Many Reporters Targeted By Anti-Govt Protesters

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23 December 2013, 15:15

Anti-government protesters confronting riot police near the residence of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, 22 December 2013

(23 December) Representatives of press associates have expressed their disagreement over anti-government protesters? assaults on a number of reporters accused of giving ?pro-government? coverage.

The incidents occurred during the mass rally in Bangkok called by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State as the bid to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from her caretaker position and replace her with an unelected ?People′s Assembly? to govern the country as a transitional government.

The protests paralysed parts of Bangkok as the demonstrators occupied key districts such as Victory Monument, Siam, and Asoke Intersection.

The protest leaders claimed over a million people attended the rallies, and some of the protesters were incensed at members of the press who reported a far lower figure.

One such journalist targeted by the protesters was Ms. Pengpan Laemluang, a Channel 9 (MCOT) reporter. She was speaking to the newsroom in a live coverage of the protests from her broadcast vehicle on Ratchadamnoen Avenue at around 16.00 when a group of anti-government protesters surrounded the vehicle, shouting and blowing their whistles at her.

The protesters accused Ms. Penpan of betraying the people by giving an inaccurate number of demonstrators – with one protester screaming that she is "Thaksin′s slave" – but Ms. Penpan, after finishing her broadcast, tried to tell the protesters that she did not mention any number.

Ms. Penpan′s words did not stop one protester from throwing a water bottle at her direction, and another man punched at her arm. The protesters also mobbed her, preventing her from leaving the protest site, while her assistant was likewise assaulted and MCOT broadcast vehicle vandalised.

Protest guards eventually escorted Ms. Penpan and her team away. Ms. Penpan later filed complaints at Dusit Police Station.

On the same day, a Channel 3 correspondent was also targeted by the protesters. The demonstrators heckled at Ms. Warunee Suesatsakulchai during her live coverage in front of Bangkok City Hall. Some protesters later tried to mob her, but her security team has prevented them from reaching Ms. Warunee.

"I will fucking punch you, no matter what gender you are!" one male protester shouted.

Although some speakers on the rally stage attempted to defuse the situation by telling the crowd not to attack the reporters, Mr. Satit Wongnongtoey, a PCAD activist and former Democrat MP, said on the stage that the protesters certainly exceeded 1.5 million – far more than the figure of 120,000 estimated by the police.

"This number is the truth!" Mr. Satit said, "It′s scientifically proven".

The protesters have previously claimed that the BBC put their attendance number at 5 million people, but BBC correspondent in Thailand, Mr. Jonathan Head, has said on his Twitter account that he never reported such number.

PCAD protesters have also assaulted a foreign photojournalist, Mr. Nick Nostitz, last month, after a PCAD leader accused him of being a ?Redshirt reporter?.

Concerned by the incidents, representatives of Thai Journalist Associations, Thai Broadcast Journalist Association, the Press Council of Thailand, and News Broadcasting Council of Thailand met with Mr. Ekkanat Prompan, the spokesman of PCAD, earlier today at Ratchadamnoen Avenue to discuss the matter.

The media representatives told Mr. Ekkanat that attacks on reporters are unacceptable, and Mr. Ekkanat agreed to appoint mutual coordinators who would bear the responsibility of defusing the tension if further confrontation takes place.

Mr. Ekkanat also proposed that broadcast vehicles of different agencies should be parked together in one spot for better security.

Meanwhile, PCAD secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban told reporters that he is upset by the reports of assaults on journalists, but said it is hard to prevent such incidents because protest volunteer guards are de-centralised and operated by different groups.

Mr. Suthep nevertheless promised to educate the protest guards to ensure a safe environment for journalists.

However, attacks or intimidation on reporters continue to occur today, with a group of protesters assaulting a Channel 7 reporter during the broadcast near Thai-Japan Dindaeng Stadium, the registration site for election candidates for 2 February 2014 poll.

When the Channel 7 news team aborted the broadcasting and started to pack up their equipment, several protesters seized the cables and told the news team that they were not allowed to leave until the protesters give them permission. The news crew eventually managed to leave the scene after some negotiation.

Speakers on the rally stage around the Stadium also criticised the media for providing "false" coverage of the protests, while scores of reporters were locked inside the Stadium for hours by protesters who were besieging the building to prevent political parties from filing their election bids.

