PM Yingluck Silent After Meeting With Prem

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1 January 2014, 14:51

(1 January) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has refused to say whether she has talked about the ongoing political crisis with Head of the Privy Councilor during their meeting earlier this morning.

Ms. Yingluck, who also serves as caretaker Minister of Defence, paid the visit to Gen. Prem Tinlasulanond at his official residency in Bangkok′s Dusit district along with commanders of the armed forces, including Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army.

Officials described the meeting as a private meeting in which Ms. Yingluck intends to convey her New Year greetings to and receive blessing from the elderly Gen. Prem. Reporters were not allowed inside Gen. Prem′s house throughout talk, which lasted for about an hour and a half.

Ms. Yingluck told reporters later that Gen. Prem has advised her to take heed to New Year message from His Majesty the King, in which the monarch called for unity of all Thais.

Asked whether she has discussed any political issue with Gen. Prem, Ms. Yingluck simply smiled and left the press conference. Gen. Prayuth similarly refused to respond to journalists? question about the matter.

However, it was extremely unlikely that the political crisis which has been gripping Thailand for months has not been discussed by the group.

As a Privy Councilor, Gen. Prem is widely seen as a close royal subject of His Majesty the King and a powerful figure among the Thai armed forces. Supporters of the Redshirts movements have accused Gen. Prem of engineering the 2006 military coup which ousted Ms. Yingluck′s brother, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

The meeting also came at a time amid the fears that the military might intervene to put an end to the clashes which pitted Ms. Yingluck′s government against the protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Monarchy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

Gen. Prayuth has told the media last week that he had not ruled out the possibility of another military coup, saying it depends on the situation and that "anything can happen".

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Robbers Prey On 'Lucky New Year' Temple-Goers

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1 January 2014, 14:25

(1 January) Robbers have stolen belongings from the vehicles of several temple-goers who attended a New Year blessing ceremony in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

The incident took place at the parking lot of Wat Pa Salawan in Mueang district. The suspects have broken the car windows with bricks and stolen valuable items such as ATM cards, wallets, and mobile phones.

One of the targeted carowners, Ms. Kanyapon Thitikhunchote, said she attended the New Year′s Eve prayer session at the temple with her husband for good luck, and she is much saddened by the theft.

Police said investigation is ongoing.

A popular activity in recent years, New Year′s Eve prayer session (Suad Mon Kaam Pi) was held in numerous temples across the country last night for Thais who prefer to start a new year with holy blessing.

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Official Combat Road Accidents By Monk Prayers

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28 December 2013, 13:15

(28 December) Officials in Thung Tako district of Chumphon province have unveiled the latest tool to combat the notoriously large number of road accidents during New Year season: monk incantation.

District Director Wachira Pandusa led a merit making ceremony along a section of the Asian Highway Network, AH2, which runs through the province, in which a group of monks blessed holy water and sprayed the said substance on the road to chase away evil spirits which are believed to have caused frequent deaths and accidents on the road.

According to the officials, the eviction of bad spirits will prevent future accident and help boost the morale of motorists.

However, Mr. Wachira also stressed that road safety depends on the commuters? caution and willingness to follow safe driving practice.

Volunteers from ?Stop Drink Network? and a group of student reinforced the message by joining the ceremony to promote a campaign against drunk-driving habit during the festive season. The volunteers also organised a service stop at Khao Peeb Intersection where drivers are given wet napkins to refresh themselves.

“It is crucial not to drink and drive, not to drive too fast, and not to drive while you are too tired”, said Mr. Wachira, “Our district had prepared the service point to facilitate the drivers when they are looking for a stopover, and we had instructed officials to carefully monitor the roads to prevent any accidents.”

Reportedly, the authority also renamed the Asian Highway Network in the district area as “Mongkhol Road (Holy Road)”, to strengthen the luck of all commuters and passengers.

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Drive-By Shooting Kills 1 Anti-Govt Protester

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28 December 2013, 13:01

(28 December) One anti-government protester has been killed and three more injured in a drive-by shooting on their protest sites earlier this morning.

Witnesses said a car carrying a group of unidentified male individuals pulled up near the anti-government protesters? encampment at Chamai Maruchet Bridge in governmental district of Bangkok at 03.15 today.

