Passport Registration Quota To Increase Next Week

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6 February 2014, 17:06

Officials negotiate with the anti-government Buddhist monk, Buddha Issara, for the full re-opening of Government Complex, 5 February 2014

(6 February) The Department of Consular Affairs will increase quota for passport registrations per day amid ongoing shutdown of its main office on Chaeng Wattana Road.

The Department′s headquarters have been closed down by anti-government protesters since 13 January, and venues for passport application have been appointed at Bang Na and Pinklao districts.

Due to the disruption to its operation, the DCA was forced to dramatically scale down the numbers of passports they could process to 3,650 cases per day, causing long lines to form at registration venues.

However, following a negotiation with the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), DCA is allowed to send its technicians into its HQ, where they will reboot the online application and automatic query system which links the HQ with other DCA offices, both in and out of Thailand.

The DCA plans to test the system on 7 – 9 February and the network is expected to operate as usual soon afterward.

"Consular Office should be able to start issuing passport with the capacity of 7,000 per day," if the system operates smoothly, the DCA said in a statement.

While the DCA main office at the Government Complex will remain closed until negotiation with PCAD is achieved, its smaller offices at the Ministry Labour, Surat Thani, and Phuket would be opened to the public on Monday, the statement says.

In order to facilitate the public, DCA will also open its temporary office at Lotus Hall, Sirikit Convention Centre, on 10 February onward, with the capacity of 600 passports a day.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that it still has more than 5,000,000 passports in reserve, which will allow the production of 6,500 passports per day, each of them valid for 4 years.

Nevertheless, those who do not urgently require new passports should wait until the system is fully operated, DCA said in the statement.

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PCAD Withdraws From Rama VIII Bridge

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6 February 2014, 16:34

(6 February) Rama VIII Bridge is once again open to public after anti-government protesters dismantled their campsite there.

Normal traffic on the bridge resumed this morning, traffic police announced.

However, some protesters, led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), are still occupying a number of roads in the area around eastern side of the bridge, such as Jor Por Ror Intersection and Phan Fah Intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

PCAD protesters also remain at 5 other majors intersections and roads throughout Bangkok: Government Complex in Chaeng Wattana Road, Pathum Wan Intersection, Saladaeng Intersection, Asoke Intersection and Ratchaprasong Intersection.

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PM Yingluck Defends Controversial Rice Program

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6 February 2014, 15:57

Rice farmers protesting in front of Ministry of Commerce, 6 February 2014

(6 February) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has defended rice pledging scheme even as farmers continue their protests against the program.

The rice mortgage scheme is "similar to agricultural subsidisation policies in many other countries," Ms. Yingluck wrote in a Facebook post, "We have seen the success of this policy in its first two terms".

She added, "The current situation is unusual, as we have been facing political instability for 3-4 months. The situation had obstructed the caretaker government to exercise its power," to pay the farmers the money they were owed under the governmental program.

Just today, furious farmers from the provinces of Petchaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi marched to stage their protest in front of the Ministry of Commerce in Nonthaburi province, demanding their promised compensation from the scheme.

The farmer representative stated that the payment was due 4 months ago, and demanded the government to start pay them immediately.

In the Facebook post, Ms. Yingluck promised to pay back the farmers as soon as possible.

“I have not been at ease. I have instructed related authorities to identify problems which obstruct the payment. Now, the Ministry of Finance is currently seeking for loans, while the Ministry of Commerce is studying the possibility to auction off the rice to earn some money to run the scheme," the Prime Minister said.

Krung Thai Bank has previously refused to approve a loan for the government, much to the cheer of anti-government protesters who claim the rice pledging program is a corrupt populist policy.

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German Killed In Phuket Flying Boat Crash

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6 February 2014, 15:25

(6 February) A German citizen was found dead after his flying inflatable boat crashed into the sea off a beach in Phuket province yesterday.

The man was identified by the authorities as Mr. Bach Georg Erwin, 65.

