Taxi Driver Returns Money Left Behind By Tourists

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10 January 2014, 17:55

(10 January) A taxi driver has returned to Pattaya police a sum of money worth more than 100,000 baht reportedly left behind in his taxi by a Russian couple.

Mr. Chonnat Siangwan, 42, a native of Kanchanburi province, informed Pol.Lt. Jakkrit Chantakham at Pattaya Police Station that he had found an envelope full of money in foreign currency in his taxi′s backseat.

According to Mr. Chonnat, he had picked up two Russian tourists from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya′s Walking Street. As he started to clean his car during a stop at petrol station, he said, he found the money.

Mr. Chonnat said he did not know where to find the couple who lost the money, so he decided to inform Pattaya police about the incident in the hope to locate the tourists.

Pol.Lt. Jakkrit Chantakham praised the taxi driver for his good will and stated that Mr. Chonnat’s decision also helped the police to accommodate foreign tourists.

“As we are entering ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, Mr. Chonnat helped his country by showing the good will to return the money, a gesture that should strengthen tourists? trust. The Police authority would like to praise Mr. Chonnat for his thoughtfulness and for being a good host in facilitating our valuable guests”, Pol.Lt. Jakkrit was quoted as saying.

The police officer said he believes the Russian couple would file complaint about their lost money at the police station soon.

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Pro-Election Campaign Gains Momentum

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10 January 2014, 17:45

(10 January) Students and members of the public have staged rallies in several universities calling for the general election on 2 February to go ahead.

The campaign has been coordinated by a group of activists and academics on the social network. It calls for ordinary Thais who wish to see a peaceful solution to the crisis in accordance with democratic principles to gather in public places and light their candles.

For many, the campaign is seen as a backlash against the protests led by People’s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), which have been calling for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to resign from her caretaker position and scrap the 2 February election.

PCAD demands that an unelected ‘People’s Council’, whose members will be selected by PCAD, be installed as a transitional government and implement series of reforms to Thai political system before any election can be held. The protest leaders also threatened to “shutdown” Bangkok on 13 January to push for those demands.

The biggest turnout for the pro-election campaign last night was at Kasetsat University in northern Bangkok, where over 300 people, mostly dressed in white, rallied in the campus with their banners and candles.

Many banners read, “Respect My Vote,”, referring to an incident earlier this week when a heckler, identified later as Mr. Akachai Auttagorn, interrupted former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s speech at an art gallery by holding up a sign “Respect My Vote” and criticized Mr. Abhisit’s Democrat Party for boycotting the upcoming election.

The students were joined by a group of local residents in Bang Khen district who arrived with placards supporting the 2 February election and non-violence. Some banners bear messages against the PCAD’s plan to “shutdown” Bangkok.

Organisers of the rally also urged the participants to write their thoughts on the current political crisis on small pieces of paper, which were later plastered around the entrance to the university’s auditorium.

At 18.15, the participants lit their candles, while the event coordinator, 4th year student Napat Narangsiya read the statement of the group, voicing their opposition to non-violence, unlawful protests, and any attempt to undermine the country’s democratic system.

“We the people oppose political express that violates the laws and other people’s rights,” the statement reads, “We all agree that Thailand has many problems at the moment that need to be solved and reformed, but we believe that those problems can only be remedied under a democratic regime”.

The statement also affirms the principles of equal electoral rights and urges all sides to engage in a peaceful dialogue instead of resorting to violence.

After the statement was read, the participants shouted in unison, “Yes to election, no to Suthep’s selection!”, referring to PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Napat, who is currently enrolled in history program, said he supports the PCAD’s call for reforms, “but those reforms should be committed under the laws and Constitution”.

He added, “Election is the best way to resolve conflicts, and it is the best way to gauge the people’s opinions”.

Smaller pro-election events were held in the provinces of Nakhon Phanom and Maha Sarakarm last night, and many groups across the country are planning to organise their own activities in support of the 2 February election today.

For instance, an academic at Chulalongkorn University has called for those who support election and non-violence to gather at the campus where candlelit vigil would be held at 19.20.

Other political and student groups in Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, and Chiang Rai have likewise vowed to stage similar activities this evening.

