Kwanchai Shooting: Police Seek Warrants Of 6 Sergeants

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10 February 2014, 16:34

Mr. Manuedang Maesae showed the police during crime scene re-enactment how he allegedly shot UDD leader Kwanchai Praipana, 8 February 2014

(10 February) The police are seeking arrest warrants of 6 Royal Thai Army sergeants in connection with an assassination attempt on a Redshirt leader.

Mr. Kwanchai Praipana, a local coordinator of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in Udon Thani province, was shot at his residence last month by a group of assailants on a pick-up truck. Mr. Kwanchai was reportedly critically injured, but has been making stable recovery ever since.

Last week the police arrested one of the suspects who confessed he was one of the two gunmen who fired their AK-47 rifles at Mr. Kwanchai. The suspect claimed the team has disposed the firearms in a canal before they fled the province.

Mr. Manuedang Maesae also told the police the assassination team consisted of 6 army sergeants, which coincided with previous police reports that military personnel were involved in the operation.

The police stated that the arrest warrants for the 6 sergeants have been filed to Udon Thani Criminal Court, and they are expecting the court to approve the warrants soon.

According to sources inside the police force, the suspects being sought include a "ringleader" who organised and planned the operation; "Sergeant W", the shooter; "Sergeant M" who allegedly acted as a spotter for Sergeant W and Mr. Manuedang; the getaway driver; a sergeant who was tasked with reconnaissance of the target area; and another sergeant who planned escape routes for the team.

Police sources claimed that over 80 rounds were fired at Mr. Kwanchai, but only a few of them managed to hit the target.

Responding to the reports, Col. Winthai Suvaree, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Army, said the police have requested that the 6 military officers named as suspects in the criminal case meet with the police for investigation.

4 of the 6 suspects are personnel of the 9th Infantry Division, Col. Winthai said.

The military will give full cooperation with the police concerning the investigation, Col. Winthai said, and the army′s legal teams will also assist the 6 suspects in their court trials, as required by the army regulation.

The army and the police will discuss where the 6 suspects will be detained during the investigation, the deputy spokesman added.

"If they are found guilty, they will be discharged from the military," Col. Winthai insisted, "But in the meantime, until the case is finalised, we have to give them fairness".

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Anti-Govt Leader Detained At Border Police HQ

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10 February 2014, 15:41

The police car carrying Mr. Sonthiyarn Chuenruethai-naitham arrives at the Border Patrol Police headquarters in Pathum Thani province, 10 February 2014

(10 February) A core leader of anti-government protest movements has been arrested for violating the emergency decree.

Mr. Sonthiyarn Chuenruethai-naitham was apprehended by a group of police officers as he was walking in Central Ladprao shopping mall and later brought in a six-car convoy to Border Patrol Police headquarters in Pathum Thani province for interrogation.

Mr. Sonthiyarn is a prominent leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) and a former director of T-News, an anti-government TV station.

He is wanted by the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) on charges of violating the emergency decree, which in principle bans all forms of political gathering.

CMPO spokesman Tharit Pengdith confirmed Mr. Sonthiyarn′s arrest. The warrants for the arrest of Mr. Sonthiyarn and other PCAD leaders were approved by the court last week, and Mr. Sonthiyarn was the first anti-government core leaders to be arrested so far.

The activist is currently held at the Border Patrol Police headquarters. Speaking as he was held in a police vehicle, Mr. Sonthiyarn said he was shopping alone when the police arrested him.

Mr. Sonthiyarn denounced the arrest, arguing he was merely exercising the rights to assembly, which is guaranteed by the Constitution.

Police officers will decide whether he is eligible for a bailed release, Mr. Sonthiyarn added.

Other individuals wanted by the CMPO include Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, the secretary-general of the PCAD. However, governmental officials have previously stressed that they will not attempt to arrest Mr. Suthep if the operation would escalate the situation.

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Chonburi Twins Wed For 'Good Luck'

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10 February 2014, 14:19

(10 February) 4 year old twins in Chonburi province have married each other in a symbolic ceremony believed to bring about good fortune.

The wedding took place at a residence in Sriracha district yesterday, and was attended by over 100 guests, including Minister of Culture Sonthaya Khunpluem.

The bride and groom were the 4 year old nong Ton and nong Pai. The ceremony kicked off with the traditional wedding parade joined by a group of singing local residents. A symbolic dowry of 99,999 baht along with a separate set of gold pieces was later exchanged among the twins′ parents.

Prominent guests and elderly family members then blessed the newly wed twins, wishing them long lives without illness.

The parents of the twins, Mr. Garathep Rakthuam and Ms. Lachaya Puangpan, said the ceremonial marriage was based on the belief that twins were lovers who were separated in past lives and should be reunited again in their incarnations.

