Suthep: We Won't Shutdown Airports

By

-

10 January 2014, 18:26

(10 January) PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban has insisted that he will not order the seizure of Bangkok's two airports and other main public transport hubs during the "shutdown" of Bangkok.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has threatened to occupy 7 major intersections in Bangkok on 13 January to "shutdown" the capital city until Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra resigns from her caretaker position and scrap the general election on 2 February.

There are fears that the PCAD protesters will storm Bangkok′s Don Mueng Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport during the "shutdown", as anti-government protesters did in 2008, causing massive mayhem and economic damages.

But Mr. Suthep said on a rally stage at Ratchadamnoen Avenue yesterday that the PCAD only aims to occupy Bangkok′s 7 intersections to pressure the government. There will be no occupation of airports, train stations, docks, or any other transport hub in Bangkok, Mr. Suthep promised.

The PCAD leader also vowed to leave financial institutions alone, including the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the Bank of Thailand, and any other commercial bank in Bangkok.

However, it is reported that the residence of Mr. Jarupong Rueangsuwan, Acting Minister of Interior, will be one of the destination the protesters planned to "visit" en route.

Mr. Suthep also expressed his firm belief that there will be no less than "400,000" Bangkokians who live on Thonburi side of the capital city to join the marches to shutdown Bangkok next Monday.

He urged his supporters to respect the Constitution and carefully follow his instructions during the shutdown operation to promote the cause of the "Great Mass of the People".

"We will not be tempted into anger, even though the other is recruiting people to wage war on us," Mr. Suthep told the crowd, "If we can do this, I guarantee you, we will win fair and clean. And the world will record this".

He added, "If [the security forces] try to hurt us, just sit down and pray".

In his speech the PCAD leader later sarcastically thanked Mr. Tharit Pengdith, Chief of the Division of Special Investigation (DSI), for freezing the bank account of PCAD′s "Ratchadamnoen Kitchen". After the anti-government protesters heard about the incident, Mr. Suthep claimed, many of them showed their sympathy by donating large sum of money for the PCAD.

He then invited his supporters from Pak-Panang district, in Nakhon Sri Thammarat province, and from Phra Pradaeng district, Samutprakarn province to join the "final battle" on Monday.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

'Parking Dispute' Leads To Drive-By Shooting

By

Khaosod English

-

10 January 2014, 18:04

(10 January) A pair of gunmen have shot into a Norwegian Restaurant in Pattaya, after its owner had allegedly engaged in a parking dispute with several taxi motorcyclists.

At approximately around 01.00 am, Pattaya police was alerted to investigate a four-storey building in Banglamung district, Chonburi province.

The ground level of the building is operated as a Norwegian restaurant called ?Christiania?, whereas the upper levels are opened as tourists residence, it is reported. The building is also situated close to a flyover bridge, which leads to Bali Hai pier.

In front of the restaurant, police found a golden bronze Honda car, which has a bullet hole shot through its roof.

It is believed that the group of gunmen fired their weapons from the flyover bridge into the restaurant, after police found the cartridges on the bridge.

Many foreign tourists were frightened by the incident, and were gathering around to discuss about the shooting when police arrived.

Mr. Banlue Eiamsri, 28, the owner of the restaurant, told the police that he witnessed the assailants traveling with a motorbike onto the bridge, and fled the area after the shooting.

He also claimed that earlier that day, he had a heated argument with a group of taxi motorcyclists about the parking in front of the restaurant, in which the cyclists claimed he had blocked their way.

Police said the investigation is currently ongoing, and they had retrieved CCTV footage near the crime scene.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Taxi Driver Returns Money Left Behind By Tourists

By

Khaosod English

-

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.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Pro-Election Campaign Gains Momentum

By

Khaosod English

-

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.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Buriram Farmers Demand Rice Money From Govt

By

Khaosod English

-

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.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Chalerm: I Am F-cking Back

By

Khaosod English

-

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)

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Police Searching For Firearms 'Looted' By Protesters

By

Khaosod English

-

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.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Yingluck Asks Suthep To Help Settle Crisis

By

Khaosod English

-

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.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Van Drivers Protest Bangkok Shutdown

By

Khaosod English

-

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.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Fearful of PCAD Shutdown, DSI Evacuates Files

By

Khaosod English

-

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.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Hot News

LATEST NEWS