Mystery Over Arrests Of Navy 'Infiltrator Team'

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17 January 2014, 12:52

(17 January) Much doubt remains concerning the arrests of three armed individuals said to undercover operatives of the Royal Thai Navy.

The police made the arrest at around 00.10 yesterday at a checkpoint on Krung Kasem Road, Bangkok, when the officers stopped and searched the vehicle driven by the group. A group of anti-government protesters has been camping at a rally site nearby.

Upon the search the police uncovered a number of handguns, a silencer, and some ammunition, while the license plate of the vehicle was revealed to be a fake one.

The suspects were identified as Lt. Pairat Plai-Ngam, 47, Petty Officer Pairint Photi, 26, and Petty Officer Ballang Khantaphon, 35. All of them claimed to be Navy infiltrator team on the mission to track down illicit drugs, but police also found that the three officers possessed ′VIP′ identification cards issued by anti-government protest leadership.

The suspects were initially charged with holding weaponry without authorisation, and using false license plate on their vehicle.

But shortly afterwards Rear Admiral Winai Klom-In, Chief of the Navy Special Warfare Command, visited Nang Lerng Police Station, where the three officers were being detained, with a letter confirming the identity of the three Navy agents.

Rear Admiral Winai reportedly told the police that the three officers were indeed on a undercover mission to track down narcotics trade from eastern Thailand into Bangkok.

The weapons the officers were carrying had been properly issued by the Navy, Rear Admiral Winai said, and the three were given counterfeit protesters′ ID cards so they could blend into anti-government protest rally site during their mission if they were ever required to do so.

Nevertheless, Rear Admiral Winai assured the police that he will not interfere with the police investigation.

More than 20 Navy officers later visited the three suspects at Nang Lerng Police Station throughout the day, a senior police officer at the station said.

However, the nature of the undercover mission allegedly undertaken by the three suspects became increasingly questionable, as other high-ranking Navy officers failed to explain to the press what the three infiltrators were doing near an anti-government protest site.

Admiral Pijarn Teeranate, Chief of the Royal Thai Fleet, told our correspondent yesterday that the Navy is currently investigating the incident. Although he confirmed that the three suspects are indeed infiltrator operatives, Admiral Pijarn said the Navy had given them no order to attend the protest rally.

"If they wish to join the protest, they must do it personally, in the manner of civilians," Admiral Pijarn said, "If they were doing something illegal, they must face the same legal prosecution like civilians".

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Kan Dee-Ubon, Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Navy, stated that the Royal Thai Navy Chief, Admiral Narong Pipattanasai, had been informed about the incident.

According to Rear Admiral Kan, the Navy Chief had instructed Admiral Winai to determine as soon as possible whether the arrested Navy officers had acted beyond their orders.

If they are found guilty, Rear Admiral Kan said, a special commission will be appointed to hand down punishment to the suspects, both in disciplinary and legal manners. "There won′t be any protection [for the suspects] in the investigation," the Navy spokesperson promised.

Nevertheless, Rear Admiral Kan said there is a possibility that the three officers might have been on a mission to track down a narcotics delivery which would have forced them to enter the anti-government rally, but insisted that a thorough and detailed investigation will clarify the matter soon.

The incident came at a time when the roles of the powerful Thai military in the ongoing anti-government protests are intensely scrutinised.

Many pro-government Redshirts activists have accused the military of aiding the anti-government faction, and of plotting a coup against the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, but high-ranking members of the armed forces stressed that the military is not taking any side in the conflict (it should be noted, though, that they refused to explicitly rule out the possibility of a coup).

The incident even led Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul to announce that he had ordered a separate investigation into the arrests of the three Navy officers.

Mr. Surapong also expressed his concern that the officers would have carried state-issued firearms into the protest site if they had not been stopped by the police.

"There has been reports that some military officers have taken up jobs as guards for the protesters," Mr. Surapong said.

Just today, the Ministry of Defence issued an "urgent" statement addressed to all units of the armed forces, urging them to keep their subordinates within strict discipline and stay out of political conflicts.