Meanwhile, Mr. Akachai, who became an instant celebrity among the pro-government Redshirts and pro-election faction, told our correspondent his Facebook account has been de-activated due to large number of people who “reported” his photos and profile.

Mr. Akachai said the attack on his Facebook account has been engineered by those who intend to silence him.

Nevertheless, he said, before his account became inaccessible he had received “almost 10,000” messages of support from like-minded netizens. Many of his supporters posted photos of themselves wearing sunglasses and holding up “Respect My Vote” signs, mimicking his heckling of former PM Abhisit.

The gesture was also intended to lampoon anti-government critics on social network who had previously accused Mr. Akachai of being an aide of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra – simply because the aide and Mr. Akachai happened to wear the same type of sunglasses.

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Buriram Farmers Demand Rice Money From Govt

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9 January 2014, 21:57

(9 January) Hundreds of farmers in Buriram province have gathered to demand the payment for the rice they had sold to the government's rice-pledging scheme months ago.

Approximately 2,000 farmers from Mueang district and Lamplaimas district rallied in front of the Buriram City Hall today.

They also set a deadline for the government to start paying them by 15 January, and threatened to escalate the protest if their demand is not met.

Mr. Pramuan Bo-thai, the representative of the farmers stated that the government was supposed to pay them 3-4 months ago. Now they are struggling financially, Mr. Pramuan said, as they are unable to repay their debts and sustain the family budget.

If they do not hear from the government by next Wednesday, farmers from every district will close down government complex in the province, or march to Bangkok until they receive the payment, Mr. Pramuan warned.

The protesters disbanded after Mr. Thongchai Lue-Adul, Governor of Buriram Province, met with the protesters and promised to submit the protesters’ demands to the government and the Ministry of Commerce.

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Chalerm: I Am F-cking Back

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9 January 2014, 18:27

(9 January) Labour Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung claimed he is now back in charge of monitoring the anti-government protests.

Mr. Chalerm lost his prominent position as a Deputy Prime Minister last year following a Cabinet shift ordered by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, and he had been delegated to the much less influential post at the Ministry of Labour.

Nevertheless, Mr. Chalerm has publicly expressed his wish in the past to be back at the frontline as the government is pitted in the struggle against anti-government protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

It appears his prayer has been answered.

"The Prime Minister has assigned me to assist the police, it is true," Mr. Chalerm told reporters today, adding that he has been specifically instructed to report to the government′s agency which monitors the protests and combats criminal acts committed during the protests.

Mr. Chalerm stressed that his work would not interfere with the police operations or other existing governmental war rooms.

"I didn?t offer my service because I?m drunk with power," Mr. Chalerm said, "But because I?m fed up with those who mobilise local district officials and the people in south to join the protests".

He added, "I am glad the Prime Minister called me to serve, even though it is a bit late".

One of his top priorities would be the operation to arrest PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban who is currently wanted for his insurrection charges, according to Mr. Chalerm, who insisted that it is not within his power to make an arrest.

However, he said, he would distribute 200 arrest warrants of Mr. Suthep to the police units, in order to help them arrest the PCAD leader as soon as they encounter him. If Mr. Suthep attempts to resist, Mr. Chalerm said, the police would be allowed to "exercise their judgment" in proceeding the arrest.

"Mr. Suthep is demanding something that is impossible and not supported by any laws," Mr. Chalerm told said. He warned that the nation would not function if Mr. Suthep is allowed to walk free, but told reporters that there is no reason to place bounty on Mr. Suthep.

"Please come surrender yourself to the police. I believe he would be granted bail in no time," he added.

The Labour Minister also urged an unnamed high-ranking police officer to stop giving support to Mr. Suthep, and warned that state officials who aid the PCAD are at risk of violating the laws.

Furthermore, Mr. Chalerm claimed police officers in many provinces have told him that they had lost much dignity throughout the protests.

"These people keep contacting me, asking me, brother, when will you be back in charge?" Mr. Chalerm said, "So I tell them now, I am fucking back!" (กูกลับมาแล้ว)

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Police Searching For Firearms 'Looted' By Protesters

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9 January 2014, 16:45

Anti-government protesters vandalising a police vehicle near Thai-Japan Stadium, 26 December 2013

(9 January) The police have pleaded for information concerning 27 firearms allegedly looted by anti-government protesters during a deadly clash last month.

