Protesters Cleanses ‘Black Magic’ From Govt House

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4 January 2014, 16:41

BANGKOK — Anti-government protesters have conducted a ceremony purported to help cleanse evil spirits from the Government House today.

Members of the Student and Peoples Network for Thailand Reform (STR) set up an altar dedicated to angels, local ghosts, spirit of Bangkok city, and Phra Siam Devathirat near Gate 2 of the Government House at 11.00 today. The protesters later conducted a religious ceremony at the site.

Mr. Kittichai Saisa-ard, security chief of the STR, said the ceremony is meant to drive away evil spirits planted there by the blood-pouring protest organised by the Redshirts during their rally in March 2010.

In that protest, the Redshirts poured gallons of blood collected from hundreds of protesters onto the entrance to the Government House and headquarters of the Democrat Party.

Although leaders of the Redshirts said the gesture represented the blood of the people being spilled, the presence of a Brahman necromancer at the blood-pouring suggested that some sort of religious ceremony was also intended.

Mr. Kittichai of the STR said today′s ceremony should perfectly undo the curse laid by the Redshirts almost four years ago.

He also told reporters that he has received reports that the police are planning to crackdown on the protests and assault STR leaders. Mr. Kittichai warned that if the reports are true, more people would only join the protesters’ side.

“If the people lose patience, we won’t be able to control the situation,” Mr. Kittichai said.

Phayao Redshirts Preparing Anti-PCAD Rally

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4 January 2014, 16:14

Leaders of the UDD during press conference in Bangkok, 3 January 2014

(4 January) Redshirts in Phayao province say they will hold a rally on 13 January to oppose the anti-government protesters? plan to "shutdown" Bangkok on that day.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has vowed to stage mass protests in 20 major intersections of the capital city on 13 January. The "shutdown" is meant to pressure Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into resigning from her caretaker position.

PCAD has also demanded that the general election on 2 February be scrapped in favour of the formation of an unelected "People's Council" to implement series of "reforms" deemed desirable by the PCAD.

But the pro-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has opposed the planned "shutdown" of Bangkok, and it has called on the Redshrits to stage a nationwide counter-protest to voice their opposition to PCAD.

The call has been taken by local chapter of the UDD in Phayao province, with demonstrations and rallies planned in the province on 13 January.

Mr. Siriwat Chupamadtha, coordinator of Phayao UDD, said the protests are meant to express the UDD′s rejection of the PCAD and "Suthep′s Regime", referring to PCAD leader, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban.

"We are against the shutdown. It is not something they should do, because it would cause severe economic damages to the country," Mr. Siriwat said, "And it would affect the way of lives of the public".

He stressed that the counter-protests in Phayao would be peaceful and the protesters would not march upon Bangkok, in order to avoid any confrontation with the PCAD.

Mr. Siriwat added that no election candidate of any party would be allowed to give speeches on the rally stages in the province.

"This is activity of the people," Mr. Siriwat said, "[Election] candidates should canvass for votes on their own".

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Protest Camp Attacked By Gunfire, Firebombs

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4 January 2014, 15:47

(4 January) Unknown individuals have attacked the campsite of anti-government protesters with gunfire and Motolov cocktails last night.

The assailants fired unidentified type of firearms at the entrance to the encampment of People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) near Phan Fa Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, injuring one protester.

The protester, said to be a girlfriend of a volunteer guard stationed in the area, was shot in her leg and was later transported to Ramathibodi Hospital.

Later in the night, attackers on 2 motorcycles also hurled several Molotov cocktails at the protesters? barricade near Nang Loeng Intersection, before fleeing the scene. The guards quickly extinguished the flame, and no injury was reported.

Responding to the attacks, the protester guards moved their barricades further around their encampment today, and reinforced the ?bunkers? of car tires around the entrances.

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Police Find 'Stolen' Handgun On Anti-Govt Protester

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4 January 2014, 15:23

(4 January) Police said they have arrested an anti-government protester who was carrying a handgun stolen from a police officer during the clashes in Bangkok last week.

Mr. Sura Khaonet, 31, was stopped by police patrols in Bangkok′s Bang Plad district yesterday after the officers noticed him acting suspiciously at a bus stop on Charansanitwong Road.

He identified himself as a security guard at the anti-government protests. Police then searched his belongings and found a pistol, which Mr. Sura explained he has acquired from his fellow volunteer guard, Private Kitti Mahaglan, 21.

