Ministry To Regulate 'New Year Gift Basket'

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7 December 2013, 14:43

(7 December) The Ministry of Commerce has confirmed it will not approve commodity price hike during New Year period in order to prevent gift shops from raising the prices of their goods, Prachachat has reported.

Commerce Deputy Minister, Mr. Yanyong Phuangrat, said on Thursday that officials have been instructed to monitor the prices of goods and services, particularly for New Year’s ′gift basket′ and transport fee to make sure the customers are not being unfairly charged throughout the holiday season.

Giving ′gift baskets′ (กระเช้าของขวัญ), which contain a number of packaged food and drinks, is a popular New Year tradition in Thailand. Such baskets are displayed and sold in many shops, malls, and supermarkets.

Mr. Yanyong added that the Ministry has told all gift basket sellers to attach clear price tag on their baskets, and to fully explain the qualifications of the goods packed in the basket, as well as the packing service fee.

"Sellers must also make sure that the items stored in the basket are valid for at least 3 months after the time of the purchase. Any shop that fails to follow the procedure will be fined for no more than 10,000 baht per offence," said Mr. Yanyong.

In order to increase spending in the New Year season amidst the political tumult, the Ministry plans to hold a Gift Festivals to help OTOP entrepreneurs and gift makers to promote their goods. Additionally, retail stores will be urged to join Ministry-sponsored campaigns which will boost their sales.

Mr. Yanyong also told Prachachat that the ongoing political situation had not affected prices of goods, or caused goods shortage, or crippled the export capacity as many had feared.

However, many investors have shown their hesitation to invest in Thailand, as some of the government’s spending plans are likely to be postponed, including the 2 trillion baht infrastructure development scheme, Mr. Yanyong said.

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Many Thais Facing Unemployment Risks: Academic

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6 December 2013, 17:46

(6 December) Many Thais are facing risks of unemployment due to the slowdowns in global and domestic economies, according to Deputy Director of the Centre of Economic and Business Forecast, University of Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Wachira Khoontaweethep said business firms are also facing difficulty in releasing their stocks and increasing capitals. He blamed the government′s enactment of new minimum wage rate at 300 baht per day as a factor.

Employability Confidence Index in November also remains at 68.2, the lowest in 18 months, said Mr. Wachira, adding that many people are facing employment struggles in Bangkok and its peripheral provinces, including provinces that have not been connected to logistic routes.

Meanwhile, SMEs Investment Suitability Index in November 2013 hit its lowest in 89 months at 70.4, causing SMEs to put off their investments.

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'Penis Disorder' Forces Man To Hang Himself

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6 December 2013, 17:10

(6 December) A 20 year old man who had been reportedly suffering from genital disorder has been found hanged in his home at Mueang District, Udonthani province.

The father of the deceased, who identified himself simply as Mr. Somchai, said his son injected olive oil into hios penis when he was 13 after he was told by his friends that the oil could enlarge his manhood.

Mr. Somchai said his son had been suffering a prolonged painful infection in his penis and visiting the doctors regularly. However, Mr. Somchai said his son had not seen the doctors in the past few years, and recently begged Somchai to take him to hospital because the pain had become unbearable.

Mr. Somchai said he had given his son some money for painkillers and promised him he would take the man to hospital soon.

On the day of the incident, Mr. Somchai claimed his son complained about the penile pain again in the morning, yet he did not take the man to hospital. When Mr. Somchai returned home for lunch, he said, he did not see his son and only discovered about his death in the evening.

Post-mortem investigation reported that the man had been dead for no less than 5 hours. His family stated that they are not treating his death as suspicious.

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US Ambassador Praises Govt's Handling Of Protests

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6 December 2013, 15:57

US Pacific Commander, Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, talking with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra

(6 December) The US Ambassador to Thailand has praised the Thai government′s restrained measures toward anti-government protesters during her discussion with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Ambassador Kristie Kenny also expressed her belief a peaceful negotiation between the anti-government People′s Council for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State (PCAD) and the government would be the best solution to the ongoing political crisis.

The US Ambassador and US Pacific Commander, Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, have previously attended the celebration of His Majesty the King′s 86th Birthday at Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin yesterday.

They later met with Ms. Yingluck and Chief of Defence Forces, General Thanasak Patimaprakorn.

Both Ms. Kenny and Admiral Locklear expressed their delights to have participated in the auspicious celebration of HM the King′s birthday. Ms. Kenny also raised her concern over the anti-government protests which have claimed four lives and injured more than 200, stating that the US has been closely monitoring the situation in Thailand.

