Siriraj Hospital Explains HM King's Speech Difficulty

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12 December 2013, 12:52

Crowd celebrating His Majesty the King's Birthday, 5 December 2013

(12 December) The dean of Siriraj Hospital′s Faculty of Medicine has assured the Thais that the health of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen are improving.

Dr. Udom Kachinthorn said his medical team is exceedingly happy with the recovery of Their Majesties from their illness.

The monarchs are currently residing at a seaside palace at Hua Hin, south of Bangkok, having left Siriraj Hospital earlier this year.

His Majesty the King recently appeared on a live television broadcast on 5 December – HM′s Birthday – in which he briefly gave a scripted speech. However, the 86-year old monarch stumbled on certain parts of the speech, while the camera fixed on the audience of top officials and military commanders, who visibly looked anxious.

But Dr. Udom said His Majesty′s difficulty in reading the speech is not a worrying condition.

"It′s a normal condition of elderly persons. They often pause as they are doing something," Dr. Udom told reporters.

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Petition To Expel Student Activist Attracts 3,000 Signatures

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12 December 2013, 12:16

(12 December) Over 3,000 Thammasat University students and alumni have signed the petition calling for the expulsion of an outspoken student activist, Matichon has reported.

Mr. Ong-on Phu-arkard, the Thammasat alumnus who headed the expulsion campaign, explained to Matichon that the transgender activist Aum Neko has disrespected the university in many occasions.

Those offences include dressing inappropriately, using impolite words to the lecturers, and, recently, attemptingtoreplace the Thai national flag over Thammasat University′s administrative building with a black flag, ostensibly to protest the university rector′s biased political perspectives.

Mr. Ong-on said Ms. Aum, whose real name is Mr. Saran Chuichai, has violated other people′s rights with these actions. 3,050 students and alumni have signed the petition, he added.

The petition was accepted by Thammasat Rector Somkid Lertpaithoon, who told Matichon that Ms. Aum had displayed many inappropriate actions, such as climbing onto the statue of Mr. Pridi Banomyong, the co-plotter of the 1932 revolution which toppled the Siamese Absolute Monarchy and the founder of Thammasat University.

These repeated offences have forced the university administration to set up an investigation committee headed by Vice Rector Prinya Thaewanarumitkul to determine the punishment for Ms. Aum, Mr. Somkid said.

He added that the committee has proposed a one-year suspension as the punishment, but Ms. Aum′s family has contacted the university and asked for a one-semester suspension instead. Mr. Somkid said the decision will be announced in 1-2 weeks.

Furthermore, Mr. Somkid said another committee will also be formed to investigate the ?black flag? incident for a separate punishment. As for the petition calling for Ms. Aum′s expulsion, Mr. Somkid said if her offences do not qualify for the expulsion described by university guidelines, she cannot be expelled.

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Policeman Mobbed, Severely Injured By Anti-Govt Protesters

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11 December 2013, 19:50

(11 December) A police officer in charge of overseeing the anti-government protests on Ratchadamnoen Avenue has been admitted to hospital with severe injuries after he was mobbed by a group of protesters.

Reports say Pol.Sen.Sgt.Maj. Sunthorn Nongyai was filming a man playing guitar in front of a restaurant in the protest site last night when he was spotted by the protesters. The protest guards accused the police officer of spying on them, and reportedly proceeded to kick him in the face.

The guards also took his smartphones. They later blindfolded and handcuffed Pol.Sgt.Maj. Sunthorn before beating him repeatedly, until protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban learned of the incident and ordered the guards to stop.

Reportedly, Pol.Sen.Sgt.Maj. Sunthorn suffered with head injuries and wound infections in his knees, causing the medical team to operate on his nose and keep him at the hospital.

His condition has been described as severe, but gradually improving.

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Foreign Governments Urge Peace, Election In Thailand

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11 December 2013, 16:51

Anti-government protesters, 11 December 2013

(11 December) Various foreign governments such as the United States, Canada, and China have expressed concerns over escalating tensions in Thailand, and advised the kingdom to resolve the crisis in a democratic way.