Mr. Sura, a resident of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, claimed he has taken the bag from Private Kitti and realised later that a gun was left inside. He told police he intended to sell the handgun to his friend who lives on Rama II Road, but he somehow took the wrong bus and ended up being arrested in Bang Plad.

Police has charged Mr. Sura with carrying firearms in public without any permission.

Despite the suspect′s attempt to erase the gun’s identification number, further investigation indicated revealed that the gun belongs to Pol.Col. Chukiat Wongsitthikorn, who reportedly lost his sidearm as he was assaulted by anti-government protesters at the clashes around Thai-Japan Stadium on 26 December 2013.

Police said Pol.Col. Chukiat, a Deputy Chief of Nakhon Sawan Provincial Police Station, had previously filed complaint about his stolen handgun at Din Daeng Police Station.

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Bangkok Shutdown Will Cost Thailand '20 Billion Baht'

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4 January 2014, 15:07

(4 January) The anti-government protesters? plan to "shutdown" Bangkok on 13 January may cost the country enormous economic damages, deputy president of the Federation of Thai Industry (FTI) has warned.

Since Bangkok serves as the headquarters for many Thai and Southeast Asian businesses, any prolonged disruption in the city would greatly harm the economy in the short and long term, Mr. Kriangkrai Thiannukul said.

According to Mr. Kriangkrai, many foreign investors are considering to transfer their investments to Thailand’s neighbouring countries to avoid the ongoing political turmoil. Many of them are also aware of possible escalation of the crisis and are turning toward other suppliers in other countries.

“Private sector is preparing to handle the Bangkok’s shutdown by moving their offices outside of Bangkok temporarily, and conducting their shipments at other ports and airports outside of Bangkok”, said Mr. Kriangsak.

FTI Deputy President also stressed that Thai Private Sector is demanding the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) and the government to engage in peaceful dialogue about the future of the country.

Mr. Kriangkai added that the private sector will hold a meeting regarding the current situation next week.

“We are ready to be a mediator for the government and the anti-government groups. This should yield a better solution instead of shutting down the capital city”, he said.

Mr. Kriangkrai emphasises that if the situation is escalated, the country will be damaged on a catastrophic scale.

“The University of Thai Chamber of Commerce has predicted that the turmoil would cost the country economic loss of approximately 20 billion baht”, Mr. Kriangkrai told reporters , “If violence took place, we believe it will be even a greater loss.”

FTI has not yet evaluated the possible economic damage, but he believes that the number should be no less than 10 billions baht, Mr. Kriangkai added.

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UDD Counter-Protests 'Won't Take Place In Bangkok'

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3 January 2014, 18:33

(3 January) The planned nationwide rallies called by the Redshirts will not include Bangkok and its immediate neighbouring provinces, the leaders of the movements have confirmed.

The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has previously unveiled a plan to stage counter-protests on 13 January, the same day anti-government protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) would begin their "shutdown" of Bangkok.

In a press conference yesterday, co-leader of the UDD, Mr. Jatupon Prompan, said the Redshirts would not stand idly by while the PCAD takes the capital city and the entire country hostage. He named the UDD′s responses to Bangkok′s shutdown as a way to help "open up Thailand" from PCAD′s grips.

The UDD′s announcement has raised fears that serious confrontation could take place on 13 January, similar to the Redshirts? previous Bangkok rally in Ramkhamhaeng district in which clashes erupted between the Redshirts and anti-government protesters.

Three Redshirts and one anti-government protester had been shot dead by unidentified individuals during the mayhem on 30 November – 1 December.

But Mr. Nattawut Saikua, a prominent leader of the UDD, clarified the plan to "open up Thailand" today, stressing that local UDD chapters in each province would organise nationwide demonstrations on 13 January except Bangkok and its perimeter provinces such as Nonthaburi, Samut Prakarn, and Pathum Thani, in order to avoid any clashes with the PCAD.

Mr. Nattawut also implied that southern provinces – traditional stronghold of the Democrat Party – will not be included in the plan either.

The activities on 13 January will feature demonstration, performance of local cultures, and speeches on rally stages, according to Mr. Nattawut. He added that Redshirts do not have to wear red shirts to the events, citing security concerns.

"We are concerned with safety and peace in this rally," Mr. Nattawut said, stating that Redshirts in Bangkok area should travel to outer provinces for the rallies in stead of organising one on their own. He insisted that the protests on 13 January will be conducted in peaceful and friendly manner.

However, Mr. Nattawut warned that UDD members across the country – Bangkok included – are prepared to respond immediately to any military coup.