Mr. Garathep and Ms. Lachaya believe the wedding would bring good fortune to both the twins and the entire family.

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6 BMA Officials Injured By Ratchadamnoen Explosion

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10 February 2014, 13:35

(10 February) 6 Bangkok administration officials have been wounded by an unidentified explosive device as they were cleaning Ratchadamnoen Avenue this morning.

The officials, employees of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration′s (BMA) Departmenr of Environment, were reportedly renovating the area near Phan Fah Bridge on the avenue when they encountered "small, black, round explosives".

The bomb went off after one of the officials picked it up, reports said.

Two of the injured individuals are reported to be in severe condition, having been wounded in the legs, heads, and eyes. The victims have been sent to Vachira Hospital.

The type and origin of the explosive is unclear.

The avenue was the scene of mass protests led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) in late 2013 before the protesters disbanded and moved to Bangkok′s downtown on 13 January 2014.

However, a small group of anti-government protesters allied to PCAD are still camping near Phan Fah Bridge.

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Buddha Issara Accused Of Owning Chiang Mai Properties

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10 February 2014, 12:44

(10 February) A group of Redshirts protesters have alleged that an anti-government monk activist had illegally purchased lands in Chiang Mai province.

Buddha Issara is currently leading a protest rally on behalf of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) on Chaeng Wattana Road.

According to a Redshirts activist, the monk possesses a number of lands without proper authorisation in Mae Wang district.

Around 300 Redshirts protesters gathered in front of one such property this morning, demanding an official investigation into the land′s ownership, as Buddhist monks are not allowed to own any wealth, let alone an estate property.

Mr. Pichit Tamool, a local Redshirt leader, said many residents in the district have complained that the monk has purchased many lands from them and promised the residents the lands would be used for temple construction.

However, according to Mr. Pichit, the temple was never constructed. Instead, residential buildings were seen inside the fenced properties allegedly owned by Buddha Issara. Mr. Pichit added that the buildings themselves were constructed without permit from the authorities.

Reporters were not allowed inside the property today.

Pol.Col. Suphol Foomoolcharoen, another Redshirt activist, said the police should investigate the matter and issue arrest warrant on the monk if he is found guilty.

"Chiang Mai residents will be the eyes and ears," Pol.Col. Suphol said, "If Buddha Issara ever comes to Chiang Mai, they will immediately inform the police".

After listening to speeches by leaders denouncing Buddha Issara′s political activism, the Redshirts later dispersed peacefully from the area.

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CMPO To Question Hotels For 'Sheltering' PCAD Leaders

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8 February 2014, 19:38

Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban receiving donation from a supporter in Bangkok, 7 February 2014

(8 February) Executives of 2 high-end hotels have been summoned to explain to the Thai authorities why they allowed anti-government protest leaders to stay in their hotels.

Executive directors of Dusit Thani Hotel and Intercontinental Hotel are due to meet with officials from Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) on 11 February for the questioning, said CMPO spokesman, Mr. Tharit Pengdith.

A number of core leaders of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), including Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, are said to have stayed nightly at the 2 hotels as they took the break from anti-government rallies nearby.

The CMPO will also press charges against any parties who continue to support PCAD financially, Mr. Tharit added.

Furthermore, he said, the CMPO will continue to use restraint and peaceful strategy against the PCAD′s attempts to besiege governmental departments, in order to avoid any possible losses.

Officials in 36 governmental organisations have been allowed to resume their works after PCAD protesters ended the siege of their offices, Mr. Tharit said in the press conference.

Arrest warrants for PCAD leaders who had disrupted the General Election on 26 January and 2 February have also been issued, according to the spokesman. Mr. Tharit insisted that CMPO will proceed with the prosecution and the arrests as soon as possible.

So far, CMPO has received 20 cases of election obstruction, he said.

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CMPO: Segal Deportation Based On 'Abhisit Standard'

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8 February 2014, 19:21

Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban expresses his support to Mr. Sathit Segal, 6 February 2014

(8 February) The Thai authorities insisted that the effort to deport an Indian anti-government activist is based on the same procedure adopted by former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The Centre for Maintaing Peace and Order (CMPO) is currently seeking the deportation of Mr. Sathit Segal, a core leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), who previously admitted that he had no Thai citizenship.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Tharit Pengdith, Chief of the Division of Special Investigation (DSI) and a spokesman of the CMPO, said the deportation of Mr. Sathit is already approved by the DSI and the Immigration Police.

The issue would be ultimately decided by a commission presided by CMPO Director, Mr. Chalerm Yoobamrung. If Mr. Chalerm agrees with the proposal, Mr. Tharit said, he could sign the order and have Mr. Sathit deported immediately.

With the imposing of the Emergency Decree, Mr. Sathit will not have any chance to appeal his deportation, Mr. Tharit added.

