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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Pathum Redshirt Radio Attacked By 'Grenade'

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7 February 2014, 18:19

(7 February) A pro-government radio station in Pathum Thani province was attacked with unidentified explosive device last night.

The incident took place at FM106.65 Radio headquarters in Lamlukka district, which is owned by a famous Redshirt leader, Mr. Wuttipong ′Ko Tee′ Kochthammakul.

The explosion damaged an air-condition compressor and left several marks on the building’s walls.

A security guard who was patrolling the scene also suffered minor injuries from the incident. Mr. Wutthipong said he was not at the station at the time.

Pol Col Naradetch Thipyarak, Chief of Kukhot Police Station, stated that the police is still unable to identify the type of the explosive, and is investigating the scene, but Mr. Wuttipong suggested that it might have been a grenade.

The Redshirt coordinator claimed he was aware of attempts to intimidate him after he appeared in much media coverage as a Redshirt leader in recent weeks.

Mr. Wuttiphong, who leads a local group of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in Pathumthani province, has also recently drawn criticism from Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army by accusing the army of supporting the anti-government protests.

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Rice Scheme: Farmers Ask NACC To Probe Govt

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7 February 2014, 17:12

Pro-government rally by farmers in Phitsanulok province, 7 February 2014

(7 February) A group of farmers have requested the anti-graft body to take action against the government for its failure to pay them under rice-pledging program.

The government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has previously promised to pay farmers for their pledged rice by 31 January. Yet many farmers said they had not received the payment, causing them to take to the streets in many provinces and voice their discontent.

Today hundreds of farmers from various rice-growing provinces such as Suphan Buri, Angthong, Ayutthaya, and Saraburi marched to the office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Nonthaburi province where they filed a request urging the NACC to investigate the government′s failure.

Mr. Songphon Poonsawad, President of the Farmers Council in Angthong province, stated that NACC is his last hope to hold the government accountable, as the authorities were supposed to pay the farmers 4 – 5 months ago for the mortgaged rice.

Many farmers ran out of money and were forced to take loans from illegal loan sharks who charged high interest rate, Mr. Songphon said.

He added that the government had not provided any clear explanation for the delay of the rice money, which was supposed to have arrived by 31 January as promised by the government.

The farmers also want to meet Ms. Yingluck in person to ask her for solid solution for the scheme, said Mr. Songphon. He said the protesters have set the deadline for the government to clear the matter by 15 February, or face an escalation in demonstration from the farmers.

Deputy Secretary General of the NACC, Mr. Wittaya Akhomphitak, received the letter from the farmers and promised that NACC will discuss the issue on 11 February.

The NACC will appoint a commission to investigate and document any distress the farmers have been facing from the controversial rice scheme, according to Mr. Wittaya.

However, not every protesting farmer group is taking a hostile approach to the current government.

On the same day, a group of at least 200 farmers gathered at Phisanulok City Hall to express their support the government, stating that they simply wish to be compensated for their rice.

The group, led by Mr. Somyong Joithing, the director of Wang Intok Subdistrict, said that they hope the authority will be able to clear off its debt and approve the payment for the pledged rice soon.

Mr. Somyong also indicated that the group will submit open letter to Mr. Rapee Phonbuphakit, Phitsanulok Governor, to explain their intention for the demonstration.

He also begged The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) to stop interrupting the government’s attempt to solve the issue, after PCAD tried to besiege and pressure several banks not to grant loans for the government′s rice scheme fund.

“Please understand that farmers are in distress”, said Mr. Somyong.

Mr. Witurat Srinam, Phitsanulok Deputy Governor, later received the letter from the farmers representative. He promised to pass on the issue to Phitsanulok Governor as soon as possible.

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Pitsanulok Pays Fresh Batch Of Rice Money

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7 February 2014, 16:07

(7 February) BAAC branches in Phitsanulok province have paid out another batch of compensation money to local farmers who participated in rice-pledging program.

The Bank for Agricultural and Agricultural Co-Operatives in the province were recently funded with 183 million baht to pay the farmers, officials said.

Farmers in a number of provinces have been protesting for the money the government owed them in the controversial rice mortgage scheme.

In Phitsanulok, many farmers could be seen queuing up at local BAAC branches for the earnings they were supposed to receive four months ago.

In Mueang district, BAAC was tasked to pay 13 million baht to farmers in the area. The money has been collected by the farmers within several hours.

As of 13 January, statistics reveal that in Phitsanulok Province alone, more than 494,000 tonnes of rice were pledged under the scheme, and the government was bound to pay an overall of nearly 7.69 billion baht to the farmers.

So far, the government had repaid only approximately 1 billion baht to the farmers, according to the statistics.

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Pro-PCAD Singer 'Attacked' In Chiang Mai

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7 February 2014, 15:29

(7 February) Folk-pop singer Lanna Commins told Chiang Mai police she was a victim of a physical assault, which might have been politically-motivated.

The 30 year old singer said she was attacked by a group of people in front of a pub-and-restaurant in Mueang Chiang Mai district last night, where she was drinking with her boyfriend.

While she was at the pub prior to the incident, Ms. Lanna said, the group of assailants who were sitting on the next table started to mockingly imitate her appearance on anti-government protest rally stage in Bangkok on 18 January, in which she performed the hit song "Can′t Be Trusted".

The group consisted of 2 women and 3 men, said Ms. Lanna, a native of Chiang Mai province.

As they were leaving the place later, according to the singer, the group had mocked her famous song again, angering Ms. Lanna′s boyfriend. When her boyfriend reportedly approached the group to ask them to stop teasing Ms. Lanna, the assailants charged at both of them, leading to a brawl.

Ms. Lanna claimed she was punched in her face and her hands. She also told the police she had lost her purse which contained her ID card, cash cards, and approximately 2,500 baht in cash.

She later filed complaint with the police.

Our correspondent added that Ms. Lanna’s appearance on PCAD stage had caused dissatisfaction among many residents in Chiang Mai province, which is known as a solid base of support for Pheu Thai Party and the Shinawatra family.

According to Pol Lt Col Kraisri Junphan, Chief of the Chiang Mai Provincial Police, an investigation team has been instructed to study footage from CCTV installed at the restaurant, in order to track down the culprits.

The officer said it is currently unclear whether the attack was politically-motivated. However, Pol Lt Col Kraisri also indicated that the singer is alleged to have previously engaged in fights during her other night-outs in the province.

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