The statement cited the case of three Navy officers arrested yesterday as an incident which "should not be repeated again".

The statement also called for the military personnel to maintain their political neutrality, avoid political criticism in the public, and refrain from dressing in uniforms if they attend any protest. Violation of these principles would amount to disrespecting the military as a whole and would be punished with disciplinary actions.

If the said violation is accompanied by legal wrongdoing such as possession of firearms or explosive devices, the military would also seek legal prosecution against the wrongdoers, the statement warns.

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Pro-Election Campaign Continues Outside Bangkok

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16 January 2014, 21:44

(16 January) While anti-government protesters continue to "shutdown" Bangkok to oppose the 2 February election, thousands in many provinces have staged rallies in support of the election yesterday.

The campaign, which heavily featured placards and signs with the phrase "Respect My Vote", was meant to counter the demands of People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

In Chiang Mai province, more than 2,000 citizens met at Sri Donmoon Temple in Sarapee district to pray for peaceful and harmonious atmosphere to return to Thailand, and affirmed their opposition to any military coup.

The demonstrators, led by Kru Ba Noi Techapanyo, then lit up candles in tribute to the country, before giving alms to Buddhist monks at midnight. Afterward, Kru Ba Noi also showered his followers with holy water for good luck.

The rally coincides with Peng Pud Festival, which falls on the first full moon on Wednesday night. In the festival, Chiang Mai residents give food to the monks by midnight and donated items to poor people.

Here are reports of some of the similar events elsewhere:

Korat People Lit Candles for Democracy

Around 500 Nakhon Ratchasima locals from Bua Yai district, Kaengsanamnang district, Bua Lai district and Sida district, met at Sra Yai pond to light up candles in support for democracy. They had also read their statement to defend democracy and sang The Royal Anthem for His Majesty the King before disbanding peacefully.

Sri-Saket ‘Respect My Vote’

At Srisaket Rajabhat University, over 500 students, teachers, officials, and people of different occupation under the name ‘White-Gold Democracy’, dressed up in white costume and held candle-lit vigil to oppose PCAD′s ongoing campaign against the government. They also demand negotiation from every party in order to lead the country through the current conflict peacefully.

They also expressed their opposition to violent clashes and bloodshed, and called for the respect of democracy, as well as the election on 2 February.

Mr. Pakkhawat Jantasuthiwong also read the group’s statement before shouting the motto ‘Tranquility, Peace, Democracy’ before concluding the events.

Silpakorn Activists Float Tank-Krathong

‘Liberal Silpakorn for Democracy’ held an event at Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom Campus, which was attended by approximately 300 people, to demonstrate their support for democracy and 2 February election.

The event included activities such as sending postcards to Constitutional Court, the Royal Thai Army, and the Office of Election Commission to insist that the election must go ahead.

The group then floated a Krathong made in a shape of army tank into Sra Kaew Pond.

After they had let the floating lantern, the group sang John Lennon’s hit ‘Imagine’ and lit up candle on Sra Kaew bridge to represent their demand. The group then disbanded at around 20.00 pm.

Ying Charoen Market Traders to Light Up Candles Everyday

Meanwhile, 500 Ying Charoen Traders dressed up in white to affirm their support for the Election on 2 February in the event called “No Protest, No Coup, We Need Election”.

They yelled ‘Election’ for several times before lighting up the candles. The group promises to meet everyday until the situation in the country is resolved.

Moreover, approximately 300 Minburi locals in Minburi District of Bangkok met at Minburi Intersection to support the election on 2 February and opposed the shutdown of Bangkok by PCAD. They also plan to meet daily.

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Woman Drowned After Fleeing Sexual Assault

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16 January 2014, 21:12

Mr. Thawatchai Sae-sim during a crime reenactment at the crime scene, 16 January 2014

(16 January) A woman has reportedly drowned as she fled from a rescue worker who attempted to rape her.