According to the Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), these weapons were looted from police vehicles parked around Thai-Japan Stadium on 26 December, where the protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) attempted to storm the election registration venue held inside the Stadium.

The confrontation escalated into violent clashes in which one police officer and one anti-government protester were shot dead. The police claimed that their vehicles and equipment storage had been ransacked by the protesters.

Among the 27 firearms reportedly looted by the protesters, 21 of them are state-issued weapons while 6 others are personal belongings of the officers, CAPO′s Pol.Lt.Gen. Sophon Pisutthiwong said in a press conference.

Pol.Lt.Gen. Sophon added that the stolen firearms include 6 shotguns which were used by riot police to fire rubber bullets, but they could also be used to fire fatal shotgun rounds. 12 tear gas launchers and three .38 handguns are also missing, Pol.Lt. Gen. Sophon.

Officers? personal sidearms allegedly stolen by protesters are two 9 mm. handgun, one .380 handgun, two .45 handgun, and one air pistol, said Pol.Lt.Gen. Sophon, adding that one of the handguns had been recovered following an arrest of an anti-government protester in Bangkok′s Bang Plad district on 2 January.

Furthermore, the officer said, investigation of bullet holes and ammunition rounds found in the 26 December clashes reveals that the gunfire which attacked the police came from the direction outside the Stadium′s perimeter and not the police position.

16 firearms were involved in these shootings, Pol.Lt.Gen. Sophon asserted, warning that the mysterious assailants? arsenal would have been supplemented by an addition of the looted 27 firearms.

"Please think about the possible violence," said Pol.Lt.Gen. Sophon.

He added, "Let me remind the people that the light we want to see in Thai society must be neither the flame at the funeral pyre for the protesters nor fire at the cremation of the laws enforcement agents. Please stop or lessen the violence that could happen".

Due to the fears that these looted weapons could be smuggled into protest sites by third-hand individuals, the police would have to set up strict checkpoints to search for firearms or any explosive devices around the rallies, according to Pol.Lt.Gen. Sophon.

"It is necessary that we search some vehicles. We apologise for the inconvenience," said Pol.Lt.Gen. Sophon, adding that the public are encouraged to report to the police immediately if they find the reported stolen firearms.

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Yingluck Asks Suthep To Help Settle Crisis

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9 January 2014, 14:31

PM Yingluck Shinawatra posing for photos with Matichon staff, 9 January 2014

(9 January) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has invited protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban to help her resolve the ongoing political crisis.

The responsibility to avoid injuries and deaths lays on both the government and Mr. Suthep, Ms. Yingluck said.

The Prime Minister made the comment during her visit to offices of Matichon Publishing, the parent company of Khaosod newspaper, earlier today, where she expressed goodwill messages to the executives of Matichon on the occasion of the 37th anniversary of the publication′s founding.

She also gave an interview to our correspondent, stating that she has instructed governmental officials and police officers to exercise restrain during their operation to contain the "shutdown" of Bangkok planned by anti-government protesters.

Mr. Suthep′s People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has vowed to stage mass rallies in 7 major intersections across the capital city on 13 January. The "shutdown" of Bangkok is intended to pressure Ms. Yingluck into resigning from her caretaker position and scrap the general election on 2 February 2014.

Ms. Yingluck said the police will avoid confronting the protesters and they are prepared to assist the protesters in any possible way throughout the protests.

"I don?t want the rallies on 13 January to turn violent. The government has insisted that we will do everything we can to avoid the confrontation," Ms. Yingluck told our correspondent, adding that the police have been explicitly instructed to contain the protests under "international" practice.

Asked whether she is worried that a "third-hand" party might sow chaos during the protests, Ms. Yingluck admitted that it is one of her main concerns, but said she would like to ask for cooperation from the PCAD to stage the rallies without weapons and refrain from violence.

She also commented on the rumours about a possible military coup to oust her government. "What could be a reason to stage a coup?" Ms. Yingluck asked, "No one wants that to happen".