According to witnesses, Mr. Erwin was seen commuting alone on the ultralight boat around Laem Kha Yai Beach. Prior to the crash, witnesses said, the engine had stopped working, but the German managed to restart it and traveled for another 500 metres before the engine exploded. The boat then crashed into the sea.

A hotel staff who reportedly witnessed the scene said he and other people rushed into the sea to help Mr. Erwin, but it appeared that he was already dead before they could reach him.

Mr. Aroon Solos, Mayor of Rawai Municipality, said Mr. Erwin′s body bore no injuries that were caused by the crashed flying boat, suggesting that he might have been killed by the impact with the water surface.

Autopsy of Mr. Erwin′s body will be conducted as soon as possible, police said.

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Army Threatens Lese Majeste Charge Against Historian

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6 February 2014, 14:23

Somsak Jeamteerasakul at a discussion panel, 14 July 2013 (Photo by Speed Horse TV)

(6 February) The Royal Thai Army is considering a legal action against a prominent historian for his remarks about the monarchy, according to an army spokesman.

Lt.Col. Winthai Suvaree, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Army, said in a press conference that Mr. Somsak Jeamteerasakul has gravely insulted the Royal Family in his Facebook posts.

Mr. Somsak, who teaches history at Thammasat University, is known as a rare outspoken critic of the Thai monarchy in a country where any remark deemed offensive toward the Royal Family can be punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

"The army has instructed its legal team to determine which parts [of Mr. Somsak′s posts] can be considered as libelous toward the monarchy," Lt.Col. Winthai said, "Because the army is a part of civil authorities dedicated to protect the monarchy and preserve its dignity".

He warned that any further action that "falsely" insult the Royal Family or lessen the public′s faith in the democratic regime with the King as Head of State would be met with legal action from the army.

Apart from legal procedure, the army will also encourage the use of unspecified "social measures" to deter such inappropriate action, Lt.Col. Winthai added.

"The army would like to call on every sector to keep careful watch, in order to prevent anyone from slandering or insulting our beloved monarchy," the deputy spokesman said.

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.

He responded to the army′s latest threat of lese majeste by posting on his Facebook that the army has misunderstood his remarks, as he has been simply parodying and criticising certain type of royalists.

"Can′t the Army Commander-in-Chief read Thai?", Mr. Somsak said.

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Police Claim They Have Footage Of UDD Leader Shooters

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6 February 2014, 13:57

Mr. Kwanchai Praipana, still on his hospital bed, goes to vote at a polling station in Udon Thani, 2 February 2014

(6 February) The police claimed they have obtained clear CCTV footage of gunmen who wounded the local Redshirt leader in Udon Thani province.

Mr. Kwanchai Praipana, a prominent leader of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), was shot and wounded at the front porch of his residence by a group of gunmen on 22 January. The assailants fled the scene quickly after the attack.

The UDD leader suffered severe injuries but has since been recovering in hospital. He said he believed the attack was politically motivated.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Suraphol Pinitchob said CCTV footage obtained by police detectives revealed that the gunmen were divided into 2 vehicles: a silver Toyota with license plate issued in Roi Et province, and an unidentified bronze pick-up truck.

The assailants planned their assassination attempt well, Pol.Maj.Gen. Suraphol said, as they have arrived at a resort hotel in Udon Thani a week before the incident and have spent days surveying the area around Mr. Kwanchai′s house.

On the day of the attack, two gunmen on the bronze vehicle reportedly pulled up at Mr. Kwanchai′s house and sprayed their bullets at Mr. Kwanchai. Pol.Maj.Gen. Suraphol believed the gunmen intend to take Mr. Kwanchai′s life, judging from the nature of their operation.

The officer claimed that "60%" of the investigation has been completed, and many crucial details have been uncovered, such as the possibility that the assailants might have been aided by someone close to Mr. Kwanchai.

"We are gathering additional evidence so we can ask the court to approve the arrest warrants," Pol.Maj.Gen. Suraphol said, "At this stage, we can say that there are at least 3 suspects in this case", although the total number could be as high as 6.

