Yingluck Opens Suvarnabhumi's Premium OTOP Store

By

-

6 January 2014, 14:58

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra taking pictures with a group of police officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport, 6 January 2014

(6 January) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has presided over the opening ceremony of OTOP store at Suvarnabhumi Airport and visited police officers stationed at the airport.

OTOP, One Tambon One Product, is a key policy implemented in 2001 under the administration of her brother, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, in which each local Tambon (subdistrict) across the country would develop its own unique products and sell them to the market with support from the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Yingluck said the OTOP project has created jobs and strengthened economy on the local level across the country. Over 240,000 families benefited from the project, Ms. Yingluck said, generating sales worth more than 86 billion baht in 2013 alone.

The government has provided OTOP-affiliated communities with capital and helped them find venues to sell their products, as well as rebranding the goods for exports to foreign countries, according to Ms. Yingluck.

"Establishing OTOP shop in Suvarnabhumi will create new channel for selling the products, because many foreign tourists visit the airport. It is an opportunity for OTOP products to display their quality to the world," Ms. Yingluck told reporters.

Officials said the particular OTOP store at the airport would be a "premium" one, selling high-end and tax-free items produced by local Thai communities.

Mr. Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, the Minister of Commerce, said he expects additional OTOP stores will be opened in other airports if the model store at Suvarnabhumi proves successful.

After the opening ceremony, Ms. Yingluck visited hundreds of police officers and soldiers stationed at the airport to maintain public order amid the ongoing protests against the government.

12 police companies and 2 army companies are guarding Suvarnabhumi Airport from the anti-government protesters; there are fears the protesters might storm the airport to escalate their campaign against the government.

Police officers welcomed Ms. Yingluck with loud cheers and applause, with some shouting "Yingluck, fight, fight!". The Prime Minister also took pictures and chatting with many officers.

The soldiers? reception of Ms. Yingluck was much more subdued. Many of them clapped their hands briefly only when police loudspeakers urged them to do so.

Ms. Yingluck later addressed the security forces, wishing them a happy new year and praising them for their performance of duty. She thanked the police and the troops for taking care of Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is visited by many foreign tourists per day.

"It′s a tough duty, and I have to express my thanks," Ms. Yingluck said," You have sacrificed your time, your mental strength, and physical strength, to maintain safety for both Thais and tourists".

She added, "Please be patient. Normalcy will return to Thailand 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

Army: Tanks Are For Children's Day, Not Coup

By

Khaosod English

-

6 January 2014, 13:13

Boys playing with a tank on Children's Day, 16 January 2012.

(6 January) The Royal Thai Army has instructed the public not to panic if they happen to see tanks rolling in Bangkok this Friday.

The army is due to move tanks, armoured vehicles, and other heavy equipment on 9 January, said Deputy Spokeswoman of the Royal Thai Army, Maj. Sirichan Ngathong. The weaponry will be exhibited to the public on the occasion of Children′s Day, which falls on 11 January this year, she said.

The Thai Children′s Day is celebrated on second Saturday of the year. One of its highlights is the display of military hardware, in which children are invited to ride on tanks or jet fighters.

According to Maj. Sirichan, venues of the military exhibition in Bangkok would be the 2nd Cavalry Division, King′s Guards, in Sanam Pao district, and the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Laksi district.

Helicopters will be transported from Lopburi province to Bangkok during the hours of 11.00-12.00 on 9 January, while land vehicles such as tanks, artillery pieces, Humvees, and armoured vehicles would be transported from Ratchaburi, Lopburi, Prachinburi, and certain army barracks in Bangkok from 19.00-22.00, said Maj. Sirichan

The convoys will travel along Petchakasem Road, Pin Klao-Nakhon Chaisri Road, Vibhavadi-Rang Sit Road, Paholyothin Road, and Chaeng Wattana Road, the army spokeswoman said, adding that the equipment will be similarly transported back to the barracks after the Children′s Day is over.

Maj. Sirichan said the public should not mistake such maneuver as a military coup.

Rumours of a possible coup are once again spreading in Thailand due to ongoing political turmoil, especially after Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, refused to completely dismiss reports that the army might stage a coup in the future.

