Anti-Election Protests: Policeman 'Shot Dead', Many Injured

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26 December 2013, 16:18

(26 December) One police officer has been killed and more than 90 people injured in the violent clashes between anti-government protesters and police around the election registration venue today.

The protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head (PCAD) have launched the campaign to disrupt the new general election by besieging the Thai-Japanese Stadium, where election application centre was housed.

PCAD leaders have rejected the new election called by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, demanding that an unelected ?People′s Council? be installed to oversee drastic "reforms" deemed necessary by the PCAD instead.

Earlier this morning the protesters attempted to storm the election registration venue to prevent political parties from signing up for the election, which is scheduled to be held on 2 February 2014.

Riot police stationed inside the venue responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets, while the protesters hurled rocks, fireworks, small explosive devices, and other homemade weapons at the police. Police vehicles in the area were also vandalised by the protesters.

The running battle leaves one policeman dead and over 90 protesters and police officers injured. The dead police officer has been identified as Pol.Sgt. Narong Pitisith, 45.

The victim was shot in the chest with unidentified firearms as he monitored the protests, according to police officers, and he later succumbed to the wounds hours later despite intensive efforts to revive him.

News reports say Pol.Sgt. Narong is survived by his wife and 5-year-old son.

Addtionally, a reporter from Thai Rath newspaper has been transported to hospital after he was shot by unknown individuals. His condition is described as stable.

Pol.Maj.Gen Piya Uthayo, spokesman of the Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) said several other policemen were also wounded by gunfire from unidentified individuals, while many others were hit with projectiles thrown by the protesters.

He said there are evidences that armed individuals had fired at police officers from a high building near Thai-Japan Stadium. The officer also called on the protest leaders to urge their supporters to exercise their rights of assembly in a peaceful manner.

Most of the injured have been transported to Rajavithi Hospital, Erawan Centre said in a statement.

A group of protesters was also rallying in front of the residence of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, demanding that she step down from her caretaker position. Ms. Yingluck, who is currently touring the north and northeastern regions, has repeatedly rejected that demand.

On the same day, the National Human Rights Commission released a statement expressing its worry over the police operation against the protesters who were attempting to storm the Thai-Japan Stadium.

It specifically criticised the police for using tear gas and rubber bullets, claiming that such measure is unacceptable in universal crowd control methods. The statement also urged the police to rely on peaceful dialogue as means to defuse the tension.

The statement made no mention of any violence committed by the protesters.

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Unlicensed Firework Factory Explodes, Kills 2

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Khaosod English

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26 December 2013, 15:40

(26 December) An explosion at an unlicensed firework factory in Suphan Buri province has reportedly killed 2 workers and injured 5 other victims.

Mr. Paitoon Saengsuwan and Mr. Manoch Suk-Ying were listed as the deceased victims. The incident also severely injured Ms. Pranom Chai-Int and Mr. Pitak Yaemmaneechai. Three other people reportedly suffered minor injuries.

According to Pol.Maj.Gen. Chatcharin Sawangwong, Chief of Suphanburi Provincial Police Station, the fire started in the house in Mueang district which operated as a family-owned firework factory.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Chatcharin said the house stored various kinds of fireworks at the time of the fire. The resulting explosion destroyed one house, six adjunct buildings, and two pick-up trucks. The total cost of the damage is expected to be as high as 3 million baht.

The owner of firework factory is currently applying for a permit to produce the fireworks and he has not received the license, yet he allowed the firework production to proceed, Pol.Maj.Gen. Chatcharin said.

The owner, Mr. Sujin Jah-pan, 60, who is also a member of Suantaeng Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, said that he heard the sound of numbers of explosions when he returned home.

Mr. Sujin has been charged with unauthorised possession of dangerous substances, and committing reckless action causing deaths of other people. The investigation is ongoing.

According to our correspondent, the same factory has also exploded on 9 June 2012. However, no death or injuries were reported in the incident.

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Army Chief 'Concerned' By Anti-Election Protests

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Khaosod English

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26 December 2013, 14:48

(26 December) The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army is deeply concerned by the violent protests near the election registration venue in Dindaeng district of Bangkok, according to his spokesman.

Lt.Col. Winthai Suvaree said Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha has expressed his wish to see all sides exercising caution and avoiding violence.

Gen. Prayuth would also like to ask the protesters not to storm the building where the election registration is being held, in order to avoid violence responses from the police.

"[He] is asking the protesters to lessen their activities that pressure the police," Lt.Col. Winthai said, "The army wants every side to find a joint solution in peaceful manner".

Anti-government protesters have been attempting to storm the Thai-Japanese Stadium in Dindaeng in the bid to derail the upcoming general election, scheduled to be held on 2 February 2014.

The protesters, led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), want an unelected ?People′s Council? to be installed to oversee "reforms" of Thai politics before any election is held.