The assailants then reportedly rolled down the window and fired an M16 rifle at the group of protest guards positioned near the rally site and quickly fled the scene.

Soon afterwards, the same vehicle parked at another rally site at Missakawan Intersection and the gunmen discharged unknown rounds of ammunition at the protest volunteer guards there, then sped away, according to witnesses.

Four anti-government protest guards have been wounded by the gunfire, and one of them later died at hospital. One of the injured protesters is said to be in critical condition.

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2 Feb Election Goes Ahead As Planned: PM Yingluck

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27 December 2013, 18:26

Anti-government protesters rallying in front of PM Yingluck Shinawatra's residence, 26 December 2013

(27 December) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has insisted today that the general election on 2 February 2014 will proceed as planned, Royal Thai Army spokesperson said.

Col. Thanathip Sawangsaeng said Ms. Yingluck has expressed her concerns about the incident yesterday in which anti-government protesters attempted to disrupt the election registration at Thai-Japanese stadium, leading to a deadly clash between anti-government protesters and the police.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister would not cancel the election and has requested the presence of military personnel to help oversee election units on the appointed election date to ensure the safety of the public, Col. Thanathip added.

The remark came a day after Mr. Suphachai Somcharoen, president of the Election Commission (EC), spoke in a press conference that the government must postpone the poll indefinitely.

As long as the conflict between different parties still exist in the society, Mr. Suphachai said, his commission may not be able to proceed with the general election in a peaceful and transparent manner according to the Constitution.

The EC President then demanded the postponement of the election until the situation is secured.

But Mr. Pongthep Thepkanchana, deputy prime minister, stated in a press conference on the same day that the government cannot suspend the election indefinitely, as the constitution rules that the caretaker government must arrange for general election after 60 days of the dissolution of the parliament.

“if [the election] is postponed, the domestic dispute will be strengthen and become more harmful to the country. If the new cabinet takes the office, the situation shall be eased”, said Mr. Pongthep in a statement.

Col. Thanathip also told reporters that Ms. Yingluck is concerned by the safety of the people in the violent Deep South.

“The Royal Thai Army, as a unit who is responsible for the safety and security, had coordinated with the security units in the Deep South”, said Gen.Thnathip, “the police force in the provinces had been working collaboratively with the provincial EC units.”

“We are here to facilitate and arrange units to retain the security in the election centre to create trusts and security for those who wish to vote on the date [2 February]”, added the Royal Thai Army Spokesperson.

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29 Killed In Bus Accident As New Year Season Starts

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27 December 2013, 17:43

(27 December) At least 29 people have been killed after their bus plunged down into a deep chasm in Petchabun province.

The bus, owned by Sombat Tour company, was carrying 33 people from Khon Kaen province to Chiang Rai province before it fell off Pho Khun Pha Mueang Bridge on State Highway No. 12, which ran through the sharp slope of Namnao National Park.

The mountainous terrain around the gorge proved to be great difficulty for the rescue workers. Nevertheless, the rescuers found four survivors in the wreckage, who were reported to be severely injured. The survivors were immediately sent to Petchabun Hospital.

Witnesses said the bus could was seen shaking in its path, dragging down several utility poles, and the driver appeared to attempt to stop the bus before it fell off the bridge.

The driver was among the dead, officials said.

Incidentally, the bridge where the accident took place is believed to be the highest bridge above the ground in Thailand, crossing over approximately 50 metre-deep gorge between two hills.

According to Petchabun Governor Wichian Chantaranothai, the bridge had previously witnessed many accidents, and it has small barriers which could do little to prevent the vehicles from plunging down the gorge.

The provincial authority will be investigating the accident and searching for an appropriate procedure to prevent such incident in the future, he added.

Police officers say they suspect that the driver might have dozed off behind the wheel, but stress that more investigation is needed.

The incident coincided with the beginning of the New Year season in which millions of Thai travel to upcountry destinations for the long vacation, leading to notoriously large number of traffic accidents.

In a Facebook post, Transport Minister Charchart expressed his sympathy to the family of the deceased, and stated that the accident might have occurred from human error.