"The military does not shut or open the door to a coup, but a decision depends on the situation," Gen. Prayuth is quoted as saying on 28 December last year.

Correction: Due to an error, the original version of this article identified Children′s Day this year as 10 January. It should have read 11 January. The mistake has now been fixed.

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

'Gambler' Found Dead Near Thai-Cambodia Border

By

Khaosod English

-

5 January 2014, 19:35

(5 January) The body of a suspected Thai gambler has been found in a creek near Thai-Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo province.

The body was later identified as Mr. Sitthichai Lueangchoo-kiat, a 67-year-old resident of Phra Khanong District, Bangkok.

Post mortem investigation revealed that Mr. Sitthichai had been brutally beaten before his death, police said. Immigration Police in the province said there is no record that Mr. Sitthichai has crossed into Cambodia.

Pol.Lt.Col. Gosala Ngamphong said Mr. Sitthichai might have illegally entered Cambodia to gamble, as the area is known to be a secret passageway for Thai gamblers headed for Cambodian gambling den.

The officer suspected that he was later assaulted and killed by individuals at the casino, who later dumped the body into the creek.

The investigation is ongoing.

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

Pattaya Bar Musician 'Rapes' Swedish Woman

By

Khaosod English

-

5 January 2014, 19:06

(5 January) A Swedish woman told police she had been raped by a bar musician in Pattaya.

The woman was accompanied by her father, who told police that she came home in a delirious state earlier today. When he tried to communicate with her, he said, his daughter said she had been raped by a family friend, identified simply as Mr. Shin, 44.

According to the woman, she was hanging out with her Swedish friends on Pattaya Walking Street last night until 04.00. When she intended to go home, the woman said, she called Mr. Shin who works as a musician in a bar to take her home.

She stated that she fell asleep while commuting on his motorcycle, and woke up the next day in an apartment room with Mr. Shin. She is not sure whether the place belongs to Mr. Shin, the woman added.

The victim claimed she could not remember anything had happened during the night, but after Mr. Shin dropped her at her house, he allegedly informed her via a text message that he had sexual intercourse with her and apologised for his action.

Mr. Shin also revealed that he had romantic affection for her, the woman said, but she found it unacceptable because she regarded Mr. Shin as a family member. She later informed her father and filed complaint with Pattaya Police.

The police said they would further investigate the incident and locate Mr. Shin.

Physical examination will be performed on the victim to search for the trace of the sexual engagement, and to determine whether she had been subject to any kind of ?date-rape? drugs, the police said.

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

Pheu Thai Pledges Court Fights For Election Rights

By

Khaosod English

-

5 January 2014, 15:11

Pheu Thai Party rally in Khon Kaen province, 4 January 2014

(5 January) Pheu Thai Party has announced it will seek legal actions to ensure that its candidates in southern provinces can register for the upcoming general election.

Anti-government protesters allied with the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have besieged election registration venues in 8 southern provinces the bid to derail the general election on 2 February 2014.

But Mr. Pichit Chuenban, Pheu Thai MP candidate and legal adviser to the party, said today that the legal team will file lawsuits to the Administrative Court, asking the judges to ensure the rights of Pheu Thai′s 29 candidates in 8 southern provinces to register for the election.

He believes the court would rule in his favour since Pheu Thai Party has been following the election laws in every manner.

The government has even proposed to the Election Commission (EC) that new registration venues be established to avoid the protesters? siege, but the EC has somehow turned down that offer, Mr. Pichit said.

"The EC refuses to exercise its power according to the constitutional laws related to the election," Mr. Pichit told our correspondent, "It deliberately neglects [its duty] and cancels the registration. Such actions do not adequately protect the rights of the candidates".

Mr. Pichit also vowed to file further legal cases to every other court if the Administrative Court dismissed his lawsuit. "We will use every legal channel to fight for the rights of Pheu Thai Party and our candidates," he said.

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

Man Kills Motorcyclist Who 'Threw Beer Bottle' At Him

By

Khaosod English

-

5 January 2014, 14:39

(5 January) An ice delivery man hit a motorcyclist to death after the deceased threw a beer bottle at his delivery truck.

Police in Khon Kaen province received emergency calls about the incident yesterday morning. At the scene they found the body of Mr. Somchai Singha, 20, and a severely-injured 16 year old boy next to a wrecked motorcycle.