The investigation started when the body of the victim, later identified as Ms. Chananchida, 28, was found in the canal near Suvarnabhumi Water Gate on Wednesday.

The police were forced to post the picture of her body on the social network to search for her relatives, after they initially failed to identify her. The police were later contacted by Ms. Chananchida′s father, who said the victim was last seen at Foodland grocery mall on Soi Ramkhamhaeng 9.

According to Ms. Chananchida′s father, he has been told by her friend that she fainted at the mall before a rescue worker took her to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital. The disappearance complaint on behalf of Ms. Chananchida was later filed with Hua Mark Police Station.

After Ms. Chananchida′s body was found, the police tracked the witnesses who were with the victim that night. A CCTV footage retrived from Foodland also revealed that after Ms. Chananchida fell unconscious, she was picked up by a rescue worker named Mr. Thawatchai Sae-sim, 31.

CCTV evidences show Mr. Thawatchai placing Ms. Chananchida on the front seat of his car and drove her to Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, but when he arrived at the hospital he refused to get out of his car. Instead, Mr. Thawatchai was seen driving away quickly from the hospital shortly after he arrived.

The police were also assisted by citizens who retrieved Ms. Chananchida′s belongings, which are believed to have been taken by Mr. Thawatchai, at Lad Phrao Temple. The police then arrested Mr. Thawatchai in connection with Ms. Chananchida′s death.

Initially, Mr. Thawatchai reportedly denied the accusation. However, police further interrogated the suspect and asked him for urinal tests, which revealed that he was on drugs.

Mr. Thawatchai later confessed that he was under influence of narcotics when he picked up Ms. Chananchida and intended to sexually assault the victim, so he decided at the last minute at the hospital not to bring her to the doctors.

The suspect said he later drove away from the hospital toward the crime scene. He claimed that he tried to assault the woman along the way, but she reportedly regained her consciousness when they arrived at the scene.

He told police that Ms. Chanathida had grabbed a knife in the car to threaten him. They later reportedly fought for a while before he bit her on her arm, but the victim fought hard. Mr. Thawatchai claimed that her struggle convinced him to let her go.

The suspect said he later sold her belongings to buy drugs, and hid at his friends’ residence before he was eventually arrested.

According to Pol.Maj. Thatchai Hongthong, Chief of Samut Prakarn Provincial Police, the case is being treated seriously, as the accused is a volunteer for a rescue team.

Mr. Thawatchai has been charged with attempting to rape, stealing with the aid of a vehicle, possessing radio equipment without authorisation, as well as using illicit substances.

Pol.Maj. Thatchai said the suspect would be additionally charged with rape if post mortem investigation of the victim suggested that she had been raped.

It is also unclear why Ms. Chananthida drowned into the canal, said Pol.Maj. Thatchai.

The police are suspecting two possibilities he said; firstly, the victim may have been panicked after the harassment and attempted to escape the suspect by swimming into the canal, but her strength failed her.

Secondly, Pol.Maj. Thatchai said, she may have been hallucinated from taking too much diet pills; according to her family, Ms. Chananthida had been relying on diet pill for quite a long time, and it may have caused her to be overcome with cramp when she went down into the water.

Pol.Maj. Thatchai added that the police have been contacted by a couple who claimed to have helped Ms. Chananthida during the incident. They claimed that they had helped her on their motorcycle, but Ms. Chananthida panicked and left their vehicle after a while, according to Pol.Maj. Thatchai.

Investigation is ongoing.

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Govt Rice Fund 'Not Enough' To Pay Farmers

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16 January 2014, 20:46

(16 January) The Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperative (BAAC) has revealed that its budget is not enough to pay farmers who had engaged in the government's rice pledging scheme.

According to the BAAC, its maximum budget currently consists of 10 billion baht, and the money can only sustain the payment in the rice program until 22 January.

But Mr. Prasit Boonchoei, the President of Thai Rice Farmers Association, said the government is still bound to pay over 80 billion baht of the guaranteed rice pledging price to the farmers, as well as interests for withholding the payment which was due 3 months ago.