He also wished all Thais a good luck for New Year season and warned that they must strictly follow traffic safety procedures to avoid any loss.

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Man Injured By Explosives Intended For His Rivals

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27 December 2013, 17:05

(27 December) A man in Trat province has blown much of his hand off by the explosive device he intended to hurl at his rivals.

The incident took place at a karaoke bar in front of local district office in Mueang district. Rescue workers responded to emergency calls and found Mr. Ked Boonliang, 31, at the scene with severe injury in his hand.

He was given first aid and later transported to Trat Hospital.

Witnesses said Mr. Ked and his friends were drinking at their table earlier in the night, but they soon developed a heated quarrel with another group of customers on the next table.

The argument quickly escalated into a fist fight, witnesses said, and Mr. Ked brought out an explosive device from his pocket, intending to throw it at the group. However, the device reportedly exploded prematurely in Mr. Ked′s hand.

Mr. Ked′s rivals left the scene immediately after the explosion, witnesses added.

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Thai Rath Apologises For Mixing Up Protest Photos

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27 December 2013, 16:22

(27 December) The editorial team of Thai Rath newspapers has issued an apology over a misleading photo of the clashes between anti-government protesters and the police in Bangkok.

Published on the frontpage of 27 December 2013 issue, the photo showed an unidentified man firing his handgun. The caption that accompanied the photo said the gunman was firing the weapon in the clashes which erupted near Thai-Japanese Stadium in Dindaeng district yesterday.

One policeman and one anti-government protester died of gunshot wounds, while many more have also been injured with gunshots. The police said mysterious individuals fired these rounds from their position on a high building near the clash site.

The photo, which was purported to show one such individual, had been circulated widely in the social network, but it soon emerged that the photo was in fact about a separate violent incident on 25 November 2008, when a group of anti-government Yellowshirts was clashing with Redshirts supporters near Soi Vibhavadi 3.

In the light of this revelation, Thai Rath has published on its website a statement that the man seen in the newspaper frontpage photo was not related to the clashes at Thai-Japanese Stadium yesterday.

It also offered an apology over the mistake.

However, the matter also raised another case of political bickering, with Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), accusing the government of publishing the photo as a false proof that PCAD supporters were responsible for the gunfire which killed and injured a number of people yesterday.

Mr. Suthep specifically named Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul as the source of the rumour. According to Mr. Suthep, Mr. Surapong showed the photo during one of his live press conference on national television and identified it as a gunman hired by PCAD.

Earlier today, Mr. Surapong said in a press conference that he never used that photo to allege any wrongdoing against PCAD.

"[Mr. Suthep] can watch every video clip of my press conference on every state-owned TV channel," Mr. Surapong said, "I never said such thing".

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Protests: 1 More Victim Dies, Mob-Beaten Driver Recovering

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27 December 2013, 14:30

(27 December) One more victim of the violent clashes between anti-government protesters and police on Thursday has passed away at hospital, officials said.

Meanwhile, a taxi driver who had been beaten by the protesters is reportedly recovering from his severe injuries.

The deceased victim has been identified as a member of the protesters who were besieging the election registration venue at Thai-Japanese Stadium in Bangkok′s Dindaeng district.

The protesters, led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), demanded that the next general election be scrapped.

Officials said the victim was brought to King Mongkut Hospital yesterday afternoon with gunshot wound in the chest. He is identified as Mr. Wasu Suchantabutr, 30. A senior official at King Mongkut Hospital said Mr. Wasu′s organs such as liver, kidney, and artery have been damaged by a small bullet which penetrated his body.

Despite the medical staff′s effort to save his life, Mr. Wasu passed away at 03.45 this morning, the official said.

With the death of Mr. Wasu, death toll of yesterday violence now stood at 2; the other deceased victim was a police officer who had been shot in his chest in the heat of the clashes.

Dr. Suphan Srithamma, Director of the Medical Services Department, said a total of 153 people have been admitted to hospital for injuries at the clashes, 36 of them described as severely injured.

He also denied the reports that another anti-government protester had died; Dr. Suphan said the protester, who had been reportedly shot in the head, is still alive and under intensive care at Rajvidhi Hospital.