Nearby, Mr. Somsak Makmoontri, 21, waited for the police near his pick-up truck and identified himself as the driver who hit both motorcyclists.

According to Mr. Somsak, he was delivering the ice near Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine in the night when suddenly Mr. Somchai and his friends on one other motorcycle approached his truck, and threw a beer bottle at his car, causing minor damage.

Mr. Somchai′s group then reportedly tried to drive away, but Mr. Somsak tailed the group onto 5 November Road. Suddenly, a vehicle appeared in front of the motorcycles, Mr. Somsak said, causing the motorcyclists to abruptly stop. Mr. Somsak allegedly failed to stop his car and crashed into the motorcycle drove by Mr. Somchai, killing him and injuring his friend.

The police granted Mr. Somsak′s release on bail, citing his willingness to cooperate in the investigation. However, the police stress they will further investigate the crime.

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

PCAD Threatens Krabi Airport Seizure

By

Khaosod English

-

5 January 2014, 13:55

Anti-government protesters at Ratchadamnoen Avenue, 4 January 2014

(5 January) Anti-government protesters in Krabi province has threatened to shut down the provincial airport if Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra refuses to resign.

Mr. Detchart Damdee, leader of the local chapter of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), said in a press conference at Krabi′s Mueang district today that his supporters are ready to campaign in the province to coincide with PCAD′s "shutdown" of Bangkok on 13 January.

PCAD has vowed to occupy 20 major intersections in the capital city on that day to cause massive gridlock, out of hope that the move will pressure Ms. Yingluck into resigning from her caretaker position and scrapping the general election on 2 February 2014.

Mr. Detchart said some protesters in Krabi would travel to Bangkok to help "shutdown" the city on 13 January, but others would stay in the province to "escalate" the measure against Ms. Yingluck′s government.

Such measures include shutting down of roads, highways, or even airport, according to Mr. Detchart, adding that the shutdown would only be temporary in order to ease the impact on commuters and tourists.

Krabi′s beaches and seas are popular destination for many foreign tourists.

"We will discuss the matter the central leadership. If Mr. Suthep orders Krabi Airport to be seized, our will immediately do so," said Mr. Dechart, referring to PCAD leader, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban.

He justified the possible seizure of these public transports by claiming that the election cannot go ahead as called by Ms. Yingluck because Thailand needs a drastic "reform" before any election can take place; PCAD leaders have demanded that an unelected "People′s Council" be established to implement "reforms" deemed necessary by the group.

"PCAD in Krabi insists that the caretaker Prime Minister and the Cabinet must resign to pave way for the political vacuum," and allow the "People′s Council" to take power instead, Mr. Detchart said.

In 2008 groups affiliated to the current anti-government protest leadership seized Bangkok′s two international airports for days as a part of their campaign against the government at the time.

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

Man Accused Of Abusing Shelter Home Boys

By

Khaosod English

-

4 January 2014, 18:45

(4 November) Chiang Mai Police have arrested Mr. Nattaphonphot Kantabuppha, 49, after Chiang Mai court granted his arrest warrant on the accusation of child sexual abuse.

Mr. Nattaphonphot, from Mueang district, Chiang Mai province, was accused of raping two underage youths who were under the supervision of a local welfare centre.

According to the victims, they had met Mr. Nattaphonphot while they were hanging out near Tueng Thao Creek in Mae Rim district on 27 December.

Mr. Nattaphonphot then allegedly tricked the boys to engage in sexual intercourse with him before fleeing the scene.

After they informed the Welfare House officials, the boys filed complaints to the police.

The accused reportedly denied all allegations. Nonetheless, police said he will be prosecuted further by Mae Rim police.

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

Northern Fog Forces Flights To Delay

By

Khaosod English

-

4 January 2014, 17:39

(4 January) Many flights bound for northern Thailand have suffered delays after swaths of thick fog have engulfed much of the northern provinces.

Many flights reportedly had been delayed due to lack of visibility, after thick fog covers Northern provinces’ airports.

Flights travelling to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai yesterday were particularly affected during the hours between 07.00-09.00 due to poor visibility caused by the fog, said Ms. Raweewan Netarakavesana, Director of Suvarnnabhumi Airport.

