

The alleged unfair treatment was Mr. Somsak's insistence that a former police officer who is currently residing in United Arab Emirates could testify against the defendants.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nantasak Poonsuk, Director of the Department of Special Litigation, said had been informed by family of Mr. Al-Ruwaili that they intended to appeal the court verdict.

He said it is too early to indicate which points in the verdict the prosecutors would contest in the Appeals Court.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he would like to expressed his sadness that the ruling did not correspond to Al-Ruwaili family's wishes, and he regretted that any chance to amend the frozen relationship between Saudi Arabia and Thailand had been missed.

"I hope the diplomatic relationship between the two nations won't be downgraded any further," Mr. Surapong said.

He added, "I understand our legal system, but we cannot prevent them from having their own opinion or hope in the court verdict. Mr. Al-Ruwaili's family has been following this case for 24 years, so they are feeling uncomfortable, but w will have to explain to the international community so they understand our legal procedure, in order to avoid any misunderstanding".

"If they don't believe us, it's their rights," the Minister concluded.

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'Special Way' To End Conflict Possible, Army Chief Says

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2 April 2014, 17:04

(2 April) The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army has suggested that an unspecified "special way" might be needed to end the current political turmoil.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha made the comment after meeting with Gen. Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Chief of the Defence Force, at the 1st Infantry Division in Bangkok this morning.

"Every Thai must return to be an order-loving Thai, not a do-whatever-I-want Thai," Gen. Prayuth said, offering advice to anti- and pro-government protesters alike, "Today we have to be a nation of Thais who have order, respect the laws, and sacrifice our personal interests for the sake of the national interests, to ensure that the Nation, the Religion, and the Monarchy will be safe".

He continued, "No one will win if they keep fighting each other like this. We will all be in trouble. That is why we must find the solution, either by legal or special ways".

Gen. Prayuth did not elaborate on his comments, and his words are bound to be interpreted by pro-government critics as a tacit threat to launch a military coup against the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra; Gen. Prayuth has previously refused to rule out a possibility of a coup.

When asked about anti-government protesters' call for the army to "disobey" Ms. Yingluck and turn against her, Gen. Prayuth went silent for a while before replying that he could not provide an answer because it was a difficult question.

"Suppose you work in a company, and you decide to protest against the company owner," Gen. Prayuth asked the reporter instead, "Can you do that? If you don't agree with your supervisor, do you dare fire that person? If not, then you must do your duty. Whatever duty has been entrusted to you, you must do accordingly".

"I will not overtly criticise anyone, because I have to keep my status, so that I can work in every job," Gen. Prayuth insisted.

He similarly refused to say whether he agrees with the anti-government protesters' demand that Ms. Yingluck be replaced by an appointed Prime Minister, saying that he cannot side with either opinion.

When a reporter asked about the upcoming mass rally by the pro-government Redshirts on 5 April, Gen. Prayuth said things would be well if the demonstrators respect the laws, and he stressed that there is no plan to declare the martial laws to contain the protests.

The army chief also urged the anti-government protesters to refrain from any violent retaliation after their motorised convoy came under gunfire attack on the expressway yesterday.

"If the protesters spot the perpetrator, they should immediately inform the police," Gen. Prayuth, "Don't use any force in retaliation".

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Rare Buddhist Exhibition At Siam Paragon

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2 April 2014, 16:44

Last event of Festival of India in Bangkok.

By Lekha Shankar

The first-ever Festival of India in Thailand, organised by the Indian Ministry of Culture and Embassy of India, has had a varied array of unique events from different parts of the country – religious chanting and dancing by Buddhist Lama monks from Arunachal Pradesh, tribal folk dance from Nagaland, classical dance –drama by the world-famous Kalakshetra institution of Chennai, old-world Yoga-workshop and new-age ‘Bollyfit’ demonstration by well-known practioners from New Delhi.

The last event of the Festival, is a rare and arresting Buddhist Exhibition , arranged by the Nava Nalanda Mahavihar Varsity of the sacred Indian Buddhist city of Nalanda.

The Buddhist Exhibition ,which is currently on in the Srinakharinwirot University, will move to the Siam Paragon Hall tomorrow, so that larger public audiences can view the unique artefacts. Supported by the Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives , the Exhibition will be inaugurated by HRH Princess Soamaswalli, on 3 April, at 10-30 am.