However, Pol.Maj.Gen. Suraphol refused to confirm reports that military officers might have been involved in the alleged assassination attempt on Mr. Kwanchai, contrary to previous police statements.

"The police need to determine from evidence and arrests of the suspect whether they are kon mee see [military men]", Pol.Maj.Gen. Suraphol said.

But sources inside the police force told Khaosod that detectives have already identified at least three Army personnel who were in the alleged assassination team.

The sources added that the police also obtained CCTV footage from an ATM in Udon Thani where the suspects reportedly withdrew money to pay for the expense during their operation.

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Weng: Court Is Acting Like Suthep's Spokesman

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6 February 2014, 13:20

Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban on protest rally stage, 5 February 2014

(6 February) Redshirt leader Weng Tojirakarn has criticised the Constitutional Court's verdict that anti-government protesters are merely exercising constitutional rights of assembly.

"The verdict of the court contradicts with reality," such as the the protesters′ siege of numerous governmental offices and their attempt to bar officials from working, Mr. Weng said.

Some supporters of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) were also seen wielding combat rifles at the protest in Laksi district on 1 February, according to Mr. Weng, who is currently a candidate for Pheu Thai MP seat.

All these actions amount to acts of insurrection against the sovereign government, which is criminalised under the Article 113 of the Thai Criminal Codes, Mr. Weng said, yet the court granted the protesters the rights to continue their campaign against the government.

The Constitutional Court previously ruled that the PCAD has not violated Article 68 of the 2007 Constitution, which forbids any attempt to change the political system by unconstitutional means.

The court insisted that the PCAD is simply exercising the rights of peaceful assembly – which is protected under the Constitution – in response to the government′s pursuit of a legislation that would have absolved the corruption conviction of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"I′m curious whether the court is in league with Mr. Suthep," Mr. Weng said, referring to PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

"Mr. Suthep has always addressed the protesters that he is seeking to seize sovereign power of the country," Mr. Weng complained, "Has the Constitutional Court considered this point?"

The Redshirt leader also expressed his dismay that the court appeared to justify the PCAD′s ongoing protests by claiming that they were protesting against the Amnesty Bill pursued by the government in November 2013, even though the bill has already been withdrawn long ago.

"I can′t help wonder, is the court acting like Mr. Suthep′s spokesman now?" Mr. Weng said in the press conference, "I am concerned by whatever the court might be doing".

Furthermore, Mr. Weng urged the court to dismiss the request to nullify the 2 February election filed by the Democrat Party recently.

"I beseech the court to respect the political decision of more than 20 million voters," he said.

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FDA Warns Of Hazardous 'Herbal Eye Dropper'

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6 February 2014, 12:17

(6 February) The Thai Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has urged the public to beware of traditional herbal eye droppers known to cause serious infection.

Mr. Pathom Sawanpanyalert, M.D., Deputy Secretary-General of the FDA, said the agency has been alerted to the case of a 41 year old patient who resorted to a brand of such eye droppers called "Doctor Yom Thayai" to treat the left eye, which has reportedly been suffering eyesight problems for several years due to an accident.

The eye droppers were ostensibly made of beneficial herbal medicine, yet in 3-4 days the patient′s eye became swollen, reddened, and less capable of perceiving objects, Mr. Pathom said.

According to the official, the patient eventually sought help from doctors, who realised that the patient′s eye has been completely blinded due to severe infection and gangrene which has formed in the eyeball. The doctors were reportedly forced to remove the infected eyeball altogether.

Lab results show that the eye droppers used by the patient contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium, which is known to cause serious infection to human eyes, Mr. Pathom added.

The "Doctor Yom Thayai" brand of eye droppers also claimed to treat a wide range of eye diseases, according to its package, yet it bore no registration number for the medication.

"We will locate the manufacturer of this medicine for legal prosecution," Mr. Pathom announced.

