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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Teens Should Spend Valentine In Temples: Official

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11 February 2014, 19:48

Banner inviting teen couples to celebrate Valentine Day at Wat Samian Nari Temple

(11 February) A public health official has suggested that teenage couples should celebrate 2014 Valentine's Day in Buddhist temples to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

Thailand sees an increase in teen pregnancy in recent years, according to Dr. Ponthep Siriwanarangsan, deputy director of the Department of Health, with 53.8 cases per 1,000 population of 14-19 year old women in 2012, compared to 49.3 cases per 1,000 population in 2005.

Dr. Ponthep added that surveys also pointed to younger age in which Thai teenagers experienced their first sexual intercourse, from 18-19 year old in 1996 to 13-15 year old in 2012.

Only half of these teenagers said they used condoms in their first sex, Dr. Ponthep said, citing survey, which allegedly leads to increase in teen pregnancy and illegal abortion.

The deputy director claimed that there were 3,725 abortions of teenagers younger than 14 year old in 2012 alone, equivalent to approximately 10 cases per day.

He blamed "modern culture" and "media influence", as well as lack of sex education in schools, for the trend of rising number of teenagers having sex "before appropriate time".

Dr. Ponthep feared the situation might be worsened by the approaching Valentine Day, which is thought by the Thai authorities to encourage young people to engage in sexual activities.

As this year′s Valentine Day coincides with the Buddhist occasion of Makha Bucha Day, Dr. Ponthep suggested that young lovers should attend religious services at the temples in the morning and return to pray at the temples in the evening, instead of celebrating the Day of Love in a secular way.

"It might involve drinking of alcoholic beverage, which might lead to sexual intercourse before appropriate time," Dr. Ponthep said.

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World Bank Expert: Rice Payment Will Increase Thai GDP

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11 February 2014, 18:57

Mortgaged rice at a storage in Buriram province, February 2014

(11 February) Thailand′s economic growth would increase by 1% if the government fully paid the farmers under the rice mortgage programme, a World Bank analyst suggested.

Ms. Kirida Bhaopichitr, a Senior Economist at East Asia and Pacific Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Unit of the World Bank, said at a panel talk today that the Thai government owes over 120 billion baht to the farmers, equivalent to 1% of the national GDP.

"If the farmers are all paid, their spending could boost the economic growth up to 1%," Ms. Kirida said.

The rice pledging scheme was designed to benefit one-third of Thai farmers, allowing them to have a better quality of lives, but it ended up costing the government a loss of 400 billion baht in 2 agricultural season, Ms. Kirida added.

The scheme should be accompanied by other methods such as developing rice quality, irrigation system, water management, soil improvement to increase gross production per hectare, as well as the sustainable market price for the goods, according to Ms. Kirida.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ulrich Zachua, World Bank Country Director for South East Asia, stated that the Thai government should carefully analyse the scheme, and assess its advantages and the disadvantages.

He also agreed with Ms Kirida that the government should consider other alternatives to encourage farmers′ productivity in a sustainable way.

Ms. Kirida later added that public spending projects, particularly the 350 billion baht water management scheme and the 2 trillion baht infrastructure development, are needed for the kingdom′s economic progress.

However, she expressed her concern for the necessity of the transparency and the efficiency of both projects.

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Cambodian Military 'Disturbed' By Mercenary Rumour

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11 February 2014, 16:14

Gunmen allied to anti-government protesters during a gunbattle on 1 February 2014. Protest leaders claim they acted in self-defence against Cambodian mercenaries.

(11 February) Cambodian minister of defence has voiced his concern over rumours that Cambodian mercenaries are behind political violence in Thailand, an official said.

The rumours were primarily circulated by anti-government protest leaders, claiming that Thai authorities have hired Cambodian gunmen to launch attacks on protest rally sites in recent months.

A commander in the Royal Thai Navy also echoed the rumour by telling the press last month that "10 truckloads" of Cambodian militants have infiltrated the Thai borders to cause chaos in the kingdom.

But Col. Paphathip Sawangsaeng, spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, said Gen. Tea Banh, the Cambodian Minister of National Defence, has personally told the Thai delegates at 2014 Singapore Airshow that the rumour is baseless.

Among the Thai delegates who attended the event was Gen. Yutthasak Sasiprapa the Thai Defence Minister.

According to Col Paphathip, Gen. Bahn informed Gen. Yutthasak that he felt uncomfortable with the issue, as he fears that it may affect the good relationship between Thailand and Cambodia.

