Kwanchai Shooting: Army Postpones Suspects Transfer

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17 February 2014, 13:40

Mr. Kwanchai Praipana with his family members in hospital

(17 February) The military has not yet handed to the police four suspects currently wanted for their alleged roles in assassination attempts on a Redshirt leader.

Four military officers based in the 9th Infantry Division are accused of the drive-by shooting at the residence of Mr. Kwanchai Praipana, a local leader of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), in Udon Thani province last month.

Mr. Kwanchai was critically wounded in the attack but has since recovered from his injuries.

According to the police, the Royal Thai Army has previously promised to surrender the four suspects into the police custody by Monday morning for an interrogation, but the police have not received the suspects so far.

Sources inside the police force assert that the police have failed to contact any commander in the army concerning the four suspects, and the 9th Infantry Division has similarly refused to return calls seeking the transfer of the suspects.

The sources claimed that the 9th Infantry Division, which locates in Kanchanaburi Province, has also withheld two pick-up trucks thought to be used by the four suspects during their assassination attempt on Mr. Kwanchai.

The military has not stated any reason for the delay in transferring the suspect to the police, according to the sources.

Pol.Col. Kovit Charoenwattanasak of Udon Thani police said the officers have already prepared a secure venue for interrogation of the four military officers where Redshirts protesters cannot cause any disruption to the procedure; local Redshirts have encouraged supporters of Mr. Kwanchai to rally in front of police stations where the suspects would be held.

"I believe we can reach understanding with the Redshirts," Pol.Col. Kovit said, "I believe there won′t be any problem".

Pol.Col. Kovit also indicated that the military has asked for the rights to choose a venue of its own, but the police have denied that request, as the investigation is strictly under police authorities.

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Writer Gets Suspended Sentence For Lese Majeste

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17 February 2014, 12:57

Activists demand release of lese majeste prisoners in a rally in front of Government House, 15 May 2012 (Photo by Prachatai)

(17 February) The Supreme Court found a 73 year old writer guilty of insulting the monarchy and handed him a suspended sentence of three years in prison.

Mr. Bundit Aneeya was previously convicted of the crime by the Court of Appeals, which also handed the defendant an unsuspended two year jail term. Mr. Bundit contested the verdict, arguing that he was not mentally sane at the time of his alleged wrongdoing.

His plea was accepted by the Supreme Court today. The judges overturned the previous verdict and sided with the ruling of the court of first instance, handing Mr. Bundit a jail sentence of four years which was reduced by the high court to suspended sentence of three years jail term.

The court also noted that the defendant is in old age, and has never been convicted with crimes which carry jail sentence. The judges additionally urged Mr. Bundit to receive treatment for his mental condition and turn himself into "a good citizen" once again.

Lese majeste, or defamation of the Royal Family, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison per offence under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Codes.

Mr. Bundit′s reaction to the Supreme Court′s verdict was mixed. He voiced his disappointment that the court found him guilty of the alleged crime, but expressed relief that the prison term has been averted.

"I am glad that I didn′t have to die in prison," Mr. Bundit was quoted as saying by Prachatai news agency.

The writer was charged with lese majeste after he allegedly disseminated documents which defame the monarchy during a panel discussion event organised by Election Commission (EC) in 2003.

The trial of Mr. Bundit had been largely conducted in secrecy, and the media had been dissuaded from reporting about the case thanks to strict lese majeste laws.

A number of human rights organisations and academic have asserted that the Thai lese majeste laws is among the most draconian in the world, and warned of its detrimental effects on freedom of speech in Thailand.

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Chiang Mai Redshirts Attack PCAD Rally

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17 February 2014, 11:00

(17 February) Scores of pro-government supporters have attacked the anti-government rally in Chiang Mai province yesterday.

Demonstrators of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) were organising a rally under the theme of "We will give love to Chiang Mai" in front of Wat Jed Yod Temple to show their solidarity with fellow anti-government protests in Bangkok.

At 13.30, over 200 Redshirts calling themselves "Independent Chiang Mai Reds" arrived, led by Mr. Abhichart Insorn, near the PCAD rally and approached the anti-government protesters in threatening manner, causing PCAD demonstrators to flee into the temple.

Approximately 60 police officers attempted to separate the two rival protest groups from each other by closing the gate of the temple where PCAD demonstrators were taking shelter.

The Redshirts then proceeded to dismantle the PCAD rally stage, burning the banners and throwing stage structures into the nearby canal.

PCAD supporters later fled the area via the temple′s backdoor. No injury has been reported.