Nevertheless, she said she is hopeful that Thailand could peacefully solve the ongoing conflict soon by establishing a dialogue with the protest leaders, and told Prime Minister Yingluck she is impressed by the restraint shown by the Thai government and the police in handling the protesters.

Ms. Kenny also suggested to PM Yingluck that the negotiation should start as soon as possible.

Admiral Locklear likewise said he appreciates the Thai government′s patient and tolerant manner during its tackling of the conflict.

The US commander added that he considers Thailand as the oldest ally of the US in the region, and that both nations have continuously enjoyed warm relationship and cooperation, as apparent in the recent joint effort in sending relief to the typhoon-battered Philippines.

In reply, Ms. Yingluck stressed that the government is determined to solve the conflict peacefully, democratically, and is willing to open the floor for debate with any party to reach the solution.

She additionally assured the US delegation that she will not declare the State of Emergency as a response to the protests.

According to the Prime Minister, Thailand sees the US as its main ally for its security and prosperity in Asia-Pacific. Thailand is willing to cooperate with the US in any aspects, Ms. Yingluck, particularly the annual joint military drill, the Cobra Gold.

Ms. Yingluck also thanked Ms. Kenny for President Barack Obama′s message of good will addressed to His Majesty the King for his birthday.

Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Forces, General Thanasak, expressed his optimism about the situation, stating that it is ‘getting better and better’.

General Thanasak said he cannot speak for PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban why he still refuses to put an end to his political campaign, but added that he is hopeful about future dialogues between the protest leaders and the government.

"It′s a good way, so that everyone can help and share their ideas," said General Thanasak.

He added, “thankfully, the protesters did not escalate the situation today, but we’ll have to see again tomorrow.”

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Political Violence Resumes Minutes After HM's Birthday

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6 December 2013, 13:16

Mr. Thavorn Senniam talking to reporters

(6 December) The brief lull in the political confrontation in Bangkok came to an end minutes after His Majesty the King′s Birthday when an anti-government protester was shot by unknown individuals at Ministry of Finance.

According to witnesses, Mr. Banchong Pengsakul, a 46 year old resident of Surat Thani province, was serving as a volunteer security guard for the protesters and patrolling the Ministry, where the anti-government protesters have been occupying for a week, when two individuals on motorcycle approached him and shot at Mr. Banchong.

The assailants quickly fled the scene, and the protesters who witnessed the scene could not identify the type of the motorcycle used by the attackers. Mr. Banchong was later sent to Rajavithi Hospital; his condition is described as stable.

The attack was said to occur at 00.05 – several minutes after the symbolic date of 5 December, when anti-government protesters led by former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban agreed to suspend their political campaign for a day to observe the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King′s Birthday.

The truce came after the protests in Bangkok turned violent over the weekend of 30 November and 1 December, when anti-government protesters clashed with pro-government Redshirts in eastern Bangkok, leaving at least four people dead, and anti-government protesters engaging in fierce street battle with the police around Government House.

However, many Thais did not expect the truce to last following HM′s Birthday, and Mr. Suthep has previously vowed he would resume his campaign to oust PM Yingluck Shinawatra once the celebration is over.

Mr. Thavorn Senniam, former Democrat MP who is now one of the protest leaders, said two hours prior to Mr. Banchong′s shooting an unknown assailant also lopped small explosive device toward the protesters at the Ministry of Finance, but no injury was reported.

The former Democrat MP also criticised the police′s handling of the incidents, claiming that officers took more than an hour before arriving at the scene.

Mr. Thavorn added that he had instructed the guards to patrol the protest site more frequently, and he had requested his fellow protesters to park their cars along the compound′s fences to serve as a barrier from potential attacks.

Naewna newspaper and anti-government social network sites have identified the assailants who shot Mr. Banchong as "Redshirts agents", but the claim cannot be independently verified.

In an separate incident, anti-government protesters at Ratchadamnoen Avenue also came under attacks from a large group of teenage motorcycle gang who reportedly attempted to drive their vehicles into the protest site.

Mr. Pongthep Klangcharoen, 34, who serves as a volunteer guard for the protesters, said he was manning his checkpoint near Kok Wua Intersection around 04.00 today when over 100 Dek Vans approached the protest camp and tried to drive past the checkpoint.

When the guards refused to let them through, Mr. Pongthep said, the Dek Vans were visibly agitated, and they responded by throwing three small explosive devices at the protest guards. The motorcycle gang reportedly left the scene after the attack, but they later came back and threw more explosives at the protesters.