Responding to the delays, Bangkok′s two international airports are closely monitoring the situation and arranging extra-procedures to facilitate the passengers, Ms. Raweewan added.

Air Asia, also affected by the cooling weather, stated that four of their flights in and out of Chiang Mai airport departed 2 hours late yesterday.

Mr. Jaturongkaphon Sodmanee, Director of Don Mueang International Airport, said the lack of visibility in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai airports had been the major factor for the delay. However, the problem is not severe, as it only occurred in the morning, he said.

An AirAsia flight from Malaysia had been facing difficulty to land in Chiang Mai airport. Hence it requested an mergency landing and landed at Don Mueang airport safely, said Mr. Jaturongkaphon.

Three Thai Airways’ Northern routes have also been delayed, including Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Chiang Mai-Bangkok, and one flight from Bangkok.

Meanwhile, 42 provinces had declared state of disaster after over 7 million people had been severely affected by the cold weather, said Mr. Chatchai Promlert, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPM).

Provincial authorities were instructed to relieve the affected citizens, and to distribute winter equipment such as warm clothes and blankets. So far, the DPM had handed out 203,779 blankets, 83,500 warm clothes and 6,136 warm accessories to people in Thailand’s rural areas.

Good news is the temperature will rise 1-2 Celsius degree within these few days, said Mr. Methee Mahayotsanan, Director General of the Central Thai Meteorological Department (CTMD).

However, he warned that thick fog could still be seen in many areas this week, particularly in the hilly Northern provinces, namely Mae Hongson, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nann and Phrae.

Nevertheless, Mr. Methee believes this will not directly affect flight schedules, but warned that land commuters should be alert of the fog.

The authorities expected that Northern, Northeastern, Eastern and Central Region will be seeing warmer climate within these few days, perhaps as much as 12 Celsius degree warmer. Nevertheless, many provinces will still witness cool and foggy climate in the morning, said Mr. Chatchai

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

Netizen Protesters Say Give Peace A Chance

By

Khaosod English

-

4 January 2014, 17:07

(4 January) Several hundred people have joined a rally in Bangkok's shopping district to voice their opposition to violent protests.

The rally has been organised by a Facebook Page titled "Enough! Stop the protests that provoke violence". The Page has previously called on those shocked and saddened by the violent protests which have been gripping Bangkok to join its rally in front of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) at 18.00 yesterday.

The Page billed the rally as a voice of dissent against provocative protest tactics adopted by the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), led by Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban. One police officer and one PCAD protester died during a clash in Bangkok last month.

Administrators of the Page also encouraged the public to voice their support for the general election on 2 February 2014, which the PCAD is seeking to derail out of conviction that Thailand is not yet ready for any election.

At the rally, participants wrote messages on Post-Its, expressing their wishes to see peace returned to Bangkok, and placed them around the outer walls of BACC. Some participants also took turn at the microphone to give speeches, attracting much attention from shoppers and tourists in the area.

The attendants later formed a large "Peace" sign, each of them carrying a lit candle. Then they took up the shout "Yes to election! No to Suthep's selection!" for several times, before dispersing from the scene peacefully, while some others formed into groups and discussed political situation.

Mr. Kittichai Ngarmchaipisit, organiser of the rally, said he came up with the idea of the rally after he saw photos of the wife of the policeman killed in the clash last month crying over his body, and later discovered that a protester also died in the same clash.

He explained that the rally yesterday was not exclusive to any particular political group, but a forum for those who disagree with protests that are designed to provoke violence, such as the case of the PCAD.

"No one is the leader here, and I haven't thought about scaling up the protest," said Mr. Kittichai, "I believe the attendants of the rally would develop the idea according to their own creativity".

Facebook Pages run by Mr. Kittichai and other affiliated groups also called on the Bangkokians to oppose the upcoming "shutdown" of the capital city planned by the PCAD.

"The community of Bangkok respects different ideas, but they must not violate the rights of other people, such as the [PCAD]'s demand that dissenting Bangkokians leave the city during the shutdown," reads the statement currently circulated on the social network.

The statement encourages Bangkokians who disagree with the shutdown to turn on the head lights of their vehicles during daytime or wear white shirts.

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