Passport Service Back To Normal: Consular Department

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13 February 2014, 16:09

(13 February) The Department of Consular Affairs has insisted that passport registration service is back to normal, in spite of evidence suggesting otherwise.

"We can service the public like in normal situation, on the average of 7,000 cases per day," said Mr. Thongchai Chasawad, director of the Department, "That′s a sufficient level, even exceeding the demands of the public".

Passport application process has been severely disrupted since protesters led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) occupied Chaeng Wattana Road and forced the shutdown of Government Complex, where the Department of Consular Affairs is based, since 13 January.

Members of the public who wished to apply for or extend their passports were forced to line up early in the morning at temporary consular offices in Bangna and Pinklao districts of Bangkok.

But Mr. Thongchai downplayed the problem, insisting that passport procedure across the country "has no obstacle".

He added that he is confident no passport will be lost in the mail, but if it does happen, the Department is willing to issue a new one for those affected.

"Even if the protests continue, we won′t be affected," Mr. Thongchai said, "We can still deliver the passports on time".

The Consular Department director also told reporters the negotiation with PCAD protesters to re-open Government Complex is still ongoing, stressing that the officials would only return to work when the situation is completely safe for them.

However, reports from many passport venues today appear to contradict Mr. Thongchai′s remarks.

Quota for passports service at Queen Sirikit Centre ran out since midday on Thursday, disappointing many people who had been lining up since early morning.

The temporary office of passport division in Nakhon Ratchasima province likewise sees much chaos when the quota ran out and caused a number of applicants to argue hotly with the staff.

They complained that they had been waiting at the office since as early as 01.00 in the morning, yet fail to get their passports processed due to the maximum production of 220 applicants a day.

More than 20 police officers and volunteers were summoned to calm the situation at the venue.

One applicant, Mr. Surasit Wantakeaw, 25, a resident from Nakhon Ratchasima’s Mueang District, told our correspondent that he needs to have his passport issued as soon as possible, as he is going to work in Singapore on 3 March.

"I would definitely go bankrupt if I miss the deadline, because I have spent all my money on the trip" Mr. Surasit complained.

Meanwhile, in Khon Kaen province, Ms. Phonthip Kaweekijpattiphon, Temporary Director of the Passport Division, stated that numbers of applicants who fail to get booking tickets under the allowed quota had refused to go home, choosing instead to queue up in front of the office.

Some of the applicants were students who are attending their internship schemes in ASEAN countries from April to July, and are thus required to have their passports for the trips.

Ms. Phonthip claimed that her office is now working full time without a lunch break in order to process every passport application by 15.30. The office will be closed daily at 17.00, to ensure officers their safety during the ongoing political turmoil.

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Police Told By Court To Release PCAD Coordinator

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13 February 2014, 14:42

(13 February) The police are instructed by the court to release a prominent anti-government activist less than a week after he was arrested.

Mr. Sonthiyarn Chuenruethai-naitham, a core leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) and a former director of an anti-government TV channel, was apprehended by the police 4 days ago due to his involvement with the ongoing protests, which are in principle banned under the emergency decree.

The police also currently hold arrest warrants on other PCAD leaders such as Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, and many observers see Mr. Sonthiyarn′s arrest as the beginning of the authorities′ offensive move against the protest leadership.

But today the Ratchada Criminal Court ruled that the police must release Mr. Sonthiyarn, claiming that the suspect has been fully cooperating with the police in their investigation.

"Therefore, it is beyond reasonable cause to detain the suspect any further," the court statement reads.

The police previously denied Mr. Sonthiyarn a bail release, due to the enactment of the State of Emergency, which allowed the police to detain suspects up to a week without any charge.

Speaking at the court, Mr. Sonthiyarn cheerfully told reporters that he is in good health, as the police have taken good care of him.

Nevertheless, Mr. Sonthiyarn said he would take legal action against the officers who raided his residence after his arrest, alleging that the police have illegally entered his properties.

The PCAD leader would be released later today at Pathum Thani Border Patrol Police headquarters, where he had been detained in recent days, police said.

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Pattaya Russian ATM 'Scammers' Busted

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12 February 2014, 19:24

(12 February) Police in Pattaya said they have arrested two Russians who used counterfeit cards to steal cash from ATMs.

The two suspects were identified as Mr. Dennis Gonsarov, 27, and Mr. Ilya Angriv, 26 (both names are transcribed from Thai texts).

In the press conference, the police displayed 202 counterfeit ATM cards and a card skimming device allegedly used by the two suspects. The police added that they have confiscated 18,000 baht from Mr. Gonsarov and Mr. Angriv.

They were charged with electronic cards forgery.

According to the police, officers in Pattaya have been informed by Kasikorn Bank that two foreigners had been stealing "huge amount" of cash from their ATMs. Detective police eventually arrested the suspects as they were withdrawing cash from an ATM in Banglamung district.

Mr. Gonsarov reportedly told police he had planted skimmer device and small camera on ATMs to copy the victim′s cards and observe their passwords. He also allegedly claimed to have sent "millions" of baht back to his homecountry.