In issued statements, many national representatives also noted that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had already called for a new general election to pave the way forward for the country after the dissolution of the Parliament.

Ms. Jen Psaki, spokesperson for the United States Department of State, said in a statement that “The United States strongly supports democratic institutions and the democratic process in Thailand”.

“Prime Minister Yingluck has called for elections as a way forward amid ongoing political tensions and demonstrations. We encourage all involved [party] to resolve political differences peacefully and democratically in a way that reflects the will of the Thai people and strengthens the rule of law.”

The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. John Baird, also issued a statement reads: “Canada is concerned by continuing protests in Bangkok and by renewed risks of associated violence and instability.

“Canada urges all parties to engage through the legitimate Thai democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law. It is the right of every Thai citizen to voice their opinions and concerns through peaceful means and to exercise their democratic rights through an inclusive electoral process.”

Echoing other national representatives, German Minister of Foreign Affairs Guido Westerwelle expressed his worry over the current situation in Thailand. “[We] call on all those in positions of political responsibility to act with moderation and restraint so that the situation does not spiral out of control.”

“Further violence and the spilling of yet more blood on the streets of Bangkok would be a serious setback for democracy, political stability and social and economic development in Thailand," said Mr. Westerwelle, who suggested that Thailand needs public debate to solve the current political situation.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a brief statement stating that as a friendly neighbour, China hopes that the Thai election will be held smoothly.

"We hope to see relevant parties in Thailand properly manage differences through dialogue and consultation within the framework of the constitution and laws, and restore national stability and order at an early date," said Mr. Hong Lei, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Murray McCully, also stated that calling for new election represents the commitment of PM Yingluck towards peaceful resolution.

“The New Zealand Government has been concerned by the tensions in recent weeks and the risk of further bloodshed. Elections, expected to take place in February, demonstrate the Yingluck Government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution”

Meanwhile, Ms. Julie Bishop, the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, said she hoped the election would help ease the country political situation, and praised the Thai authorities for allowing peaceful protests. She also called for a peaceful democratic process, with respect for the rule of law.

However, Mr. Rolf-Dieter Daniel, President of the European-ASEAN Business Centre, told our correspondent via email that it is not an ideal time for Thailand to dissolve the parliament, as Thailand and EU is currently negotiating about the joint Free-Trade Agreement.

He commented that “Thailand is losing precious time and may even fall behind their ASEAN peers, who are also in FTA negotiations with the EU,” and that it may lose its chance to become an economic hub within ASEAN.

Although foreign companies in Thailand possess good understanding about Thai politics, the daily reports about the conflict would definitely discourage foreign investment or postpone investors’ future projects, according to Mr. Daniel.

The EABC president also warned that the past conflict that has isolated Thailand from international community, due to its lack of democracy, and suggested that such situation should be avoided, as it could halt the country’s economic development.

"Thailand should remain a free and open society with democratic footing," Mr. Daniel said.

At the same time, he said, the country should tackle the problem of corruptions since many corporations have described it as a major obstacle for investment in Thailand.

EABC also supports the initiative by the Thai Chamber of Commerce to act as a mediator for the debate between the government and the opposition parties, Mr. Daniel added.

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Reports Of Suthep Meeting With Army Chief Denied

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11 December 2013, 15:36

(11 December) The Royal Thai Army has denied the report that anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has secretly met with army chief, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha.

A number of media agencies have previously reported that Mr. Suthep met with Gen. Prayuth along with former Minister of Defence, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, and former Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Gen. Anupong Paochinda, yesterday at the headquarters of 1st Infantry Regiment.

The report fueled rumours that Mr. Suthep might be courting the military strongmen into launching a military coup or pressuring Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra to resign from her position as a caretaker Prime Minister.

But Col. Winchai Suwaree, deputy spokesman of the Army, said no such incident has occurred. Mr. Suthep did not visit the 1st Infantry Regiment, while Gen. Prayuth and other former commanders mentioned in the news reports were at the Regiment headquarters yesterday, according to Col. Winchai.

"There is no reason or necessity for such discussion to happen anyway," Col. Winchai said.

