Army Refuses Govt's Request For Troops

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5 February 2014, 16:24

Troops from the Royal Thai Air Force arriving to protect the temporary office of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, 4 February 2014

(5 February) The Royal Thai Army has refused to comply with the government for deployment of troops to protect Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul has made the request after anti-government protesters led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) targeted a Ministry of Defence building where Ms. Yingluck held meeting with her Cabinet members.

But Lt.Col. Winthai Suvaree, deputy spokesman of the army, said today that Mr. Surapong has to submit the request via an appropriate channel, which is the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence.

After the request is approved, the army divisions would be informed how many troops are needed, and what their missions will be, in order to arrange a suitable deployment for the operation to safeguard the Prime Minister, said Lt.Col. Winthai Suvaree.

"No one should expect the army to suddenly send troops without proper request, because that′s against the procedure," Lt.Col. Winthai explained, adding that the army is still waiting for "more clarity" from Mr. Surapong in his requests.

"As far as I know, Mr. Surapong only talked via the media," Lt.Col. Winthai said in a press conference, "There has been no written document requesting [the troops] so far".

His remark came amid speculation that the Royal Thai Army might be distancing itself from Ms. Yingluck′s embattled government. The government was forced to request presence of troops from a nearby Royal Thai Air Force base to protect the Prime Minister yesterday.

The army spokesman also asked the police to clarify their claim that three military officers were involved in the assassination attempt on Mr. Kwanchai Praipana, a local Redshirt leader in Udon Thani province.

"It lacks clarity," Lt.Col. Winthai complained, "If the army is involved, the police should back their claim with evidence," such as names, divisions, and their actual offences. Furthermore, Lt.Col. Winthai said, the suspects in question could be retired officers who are no longer associated with the military.

"That is just talking without evidence," Lt.Col. Winthai said.

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PCAD Postpones Re-Opening Of Rama VIII Bridge

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5 February 2014, 15:22

(5 February) Anti-government protesters have refused to vacate Rama VIII Bridge until 7 February, citing the need for more time to pack up.

According to a deal struck between the Bangkok authorities and the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), the protesters were supposed to leave the bridge by noon today to ease the traffic for Bangkok commuters.

Since the PCAD has occupied the bridge on 13 January, many citizens have complained that they had faced difficulty travelling, as Rama VIII Bridge is a major link of western and eastern banks of Bangkok′s Chao Phraya River.

However, PCAD leaders said they need 2 more days to pack up their belongings and heavy equipment. They promised to leave the bridge by Friday.

Nevertherless, many protesters were already seen moving their belongings to Phan Fah Bridge near Democracy Monument this afternoon, where a separate group of anti-government protesters have been camping.

PCAD leaders have previously vacated their rally sites at Victory Monument and Lad Prao Intersections, as the numbers of demonstrators at both sites have dwindled.

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Thai-China 'One Tablet Per Child' Contract Terminated

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5 February 2014, 14:42

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the launch of one tablet per child program, June 2012

(5 February) The government's plan to equip every school pupil with a tablet computer has been put on hold, as a Chinese supplier terminated the contract with the Thai authorities.

Mr. Chaturon Chaisaeng, the Minister of Education, made the announcement.

The China-based Shenzhen Yitao Intelligence Control Co. has previously won the auction to distribute more than 800,000 tablets to school students in Prathom 1 and Matthayom 1 who were enrolled in 2013 academic year, at the cost of over 1.5 billion baht.

However, the company has repeatedly delayed the delivery of the tablets, reportedly resulting in a fine to the Ministry of Education for at least 2 million baht.

On 30 January, the Chinese company eventually submitted a letter expressing their intention to terminate the deal with the Thai government, citing political instability in Thailand, misunderstanding of the contract and terms of reference, as well as communication problems, Mr. Chaturon said.

It is yet another blow to the populist policies pursued by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Yesterday, China also cancelled a deal with Thailand which would help the kingdom sell tonnes of rice collected under the rice-pledging program.

Mr. Chaturon said the officials are considering to sue the Chinese tablet company for compensation for the losses in the present deal and further auction, but he stressed that the compensation will not be enough to make up for the lost opportunities of millions of Thai students.

“The compensation money cannot make up for the loss, as many students missed the chance to use the carry-on computer," Mr. Chaturon complained, "This is a lesson learned. I admit that the auction was problematic, and the procedure needs to be tailored before the next round starts”.

MOE will also move to impound 120 million baht security deposit, which the company had yielded when the contract was signed. It is expected that the company would appeal for its deposit money Mr. Chaturon added.

Nevertheless, Mr. Chaturon expressed his confidence that the government will continue to strive to provide school children with tablet computers as promised in the 2011 election season.