The CMPO spokesman noted that deportation of foreigners who take part in Thai politics under the enactment of the State of Emergency had been enforced before during the administration of former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

In 2010, Mr. Conor Purcell, an Australian Redshirt supporter, was ordered to leave Thailand after he appeared on the stage of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) protest, when Bangkok was under the State of Emergency.

Mr. Purcell was deported after he had been detained in a Thai prison for nearly 3 months, during which he claimed he had been attacked by other prisoners.

He arrived in Australia on 8 September 2010, and later expressed his wishes to return to Thailand some day, according to Australian media reports.

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One Killed After Students Car Race Gone Wrong

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8 February 2014, 19:07

(8 February) A student was killed in a car accident in Pathum Thani province following a race with other students.

The deceased was identified as Mr. Suthikiate Sibua, 26, a student from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi. His body was thrown out of the vehicle due to the impact of the crash.

The incident took place at a road curve on Rangsit-Pathum Thani Road in Mueang district.

According to the police, 5 other students from the same university were also severely injured after the two vehicles collided. Injured victims were transported to Krung Siam St. Carlos Hospital.

Suan Prik Thai Police stated that the group of students engaged in a street racing before they eventually lost the control of their vehicles. However, it is still unclear who drove the vehicles during the time of the incident, police said.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Chonburi Police Bust Illegal 'Whitening' Clinic

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8 February 2014, 18:20

(8 February) Police in Chonburi province has arrested a ladyboy who offered her customers an injection of illegal skin whitening substance at a price of 500 baht.

Her ′clinic′, which is in fact a beauty salon, is located in Banglamung district, Chonburi province. The police stated that the raid was conducted after they had received several reports complaining that the venue offered surgical treatment using illegal substances.

Several substance which purported to whiten women′s skin such as Vitamin C, Glutathione and Treatment Creams, were found at the venue.

Mr. Thanaya Lakornrat, 35, the owner of the venue, confessed that she used the beauty salon as a cover for her illegal skin whitening treatments, and many of her customers are fellow ladyboys who knows her personally.

Many of the customers were present when the police raided the place.

She also claimed that she had ordered the illegal substances from online sources, and offered the treatment for only 500 baht.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits the injection of glutathione into blood vessels, as the overdose of the substance may lead to death.

Police later pressed charge against Mr. Thananya for illegally operating medical treatment venue without a permit. The substances found at the venue will be sent to the public health authorities for further investigation.

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Army Renews Effort To Silence Monarchy Critics

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7 February 2014, 18:58

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, chief of the Royal Thai Army, at an army parade in January 2013

(7 February) The Thai military has vowed to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to stamp out any criticism of the monarchy.

The move followed the Royal Thai Army′s threat to pursue legal action against prominent historian Somsak Jeamteerasakul for his Facebook posts, which the army deemed to be offensive toward the monarchy.

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

"Commenting on personal capacity or on academic grounds without ill intent is the constitutional rights of the public," said Col Paphathip Sawangseang, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson, "But any comment that slanders [the monarchy] has troubled every military personnel".

Therefore, the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Thai Armed Force have instructed related authorities, including the Ministry of Information Technology and Communication, to closely monitor websites and social network sites which contain lese majeste contents.

The Ministry of Defence is required by mission to protect the national sovereignty, stability, and the monarchy, said Col. Paphathip.

He added that the military is consulting its legal teams in order to prosecute those who posted inappropriate remarks concerning the Thai Royal Family. The spokesman also called on "every Thai" to help defend the monarchy from any derogatory comments.

Meanwhile, Col Sirichan Nga-Thong, Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army, stated that the Commander-in-Chief of the army has been "greatly concerned" about the issue, particularly concerning the circulation of criticism of the monarchy on the social media.

"It causes confusion to the public, and the people might be manipulated by individuals with ill intention," she said.

The army has already instructed all military units to thoroughly study possibility of legal action against those who insult the monarchy, Col. Sirichan said, adding that the military is relying on support of "social norm" to deter any criticism of the Royal Family.

“The army is responsible to protect and uphold the dignity of the monarchy, and we can assure all Thai people that we would proceed with the issue as far as we can”, said Col Sirichan.

The spokeswoman claimed that the army has been continuously prosecuting critics of the monarchy since 2006.

"Some cases have been convicted and punished, and some cases are under the trial," Col. Sirichan said, "While some other cases are in the process of petitioning for Royal Pardon".

Widely regarded as the most outspoken critic of the Thai monarhcy, Mr. Somsak is also facing a separate lese majeste charge filed by the Royal Thai Army in 2011, following his criticism of a televised interview by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn.

Information of alleged license plate of Mr. Somsak′s car and his home address is also being circulated on a number of pro-monarchy social sites.

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