The deputy spokesman also dismissed reports that Ms. Yingluck would meet with the military leaders today.

"The Commander-in-Chief will give his support in finding the solution of this crisis in accordance with proper procedures, and within appropriate boundary," Col. Winchai assured reporters, "He will not express any personal comments".

Gen. Prayuth wished all sides to avoid confrontation, violence, and unlawful activities, Col. Winchai added.

Mr. Ekkanat Prompan, spokesman of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State (PCAD), likewise dismissed the rumours that PCAD′s secretary-general had met with Gen. Prayuth.

In the press conference earlier today, Mr. Ekkanat also accused Mr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a famous academic from Chulalongkorn University, of "conspiring with Thaksin Regime to defame the people" by expressing his anti-PCAD views in interviews with foreign press.

"He tries to destroy the power of the people. He insults the people′s movements," Mr. Ekkanat said, "The academic tries to paint the movement as a power consolidation into the hands of Mr. Suthep. That is not true. Our movement is about giving power to the majority of the people".

Mr. Ekkanet urged the public not to believe such "distortion" of academic principles by Mr. Thitinan.

He also branded the media reportsthat anti-government protesters have stolen personal belongings of state officials during their occupation of Government Complex as yet another "false propaganda" with an aim to discredit the "people".

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Academics Band In Defence Of Electoral Democracy

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11 December 2013, 13:18

(11 December) Responding to the anti-government protesters? demand that an unelected ?People′s Council? be established, a group of academics has formed a counter assembly to defend Thai electoral democracy.

The academics said the purpose of the ′′Assembly for the Defense of Democracy" (AFDD) is to insist on the electoral politics as a legitimate path all sides must take in order to push the changes they wish to see, instead of calling for extra-constitutional intervention to achieve their objectives.

The AFDD is led by prominent academics such as Mr. Charnvit Kasetsiri, former rector of Thammasat University; Mr. Kasien Techapira, writer and lecturer at Thammasat′s Faculty of Political Science; Mr. Worachet Pakeerat, lecturer at Thammasat′s Faculty of Laws and leader of the ′Enlightened Jurists′, advocates for a more liberal political system.

More than 150 academics, lecturers, students, and civil servants have given their signatures in support of the AFDD′s formation, the group said.

Also present at the press conference yesterday was Mr. Prachak Kongkirati, another political science lecturer from Thammasat University, who announced the three stances adopted by the AFDD.

Firstly, Mr. Prachak said, the Assembly disagrees with the idea of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) which proposed the formation of the ′People′s Council′ to rule Thailand as an unelected transitional government and transform the nation into "absolute democracy".

Since no provision of the 2007 Constitution allows such body to be formed, ′People′s Council′ would amount to a de facto coup d′etat against the government, Mr. Prachak said. He also argued that the idea behind ′People′s Council′ neither adheres to the principle of equality nor reflects the diverse backgrounds of Thai citizens.

Furthermore, the academic announced, the AFDD objects to any attempt to derail Thailand′s upcoming election, including the PCAD′s campaign calling for His Majesty the King to replace Ms. Yingluck with an unelected Prime Minister as caretaker leader of the nation.

Ms. Yingluck is required by the Constitution to remain as the temporary leader until the next election and that fact should be accepted by anti-government protesters, according to Mr. Prachak.

Lastly, he said, the Assembly affirms the 2007 Constitution as a legitimate rule all sides must respect, but acknowledges that the charter is flawed in some issues. Any effort to amend the Constitution, however, must be decided by the public and done in accordance with democratic procedure, Mr. Prachak insisted.

Mr. Worachet later stressed that the PCAD′s call for a royally appointed Prime Minister would invite a dangerous path for Thailand, since it would violate the principles of rule of laws and deeply anger the Redshirts supporters of Ms. Yingluck.

Another leading member of the newly-formed AFDD, Thammasat laws lecturer Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, also voiced his concern at the press conference that the PCAD′s claims that Eastern European nations once had functional governments which resembled the ′People′s Council′ is misleading.