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Family Honours Briton's Last Wish With Thai Funeral

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16 February 2014, 19:29

(16 February) Family of a British man who recently passed away in Thailand has honoured his last wish by arranging a Thai-Buddhist styled funeral for him.

The body of Mr. Alan Willian Ball, who passed away at 59, was cremated with traditional Buddhist ceremony yesterday at Wat Khao Kanthama in Sattahip district, Chonburi province.

Prior to the cremation, the body of Mr. Ball had been enshrined in a traditional white coffin at his home in the province, flanked with Thai funeral wreaths and a pot of incenses.

The Briton′s Thai wife, Ms. Somphon Ball, also invited 9 monks to the residence and pray for his soul per Buddhist tradition, before a funeral convoy eventually carried Mr. Ball′s body to his cremation.

The funeral was attended by several relatives of the deceased, including Mr. Ball’s nephews and their friends from Britain.

According to Ms. Somphon, Mr. Ball used to be a Christian, but he later adopted Buddhist practices after he moved to Thailand, such as offering food to the monks and participating in ceremonies at Buddhist temples.

Mr. Ball had attended numbers of ceremonies and funerals held in Buddhist style, Ms. Somphon said. She added that Mr. Ball has become so attached to Thai and Buddhist cultures that he asked for his funeral to be held in similar fashion with many Thai people, if he passed away in Thailand.

The Briton, who was originally from Nottingham, had also instructed his family to store his ashes in the same pagoda with his mother-in-law in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Ms. Somphon said.

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Truck Kills Student On His Way To Exam

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16 February 2014, 18:02

(16 February) A school pupil was killed after his motorcycle had been hit by a 18-wheeled truck as he made his way to a national university entrance exam.

The incident took place on Phaholyothin Road in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province.

Police identified the victim as Mr. Panupong Photirak, 18, a student from Rittiyawannalai School and a local resident. It is reported that he was on his way to attend an Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET) when the accident occurred.

Witnesses said it was raining and Mr. Panupong lost control of his mtorbike, when he was hit by the oncoming truck. He then fell off his vehicle and was run over by the vehicle.

Kukot Police later arrested the truck driver, Mr. Montri Sri-Ngam, 36, who parked his vehicle 800 metres away from the scene. Mr. Montri said he was not aware that his vehicle had hit the student.

Police have charged Mr. Montri with reckless driving resulting in the death of a person.

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Ladyboy-Tomboy Join Pattaya Mass Wedding

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16 February 2014, 16:20

(16 February) A ladyboy and a tomboy tie the knot – legally – along with 58 other heterosexual couples from around the world at a garden near Pattaya.

The event, themed ′Wedding On Elephants′, was held at the privately-owned Nong Nooch tropical botanical garden in Chonburi province on Valentine Day last week.

Elephants carried the 59 couples who took part in the event through the botanical garden to Sattahip district director, Mr. Pawat Lertmukda, and marriage registration officers, who signed their marriage certificates. Their marriage was also witnessed by Mr. Manij Nirint-rak, Nong Nooch Garden General Manager.

The rock garden where the wedding took place was arranged in shapes of 20 hearts, which the park managers boast to be "the most beautiful garden in Southeast Asia".

After the ceremony, the couples were encouraged to take pictures in the garden, explore the garden, watch live performances, and dine in a high-end restaurant in the park for free.

Mr. Pawat, the district director of Sattahip, said many couples – both Thai and foreign – queued up at the district office every year on 14 February to have their marriage official registered. Therefore, he said, the district decided to cooperate with Nong Nooch Garden to organise the registration in a pompous ceremony at the garden.

"We want to impress the couples," Mr. Pawat said.

One couple who stood out among the lovers of the day were Mr. Karom Prommala, 26, who identified herself as a ladyboy, and her partner, Ms. Ekmaneekan Pitwong, 21, who called himself a tomboy.

Mr. Karom and Ms. Ekmaneekan said they joined the mass wedding to celebrate their relationship, which was built "with love and bonding".

Although Thai society is relatively tolerant toward same-sex couples, same-sex marriage is not legally sanctioned under the Thai laws. But the marriage of Mr. Karom and Ms. Ekmaneekan was easily registered at Nong Nooch Garden on Thursday, since officials said the lovers retain their birthday statuses as male and female, respectively.

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Govt To Convince Foreign Tourists All Is Well

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13 February 2014, 19:03

Anti-government protesters chatting with a police officer near Government House, 9 December 2013

(13 February) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has instructed the government to woo foreign tourists amid the ongoing political crisis in Thailand.

In a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports today, Ms. Yingluck acknowledged that the Thai tourism business has been gravely affected by the anti-government protests which seek to oust Ms. Yingluck and her government in favour of an unelected "People′s Council".