Investigation is ongoing.

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Doctors Council Denies Issuing Anti-Govt Statement

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12 February 2014, 18:23

Anti-government protesters pulling down the gate of Department of Forestry, 12 February 2014

(12 February) Contrary to media reports, the Medical Council of Thailand has not issued any statement in support of anti-government protests, said its secretary-general.

"The Council has not taken any side in politics, and we have not issued any statement concerning the current political events," Dr. Sampan Komrit told reporters.

His announcement came after a group of doctors and Public Health officials – including the Director of the Medical Council of Thailand – unveiled their demands that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resign from her caretaker position.

The director, Dr. Somsak Lohlekha, said in a press conference yesterday that Ms. Yingluck has committed great moral crimes and damaged the nation with her corrupt policies.

Dr. Somsak also urged Ms. Yingluck to "listen to the calls for reforms", and called for her to be replaced by a "neutral Prime Minister".

However, Dr. Sampan insisted that their demands are not endorsed official by the leadership of the 47,000-member Council.

Board members of the Council will also discuss this incident in their next meeting tomorrow, Dr. Sampan said.

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Economists Predict Subdued Valentine Spending

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12 February 2014, 17:33

Valentine Day presents at a stall in Songkhla province, 12 February 2014

(12 February) University of Thai Chamber of Commerce predicts the lowest spending on Valentine’s Day in 8 years, due to ongoing political conflict and a hike in commodity price.

Mr. Thanawan Phonwichai, the Director of Business and Economics Forecasting Centre of the UTCC, said the outlook was based on a survey conducted on 1,200 samples between 3 – 7 February 2014.

The poll revealed that the average spending of 996 baht on Valentine gifts for loved ones, plus an average of 1,813 baht for other expenses in the period around Valentine Day.

39.5% of the samples said that they would use their salary for gifts, while 30.2% said they are taking the money from their annual bonuses, and 29.6% said they are relying on their savings.

It is predicted that the cash flows on the romantic day would hit 3,361 million baht. However, the number is considered as a new low by the researchers – perhaps the lowest in 8 years.

Researchers blamed the slowdown on the ongoing protests led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), which have occupied many roads in Bangkok.

Potential consumers are also discouraged by the increase in goods prices, a phenomenon reflected in February 2014 spending statistic.

The UTCC predicts that the economic growth for Thailand should remain at only 3-4% this year if the political confrontation extends into a longer period. "But if the political situation is resolved at some point in the near future, we may be able to see up to 5% growth by the end of the year," said Mr. Thanawan.

Meanwhile, UTCC Rector, Ms. Saowanee Thairungroj, expressed her worries that the political deadlock may severely stagnate the country’s economy, as well as creating the uncertainty for exports industry.

She also warned that they country might face future unemployment among new graduates if the crisis is prolonged.

Additionally, the UTCC survey named PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban as the most popular politician for this year′s Valentine season, as 10.1% of the samples stated they wished to give him red roses on Valentine Day.

Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra followed at 9.1%, while the government coalition leader Banhan Silpa-Acha comes third at 6%. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, the former Prime Minister, humbly received 5.8% popularity by poll samples.

Pop heartthrob James Jirayu and country-dance star Baitoey R-Siam score the most popular Actor and Singer in the survey, earning 3.4% and 5.9% popularity, respectively.

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Army-Police Relations 'Unaffected' By Kwanchai Shooting

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12 February 2014, 16:28

Wanted by the police: Sgt. Chanon Tabthimthong, MSGT Mawin Yangbua, MSGT Wirote Pimsingh. Arrested by the police: Mr. Manuedang Maesae.

(12 February) The relationship between the police and the armed forces remains unaffected, despite arrest warrants on army officers for alleged assassination attempts, police chief said.

"The army has promised full cooperation," Pol.Gen. Adul Saengsingkaew said after a meeting with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha.

Four military officers have been named in the arrest warrant for their alleged role in the shooting which injured Mr. Kwanchai Praipana, a local leader of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in Udon Thani province. Two civilians are also named as conspirators of the plot, and one of the pair has already been arrested.

"Gen. Prayuth has assured me that the relations between the two forces remains unchanged," Pol.Gen. Adul said, "He will hand over the suspects to the police for interrogation soon".

The police chief said he also promised Gen. Prayuth that the suspects would receive a fair investigation based on evidence.

However, Maj.Gen. Pairote Thongma-Eng, commander of the 9th Infantry Division, claimed he has not received any request from the police to hand the suspects to the interrogation officers. "I suppose the request was sent to the central army command, instead of the 9th Division," Maj.Gen. Pairote said.

He added that the military is not involved in the alleged crime in any way. The military has not set up any committee to investigate the incident either, Maj.Gen. Pairote told our correspondent, as the soldiers are still considered innocent under the laws.

Meanwhile, Pol.Maj.Gen. Suraphol Pinitchob stressed that the investigation has been making progress, but admitted that the police have not answered many crucial questions, such as the ownership of the vehicle used in the assassination attempt, or the type of the weapons wielded by the suspects.