Upset by constant verbal and physical intimidation from the protesters, many members of the press decided to withdraw from the rally later in the evening. No PCAD coordinator was visible throughout the confrontation, our correspondent added.

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Ramkhamhaeng Students Accused Of Killing Redshirt

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Khaosod English

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23 December 2013, 13:20

Mr. Teerapat Thongrit and Mr. Noppadol Kaewmecheen

(23 December) The police have arrested two students suspected of killing a Redshirt protester during the clashes between rival political groups in Bangkok last month.

Three pro-government Redshirts and one anti-government protester were killed by gunfire in the violence which erupted around Rajamangala Stadium, where the Redshirts were holding a mass rally, in Ramkhamhaeng district of Bangkok on the night of 30 November.

Bangkok Metropolitan Police spokesman said yesterday that one of the Redshirts victims, Private Thanasit Viangkham, was killed by Mr. Teerapat Thongrit, a student of Ramkhamhaeng University, who fired a .38 handgun from his dormitory near the clash site. The gun was owned by his friend, identified as Mr. Noppadol Kaewmecheen, police said.

The police have arrested both individuals and confiscated the handgun along with 6 ammunition the officers reportedly found inside the suspects? dormitory room.

A senior police officer said the detectives have determined the ballistic path of the gunfire from the evidences gathered from the spot where the Private Thanasit was shot.

Mr. Teerapat, a freshman in the university′s Faculty of Political Science, has said he would only testify in court, the officer added.

Mr. Jatupon Prompan, a leader of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), said in a press conference that leaders of the anti-government movements must be held responsible for the actions of Mr. Teerapat and Mr. Noppadol.

"These two suspects might end up losing their bright future, now that they are criminals in murder cases," Mr. Jatupon said, "Therefore, those who urged the Ramkhamhaeng students to fight with Redshirts and those who whipped up the hatred must be responsible".

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Arrests Over Amphetamines Hidden In Bamboo Soup

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20 December 2013, 19:50

(20 December) Police in Angthong province have arrested three men accused of attempting to bring spicy bamboo shoot soup filled with amphetamines into prison.

The prison officials inspected the soup brought by the three visitors and discovered 205 tablets of the narcotics stuffed inside 20 plastic straws, which were covered with a bamboo shoot salad.

The men were promptly arrested, but the suspects denied any acknowledgement about the illegal substances.

According to one of the suspects, a man known simply as Mr. Doe asked him to pass the spicy soup to his friend, identified as Mr. Keng, who is currently serving sentence in the prison. The suspects said they were not aware of the amphetamines hidden in the soup.

The prison director, Mr. Wasan Thanachotekit, said that the prison arranged a visiting day in the hope to allow prisoners to spend more time with their families. However, illegal drugs kept turning up during the search procedure at the prison, Mr. Wasan said.

Investigation is ongoing.

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Chiang Mai Reds Vow Support For US Ambassador

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20 December 2013, 18:33

Anti-government protesters confronting police officers in front of the US Embassy in Bangkok, 19 December 2013

(20 December) Representatives of Redshirts in Chiang Mai province have issued a statement vowing support for US Ambassador to Thailand in the aftermath of anti-government rally in front of US Embassy in Bangkok yesterday.

On 19 December over 500 protesters led by the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand (NSPRT) broke away from a large demonstration organised by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State and marched to the US Embassy, which was located on Wireless Road.

Mr. Uthai Yodmanee and Mr. Nititorn Lamluea, leaders of the NSPRT, said they want US President Barack Obama to remove US Ambassador Kristy Kenny from her position, accusing Ms. Kenny of tacitly supporting the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by saying in previous interviews that she endorses the new election called by Ms. Yingluck.

Ms. Kenny′s statement has angered the protesters so much that one speaker on PCAD rally stage threatened to lead the protesters to storm into the US Embassy as a retaliation.

There were moments when it appeared the protesters were bent on breaking into the heavily fortified compound yesterday, with the NSPRT leaders demanding that the police retreat from their position around the embassy.

However, after a negotiation with Lumpini Police, the NSPRT agreed to withdraw from the embassy, but only after they raised the Thai national flag onto a makeshift flagpole and sang national anthem.