The government is committed to opening a dialogue between the administration and the protesters, Ms. Yingluck said. The dialogue may take place in a forum aimed at reforming the nations? political system, chaired by academics, private sector representatives, and members of the civil society, according to Ms. Yingluck.

Ms. Yingluck has previously proposed a forum for reforms of her own to counter the demands of the PCAD which insist that an unelected ?People′s Council? be established to implement series of reforms deemed appropriate by PCAD leadership.

"[Reform] is something we want to see, but if we only talk about what we disagree, the formation of a reform assembly will be difficult," the Prime Minister said, "So I would like to call on all sides to turn to each other and discuss what solution to our country′s reforms should be. I think this is a better solution than not talking to one another at all".

When a reporter asked her when the reform forum can be initiated, Ms. Yingluck said the government is still waiting for appropriate representatives to host the forum. "If the government chairs it, we will be seen as interfering in the reforms," she said.

Ms. Yingluck added, "I have already retreated. We already dissolved the Parliament. I am merely a caretaker leader. If they want me to take more steps back, we have to discuss how to help your country move forward, and how we can satisfy the protesters".

The Prime Minister also dismissed the question whether the government or the protest leadership should be responsible for any violence that occurs during the upcoming protests, insisting that leaders from both sides share that responsibility.

She said she needs Mr. Suthep′s help in maintaining the fragile situation.

"Both of us needs to join hands and [stabilise] the situation," said Ms. Yingluck, "So that there won?t be any violence. We should be doing our best."

Ms. Yingluck also stressed that she is willing to serve as a function to cooperate with all sides in the question for solutions to the crisis.

"Please think of the country. Where would the economy and investors? confidence be as long as we still have concerns and problems like this?," Ms. Yingluck told our correspondent, "We cannot complete the reform in a single day. Only time will be a tool to solve the problems".

The Prime Minister later chaired a meeting at the Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), where she discussed with many officials about the impact of the current political crisis on the Kingdom′s tourism industry.

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Van Drivers Protest Bangkok Shutdown

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9 January 2014, 13:53

(9 January) Several hundred minivan drivers have staged a rally against the anti-government protesters' plan to "shutdown" Bangkok.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has threatened to occupy a number of major intersections in the capital city on 13 January and cause massive gridlocks in the bid to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

But over 300 van drivers have parked their vans at the Victory Monument this afternoon to voice their opposition to the PCAD′s "shutdown".

The drivers claim they would suffer losses in income during the shutdown, as passengers avoid the congested roads and tourists stay away from areas affected by the protests.

Around 5,000 public vans operate in the vicinity of the Victory Monument, a hub for land transports in and out of Bangkok.

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Fearful of PCAD Shutdown, DSI Evacuates Files

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9 January 2014, 13:12

Anti-government protesters storming the office of Division of Special Investigation, November 2013

(9 January) The Division of Special Investigation (DSI) has been ordered to evacuate important documents in preparation for the anti-government protesters' "shutdown" of Bangkok on 13 January.

Mr. Thawatchai Thaikeaw, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, said the operation of the Ministry will function normally to facilitate the public′s needs despite the the plan by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) to stage major rallies across Bangkok and "shutdown" the capital city.

While some officials would be stationed at its headquarters in Government Complex on Chaengwattana Road, others would be working from their homes.

“High-ranking officials, from Director and above, are instructed to come [to work] at the Ministry. However, some officers may be instructed otherwise”, Mr. Thawatchai said, “for those whose job is accessible from home, they are allowed to work outside the Ministry"

The Government Complex is one of PCAD′s targets for the "shutdown". If the protesters decide to prolong their rallies at the Complex, Mr. Thawatchai said, the Ministry will be operating from temporary workplaces outside the Complex.

For now, though, the Ministry is focused on closing cases that are due to expire or cases of urgent matter, according to Mr. Thawatchai.

"If some emergency happens, it won?t affect [the public]", said the Deputy Permanent Secretary, "However,

He added that the Ministry does not forbid its officials from joining PCAD rallies, but encourages them to do so only outside office hours.

It is also reported that the Division of Special Investigation (DSI) had moved important files and other equipment to other places, following the instruction from the Ministry.

Mr. Thawatchai explained that the move was necessary as anti-government protesters have besieged the Division′s headquarters many times. "Now, there is nothing to worry about," he said.