He added that the FDA would like to remind the public not to buy any traditional eye medicines that lack proper registration or credible distributor, as they could end up causing severe harms to the eyes.

"Consumers should only buy medicines which have been properly registered under the laws," Mr. Pathom said, "They should check if the label on the package".

Consumers who encounter any drugs which they suspect to be illegal manufactured are encouraged to contact the FDA at 1556 or [email protected].

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Laksi Clash: Wounded Man's Daughter Files Libel Complaint

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5 February 2014, 19:13

Rescue workers surrounding Mr. Arkaew Saelew after he was wounded by gunfire in Laksi district, 1 February 2014

(5 February) Daughter of the elderly man paralysed by gunfire in pre-election violence has denounced the accusation that her father was a Cambodian gunman.

Mr. Arkaew Saelew, 71, was shot in the neck area by unidentified assailants during a gunbattle between pro-government supporters and the heavily armed militants allied to the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) on 1 February at Bangkok′s Laksi district.

His daughter, Ms. Euangfah Saelew, has previously told reporters that her father was a demonstrator who had joined the protest in support of the election on 2 February.

Yet a number of anti-government social network sites have alleged that Mr. Arkaew was in fact a member of "Cambodian armed forces" who infiltrated Bangkok to sow chaos against PCAD supporters.

Some accusations also specifically identified Mr. Arkaew as a close aide to Cambodian Prime Minister, Mr. Hun Sen.

Upset by these accusations, Ms. Euangfah filed complaint with the police at Thoong Song Hong Police Station, urging the police force to prosecute those who spread "baseless" online rumours about her father.

"It′s baseless slandering," Ms. Euangfah told our correspondent, "My father is Thai. He has a Thai ID card. Such postings have damaged my father′s reputation and worsened his pain".

She expressed her hope that the police would also identify and arrest those who have shot Mr. Arkaew, but added that she dared not hope much since the authorities have not yet prosecuted anyone responsible for killing unarmed protesters in 2010.

Ms. Euangfah explained that her father was a Thai-Chinese resident of Songkhla province before he moved to Bangkok′s Laksi district where he settled down and made a living by selling soft drinks in front of a local school.

According to Ms. Euangfah, her father had never joined any protest before last Saturday. "He was interested in politics. He likes to follow the news on TV at his home".

She said she was contacted by Viphavadi Hospital at 18.00 on that day about her father′s injury.

"I was so shocked," Ms. Euangfah said, "I was made even more shocked and stressed to see people on the social media accusing my father of being a Cambodian gunman. It′s not true at all".

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Woman Blames 'Mistress' For Car Acid Attack

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5 February 2014, 18:18

(5 February) A woman in Udon Thani province has been so fed up by alleged acid attack on her car by her husband's mistress that she chooses to tell the world about it.

Many baffled motorists have previously contacted Khaosod that they have spotted a car spray-painted with the words "The Mistress Did This!" all over the vehicle. Numerous marks of damages caused by acid could also be seen on the vehicle.

Contacted by our correspondent, the car own, who identified herself simply as Ms. Suphaphon, explained that her car has been attacked by acid for 4 times in the past few months.

Three of the attacks occurred at a parking lot of Ang Thong Hospital, while the fourth took place near Ang Thong Social Insurance Office, according to Ms. Suphaphon.

Ms. Suphaphon continued tearfully that she was certain that her husband′s mistress committed the attacks out of jealousy. She claimed that she has informed the police for numerous times of her suspicion, yet the police have done nothing to investigate the crime.

"So I became so bitter and angry that I want to declare to the public who did this to me," Ms. Suphaphon said.

She added that she and her children are now living under the fear that the alleged mistress might commit further intimidating acts against her. Ms. Suphaphon said she might consider seeking help from Paveena Women Foundation if the situation worsened.

However, police officers contacted by Khaosod insisted that the investigation is ongoing.

The police simply have no sufficient evidence to summon the alleged mistress for interrogation over the alleged crime, said one high-ranking officer.

"We are not ignoring this case," he added.

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