In a response to the NSPRT′s rally, representatives of the Redshirts in northern province of Chiang Mai issued a statement praising Ms. Kenny′s endorsement of the new election, scheduled to be held on 2 February 2014.

The statement was jointly issued by United Front of Democracy Against Dicatorship (UDD) and the local Redshirts group called ?Rak Chiang Mai 51?.

“The NSPRT denounced you [Ms. Kenny] for supporting the election, which emphasise the importance and the necessity of the democratic regime, on 2 February 2014," the statement reads, "Their act, we must insist, does not correspond to the desire of many Thai people in this country.”

It continued, “We are ashamed of their decision. We understand that even though you are a foreigner, you have shown your love and understanding about Thailand and Thai culture in many occasions … We, Chiang Mai people, are supporting you".

The statement concluded by thanking Ms. Kenny′s efforts to strengthen Thai democracy.

Over 200 Redshirts also marched to the US Consulate in Chiang Mai to present the letter to the Consulate officials. Pol.Col. Aksorn Wongyai, Director of Mueang Chiang Mai Police, received the letter and promised to pass the statement to the US Ambassador.

The Chiang Mai Redshirts later marched to the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) in the province, to demonstrate their support for the new general election.

Mr. Walter M. Braunohler, spokesman of the US Embassy in Bangkok, told Khaosod today that the US wishes to see peaceful solution in the ongoing Thai crisis.

In a telephone interview, he firmly denied the allegations made by the anti-government protesters, stating that the United States has no wish to interfere in the Thai politics.

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'Singha Heiress' Undeterred By Tycoon's Warning: Abhisit

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20 December 2013, 16:43

Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva and Ms. Chitapas Bhumibhakdi.

(20 December) The anti-government socialite Ms. Chitpas Bhirombhakdi will not cease her political activities despite warning from her family patriarch, said chairman of the Democrat Party.

Ms. Chitpas, a member of the large family which owns the brewery that produces Singha Beer, has been making headlines in recent months as an outspoken activist against the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

She also voiced her belief to a number of media that electoral democracy might not work for Thailand since many of the rural voters are uneducated.

But her actions have apparently raised the ire of the executive director of Boonrawd Brewery, Mr. Santi Bhirombhakdi, who wrote a letter to Ms. Chitpas? father Mr. Chutinant Bhirombhakdi, expressing his frustration that the public has associated the family and the company with Ms. Chitpas? political views.

The letter, which was leaked to the media, also included a warning that Mr. Chutinant would be held responsible for any damage caused by his daughter.

However, leader of Democrat Party Abhisit Vejjajiva told reporters today that he has discussed with Ms. Chitapas about the matter earlier today and Ms. Chitpas has insisted that she will not waver in her political cause.

"I sympathise with her because her political path has affected her," Mr. Abhisit said, "I also sympathise with her family and her company because they were affected by it, too. This is problem about political situation."

He added, "But Ms. Chitpas is an adult. She has chosen to do political work because she believes it will benefit her country."

Meanwhile, Mr. Santi, the Singha boss, also commented on the letter during his appearance at New Year party at Boonrawd Brewery headquarters, which was attended by hundreds of staff of the company.

According to one high-ranking employee who attended the event, Mr. Santi said in his speech that he was upset by the interview Ms. Chitpas gave to the AFP, in which she claimed that rural population of Thailand did not understand democracy.

Mr. Santi said the statement gravely harms the company, since the brewery relies on massive sales in the countryside. He also stressed that "the company is in debt to the customers", and that he will not allow his company to be politicised.

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Many Aluminium Pots 'Fail' Safety Standard

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20 December 2013, 15:49

(20 December) The Office of Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has warned that Thais are at risk of suffering chemical contamination from kitchenware made of substandard aluminium alloy.

Almost all of the 21 samples of aluminium utensils collected from 3 major provinces – Bangkok, Chiang Rai, and Nakhon Phanom – fail to pass the safety assessment conducted by the Department of Science Service, which operates under OCPB, said DSS Director-General Saowanee Musidaeng.

The assessment concludes that aluminium alloy utensils tend to release amount of aluminium, lead, zinc, and copper substances which exceeds recommended standard, Ms. Saowanee said.