The Exhibition, entitled ‘Dharma Darshan’ (‘ Experiencing the Dharma’) has unique and vibrant statues of the Buddha in various ‘Mudras’ (‘Bhumisparsha Mudra, Dharmachakra Pravartan Mudra’ ), as also the rare image of the ‘Emaciated Buddha’ ( after his rigorous penance , and just before he gained enlightenment ).

The panels recount various tales, including the ‘Empty Throne’, after the Buddha’s passing away, which has moved many Buddhist viewers to tears.

The Exhibition also has riveting, calendar-style pictures of the many sacred Buddhist sites in India. These include the four most important places- Lumpini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, as also Rajgir, Sravasti, Vaishali, Sankassia, not to forget the Ajanta, Ellora , Nagarjunda Caves, and several others.

Jhumur Singh, the chief Curator of the Exhibition, worked tirelessly for than two years, with her artist-husband, Shailendra Kumar Singh, to set up this Exhibition.

The statues are replicas of the actual statues which are housed in the top museums of India. But the sculptor informed that it was not easy to make the fibre glass models, which each took many months to create, at a very high cost.

In addition, they needed to have the right ‘spirit’, when making them, which is why she and her team did intense meditation for many days, before creating the statues.

The Buddhist Exhibition was earlier held in Laos, Cambodia,Vietnam which also had inaugural Festivals of India, this year. In the first two countries, it was held in ancient ‘pagodas’, and in Vietnam, it was held in the well-known Fine Arts Gallery.

Jhumur Singh spoke of the hordes of people, who came to view the Exhibition, at these places.

“ Many of them prayed, meditated, even wept ” she stated “ I’ve never seen anything like this!”

Infact, in Laos and Cambodia, the public did not want the artefacts to be removed, and the Indian Culture Ministry planned to give them many artefacts, so that they could remain as permanent Buddhist Exhibitions there.

The Buddhist Exhibition will be accompanied by sonorous ‘ Mangal Sutra’ music, as well as scintillating Tabla and Kathak recitals from teachers of the Indian Cultural Centre in Bangkok

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The ‘Dharma Darshan’ Buddhist Exhibition, be on view at the Siam Paragon Hall, from 3 April to 7 April.

For details, check

[email protected]

Ph-02 2580300-5, Ext 112

Finance Ministry Says No VAT Hike – Yet

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2 April 2014, 15:53

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Finance Minister Kittirat Na Ranong

(2 April) Today the Ministry of Finance’s Permanent Secretary said that its plan to increase VAT by 3%, to 10%, this September has been aborted.

Mr. Rangsan Sriworasart said the hike would not benefit the public as the current economic situation is not in "desirable" shape.

Nevertheless, Mr. Rangsan added that he has instructed the Fiscal Policy Office to determine how much longer Thailand's valued added tax can be pegged at its current 7% rate.

The Permanent Secretary also expressed his concern at the reports that the taxes collected by the authorities in the first 5 months of the 2014 fiscal year have missed their target by at least 38 billion baht. The Ministry of Finance will discuss the issue with representatives from the Revenue Department, the Excise Department, and the Customs Department in order to remedy the missed target, Mr. Rangsan said.

Income tax particularly yielded a low collection, Mr. Rangsan said, and he speculated that a recent income tax restructure may have contributed to the pitfall.

According to Mr. Rangsan, VAT collection also falls below the standard rate, but its current collection ratio remains similar to the same period last year, indicating that consumers' pattern has not been largely affected by the ongoing political crisis.

He said the Ministry will "do its best" to meet the goal of a total of 2.275 trillion baht in tax collection by the end of this fiscal year.

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Gunman Robs Russian At Her Chonburi Home

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2 April 2014, 14:42

(2 April) A Russian woman in Chonburi province said she was robbed at gunpoint in her home this morning.

The robbery reportedly occurred at around 02.30 at a house in Banglamung district. Ms. Tatiana Ostapchuk, 35, told police she was working in her room and had left the front door unlocked.

A Thai male armed with a handgun later entered the house and forced her to show him where she kept her money, according to Ms. Tatiana.

The Russian said the man kept his pistol pointed at her while he ransacked her bedroom, reportedly taking one iPad, before taking her to the living room where he continued to search through Ms. Tatiana's belongings. The suspect allegedly took Ms. Tatiana's camera and her iPhone, before running to a vehicle he had parked in front of her house and speeding away.

The suspect is described as a lean man with hollow cheeks, and wearing a black shirt.

Police said they are inspecting CCTVs in the vicinity to identify and locate the perpetrator.

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