Mr. Prasit added that members of his association is planning to sue the government after the Finance Ministry admitted its incapability to fulfill the pledging contracts they had made with the farmers.

Farmers in many provinces also claimed that the controversial policy has put them in fund shortage for next season’s cultivation, according to Mr. Prasit.

It is the latest blow to the controversial rice mortgage mortgage program, which has been the cornerstone of populist policies pursued by the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Just today, farmers in Ratchaburi province also submitted an open letter to Mr. Nisit Chantrasomwong, the Governor of Ratchaburi, complaining that more than 16,000 farmers have never been paid for their pledged rice.

Reportedly, only 20% of 20,000 farmers had received the money, and the rest is promised to receive the money from the government in total of 1.9 billion baht. The group demanded for the payment by 20 January, as the new cultivating season will soon start on 3 February.

BAAC, which is responsible for handing out the payment to farmers, has suspended the payment to farmers and instead submitted its consultation regarding the eligibility of the scheme to the Office of the Election Commission (ECT), lest the payment amounts to vote-buying as the 2 February general election is approaching.

However, the BAAC later backtracked the decision, and the fate of the rice payment is now in limbo.

According to Mr. Tanusak Lek-Uthai, Deputy Minister of Finance and General Manager of BAAC, the payment in the scheme is currently depending on the decision of BAAC board. Mr. Tanusak also said he had disagreed with the BAAC′s decision to get ECT involved in the first place.

“They [BAAC Board] should not worry too much about politics, as it is the lawful process [to pay the farmers]. The decision had been made even before the dissolution of the parliament, there is no need to consult with ECT,” stated Mr. Tanusak, who further complained that “I had tried every possible way to pay the farmers as promised by 15 Jan"

However, the BAAC decided to suppress the payment. "Now I know that my future is not as bright as it was anymore, because I could not keep my promise," Mr. Tanusak lamented.

Meanwhile, Mr. Suwit Rotjanawanich, Bond Market Consultant from Public Debt Management Office (PDMO), suggested that if the ECT agreed to approve the 130 billion baht public lending for the scheme, the decision will be passed on to the Cabinet, who would in turn facilitate the money to the farmers.

Another 13 billion baht lending under the 410 billion baht framework will gradually be paid to BAAC to support the scheme, Mr. Suwit said.

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Crackdown On 'Counterfeit' Whistles Begins

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16 January 2014, 13:02

(16 January) Blue Sky TV has announced a crackdown on sales of counterfeit whistles in anti-government rally sites.

The satellite channel, which has been serving as official mouthpiece of the ongoing protests led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), said on a Facebook post that sales of unauthorised whistles would no longer be tolerated.

A symbol of anti-government movements, the whistles are ubiquitously worn by PCAD supporters in their rallies and demonstrations.

But Blue Sky has previously complained that many vendors in PCAD rally sites have copied the special design of whistles officially adopted by the channel, which come in shapes similar to a lightning, and stated that these actions amount to copyrights infringement.

The channel also sells its own "premium" lightning-shaped whistles, costing up to 999 baht per piece.

In the same Facebook post, Blue Sky staff claimed that security guards employed by the channel have confiscated their first batch of countefeit whistles sold at PCAD rally site around Pathumwan Intersection, and said that the guards would do so in all other PCAD protest sites across Bangkok as well.

The announcement also asks for understanding from anti-government protesters, stating that vendors of counterfeit whistles are profiting from opportunistic business ventures which would undermine the channel′s enterprise.

Furthermore, Blue Sky channel would take legal action against manufacturers of these counterfeit items, according to the statement posted on Facebook.

The announcement has attracted many comments from the Netizens. While many expressed their support for Blue Sky′s crackdown on unauthorised whistles, others raised concerns that security guards employed by Blue Sky do not have legal power to confiscate items suspected of violating copyrights.

Some PCAD supporters also commented that the crackdown might alienate many vendors in the protest areas.