The Cambodian military has insisted that they are not aware of any Cambodian military officer crossing the border to join the protest, Gen. Bahn reportedly told his Thai counterpart.

Gen. Bahn stressed that any Cambodian officer found guilty of intruding into the Thai political situation would face maximum penalty, in order to show the Cambodian government′s appreciation for the relationship between the two nations, Col. Paphathip said.

The spokesman added that police officers, who have closely observed the protests and set up checkpoints around protest sites, reported no finding of any Cambodian militants.

“Based on these facts, we have not seen any intervention from the Cambodian military in Thai politics”, Col Paphathip added.

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ONET Exams Award Free Points Due To Misspelling

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11 February 2014, 15:19

(11 February) Students are given free marks in their national university entrance exams thanks to the misspelling error in a question.

In the Ordinary National Education Test (ONET) for Matthayom 3 students, which was held on 8-9 February, a multiple choice question asks the students to identify a National Artist in the field of traditional performing arts.

While answer 2-4 bear the names of artists in irrelevant fields, answer 1 points to a misspelled version of Thai performing artist Jamriang Phutpradab; she was identified as Jamriang Phonpradab in the exam, causing much confusion to the students.

Following complaints from the students that there was no correct answer in the question,

The decision was taken after many Matthayom 3 students complained that the question the National Institute of Education Testing Service (NIETS) and the Exam Commission, agreed to nullify the question and hand out 2.5 points to all students.

Mr. Samphan Panpruek, NIETS Director, stated that he had urged his officials to thoroughly check the National Exam, which will be taken by Matthayom 6 (Year 12) students, prior to the exam’s date on 15 – 16 Feb to prevent any further error.

“It is our human error at proofreading” said Mr. Samphan,“We have tried to reduce the error, and you can see we do not usually make mistakes”.

Moreover, NIETS will hold a special round for Matthayom 3 and Matthayom 6 students who failed to attend the exams.

Students who wish to join the special exam session must submit their application forms at NIETS office of via EMS Post, Mr. Samphan said.

According to the NIETS director, the students must be able to prove that they had suffered "unavoidable incidents" – such as illness, accident, natural disaster, contagious deceases, and family tragedy – which caused them to miss the exams.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jaturon Chaisaeng, Minister of Education, said the mistake on ONET exam is "acceptable", as it is common for exams to contain "little mistakes".

Nevertheless, the minister stressed that tthe error must not take place again. He also defended the benefits of ONET exams as the national means to test the students′ skills, which is better than allowing individual schools to do the assessment.

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Chalerm Scolded For Insulting Chart Pattana Leader

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11 February 2014, 14:25

Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, de facto leader of Chart Pattana Party, during a ceremony to celebrate his 59th birthday, 9 February 2014

(11 February) Pheu Thai Party boss said he has criticised Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung for his disparaging remarks about a coalition party leader.

Mr. Chalerm, who also chairs the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), lashed out yesterday at Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, top adviser of Chart Pattana Party, after Mr. Suwat expressed his willingness to mediate a negotiation between the administration and anti-government protesters.

"If Mr. Suwat wants to be a Prime Minister himself, no one has anything against that," Mr. Chalerm charged, "But since he is still in the coalition, he has to defend the government".

The CMPO director also accused Mr. Suwat of stabbing the administration in the back by supporting a newspaper which launches daily attacks on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and her cabinet members.

"If Mr. Suwat believes this newspaper he′s supporting, he should just quit [the coalition] once and for all," Mr. Chalerm said, without naming the newspaper.

The incident has stirred up speculation that the coalition government of Ms. Yingluck might be experiencing a rift amid the ongoing protests.

Responding to incident, Pheu Thai leader Charupong Ruengsuwan said in a press conference today that the 4-party coalition is strong as ever, in spite of Mr. Chalerm′s remarks.

"We still hold our hands together. Nothing changes," Mr. Charupong told reporters, adding that he speaks "daily" to coalition leaders such as Mr. Suwat and Mr. Banharn Silpa-archa, top adviser of Chart Thai Pattana Party.

He also stated that Pheu Thai Party leadership has already lectured Mr. Chalerm on the consequences of his public insults toward the party′s allies.

"Mr. Chalerm′s words risk turning friends into enemies," Mr. Charupong said dryly, "At the moment, Pheu Thai prefers to have friends".

According to a source inside Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Suwat was greatly offended by Mr. Chalerm′s remarks, causing high-ranking Pheu Thai figures such as Mr. Somchai Wongsawat and Ms. Yaowapa Wongsawat to personally apologise to Chart Pattana leader.

"We fear it could have an effect over our cooperation in the future," the source said.

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