Governmental institutions under the oversight of the Ministry of Justice at Government Complex include the DSI, Right and Liberty Protection Department, Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, Department of Probation, and Central Institute of Forensic Science.

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Army Sends Out Vague Signals On Coup

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8 January 2014, 18:29

A model posing with soldiers in Bangkok on 21 September 2006, days after the army launched a coup which ousted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra

(8 January) Top officials of the Royal Thai Army have made contradictory comments about possibility of a military coup.

Rumours of a possible coup are intensifying in Bangkok as the "shutdown" of Bangkok planned by anti-government protesters is approaching.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of the State (PCAD) vows to occupy major intersections in the capital city on 13 January in the bid to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, while pro-government Redshirts have also announced they will stage rallies of their own outside Bangkok on the same day.

Many observers see a parallel between the ongoing crisis and the political protests in 2006, when the military ousted the brother of Ms. Yingluck, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in a putsch which they claimed was a necessary step to restore order in Thailand.

Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, has provided vague answers to reporters when asked about a possible coup over the few weeks. Last month, the general refused to rule out a coup, stating that "anything can happen".

Gen. Prayuth told the press along the similar line yesterday, saying that he cannot confirm whether there will or will not be a coup, as it depends on the situation.

"It′s not only about [coup]. Everything happens because there is a cause," Gen. Prayuth said, "If there is no cause for something to happen, it won?t happen".

He added, "Just like the Thai proverb goes: if a cow has a wound on its back, the crow will peck it. If there is no wound, there won?t be any pecking".

The Permanent Secretary of the Royal Thai Army likewise refused to rule out the possibility of a new coup earlier today. Asked by reporters whether there will be a military coup, Gen. Nipat Thonglek simply laughed and continued on his way to attend a meeting at the Royal Thai Police headquarters.

However, Lt.Gen. Charnchai Phuthong, commander of the Second Army Region, downplayed the ongoing rumours about the coup by insisting that the army will only support a peaceful and legal path to resolve the political conflicts.

"Gen. Prayuth has stressed many times that the army belongs to the people and the nation. The current conflict must be solved by peaceful methods in accordance with the laws," Lt.Gen. Charnchai told reporters after he attended an event at Suranaree Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

"We are following that instruction very strictly," Lt.Gen. Charnchai added.

Meanwhile, the official leadership of the Redshirts has encouraged its supporters to be on alert lest the army launches another coup against an elected government.

In a statement, the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship also laid out plans to be executed in the event of a military coup. The plans call on the Redshirts to help escort the Prime Minister to a "more secure" location in the North or Northeastern region, establish a government in exile, gather at their local police stations, and stage protests in front of the military bases in the provinces.

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Kidnapped Vietnamese Man 'Mistaken' For Debtor

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8 January 2014, 17:49

The suspects under custody at Pattaya police station

(8 January) Police in Pattaya have arrested a group of suspects who claimed they had kidnapped a Vietnamese man out of misunderstanding.

Mr. Niang Wan Too (name transcribed from Thai text), the 32-year-old Vietnamese national, told police he was walking with his girlfriend on Pattaya Soi 12 before a group of men arrived on a minivan. The group seized him into the vehicle and sped away.

His girlfriend, Ms. Buiti Hong Min (whose name also transcribed from Thai text), followed the minivan on a taxi-motorcycle and alerted the police.

The minivan was reportedly stopped at Diana Hotel alley, where the police then arrested the kidnappers, identified as Mr. Janephop Pongpai, 22; Mr. Peerapong Boonkor, 20; Mr. Raywat Yankrou, 22; Mr. Wutthinpong Boonkor, 23; Mr. Surapong Boonyuen, 22; and Mr. Chainarong Han-Chana, 23.

According to Mr. Niang, while he was detained on the vehicle the group had threatened him to pay back the debt, to which he replied that he had no idea what they were talking about.

The suspects told police they were hired by illegal creditors to hunt down a relative of one debtor in Pattaya, but their agent misidentified Mr. Niang as the target.

The suspects claimed that they had no intention to kidnap Mr. Niang for ransom, but Pattaya police said they are not convinced by the kidnappers’ statement, and would continue to further investigate the case.

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