The finding means that people who are using substandard aluminium alloys cooking equipment are at risks of food contamination, Ms. Saowanee told our correspondent. She said the DSS and the OCPB also advise consumer to use pure aluminium utensils when cooking acid-based food.

"The release of unwanted substance of the utensils, which contact directly with the food, depends on many factors," Ms. Saowanee said "Such as time, temperature, and the food’s level of Potential of Hydrogen Ion (Ph)".

To spot the different between aluminium alloy and pure aluminium equipment, consumers would notice that aluminium alloy utensils had uneven, dull and dark surface compare to pure aluminium tools, according to the DSS.

The DSS director general also assured that, contrary to ongoing rumour, there is not yet any links between aluminium and Alzheimer’s disease. She statement from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) confirms this, she said.

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Protesters Emboldened By Prospect Of Delayed Poll

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20 December 2013, 13:43

PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban during the demonstration on 19 December 2013

(20 December) Anti-government protesters are gaining new momentum after a member of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) said the upcoming general election could be legally postponed.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has previously rejected Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra′s call for the new poll to be held on 2 February 2014, arguing that Thailand needs to implement a drastic "reform" to "educate" the voters before any election can take place.

The PCAD has proposed the formation of unelected 400-member ?People′s Council? to oversee those reforms – estimated to take at least 18 months – and called on Ms. Yingluck to be replaced with a Prime Minister royally appointed by His Majesty the King.

But the government has repeatedly rejected these demands, insisting that Ms. Yingluck will stay in power as caretaker leader and the election will go ahead as planned on 2 February.

However, the protesters appeared to have found an ally among the very agency responsible for overseeing the election, when Mr. Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, a member of the ECT, said the Commission is willing to postpone the general election if all political parties reach an agreement over the matter.

Although he acknowledged that there is no legal basis allowing for the election to be postponed, Mr. Somchai hinted that the government might find a way to delay the poll if it chooses to do so.

His remarks coincided with the beginning of PCAD′s new offensive to pressure the government into resigning or postponing the election. The protesters, led by PCAD strongman Suthep Thaugsuban, marched throughout Bangkok yesterday and even briefly threatened to storm into US Embassy of Bangkok to protest the US government′s alleged support for Ms. Yingluck.

PCAD also vowed further series of disruptive protests in coming days, including a plan to besiege the official residence of Ms. Yingluck, and a rally at Election Commission headquarters to prevent party candidates from submitting their application for the election.

Speaking on the rally stage at Ratchadamnoen Avenue yesterday, senior PCAD activist Satit Wongnongtoey welcomed Mr. Somchai′s suggestion that the election could be postponed.

He told the crowd that they have already achieved one victory. "Only one more task is left, which is to force the Prime Minister to quit," Mr. Satit told the crowd.

Meanwhile, members of Pheu Thai leadership are mortified by Mr. Somchai′s remarks.

Mr. Jarupong Ruengsuwan, chairman of Pheu Thai Party, said he is disappointed by the suggestion. "How could ECT come up with this idea? The new ECT members have done many important duties. Some has been judges. Some has held important posts. Yet that′s all they can think?" Mr. Jarupong said.

He added, "If you think about it, this starts to look like a political conspiracy. Why do they agree with the protesters so easily?"

Mr. Jarupong insisted that the government will not suffer the election to be postponed, and warned that the ECT would risk violating the laws if it fails to organise the election as scheduled.

"If the ECT is so afraid of PCAD, it should request the military to ensure public order on the election day," Mr. Jarupong quipped.

Former Pheu Thai MP and leader of the Redshirts organisation, Mr. Nattawut Saikua, likewise criticised the ECT′s alleged complicity with the PCAD protesters. Mr. Nattawut said the ECT has greatly confused the public and become a tool for the protesters.

In a Facebook post, Mr. Nattawut stressed that Article 108 of the 2007 Constitution clearly dictates that a new election must be held within 45-60 days after the House dissolution. "Did the ECT spend more time watching [anti-government TV channel] Blue Sky than reading the legal documents?" Mr. Nattawut asked.

"How confident is ECT that the nation will not end up in chaos if the election is postponed? Can you picture people who disagree with Mr. Suthep coming out [on the streets] and taking back their sovereign power?" Mr. Nattawut continued, "This amounts to postponing democracy and replacing it with Suthepocracy".