"If signs of a coup is apparent, we will use ?blooming flower? tactics in the urban area," said the UDD leader, "There won?t be calls to stop fighting. There will only be calls to fight".

He continued, "I invite every Thai in this country, every party, every politician, celebrity, professional of all careers, to prepare their body and mind to engage in peaceful assembly, for the equal rights of one person one vote".

Furthermore, according to Mr. Nattawut, the UDD will submit letters to each foreign embassy in Thailand with details about their activities on 13 January.

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Taxi Drivers Demand End To Protests

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3 January 2014, 17:52

(3 January) A group of taxi drivers has rallied in front of Royal Thai Police headquarters in central Bangkok today to oppose the ongoing anti-government protests.

The taxi drivers parked around 20 taxis in front of the headquarters and submitted an open letter to the Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Pol.Gen. Adul Saengsinkaew, explaining their difficulties in making a living throughout the protests.

They also decry the upcoming plan by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) to "shutdown" Bangkok on 13 January.

Mr. Sanong On-Anong, 40, one of the taxi drivers, told our correspondent that the prolonged protests of PCAD had severely affected his 20-year business. Since the protest started, his income had dramatically decreased, causing his family to face financial difficulty and unable to pay for the taxi leasing bills, Mr. Sanong said.

The protesters have been occupying stretches of Ratchadamnoen Avenue and a blocking a number of roads.

Mr. Sanong also expressed his concern that a taxi driver had been brutally beaten bythe anti-government protesters during their brief occupation of Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.

“I want the police to prosecute Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the PCAD. I also wished him to stop the protest and turn himself in,” said Mr. Sanong, adding that if Mr. Suthep wants to protest, he should protest in his home province, Surat Thani.

“Please stop causing troubles in Bangkok”, Mr. Sanong pleaded.

Mr. Sanong added that he and his fellow taxi drivers are discussing about the solution for 13 January, after PCAD announced to close 20 major intersections in Bangkok during the shutdown.

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Rayong Oil Spill Blamed On Faulty Pipe

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3 January 2014, 16:33

An official during the cleanup operation on Koh Samet, 30 July 2013 (AFP)

(3 January) The PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) has identified "pipe fatigue" as the cause of the oil spill in Gulf of Thailand last July.

The oil slick occurred close to the popular island of Koh Samet in Rayong province, and its effect has blackened some of its famous beaches, causing considerable environmental and economic damages to the island.

According to Mr. Bovorn Wongsin-Udom, CEO of the company, laboratory tests and researches conducted by Engineer Institute of Thailand and Chulalongkorn University confirmed that the incident was caused by failure in the pipeline which transported the oil.

Prior to the incident, Mr. Bovorn said, the steel pipe had suffered previous rift on its steel wall, which lays underneath the outer rubber wall. Engineers had repaired the damage but the fatigued strength of the pipe eventually caused the pipe to tear apart again later, said Mr. Bovorn.

“The problem clearly indicates an error in pipe designing process”, said the boss of the PTTGC, which is partially owned by the state, adding that PTTGC is not responsible for the said error.

However, even though the fault rests with the pipe designs, PTTGC will not sue the pipe manufacturer, as the insurers of the company have already reimbursed PTTGC for the costs related to the incidents. The insurer is solely responsible for its own lawsuit against the pipe supplier, he added.

Mr. Bovorn insisted that PTTGC is looking forward to preventing any re-occurrence of such disastrous situation. The company has changed the pipe supplier and started an ongoing study into the construction of double-walled pipe, he said.

Additional procedures such as stopping the pipeline operation when sea waves rise over 2.5 metres are also being considered, according to the CEO.

As for the effort to compensate those affected by the oil spill, Mr. Bovorn said the company has consulted with academia and related governmental authorities, while Rayong Provincial Authority has established a tri-party commission to resolve any disputes.

"So far, 15,000 local residents had signed up for compensation from PTT, and two-third had received financial support in total of 500 million baht," Mr. Bovorn said, adding that the rest is upon examination and document reviewing process to make sure that the compensation budget will go to those who are truly in need.

Businessowners and vendors in Koh Samet and surrounding area have previously accused the PTTGC of downplaying or delaying their demands for compensation.

PTTGC has also spent undisclosed amount of fund on advertisement in the media to encourage the tourists to return to Koh Samet, but many tourists have reportedly stayed away from the once-popular island.