He claimed that students who missed the opportunity to get their tablets this year will eventually receive the gadgets by next academic year.

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Indian PCAD Leader Decries Deportation Attempt

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5 February 2014, 13:27

(5 February) An India-born anti-government protest leader has lashed out at the government's attempt to deport him from Thailand.

Mr. Satit Segal, director of India-Thai business association and a core leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), admitted he still possessed Indian passport, and he has not applied for Thai citizenship, but insisted that he has every right to remain on Thai soils.

"I′ve been in Thailand for more than 50 years, since I was 5 year old," Mr. Satit said, "I′m not going anywhere".

He added, "This is my home and my country. I′ve only done good things for the nation".

His comment followed the threat by the Center for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) that the Royal Thai Police have been instructed to deport Mr. Satit on the ground that he is an "illegal alien". CMPO officials alleged that Mr. Satit has violated the Thai laws by joining the anti-government protests despite the enactment of State of Emergency, which – in principle – bans political gathering.

But Mr. Satit claimed he has never joined any demonstration since the emergency decree was announced.

The Indian businessman also stressed that he is loyal to the Thai monarchy, and vowed to seek justice from the court in order to block the effort of his deportation.

"I am consulting my legal advisers right now," Mr. Satit said.

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Khao Yai Visitors Told To Beware Of 'Giant Crocodile'

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5 February 2014, 10:58

File photo of the crocodile given by Khao Yai National Park officials, date unknown.

(5 February) Tourists visiting Khao Yai National Park have been warned to beware of a large, ferocious crocodile on the loose.

The crocodile was reportedly first spotted 6 years ago near Haew Suwat Waterfall by park rangers, when it was still a much smaller creature.

Now that the crocodile has grown into its adolescence, it becomes very large, very protective of its territory, and develop violent behaviour, said Mr. Patraphon Manee-On, Khao Yai National Park Veterinarian.

It is unclear where the crocodile came from, whether it was born in the Park, or was "abandoned" by a visitor, Mr. Patraphon said. The closest investigation the authority can do to determine its origin is to conduct DNA tests from the crocodile’s droppings.

The authority had also tried several failed attempts, including calling for help from a crocodile farm from Chonburi province, to capture the creature.

In order to avoid undesirable incident, the authority placed warning signs written both in Thai and English to warn tourists to avoid the river in the park. It is believed that the crocodile has settled somewhere between the jungle track from Pha Kluay Mai to Haew Suwat Waterfall.

Several rangers are also instructed to stand ground in the area to warn tourists who use the tracks in the area, said Mr. Kritsada Homsood, Director of Khao Yai National Park.

Furthermore, the National Park authority has been concerned by recent disappearance of small animals in the area where the crocodile is thought to be residing, with evidence of missing monkeys and snakes. Skulls of monkeys found in the vicinity suggested that they might have been caught and eaten by the reptile.

“It is possible that the crocodile might harm visitors”, stressed Mr. Patraphon.

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Bangkok To Preserve Old City, Build 'River Walks'

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4 February 2014, 18:07

(4 February) Bangkok authorities are planning to preserve the 3 historic districts on the eastern side of the Chao Phraya River, as well as building 'River Walks' on the western side.

Mr. Sanya Cheenimitr, deputy permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), said the districts to be preserved are Phra Nakhon, Samphanthawong, and Pom Prap Sattru Phai.

The districts would also cover 4 historic communities such as Werng Nakhon Kasem, Charoenchai, Talad Noi, and Luenrit, which would be defined as old quarters of Bangkok under the plan, said Mr. Sanya, who also chaired a committee responsible for conservation and development of Bangkok′s Rattanakosin Island.

Demolition of historic buildings in the old quarters – mostly built in the reigns of King Rama V and Rama VI – would be banned, while maintenance and renovation of the buildings would be encouraged, Mr. Sanya said.

According to Mr. Sanya, the committee, which includes representatives from the Crown Property Bureau, The Siam Society, and representatives from the 4 aforementioned communities, plans to survey the buildings and start conserving and developing the area soon.

The development would also aim to preserve the lifestyle and cultures of the communities, Mr. Sanya asserted, adding that the plan is expected to boost historical tourism in Bangkok metropolitan area.

On the same day, president of the General Committee of Bangkok Metropolitan Council, Mr. Sutha Nitiphanont, also announced plan to build a walkway on the western bank of Chao Phraya River.

The bridge, which is expected to be 3 kilometres long, will allow pedestrians to walk from Bangkok Yai Canal to Klong San Canal along the Chao Phraya River. It will directly cut into the Kadeecheen Community, which is famous for its diversity of mixed races and religions.