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Protesters Camps Attacked By Gunfire, Bomb

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16 January 2014, 11:31

(16 January) Unidentified assailants have attacked two rally sites of anti-government protesters in Bangkok last night.

The fist attack took place at Ladprao intersection where supporters of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have been occupying as a part of their "Bangkok Shutdown" campaign.

Witnesses said assailants on a vehicle sped past the camp site and threw an explosive device at the barricades before fleeing the scene. No injury has been reported, and the witnesses could not distinguish the type or license plate of the vehicle.

Initial investigation suggests that the bomb was a homemade explosive device. PCAD security guards have collected the bomb′s shrapnel and handed them to police officers for further investigation.

Another protest camp site near Rajavinit School in Dusit district also came under gunfire attack last night. Witnesses said individuals on a white Honda Jazz, whose license plate is said to be 1กย 8088, sprayed gunfire at the protest barricade lines and sped away in the darkness. No injury has been reported.

The camp site was under supervision of the Student and People Network for Thailand Reform (STR) at the time of the attack.

After the incident, STR guards forbade journalists from entering the protest site, citing concerns that the assailants might return for another round of attack.

The guards also stepped up their security measures around the protest camp, such as prohibiting vehicles from approaching the camp and increasing the guards′ patrols. The atmosphere at the STR rally site was said to be tense throughout the night.

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Ko Tee: I Am Not Ko Tee The Redshirt

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15 January 2014, 18:43

(15 January) A famous TV personality has asked the public not to confuse him with a Redshirt leader who goes by a similar nickname.

Mr. Charoenphon Onlamai, who is popularly known as Ko Tee (โก๊ะตี๋), posted the message on his Instagram account today after many of his fans criticised him on the social network for his alleged involvement with the Redshirts.

However, it appears that Mr. Charoenphon′s fans have confused him with Mr. Wuttipong Kochthammakul, a coordinator of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in Pathumthani province – who is also known by the name Ko Tee (โกตี๋).

Although their names are spelled differently, their pronunciation is extremely close.

Mr. Charoenphon, who regularly appears on TV talk show programs and other comedy shows, pleaded in his Instagram that the misunderstanding is caused by those who listen to the news reports without looking at the photos on the screens.

"Nowadays, wherever I go people ask me if I′m a Redshirt leader!" Mr. Charoenphon complained, adding that even some of his close relatives thought he is involved in the Redshirts movement and even called him to ask where the protesters were headed on each day.

He also insisted that he has taken no side in the ongoing political crisis.

"I don′t understand what′s wrong with Thai people these days," Ko Tee the celebrity said, "In the past, you can have different opinion but there is no conflict, but nowadays, if you are not the same side, if you think differently, if you don′t wear the same colour shirt, they are enemy, isn′t that so?".

Mr. Charoenphon concluded his post by attaching the photos of himself and Mr. Wuttipong, the Redshirt Ko Tee.

"If you are still confused, I would change my name!" Mr. Charoenphon warned.

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Police Welcome Protesters With Free Water

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15 January 2014, 17:56

(15 January) The police have distributed bottles of water to anti-government protesters who staged a rally in front of the headquarters of Royal Thai Police today.

The protesters cheered as Pol.Gen. Montri Yimyaem and his two deputies, Pol.Gen. Worata Kitwaree and Pol.Lt.Gen. Weerasak Thongsari, passed the water through the main gate, free of charge, on the particularly sunny day.

The move offers a brief reconciliation in the ongoing political crisis; previous clashes between police and protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have resulted in a number of deaths and injuries on both sides.

Mr. Chumphon Junsai, a core leader of the PCAD who was nearby, responded to the police′s friendly gesture by saying via loudspeaker that he wishes to see more policemen in uniform facilitating the needs of the protesters.

“We have no prejudice, and we are glad to see good policemen sincerely welcoming the people”, Mr. Chumphon stated on the stage.

Pol.Gen. Montri said he is delighted that the protesters had "visited" the police headquarters for several times already, and replied to Mr. Chumphon that the police is willing to assist the protesters, as long as they are demonstrating peacefully.