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Gunfire Attack On Residence Of PCAD Leader

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26 December 2013, 11:19

(26 December) Unidentified assailants have sprayed rounds of M16 rifle on the residence of a prominent anti-government activist.

The incident reportedly took place at approximately 01.00 this morning at the house of Mr. Satit Wongnongtoey, a co-leader of People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), in Trang province.

Police found "numerous" bullet cases of M16 rifle and 11mm. handgun in front of Mr. Satit′s residence; Mr. Satit claimed over 20 rounds have been fired. The house and the nearby local office of Democrat Party were damaged by the gunfire, but no injury has been reported.

Mr. Satit, who recently resigned from his post as Democrat MP, said he believed the attack was politically motivated, as he has no business conflict with anyone. "I only have a kindergarten business," Mr. Satit said.

He added that he has been an MP for many terms but such blatant attack has never been against him.

"It′s only after I campaign against the government this incident happened," said the PCAD leader.

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Protesters Accuse Each Other Of Being 'Redshirts Spies'

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Khaosod English

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25 December 2013, 13:31

(25 December) A fight broke out between two anti-government protesters today after they accused each other of being a pro-government spy.

The incident took place at the main encampment of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) on Ratchadamnoen Avenue this morning, where around 1,000 protesters were eating their breakfast and watching television news near the rally stage.

However, two mid-aged women suddenly started fighting, causing a brief chaos in the protest that lasted approximately 10 minutes, before security guards separated both women from each other.

Both protesters told the guards they had suspected the other person as being a Redshirt agent who had infiltrated the protest site to spy on the protesters, resulting in a brawl.

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Govt 'Not Responsible' For US Blacklist Rumour

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Khaosod English

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25 December 2013, 13:17

(25 December) A top official has denied the allegation that the Thai government has been behind the rumour about a US blacklist on anti-government protest leaders.

In the reports circulated by a number of media and social network sites in the past week it was claimed that the US Embassy in Bangkok has blacklisted prominent protest leaders such as Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban from entering the United States due to their protest in front of the Embassy earlier this week.

The rumour was ultimately denied by US Ambassador to Thailand, Ms. Kristy Kenny, while an official at the US Embassy told Khaosod the embassy does not make public its blacklist procedures.

However, Democrat Party spokesperson Chawanon Intarakomalyasut accused the government of publicising the rumour to confuse the public and taint the reputation of Mr. Suthep and his fellow leaders in the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

But Ms.Sunisa Lertphakawat, the Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister′s Office, said in a press conference yesterday that the government did not spread the false rumour as alleged by Mr. Chawanond.

“Visa Process is an internal issue of each sovereign state, and Thailand could not intervene with any country’s decision” said Mr. Sunisa.

Noting that Mr. Chawanond has acted in defence of the PCAD leaders, Ms. Sunisa asked further whether Mr. Chawanond′s action is a proof that the opposition party and the anti-government protest leadership are of one body, contrary to the repeated claims made by Democrat leaders that the PCAD is not related to the opposition party.

If that is the case, she went on, she would like to ask for any responsibility from Democrat Party leader, Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva.

“The protesters had occupied many government buildings in Bangkok, obstructed the Election Registration procedures, and threatened the freedom of the press” said Ms. Sunisa, “That is barbaric and against the law.”

On 23 December, a group of PCAD protesters blocked the Thai-Japan stadium and prevented candidates from many parties to apply for next term’s General Election, which is expected to be held on 2 February. They had also cut off water and power supplies to some government buildings to pressure the officials.

“Mr. Abhisit should make sure that the protests of PCAD are under the law and against any use of violence”, Ms. Sunisa demanded, adding that one Pheu Thai Party official was prevented from leaving one of the besieged building and was unable to take his regular medication.

“What if something happened to him, would the Democrat Party be ready to account for that?” Ms. Sunisa asked.

She also warned that the leaders of Democrat Party should stop lying that they are not against the upcoming election, because "the eyes of the Thai and global citizens" have seen otherwise.

"They are ruining the proud history of the Democrat Party, whose name refers directly to a democratic system of governance. Sadly, they?d rather act in a contradictory way with their party name," Ms. Sunisa alleged.

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Celebs Incensed By Annual Media Nickname List

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Khaosod English

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24 December 2013, 18:27

?Tangmo? Pattaratida Patcharaveerapong and ?Tono? Phakin Kumvilaisak at their engagement ceremony

(24 December) Several celebrities have expressed their disagreement over the list of nicknames for celebrities compiled by the Thai Entertainment Media Association.

The list compilation is an annual tradition. The nickname list for 2013 was announced yesterday, handing nicknames to 10 famous actors, actresses, and singers.