The walkway is also designed to help prevent the erosion near the river, said Mr. Sutha.

Mr. Kriangphon Pattanarat, Director of the Department of City Planning, stated that his department has been studying the plan for 2 years and is currently cooperating with Chulalongkorn University to design the detail of the walkway.

According to Mr. Kriangphon, the full plan includes the development of the river walks on both sides of the river, but due to the available, the BMA will construct the walkways partially on the western bank first. .

The director of the Department of City Planning admitted that the plan may take "several years", and would rely on support from the people in that area, particularly local private establishments who will need to negotiate for compensation from the government regarding the construction of the river walks through their properties.

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Buddhist Authority 'Ready' To Defrock PCAD Monk

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4 February 2014, 16:04

(4 February) Director of the Office of National Buddhism (ONAB) has vowed to defrock anti-government monk leader as soon as he is found guilty of violating the country's criminal laws.

Mr. Nopparat Banjawattanan said today that he has previously urged Nakhon Pathom Provincial Abbot Council to reprove Buddha Issara – the monk activist and core leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) – for his role in the ongoing protests.

Buddha Issara is the current de facto leader of PCAD′s rally site on Chaeng Wattana Road, where the protesters have been besieging the Government Complex for weeks. He was also allegedly in charge of armed PCAD guards when they clashed with pro-government supporters at Laksi district on Saturday.

According to Mr. Nopparat, the monk never responded to the dispatches from the ONAB, so the authority later appointed appointed Nakhon Pathom Governor to follow the issue. The Office eventually filed a legal case against Buddha Issara for violating Sangha laws.

Mr. Nopparat added that the Abbot Council has concluded that Buddha Issara had violated the regulation of the Sangha Supreme Council by engaging in political protests and inciting people into violence.

Since the Division of Special Investigation (DSI) has also summoned Buddha Issara to testify for the insurrection charge, the activist monk has violated both the Buddhist and the country′s Criminal Codes, said the ONAB director.

“It is clearly stated by law, that if any monk is charged for criminal offence, and if the court denies his bail, he must be defrocked at any time”, said Mr. Nopparat.

However, Mr. Nopparat said it is beyond the authority of ONAB to arrest or apprehend Buddha Issara.

But Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister and Advisor of the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), said that CMPO will arrest Monk Buddha Issara as soon as the Criminal Court issue the arrest warrant.

Mr. Surapong also expressed his confidence that the authorities will eventually arrest the rest of the PCAD leaders, particularly those who had obstructed the election on 2 February.

According to Mr. Surapong, the PCAD′s attempt to disrupt the election has been well-documented by many evidences. He also warned that both leaders and ordinary protesters would face maximum penalty for their anti-election effort.

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Officials Return To Work At Besieged Govt Complex

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4 February 2014, 15:17

(4 February) Civil servants return to work at the Government Complex for the first time in several weeks, following a deal between the government and anti-government protesters.

Supporters of People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have been laying siege to the Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road, which hosts many state agency headquarters, since their "shutdown" of Bangkok began on 13 January.

But a Buddhist monk allied to PCAD, Buddha Issara, agreed yesterday to re-open Building A of the Complex, while Building B and other agencies would still remain closed.

Following the successful negotiation, more than 1,500 officials, most of them staff of the Ministry of Justice, showed up for work today, amid heavy presence of Army soldiers, who were stationed there to guard the venue 24 hours a day as requested by the monk.

The officials were also required to sign into a notebook which record the time of their arrival and departure. Incoming and departing vehicles were similarly check thoroughly by the army officers.

Roads and entrances linked to the protesters′ main stage on Chaeng Wattana Road are still blocked, however.

Due to the partial re-opening of the Government Complex, many visitors are left confused and disappointed when they arrived at the Complex only to realise that the organisations they were seeking help from are still closed.

For instance, two visitors from Chiang Rai province told our correspondent that they had traveled to the Government Complex today in order to renew their Passports at the Department of Consular Affairs.

The pair said that they had been trying to get the document from the Consular Minor Office at Central Bang Na for two days. However, they missed out the maximum serving quantity of no more than 1,750 visitors a day.

They later decided to travel to the Consular Affairs at the Government Complex instead, and found out that the office is not yet opened. The pair told our correspondent that they had wasted money on transport and accommodation for nothing.

The disruption may as well delay their hope to get a job overseas, said the pair, who declined to identify themselves by real names.

Meanwhile, Buddha Issara claimed that he is willing to join the negotiation table with representatives of any organisations located in the Government Complex, particularly those related to the servicing of the public.