One protest guard and one Dek Vans were injured by the incidents, police officers said. They were both sent to Vajira Hospital.

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Father Of Redshirt Killed In Bangkok Clash Begs For Justice

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5 December 2013, 15:28

A Redshirt looks at the funeral portrait of Private Thanasith Viengkam at his cremation ceremony, 4 December 2013

(5 December) Father of a pro-government protester killed in clashes at Bangkok′s Ramkhamhaeng district last week has asked the police to swiftly solve the murder of his son.

Mr. Wimol Paophu made the comment at Pheu Thai Party headquarters, where he met with several Pheu Thai MPs, asking for their assistance in pursuing the justice on the behalf of his son, Mr. Wisanu Paophu, 27.

Mr. Wisanu is one of four people killed in the violence, which erupted in Ramkhamkhaeng on 30 November when anti-government protesters, mostly led by vocational and university students in the area, marched toward Rajamangala Stadium where thousands of Redshirts were holding a mass rally.

The dead have been identified as three Redshirts and one student, who is thought to be an anti-government protester. All bodies bear gunshot wounds.

Mr. Wisanu′s father told reporters yesterday he would like to see the police working more actively in the case. "I?ve seen no progress", he said. He also urges the police to arrest those responsible for his son′s murder and place them on trial as soon as possible.

"I want justice for my son. My family has previously attended the rally to listen to speeches of UDD leaders," Mr. Wimol added, referring to National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship, "I am saddened by the violence and the death of my son".

In the press conference held yesterday at Imperial Ladprao Shopping Mall, UDD leader Jatupon Prompan said he agreed with anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban′s call for the police to examine the clashes at Ramkhamhaeng, but he faulted Mr. Suthep for focusing entirely on the death of the suspected anti-government student protester.

"He should call [for justice] for every dead body, every life, because there are also injured and dead Redshirts," Mr. Jatupon said.

The UDD leader said the Redshirts will return to the streets for another show of strength after 5 December – His Majesty the King′s Birthday – but stressed that the Redshirts will stick to peaceful rallies and change the venue for their next political activities to avoid further losses of life.

"We will never give up this land to Mr. Suthep," Mr. Jatupon told reporters.

Several Redshirts who were wounded in the clashes with anti-government protesters also made an appearance at the press conference. Among them was Mr. Somyos Wongchanla, a 46 year old taxi driver, who said his vehicle was mobbed by anti-government protesters in the early hours of 1 December, dragged out of his car, and repeatedly beaten.

Mr. Somyos said he tried to beg for his life but the rival protesters would not listen to him, and he was rescued only when a sympathetic anti-government protester intervened and shielded him from the angry crowd.

Another injured man, Mr. Seksan Chamnarnkaew, 38, said he was assaulted by around 10 men at Soi Ramkhamhaeng 53 on the night of 30 November while he made his way to the rally in Rajamangala Stadium. He said his nose has been broken and his eyes injured as a result.

Later in the evening, a number of UDD leaders attended the cremation ceremony of Private Thanasith Viengkam, another Redshirt killed in the Ramkhamhaeng clashes, in On-nut district of Bangkok.

Mr. Wisanu will be cremated on 12 December, and the third deceased Redshirt, Mr. Wiroj Khamnark, on 7 December.

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Ayutthaya Marks HM King's Birthday With Giant Candle

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5 December 2013, 14:56

Westerners signing good wishes for His Majesty the King on the occasion of his birthday in Ayutthaya, 5 December 2013

(5 December) Officials in Ayutthaya province said they had commissioned the creation of giant candle to mark the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King′s Birthday, which falls on 5 December.

Thais are encouraged by the authorities to hold candle-lit rallies in the evening of 5 December every year to express their goodwill to His Majesty the King.

Later tonight, administrative officials in Ayutthaya will unveil its own special candle for the occasion, with 3.99 metre in height, 499 kilogram in weight, and a diameter of 99 centimetre. Number 9 is considered a lucky number by the Thais, and it also corresponds to the title of His Majesty the King, the 9th monarchy of the Chakri dynasty.

Furthermore, the candle has been blessed by 9 famous monks from different temples in the province, offcials said, adding that it is "the biggest candle in the world ever dedicated to His Majesty the King".

A ceremony is also held at Panan Choeng Temple to celebrate HM King′s birthday. Over 3,000 people attended the event.