"These are examples of transitioning from Communist regimes to liberal democracies," Mr. Piyabutr said, "Whereas the PCAD wants us to transition from a democracy into God knows what".

Mr. Piyabutr also warned that the PCAD is walking down the path of Italian fascists prior to the Second World War by mobilising a mass movement to overthrow the government and replace it with an unelected, authoritarian regime.

Meanwhile, Mr. Thanet Aphornsuvan, dean of Thammasat′s Faculty of Arts, expressed his disappointment to see a number of scholars and many members of the middle class collaborating with the campaign to "destroy Thai democracy".

"Instead of a middle class with intellect to help develop democracy, we have a middle class that is not happy with commoners′ democracy," Mr. Thanet said, "They want a type of democracy that is not possible anywhere on earth. They want a system ruled by magicians. It′s impossible."

When someone in the crowd later asked the AFDD leaders why they had not mentioned the massive corruption allegedly committed by Yingluck′s administration, Mr. Kasien took the microphone and replied that he sympathised with the protesters′ call to eradicate corruption.

However, Mr. Kasien said, the protesters should use democracy to fight corruption instead of destroying democracy, as it would eliminate any system of check and balance, and give rise to "some other form of corruption".

"Mr. Suthep wants to stop corruption … but I want to ask him, by what? By handing all the powers to Mr. Suthep′s hands?" Mr. Kasien fumed, "What tools will the Thai people use to scrutinise Mr. Suthep, if he has already centralised all the powers into his hands?"

The academics said they have also established a Facebook page for those interested in the Assembly′s activities. As of afternoon of 11 December, the ADD′s Facebook page has attracted more than 120,000 ′likes′.

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Pheu Thai Spokesman Threatens Suthep With Lese Majeste

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11 December 2013, 12:18

(11 December) Pheu Thai Party spokesman has accused the leader of the anti-government protests of disrespecting the monarchy in his campaign to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck.

In a press conference, Mr. Prompong Nopparit criticised the secretary-general of People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State (PCAD), Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, for refusing to stop his protests even though the Prime Minister has already dissolved the parliament and called new election.

Mr. Suthep has previously claimed to have seized power of the government in accordance with Article 3 of the Constitution, which stated that the sovereign powers of Thailand belong to the citizens. Mr. Suthep has also demanded directors of state agencies to report to the PCAD and acknowledge it as the legitimate transitional government.

But Mr. Prompong said such actions clearly amount to organising an insurrection against the state and violating the Royal Power of His Majesty the King.

According to Mr. Prompong, since Article 3 of the 2007 Constitution stated that His Majesty the King exercised the sovereign power via the Parliament, the Cabinet, and the Court as a Head of State, Mr. Suthep has disrespected the monarch by claiming to exercise the sovereign power on his own as PCAD leader.

He said he would file lese majeste charge against Mr. Suthep with the Division of Special Investigation (DSI).

Lese majeste, or insult of monarchy, can be punished with a maximum of 15 years in prison per offence under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Codes.

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Bureaucrats To File Theft Charges Against Protesters

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11 December 2013, 11:56

(11 December) Representatives of 29 state agencies have said they will file charges against anti-government protesters for stealing their personal belongings during the recent occupation at the Government Complex.

The protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) had seized the compound of Government Complex in northern Bangkok from 26 November to 1 December in an effort to pressure Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into resignation.

On their return to their workplace after the protesters had departed, many officials said their desks had been ransacked and their personal belongings stolen.

Pol.Lt.Col. Pong Sangmurin, commander of Thoong Song Hong Police, told our correspondent the police have already investigated the scene, collecting fingerprints and other evidence for further prosecution against the alleged theft.

The police officer said he expected the officials to file charges at his police station today.

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Yingluck Distraught By Campaign Against Her Family

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10 December 2013, 20:57

(10 December) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra expressed her distress over the anti-government protesters? demands that she and her entire family must be expelled from Thailand.

In an emotional press conference at the Army Club – which served as a temporary Cabinet meeting venue – this morning, Ms. Yingluck said the protesters should acknowledge the fact that she had already caved in to many demands of the anti-government movements, such as her decision to dissolve the House and call a new election.