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Govt 'War Room' To Tackle Bangkok Shutdown

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3 January 2014, 15:07

Anti-government protesters at Ratchadamnoen Avenue, 2 January 2014

(3 January) The government is forming "war rooms" to monitor and tackle the upcoming plan by the anti-government protesters to "shutdown" Bangkok on 13 January.

Protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have vowed to occupy at least 20 major intersections and cause massive gridlock in the capital city in the bid to pressure Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into resigning from her caretaker position.

The PCAD also demands that the general election on 2 February 2014 be scrapped in favour of the establishment of an unelected ?People′s Council? to rule Thailand as a transitional government and implement series of reforms deemed desirable by the PCAD.

But the government has repeatedly rejected the protesters? demands. Officials also state they are preparing for the "shutdown" on 13 January.

Minister of Transport Chatchart Sitthipan said he plans to set up a centre operated under the Ministry of Transport to monitor the situation and attempt to lessen the massive traffic jam, which is expected to engulf Bangkok on the day.

"To decrease the effect on the public, I have instructed the agencies to increase trips of public buses, suburban trains, and express boats," said Mr. Chatchart.

He also asked the public not to drive their cars into the downtown during the "shutdown" to lessen traffic congestion and said the tollway authorities are figuring out how to manage the particularly severe congestion on 13 January.

Furthermore, Mr. Chatchart warned that the protesters who disrupt the traffic or cause damage to transport of goods, such as occupying ports or airports, would be severely punished under the laws.

Meanwhile, Minister of Interior Affairs Jarupong Ruengsuwan told reporters the government is working closely with administrations of public utilities in Bangkok to make sure there would be not be any cut of electric power or water during the shutdown, as some leaders of PCAD have threatened.

Additionally, a special "war room" would be set up by the government to handle the protests on 13 January, apart from the existing Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), according to Mr. Jarupong.

Mr. Jarupong downplayed the fears that violence could erupt in Bangkok during the shutdown, after the pro-government Redshirts have announced plans to stage counter protests on the same day.

However, he encouraged members of the public who do not agree with PCAD′s tactics to turn on the headlights of their vehicles during daytime as means to express their opposition. These dissidents should also turn to the Internet and campaign against the "shutdown" of Bangkok, Mr. Jarupong added.

"Mr. Suthep should think about his plan carefully, because there are many Bangkokians who are against it," Mr. Jarupong said, referring to secretary general of the PCAD, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban.

The government′s move to establish their own centres of protest resolution also came at a time when tension between the government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is increasingly apparent.

Bangkok Governor, Sukhumbhand Paribatra, has been accused by supporters of the government of subtly endorsing the PCAD protests. His recent appearance at the protest rally site to assist Mr. Suthep′s "Big Cleaning Day" reinforced this allegation even further.

Perhaps out of the suspicion that BMA is siding with the protesters, Mr. Jarupong has yesterday sent an official letter to the BMA, reminding the administration of its duty to serve the Bangkok public with an unbiased attitude.

The letter also implored the BMA to refrain from lending official equipment or vehicles to the protesters, and urged the administration to organise adequate responses to the upcoming "Bangkok shutdown", such as providing additional public transports to the commuters.

"I believe the Governor of Bangkok will proceed his duty according to the laws," the letter said, "Because no one is above the laws".

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BOT: Commodity Price To Increase By 3-4%

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3 January 2014, 14:08

PM Yingluck Shinawatra inspecting goods in Mahasarakharm province, 21 December 2013

(3 January) The Bank of Thailand (BoT) has stated that many business ventures will likely readjust the prices of their services and goods following a period of political turmoil.

Uncertainty in the domestic and international market is also cited as another reason for the possible increase.

According to a poll made in November 2013, many businesses responded that they are aware of economic and politic uncertainties, particularly after the protest against the government broke out, the BoT statement reads.

However, the statement adds, numbers of businesses concerned about the political uncertainty remains lower than in April 2010, when the Redshirts took to streets and demanded that then-Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva calls new election.

“The majority of businesses considerably agree that cost of production had increased, and will increase again in next three months, which is in accordance with the previous expectation”, reported the BoT.

Many businesses believe that product prices should increase 3-4% in the next 12 months, the report suggested.

It also commented that business sectors are awaiting to assess the recovery of the demand from domestic and international market.

Moreover, Business Confidence Index had continuously fallen to 46.9, the lowest since the Great Flood of 2011, according to BoT. Reportedly, many firms are suffering from lack of demands from domestic and international buyers, as well as rising cost of production.

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