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Financial Ties With East Asia Grows Despite Protests

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5 December 2013, 14:18

Anti-government protesters listening to speeches at their campsite in Government Complex, northern Bangkok, 4 December 2013

(5 December) In spite of the ongoing political crisis which has affected Thailand′s tourism industry and other revenues, a number of Thai property developers is enjoying greater ties with investors from East Asian nations.

Thailand′s economy has been taking great tolls from the prolonged anti-government protests, which turned violent last week and only experienced a calming lull in recent days. Officials have previously revised the nations? projected economic growth, and warned that the damage could worsen if the protests continued in longer period of time.

But many investors based in China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, and South Korea are attracted by Thailand′s competitiveness as the kingdom is set to enter ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) with other neighbours in the Southeast Asia by 2015, Prachachat reported.

For instance, Mr. Sukit Traiwanapong, Vice President in International Department of the Thai Real Estate Association, said many Chinese investors are keen to invest in major tourist attraction sites, such as Phuket and Pattaya, in big projects such as condominiums, hotels, and commercial properties.

After meeting with investors and officials from China’s Gu?ngzh?u province and Macao, including a former Vice Chinese Premier, Mr. Sukit said that Chinese firms are likely to spend no less than 10 billion USD (approximately 4 trillion THB) in Thai’s property market and are looking for 16-48 Hectare beach-side lands.

“Chinese investors are looking for Thai partners as their government is promoting overseas investment.” said Mr. Sukit, who also added that “Thai law is clearer than those of Myanmar, and the property in many cities are cheaper than those in Singapore or Rangoon.”

Mr. Ponnarit Chuanchaisit, President of the Thai Real Estate Association, added that the Association had met with the Macao Real Estate Association, and had an in-depth conversation about the investment in Phuket.

“They believe that Thai property developers are open toward joint investment. They also enjoy the environment in Phuket and believe that they have the main customers group from their homeland to visit the area.” Said Mr. Ponnarit.

Meanwhile, a representative from Colliers International Thailand Property Consultants and Real Estate Advisors, also told Prachachat correspondent that the company had been in contact with investors from Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea.

Reportedly, these investors are inquiring about the investment in hotel, factories and cargo businesses both in long term and as joint-partners in various projects.

“The foreign Investors had arranged the budget of at least 200-2,000 million baht” said Colliers’ representative, “I have personally met with 3-4 Japanese investors who are currently trying to strike deals with their Thai counterparts”.

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Pattaya 'Massage Scammers' Steal 60,000 Baht

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4 December 2013, 20:05

(4 December) Three Indian tourists have notified the police in Pattaya that they had been robbed of 60,000 baht by a gang of female scammers who posed as masseurs.

According to the victims, two Thai women approached them while they were walking along Pattaya′s beach road. The women then reportedly offered them massage service, which the victims accepted. The victims were later taken to a parlour in South Pattaya.

Another woman joined the group there, the victims told police.

After a while, the Indians said, the masseurs told them to move to another massage room. The women reportedly left first, but when the victims followed, they could not find the women and quickly realised that their belongings and cash worth 60,000 baht had been stolen.

The scammers also replaced contents in their wallets with papers, the victims said.

Initial report revealed that the room was rented by an unidentified tenant. Police had assured the victims that they would urgently investigate the case and arrest the masseur gang as soon as possible.

Pattaya police have in the past arrested a gang of massage scammers who lured their victims into the parlour while another accomplice lurked under the massage bed and silently stole the victims? wallets left in their pants.

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Protesters Disrupt Flood Prevention Exhibit

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4 December 2013, 19:03

(4 December) A government-sponsored event showcasing the flood prevention project in Prachinburi province has been forced to end early after around 100 protesters stormed the venue.

The event, organised by government officials and held at Wang Sam Rarn Hotel in Sri Mahapho district, was intended to promote the water management overhaul, which is one of major policies adopted by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra following the incident of 2011 Great Flood.

But even before the show kicked off, a large group of protesters appeared at the hotel entrance with banners and loudspeakers mounted on vehicles, demanding the event to be cancelled. The protesters argued that the project might end up causing extensive flood in Prachinburi.

The crowd later grew more aggressive and pushed through the security barricades manned by the police into the venue, which was held inside the hotel, much to the bemusement of around 1,000 people who were waiting for the event to start.

The police attempted to negotiate the protesters into leaving the venue, begging them to hold the rally after listening to keynote speeches of the officials, but some responded by blowing their whistles in defiance. Many shouted that the event must be cancelled.

Eventually, the event organisers declared that they would no longer proceed with the event.

If approved, the flood prevention project is expected to cost 350 billion baht.

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