"It′s just my feeling. I believe everyone has feelings. I have feelings, too," Ms. Yingluck, with tears in her eyes, told reporters, "The way they talk about my family… well, we are all Thais. Has it come to the point that we are not allowed to put our feet on the soil of Thailand? Is that how it′s going to be?"

She added, "I have taken so many steps back that I don?t know how to step back any further. Can you at least give me some fairness".

The press conference was her first public statement since she announced that she would submit the request for parliament dissolution to His Majesty the King yesterday. Despite Ms. Yingluck′s announcement, anti-government protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State (PCAD) has escalated its campaign to unseat her.

PCAD secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban has insisted that Ms. Yingluck and her Cabinet must resign, as contrary to the Constitutional provision which requires her to stay on as caretaker Prime Minister until the next election. Other PCAD leaders also demanded in their speech that the entire Shinawatra family leave Thailand.

Ms. Yingluck stressed in the press conference that she could not quit her position, because it would amount to disrespecting the Constitution.

She also urged the protesters to demand changes in accordance with the Constitution, especially on the day (10 December) that Thailand observes the enactment of the first official Constitution 81 years ago.

"All of us Thais have to join hands in defending democracy and the Constitution," Ms. Yingluck said, adding that the PCAD protesters should stick to electoral politics instead of prolonged street protests or any extra-constitutional methods.

Asked whether she would run in the next election, however, Ms. Yingluck said she had not discussed about the matter with Pheu Thai Party, since she is too preoccupied with daily functions as Prime Minister along with other Cabinet members.

When a reporter asked her whether she could still handle the situation, the Prime Minister said she is personally anxious about the possibility of another violent confrontation.

The reporter who brought the question about PCAD′s campaign against her family later apologised to Ms. Yingluck for visibly causing her much distress in the press conference, but Ms. Yingluck, wiping her tears, told the reporter it was in fact a good question.

"I have wanted to speak out about the matter for a long time anyway," she said.

Around 200 anti-government protesters led by former Democrat MPs were also gathered in front of the Army Club, blowing their whistles and shouting their defiance against Ms. Yingluck. They dispersed peacefully after rallying for around 30 minutes.

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3 Lese Majeste Cases To Be Decided This Week

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10 December 2013, 11:05

Protesters demanding amendment of Article 112 during their demonstration in Bangkok, 29 May 2012.

(10 December) Three separate trials on lese majeste charges will be decided later this week, legal advocacy group iLaw has reported.

Lese majeste, or perceived insult of the monarchy, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison according to Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Codes.

The first case to be ruled this week is a Supreme Court trial involving Mr. Bundit Aneeya, a 73 year old writer, as the defendant. He is accused of disseminating documents deemed offensive to the monarchy during a panel discussion event organised by Election Committee of Thailand in 2003.

The lower courts have sentenced Mr. Aneeya to 2 years in prison, but the defendant has appealed the verdicts, arguing that he was not mentally sane at the time of the incident. The verdict will be read out on 11 December at South Bangkok Supreme Court.

On 12 December, the Ratchada Criminal Court in Bangkok will decide the case in which Mr. Kittithon (surname withheld), a 51 year old retail shop owner in Samut Prakarn province, is accused of posting contents on internet that insult the monarchy.

Mr. Kittithon was arrested at his home on 30 August by dozens of police officers who also raided his house, according to iLaw, which keeps tracks of lese majeste cases.

The police also claimed they have found materials defaming members of the Thai royal family stored by Mr. Kittithon in his computer. The prosecutor told the court Mr. Kittithon intended to post these materials on the internet later. The defendant has confessed.

Lastly, on 13 December the court in Chiang Mai province will also hand down the verdict in the case of Mr. Asawin (surname withheld) who has been alleged of claiming the name of His Majesty the King in business dealing.

The defendant has contested the charge, arguing that he has been falsely implicated by rival business owners.
A number of activists and academics have previously called for abolition or amendment of Article 112 on the ground that it is a threat to freedom of speech in Thailand.

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