"The suspect has given very confusing testimonies," Pol.Maj.Gen. Suraphol said, referring to Mr. Manuedang Maesae who has been recently arrested by the police.

"Let me stress that the police are not concerned, because Pol.Gen. Adul and Gen. Prayuth have been in contact with each other," he added.

Mr. Kwanchai also stated he has been making good recovery on his injuries. He is due to receive additional surgery on his knee and arm very soon, according to the Redshirt leader.

"Many Redshirts have written me letters wishing me well," Mr. Kwanchai said on his hospital bed, "Sometimes I felt so grateful of their support that tears well up in my eyes."

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EC Chairman Proposes By-Election On 27 April

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12 February 2014, 15:28

(12 February) An Election Commissioner has weighed his support for a by-election on 27 April – two months from 2 February election which was disrupted by anti-government protesters.

The date was suggested following a discussion with provincial EC directors across the country, said EC Chairman Suphachai Somcharoen.

Asked the by-election could not take place sooner than 27 April, Mr. Suphachai cited his confidence that the current political crisis, which pitted the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) against the government, would have dissipated by April.

"We have to see whether the situation will be peaceful," Mr. Suphachai explained, "If it′s not peaceful, the election will be pointless. Each election costs a lot of money. It′s taxpayers′ money. We have to be careful in our spending".

The EC has been heavily criticised for its alleged reluctance to organise the general election, while many government supporters even accused it of conspiring with anti-government protesters to derail the poll and unseat the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

But Mr. Suphachai denied the allegation.

"We are working to set up the election. We want to be successful … but at the moment, the election won′t be successful, because 8 provinces can′t even register for the election," Mr. Suphachai said, referring to the southern provinces where PCAD led a campaign to scuttle the voting.

The Election Commissioner also expressed his wish to see "every sides taking a step back" from the confrontation for the sake of peace in the country. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that dialogue across the political fault line is difficult at the moment.

"We will have to see who has enough baramee (prestige) and power to summon both PCAD and the government for negotiation," Mr. Suphachai said.

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Pattaya: Russians Arrested For Using Business Proxies

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12 February 2014, 14:02

(12 February) Police in Chonburi province have arrested 7 Russians accused of running an unauthorised tour business with Thai proxies.

According to Mr. Pravit Chaibua, director of the Second Region Special Operations Centre, the police have previously received complaints of tour companies owned by Russian business and operated by Thai proxies in Pattaya district.

Such action is illegal, Mr. Pravit said, as tour business is an occupation exclusively reserved for Thai nationals under the laws. Furthermore, Mr. Pravit claimed, the Russian-run tour companies often cheat tourists and intimidate legitimate tour operations in the area, leading to "an increase in violent confrontation".

Following the investigation in Pattaya and Banglamung districts, the police apprehended 7 Russians identified as owners of illicit tour companies. The suspects have been charged with violating Thai alien laws, and using Thai nationals to run the business on their half.

Maximum penalty for the offence could be as high as 1,000,000 baht in fine and 3 years in prison, Mr. Pravit said.

The Russians suspects are detained at 3 police stations across Pattaya.

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'Gunfire Attack' At Prominent Monarchy Critic's House

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12 February 2014, 13:02

(12 February) Unidentified individuals have allegedly opened fire at the residence of the historian well-known for his criticism of the Thai monarchy.

Mr. Somsak Jeamteerasakul, who teaches at Thammasat University, said on his Facebook account that two assailants entered the residence before firing live ammunition and rubber bullets at his house and his car this afternoon.

A brick was also thrown at the house, Mr. Somsak said in a Facebook post, which included photos of bullet holes on his house and vehicle.

Mr. Somsak said he was inside the house at the time, and his neighbours also reportedly witnessed the attack.

The historian did not mention any injury.

Due to his fame as a rare critic of the Thai monarchy, Mr. Somsak was targeted by the authorities for his remarks. Insults of the Thai Royal Family is punishable by up to 15 years in prison under the Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Codes.

The military has recently threatened totake legal actions against Mr. Somsak for his alleged offensive remarks concerning the monarchy.

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'Misunderstanding' Causes Fight Among STR Protesters

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12 February 2014, 12:54

(12 February) An anti-government protester has been wounded by fellow activist in a brawl caused by "misunderstanding".

The fistfight took place at 21.00 last night in a rally site maintained by the Student and People Network for Thailand′s Reform (STR), close to Gate 5 of the Government House. Gunshots were also heard in the area.

Rescue workers identified the wounded protester as Mr. Soraphong Phasuk, 37, who suffered cut wounds on his head. The man was transported to Ramatibodi Hospital.

Mr. Nasser Yeema, a security leader of the STR, said Mr. Soraphong got in fight with another protester due to certain "misunderstanding". Mr. Soraphong was eventually stabbed by a knife, and the assailant fled the scene shortly afterward, Mr. Nasser added.

Mr. Nasser also claimed that no one was wounded by the gunfire, although rescue workers said a man with a gunshot wound was found near Gate 4 of the Government House and has been subsequently sent to hospital.

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