In order to remedy the situation, Ms. Yingluck urged the Ministry to help the tourism enterprises via several schemes, such as developing the existing tourist attraction, creating new attractions, and devising a plan for administration of special tourism zones in historical attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Furthermore, the authorities should develop ‘one-stop service’ point in the country’s airports to facilitate incoming tourists, the Prime Minister told the meeting.

She also assured the officials that budget for the Ministry of Tourism and Sports remains unaffected by the political turmoil, adding that the Ministry actually spent less fund in previous months, as many events and tourism promotion campaign have been cancelled due to the protests.

Following the meeting with Ms. Yingluck, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Somsak Phurisrisak, told the press that overall tourist number is still in good level this year so far, in spite of the protests in Bangkok.

According to Mr. Somsak, the decrease in tourist number only occurred in Bangkok, while other parts of Thailand are still popular among foreign visitors.

Nevertheless, Mr. Somsak admitted that many nations are suffering "shockwave effect" after the Thai government declared the State of Emergency in Bangkok last month. Many countries have advised their citizens to avoid travels to Thailand as a result, he noted.

"Foreigners are frightened," the Minister said.

He added that the loss in the industry should remain at a low level of nearly 2.2 million baht, and could be recovered soon in this year Q3 – Q4, as the Ministry is seeking new markets to redeem the loss.

Moreover, the Tourism and Sports Minister expressed his belief that number of tourists from Asian countries, including China, Japan and Russia could rebound easily.

“The Ministry does not plan to change this year′s target. We are simply revising our marketing strategies”, stated Mr. Somsak, adding that he has suggested to Ms. Yingluck that Thailand needs to reinforce its laws enforcement and protection of foreign tourists in order to create trust among visitors.

Ms. Yingluck has advised the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to urgently discuss the matter with the police, Mr. Somsak said.

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Laws Academics Condemn Attack At Historian's House

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13 February 2014, 16:49

(13 February) A group of academic activists has condemned the gunfire attack at the residence of the historian known for his criticism of the Thai monarchy.

Mr. Somsak Jeamteerasakul, who teaches at Thammasat University, said assailants on motorcycle arrived at his house in Bangkok suburb at around midday on Wednesday before firing their weapons at his car and windows.

The gunmen quickly fled the scene. Mr. Somsak was not injured, but he told reporters that one bullet narrowly missed his head.

The historian is also being investigated by the Royal Thai Army, which threatened to punish him by legal means and "social measures" for his remarks about the Thai monarchy.

Under the Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Codes, remarks deemed as defaming the Royal Family can be punishable by up to 15 years in prison. As the laws is widely interpreted to cover any criticism of the monarchy, Mr. Somsak is well-known for his rare willingness to discuss the roles of the monarchy whereas many other Thais and foreigners alike prefer to avoid the taboo.

A number of pro-monarchy commentators on the internet reacted with joy when they heard the news of attacks on Mr. Somsak′s house. Some publicly expressed their regrets that the historian somehow managed to survive the gunfire.

On the other hand, Nitirart (the Enlightened Jurists), a group of progressive laws academics known for their opposition to Article 112, have thrown their support behind Mr. Somsak by condemning the incident as "barbaric" and "uncivilised".

"Those who disagree with Mr. Somsak are encouraged to express their disagreement by presenting facts that would debate Mr. Somsak′s points," Nitirart said in a statement, "Such action would benefit the academic discussion, strengthen the democratic development, and benefit the monarchy itself".

The statement went on to criticise Col. Winthai Suvaree, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Army, for urging the public to use "social measure" to silence Mr. Somsak.

"The call … will lead to hatred, which will eventually rob individuals of their conscience and encourage them to commit extra-judicial acts to intimidate the rights over life of other people," Nitirart warned.

The group also demanded the authorities to investigate the attack on Mr. Somsak′s residence "in order to prove that Thailand is still ruled by the laws", and urged the army to state their stance over the incident.

Meanwhile, police officers determined that Mr. Somsak′s assailants used one shotgun and one pistol in the attack. The gunmen also reportedly hurled a brick and an unexploded molotov cocktail toward the house.

CCTV footage of the attacks has been obtained by the police.

A security guard who was manning a checkpoint near Mr. Somsak′s house said the gunmen consisted of 2 men on motorcycle, and 2 women on another motorcycle who was waiting nearby. According to the guard, the men refused to hand over their ID cards when they entered the gated community, claiming that they were in a hurry.

The attackers left the community shortly afterward, the guard said, adding that one of the group wore a whistle which resembles the symbol of anti-government protests.

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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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