However, Pol.Gen. Montri expressed his worry that a "third hand" party might attempt to spark the violence and stir misunderstandings.

“The police cannot interfere with politics, but we have vowed to look after every citizen equally,” said Pol.Gen.Montri, “If there is anything we can do, we will.

In response to Pol.Gen. Montri′s remarks, many protesters cheered and blew their whistles, but Mr. Chumphon warned that the police must keep their words.

The PCAD leader insisted that he will continue to criticise Pol.Gen. Adul Saengsingkaew, chief of the Royal Thai Police, until he "stops acting like slave" to the government.

He also vowed to break the truce and storm into the police headquarters if the protesters ever spot a helicopter carrying Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into the compound.

Mr. Chumphon then called for the protesters to disband their rally in front of the police headquarters, explaining that they had victoriously won their demand.

“The police admitted that we are good citizens, they removed the barrier lines." Mr. Chumphon "Now you all can rest, and wait for further [instruction] from Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the PCAD”.

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Chatchart Asks PCAD Not To Capture His Twin Brother

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15 January 2014, 16:49

(15 January) Transport Minister Chatchart Sitthipan has responded to the anti-government protesters' threat to detain him with a sense of humour.

Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), urged the protesters yesterday to "capture" Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and all Ministers of her government.

But Mr. Chatchart said in a Facebook post later that the PCAD protesters should make sure they would not end up arresting his twin brother, Mr. Chanchai Sitthipan.

"The only thing that worries me [about the threat] is that the protesters may be confused and arrest my twin brother instead," Mr. Chatchart wrote, adding that he had instructed his twin brother to shout loudly "This is not Chatchart! This is his twin!" if he was ever detained by the protesters.

"I will use the same trick, too," Mr. Chatchart joked.

The Minister added that he cannot stop the protesters from apprehending him, since he likes to travel on public transportation such as boats and buses to visit many areas.

In the same post, he stated that he had been visiting the northbound train route from Rangsit district to Donmueang district, before stopping at BMTA′s depot this morning.

Bus officers reportedly told Mr. Chatchart that they had experienced a decrease in number of passengers and approximately 30% loss of normal income. They also mentioned that the roads are quite empty due to ongoing PCAD protests in Bangkok.

Mr. Chatchart then visit the offices of Thai Traffic Police to meet Pol.Col. Rueangsak, Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police, and Pol.Maj.Gen. Jirasan, Director of Traffic Department.

Mr. Chatchart said he had praised the two police officers for working since early morning in cooperate with the Ministry of Transport to facilitate the traffic needs of people of Bangkok.

“Overall, the traffic is still controllable, even though there are more traffics that yesterday, but less than usual”, he wrote on the Facebook post, “The protesters had been marching around to many state agencies … and the officials have been avoiding a confrontation because it will lead to violence".

The Transport Minister also warned Bangkokians to stay alert and plan their journey before leaving their houses, and advised that the parking space provided by the Ministry is still available as an option for those who wish to park their vehicles.

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Protesters Surround National Park Dept.

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15 January 2014, 16:26

(15 January) Anti-government protesters have staged rally in front of Department of National Park on today amid rumours that security officers were mobilising there.

The protesters set off from a rally site organised by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) at Ladprao Intersection this morning and marched along Phaholyothin Road to the Department, which also housed the Department of Forestry.

Mr. Suchart Srisang and Mr. Somsong Ek-nok, leaders of the protesters, said they had received reports that "thousands" members of the security forces were gathering at the state agency for a crackdown operation against the protesters.

PCAD leaders explained that the protesters want to prove the reports by their own eyes.

At the Department compound, the protesters rallied outside the gate and invited civil servants to join the campaign against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Some officials were welcoming the PCAD protesters at the main gate.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Mr. Wichet Kasemthongsi, later told reporters that the rumour about massive presence of the security forces is not true.

He said only 200 officials visited the Department to attend an event for the Forestry Resources Reservation Day on 14 January, and have left Bangkok since yesterday.

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