Topping the list is ′Tangmo′ Pattaratida Patcharaveerapong, the actress who made the headlines recently by declaring herself as a devoted supporter of the anti-government People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

Ms. Pattaratida earned the nickname "Biting Without Muzzle" (ฝีปากไร้ตะกร้อ); the list compilers said it is a reference to her habit of responding to the press with sharp rhetoric and harshly commenting about her rival celebrities in the public.

Her reputation as a foul-mouthed actress was reinforced by her role in PCAD movements, in which she was quoted as calling former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra a murderer and a corrupt tyrant, and stating that he is not welcomed in Thailand.

The actress′ love affair also put her boyfriend-recently-turned-fiancé ′Tono′ Phakin Kumvilaisak, a famous singer from the popular reality show ′The Star′, in the list, earning the nickname "The Wife Seeker" (ค้นฟ้าคว้าเมีย). The nickname plays on the motto of the show – the Star Seeker – and his relationship with Ms. Tangmo, who is considered to be much more successful.

Before his relationship with Ms. Tangmo was made public, Mr. Phakin has previously vowed to the press he would remain single and focus on his entertainment career. Much of the public was shocked by the sudden announcement of Ms. Tangmo′s engagement with Mr. Phakin last week.

Another celebrity, famous actress Janie Thienphosuwan, made it into the list as "The Innocent [Marriage] Certificate Thief" (แบ๊วฉกทะเบียน) due to her controversial relationship with Mr. Chonsawad ′Ae′ Assavehem, the son of prominent politician convicted of corruption who is currently living in exile.

Ms. Janie has repeatedly denied media reports that she and Mr. Chonsawad – who was married to singer Nanthida ′Too′ Kaewbuasai – had been dating secretly for 5 months until Mr. Chonsawad broke the silence by announcing to the press that he had married Janie legally, and that his marriage with Ms. Nanthida was ended long ago.

The photo of Ms. Janie and Mr. Chonsawad holding up their newly signed marriage certificate hit the frontpage of many newspapers on the next day.

Ms. Nanthida, meanwhile, was handed the nickname "Generous Madam" (มาดามเอื้ออาทร), as she refused to spill the beans about Mr. Chonsawad′s relationship with Ms. Janie before they informed the press themselves.

In a reconciliatory gesture, Ms. Nanthida also told the press few days afterwards that she would remain a friend of her ex-husband, and she was willing to work with Ms. Janie in the future.

Also included in the list is Baitoey R-Siam, the pop-country-dance superstar whose real name is

Ms. Suteewan Taweesan. The media association handed her the nickname as "Shorty Tricked By the Square" (สั้นเสียเหลี่ยม).

The name is a parody on her previous nickname bestowed in 2012, "Short Skirt" (สั้นเสมอหู) and the incident in which she was rumoured to be in a secret relationship with former PM Thaksin Shinawatra after she was reportedly photographed walking with Mr. Thaksin in Dubai; Mr. Thaksin himself is nicknamed "Square Face" by his critics.

Baitoey later admitted she flew to Dubai to perform a small concert for Mr. Thaksin and denied the reports about any romantic relationship with the former leader – but it soon emerged that she has not consulted with her record company RS before she talked to the press about the matter ,enraging top executives of the company.

The nickname winners did not react too kindly to the news.

Ms. Pattathida said she felt the nickname is too harsh. She insisted that she is not an impolite person. "I just like to say things honestly, and the Thai society might not find it acceptable at the moment," the actress said. Nevertheless, she thanked the media for coming up with a nickname for her.

Her fiance, Mr. Phakin, said curtly that he was not offended by the nickname but he did not like it neither.

Meanwhile, Baitoey responded to the nickname by shrieking her surprise at reporters when told about the nickname. "Why is my nickname this year not cute like last year?" Baitoey asked them, "The nickname looks scary. But ok. If you ask me, is it too harsh? I can say it′s harsh, or I can look at it as a funny term".

She added, "It′s not like I′m angry, but I′m just surprised. I mean, wow, why are you [reporters] so good at giving people nicknames?"

The superstar also joked that her company might eventually benefit from the nickname by producing a song based on it.

However, Ms. Janie said frankly she hated her nickname.

"I′m not happy and I don′t like this nickname I received," Ms. Janie said, "If it′s possible, I want this nickname to be retracted, because it sounds like I stole someone′s man. I feel it′s disrespecting me, and I believe Ae would not like this nickname either".

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New Tax On Tutors, Medical Staff, Vendors Proposed

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24 December 2013, 15:55

(24 December) The Revenue Department is considering a new tax to be imposed on tutors, medical personnel, and flea market traders.

Mr. Suthichai Sangkhamanee, Director-General of the Revenue Department, which operates under the Ministry of Finance, said the tutors should pay corporate income tax, personal income tax, as well as value added tax, depending on the size of their businesses.

The decision should be finalised by the end of 2014, and the Department will adopt the measurement from the Ministry of Education as a guideline to assess the profitability of tutor schools, said Mr. Suthichai.