It is reported that officials at Ministry of Labour are also resuming their work today after the long absence. Reportedly, senior officials had led a religious ceremony at the Ministry before their work starts this morning, for good luck.

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Protesters' Car Crashes In Hua Hin, Killing 4

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4 February 2014, 12:27

Rescue workers pose with "Shutdown Bangkok" scarf found inside the wrecked vehicle, 3 February 2014

(4 February) A pick-up truck carrying almost a dozen anti-government protesters has crashed in Prachuap Kiri Khan province last night, killing 4 people.

6 people were also injured in the accident, which took place in Hua Hin district. The injured victims were later transported to Hua Hin Hospital.

It is believed that the driver has fled the scene, and the police have not yet located the person for further investigation.

Bags of clothes were seen scattering around the area, including anti-government protest outfits and accessories.

One of the wounded passengers, Mr. Somjai Choochuisuwan, who serves as a village headman in Prasaeng district of Surat Thani province, said he and other passengers were supporters of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

The group had joined the protest at Lumpini Park several days ago, Mr. Somjai said. When he and a co-protester, who was the missing driver, decided to return to their home province in Surat Thani, some other protesters reportedly asked for the ride home as well.

Many of the passengers have not known each other prior to the accident, Mr. Somchai added.

Mr. Somjai explained that he was sitting on the passenger’s seat next to the driver when an oncoming big truck suddenly hit into the side of the pick-up truck. The vehicle then hit into many trees before stopped at a large tree, Mr. Somjai said, and many passengers were thrown out of the car.

Hua Hin Police said they are trying to identify and search for the driver of the pick-up truck, in order to proceed with the investigation.

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PCAD Monk Agrees To Partially Re-Open Govt Complex

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3 February 2014, 19:03

(3 February) A core leader of the anti-government protesters has agreed to let some officials return to work at the Government Complex.

Supporters of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have forced many governmental departments housed in the Complex to close down since they began camping on Chaeng Wattana Road several weeks ago.

The protesters were led by the Buddhist monk Buddha Issara, who was also known by his secular name as Mr. Suwit Thongprasert.

Previous efforts by governmental officials to convince Buddha Issara to lift the siege around Government Complex have failed, with the monk claiming that the protesters on Chaeng Wattana Road might be harmed if officials and security forces return to work in the nearby Complex.

The latest negotiation began this morning, just as PCAD protest leaders have abandoned their rally sites in Ladprao Intersection and Victory Monument.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Mr. Tawatchai Thaikheaw, and Lt Col Krittiwit Wiyaphon, a high ranking military officer, met with Buddha Issara on behalf of the government and the Royal Thai Army in the negotiation.

Although PCAD has withdrawn from both locations, Buddha Issara insisted that PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban has permitted him to "make my own decision freely" whether to keep the rally site at Chaeng Wattana Road, as long as the monk can ensure the safety of the protesters.

However, after series of haggling between both sides, Buddha Issara finally relented and allowed the officials to re-open Building A of the Government Complex, in exchange with setting up of checkpoints manned by military officers around the protest site to maintain safety for the protesters.

According to the deal, 1,539 officialss who worked for Office of Permanent Secretary of the MOJ, Rights and Liberties Protection Department, Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, Department of Probation, and Legal Execution Department, will be allowed to go back to work from Tuesday 4 February onward. It is also expected that the building will receive at least 200 visitors a day.

Buddha Issara demanded that the officials and visitors only use one entrance to the building, which situates on the side of the building and is generally used as a delivery point.

Furthermore, officials will be required to clearly display their ID cards, while visitors will need to obtain signatures from officials of departments they are expecting to meet. Officials must also vacate the building by 18.00 each day.

Apart from the checkpoints requested by Buddha Issara, the military will station a unit of 150 soldiers inside the building and the rooftop, preventing potential perpetrators to launch attacks on the PCAD protesters.

Nevertheless, Building B of the Complex will remain closed, and all connecting points with Building A would be blocked. Buddha Issara said representatives of the departments in Building B are welcomed to negotiate with him at any time, so he can determine whether they meet his conditions.

State agencies which will remain closed down include the Division of Special Investigation (DSI). Buddha Issara claimed he had not been contacted by DSI chief for the negotiation to re-open the office.

the PCAD protesters will close the Government Complex again as soon as possible.

The monk added that he may consider opening more traffic lanes on Chaeng Wattana Road, but threatened that the deal would be invalidated immediately if there is any act of violence against the protesters.

Buddha Issara has also instructed PCAD guards in the area to strengthen the security measures around the protest site, lest the police might try to arrest him in connection with clashes between PCAD protesters and pro-election demonstrators at nearby Lak Si district on 1 February.

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