Ms. Yingluck also met privately with members of the ECT earlier this morning to discuss the procedures of next general election, but officials have not yet undisclosed the details of their discussion.

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Man Killed By 'Jealous Boyfriend' In Trang

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20 December 2013, 13:23

(20 December) A jealous man reportedly shot dead a friend of the man who talked to his girlfriend at a bar restaurant in Trang province.

Police said Mr. Pantakarn Maneerat, 27, a resident of Chiang Rai province, arrived at the restaurant with his two other friends. One of his friends reportedly knew a woman who was sitting with her boyfriend and one other friend at a nearby table from Facebook, so he went to talk to her.

His action caused the woman′s boyfriend to be enraged out of jealousy, police said, and the men ended up brawling with each other before the waiters managed to separate them from each other.

As Mr. Pantakarn and his friends were leaving the bar later, however, the individuals who were fighting with Mr. Pantakarn′s friend earlier reportedly approached him and fired shots at Mr. Pantakarn′s friend, who managed to run away. The gunman then pointed his gun at Mr. Pantakarn and shot him four times, killing him on spot, according to the police.

The police say they have retrieved the 9 mm. pistol used in the crime, and they have already identified the suspects. The police are reportedly looking for the suspects.

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'Child Trafficker' Arrested In Pattaya

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19 December 2013, 19:56

(19 December) An alleged human trafficker has been arrested by Children Women Family Protection and Anti-Human Trafficking Centre of Provincial Police Region 2 (CWPC) force in Pattaya.

Mr. Anont ?Pad? Udtangko, 44, is accused of luring children age under 15 years old into prostitution against their wills. Police said Mr. Anont, a native resident of Naan province, has often used force or tricks against the children.

He is also accused of abducting children no older than 15 year old from their parents for sexual abuse.

Mr. Anont was arrested in South Pattaya beach.

Mr. Anont allegedly confessed to his crime and is expected to cooperate with the police by giving the names of foreign customers who had allegedly sexually abused Mr. Anont′s victims.

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Thaksin's Son Won't Run In Election: Jarupong

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19 December 2013, 19:32

PM Yingluck Shinawatra meeting her supporters in Roi Et province, 19 December 2013

(19 December) Chairman of the Pheu Thai Party has dismissed rumour that the son of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will run in the next general election.

Throughout the week many social network sites, particularly of the anti-government groups, have reported that Mr. Panthongtae Shinawatra will be on the ticket of Pheu Thai′s Party List in the election, which is expected to be held on 2 February 2014.

But Mr. Jarupong Rueangsuwan, the chairman of Pheu Thai Party who also serves as acting Interior Minister, firmly denied the rumour in a press conference today.

He also insisted that the party is looking forward for the election, but added that it is depending on the Office of The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) whether the election will take place at all; anti-government protesters have demanded that the ECT postpone the election until their "reforms" of Thai politics are implemented first.

“Our interested member who wish to join the list have submitted their application forms, including the acting Prime Minister”, said Mr. Jarupong, “The party commission will reselect the candidate and I will review the list. The whole process should be done by 22 December”.

He also denied the involvement of Mr. Thaksin in deciding the party list.

“Let me be clear: Mr. Thaksin does not interfere with the candidate selection process. I and Mr. Thaksin have not discussed about the issues," said Mr. Jarupong.

He added, “Every representative has equal rights, including late submission candidates from House no.109 faction, House no. 111 faction and the Neutral Democratic Party (Mashima Party)”.

However, he warned that if the protesters managed to prevent the submission of the party list on 23 December at Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japan) in Dindaeng district as they have threatened, the country’s image may be harmed in the eyes of world community.

“Many journalists from both local and international agents will be there, and they may report about the event. Other countries may learn that there are some people in Thailand disrespecting the country’s rule of law”, Mr. Jarupong warned, adding that the caretaker Prime Minister will be there to support the representatives.

He also downplayed the incident when an anti-government protester slipped through PM Yingluck Shinawatra′s security details as she tours the northeastern region and blew a whistle at her yesterday.

"The protesters have the right to do so," Mr. Jarupong said, "People are allowed to have different ideas".

He also suggested that the Prime Minister does not need to enhance her security team and believes that many people still support her.

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