The director added that today rescue workers and medical staff would be deployed in three areas which have been deemed as potentially susceptible to further clashes: the Thai-Japanese Stadium, Government House, and Bangkok Metropolitan Police.

Dr. Narong Abhikulvanich, Deputy Director of the Medical Services Department, said a female rescue worker who had been shot in the chest during the clashes near the Stadium is now in stable condition. She is suffering from bleeding in the lung, Dr. Narong said.

A witness, Mr. Sutthirak Khumsom, who reportedly saw the incident told Khaosod that he was working with 7 other rescue workers near Gate 3 of the Stadium at around 17.00 yesterday when a hail of gunfire rained down on their position. His co-worker was hit by one of the bullets as she was helping a wounded victim, Mr. Sutthirak said.

"The fact that even rescue workers get shot has greatly affected our spirit," Mr. Sutthirak said, "But if a new round of violence happens, every rescue worker is willing to assist the victims".

Dr. Udom Chaowarin, Director of Rajavidhi Hospital, said the protester who had been shot in head can open his eyes but cannot make any further communication, which indicated that his brain might be damaged, but Dr. Udom said it is too early to pinpoint the extent of the damage.

Furthermore, Dr. Udom said the taxi driver who had been beaten unconscious by the anti-government protesters on Vibhavadi Road yesterday is recovering from his injuries.

Reports said the driver, identified by Dr. Udom as Mr. Petch Chusri-kwan, was beaten and left bleedingon the ground after he criticised the protesters for blocking the traffic on the busy Vibhavadi Road.

Dr. Udom said Mr. Petch has gone through an X-Ray test, which indicates no serious problem. Shards of nails are being removed from his head and his condition is gradually improving, according to Dr. Udom.

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Pheu Thai Launches 'Lights-On' Pro-Election Campaign

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27 December 2013, 14:01

An anti-government protester firing slingshot at police near Thai-Japanese Stadium, 26 December 2013

(27 December) Pheu Thai Party has invited the Thais to turn on their cars? front light at daytime to express their support for the upcoming general election.

“I want everybody to turn their vehicle’s light on, either a car or a motorcycle, in day time, to protest against the action of Mr. Suthep and PCAD," said spokesperson of the ruling party, Mr. Prompong Nopparit, referring to Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State.

Protesters led by PCAD attempted to storm the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Bangkok′s Dindaeng district yesterday in the bid to disrupt the election registration process held inside the stadium. The situation quickly escalated, and by the day′s end over 90 people have been injured and one policeman shot dead by unidentified individuals.

The PCAD have rejected the new election called by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, demanding instead for the creation of an unelected ?People′s Council? to rule the nation as a transitional government.

However, Mr. Prompong said the PCAD′s campaign of "civil disobedience" to derail the election is "abusive" and "violating the nation′s law, without regard for the effect they are laying on other people or the country′s image".

After protesters allied with the PCAD briefly closed down the busy Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road during the rush hour yesterday, many commuters have also complained to Pheu Thai Party that they had faced great difficulty traveling on that route, Mr. Prompong said in a press conference.

“Mr. Suthep [Thaugsuban] would like to reform the politics to solve the country’s problem, but he is taking captive of the country, harming people by closing down the road”, said Mr. Prompong.

The country has been bitterly damaged by Mr. Suthep and his followers, Mr. Prompong added.

“I wish Mr. Suthep supporters could see what he has done. Their actions are becoming more savage, and disobeying any law. I would like to condemn their actions, for thinking that they are above others, above the law”, added Pheu Thai Spokesperson.

“I called out to everybody to show your despise for their actions, such as via online media, against the lack of maturity of one leader who do not respect the rights of all Thai citizen”, Mr. Prompong said, suggesting that one way to show the Thais? disagreement with the PCAD′s anti-election campaign could keep their vehicles? lights on during the day.

He said he would personally adopt this measure, too, and he asked those who agree with him to turn the lights on until the protesters disband.

“I hope Mr. Suthep would stop ruining the happiness of all Thai people, and stop ruining the country’s image during New Year’s Celebration”, Mr. Prompong said.

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