In 2010, Mr. Suthichai said, the Ministry of Finance has in fact considered a plan to gain more tax revenue from tutor establishments as proposed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). It was estimated that taxing these tutor schools could generate up to 4-5 billion baht annually, but the plan was never implemented, according to Mr. Suthichai.

"Our department can collect revenues from tutor schools, but we have been reluctant to do so, since we view them as educational institutions," said Mr. Suthichai, "However, many schools have been exploiting the exemption. Many of them simply play video records of big name tutors to the students from all over the country".

He added, "We need to reconsider the appropriateness and the quality of these classrooms,"

Mr. Suthichai told our correspondent that he had instructed the officials to curb on the tax evasions by self-employed workers, namely; medical personnel and doctors. He said the new income tax system, to be implemented before the end of this year, would contain gaps for these individuals to evade tax payment.

“We need to make sure medical personnel abide by law. The Department needs to evaluate their real income, using their contract with the hospitals and real working hours”, said Mr. Suthichai.

Insurance companies will also be assessed by the Department, as many insurance brokers are required to pay value added tax of their earnings if they made more than 1.8 million baht each year.

Therefore, many brokers took advantage of the unrestricted system to represent their family members to share the earnings and to avoid paying VAT, Mr. Suthichai alleged.

“We have allowed tax payers to use insurance for tax refund, so insurance company should squarely pay their taxes in real numbers”, he added.

Furthermore, the Revenue Department is currently studying the possibility to charge market stall owners effectively for their personal income tax, after they learned many traders make large sum of money from the flea markets and weekend markets, which is not registered to the department.

“It is difficult to charge stall owners taxes, as they come from other provinces other than Bangkok, which means the payment must be made in their hometown," Mr. Suthichai said, "We are currently studying the possibility to launch the new panel for tax payment for flea-market traders that are specifically divided from the current forms.”

He added that no legislation amendment would be necessary to impose these new taxes.

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Khaosod English's Note On Translation Of Anti-Govt Leadership Title "PCAD"

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Khaosod English

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24 December 2013, 14:45

Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As head of State (PCAD), 22 December 2013

The editorial team of Khaosod English has recently received a number of questions about its translation of the name of the the anti-government protest group.

The group, known in Thai as "คณะกรรมการประชาชนเพื่อการเปลี่ยนแปลงประเทศไทยให้เป็นประชาธิปไตยที่สมบูรณ์ อันมีพระมหากษัตริย์ทรงเป็นประมุข (กปปส)" has supplied English media with one version of its title: "The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)."

However, this official name is not an accurate translation of the group's name in Thai. As an independently-owned news agency, we believe that Khaosod English is under no obligation to adopt the name provided by the group's leadership.

Therefore, our editorial team has decided to translate the Thai name more accurately to: "The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD)".

Our translation derives directly from the group's full name: คณะกรรมการ (Committee), ประชาชน (People), เพื่อการเปลี่ยนแปลงประเทศไทยให้เป็น (For Change Of Thailand Into – which we have shortened to 'for'), ประชาธิปไตยสมบูรณ์ (Absolute Democracy), อันมีพระมหากษัตริย์ทรงเป็นประมุข (With the King As Head of State).

Our readers may notice that two prominent aspects of the group's full name have been omitted from the official English translation: 'absolute democracy' and 'with the king as head of state'.

The incomplete translation is curious given that the notion of 'absolute democracy' (ประชาธิปไตยสมบูรณ์) is a cornerstone the group's platform and is mentioned on many occasions by the group's leaders. The PCAD leaders also often uses pro-monarchy rhetoric, which is reflected in the phrase 'With the King As Head of State' (อันมีพระมหากษัตริย์ทรงเป็นประมุข).

Our abbreviation also reflects the Thai abbreviation of the name: ก(รรมการ), ป(ระชาชน), ป(ระชาธิปไตย), ส(มบูรณ์), which corresponds to P(eople), C(ommittee), A(bsolute), D(emocracy) in English.

We hope this note helps clarify any confusion our translation might have caused.

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Car Crash Kills 3 Anti-Govt Protesters

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Khaosod English

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24 December 2013, 13:40

(24 December) A pick-up truck carrying anti-government protesters has crashed into a flyover bridge in Chumpon province, killing three.

The incident took place yesterday at 05.00, rescue workers said.

Police investigation suggests that a total of 9 people were on the vehicle when the accident took place, all of them anti-government protesters who were returning from the major rally organised by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) in Bangkok to their home province in Surat Thani.

Two people died at the scene and another victim died at hospital, police said. Other passengers were reportedly severely injured.

Police believe the driver, Mr. Niphon (surname not immediately known), was exhausted by the political rally he attended throughout the day, and dozed off behind the wheel on the highway, causing the vehicle to smash into a pillar of a flyover bridge.

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