Citing Protests, Thai Airways Lowers Revenue Goals

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4 December 2013, 18:07

Hundreds of Thai Airways staff during their brief rally against government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra last month

(4 November) Thai Airways International is planning to revise its annual revenue goal due to the political crisis that has greatly affected influx of air travels into Thailand, said its president, Mr. Sorajak Kasemsuwan.

According to THAI President, its routes from China, Europe, Australia and Hong Kong were hugely affected after many nations issued warnings for their citizens regarding their safety in Thailand.

“I must admit that we have been affected a lot by the current political situation, especially our routes from China, Europe, Australia and Hong Kong, which has issued a ?red? Thailand travel warning to its citizens” said Mr. Sorajak.

He added, “Therefore, we are not yet able to reveal the annual revenue as the company is revising the profit on Friday.”

In its Q3 revenue, the state-owned Thai Airways has lost 6.194 billion baht, resulting in a total loss of 6.35 billion baht in its first 9 months performance. In contrast, last year it gained 1.744 billion baht in profit, and 5.436 billion baht in the first 9 months.

Despite the company’s diminishing performance, Mr. Sorajak is still optimistic about the company’s 2014 Q1 revenue as he believes the clashes between the government and its opposition would end soon.

The THAI President also declared that he had instructed his officers to protect its customers information, after several leaks of flight information concerning members of the Shinawatra family.

In one incident, anti-government protesters, who are self-sworn enemies of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister, PM Yingluck Shinawatra, have widely shared the leaked flight data of Mr. Thaksin′s daughters, revealing that she has brought many suitcases with her to London.

"Passengers’ information must be secured in accordance with the airline’s international standard," said Mr. Sorajak.

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Govt Slams Suthep's Call For Royal Intervention

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4 December 2013, 16:24

Anti-government protesters attempting to climb over the fence of Royal Thai Police headquarters in downtown Bangkok, 4 December 2013

(4 December) Top government officials have spoken out against the anti-government protest leaders? call for a royally-appointed Prime Minister to replace Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

After a week of intense campaign to overthrow the government of Ms. Yingluck, the protest leader, former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban last night announced his intention to pursue the invocation of Article 7 of the 2007 Constitution, which Mr. Suthep said permits His Majesty the King to appoint a Prime Minister of his own discretion.

The said article reads, "Whenever no provision of this Constitution is applicable to any case, it shall be decided in accordance with the Constitutional practice in the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of the State".

Mr. Suthep also repeated his proposal of an unelected ?People′s Council? to be established as the governing body of the nation instead of Ms. Yingluck′s elected government. However, details of the ?People′s Council?, such as its potential members or boundary of powers, remain vague. Mr. Suthep has hinted that representatives of different occupation would be selected.

Furthermore, Mr. Suthep has announced his campaign to overthrow ?Thaksin Regime? will not be over even after Ms. Yingluck resigned or dissolved the Parliament, arguing that Thailand needs a radical restructuring to uproot the alleged evils committed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of Ms. Yingluck, who was ousted in a 2006 military coup but is still wielding considerable influence in Thai politics.

Anti-government protesters – banded under the name People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State (PCAD) – are known for their royalist rhetoric. Many protesters and their leaders have previously accused Mr. Thaksin of plotting against the Thai monarchy.

Allies of Ms. Yingluck are quick to criticise Mr. Suthep′s proposals.

Mr. Warathep Rattanakorn, Minister of the Prime Minister′s Office, said an appointed leader under Article 7 would be directly against the electoral system of the country, and therefore unconstitutional.

He also questioned the validity of the ?People′s Council? proposed by Mr. Suthep. "Mr. Suthep claimed he wanted a government that truly represents the people," Mr. Warathep said, "But I?d like to ask him whether it would include more than 10 million people who have voted for Pheu Thai-led Party."

Mr. Warathep warned that an unelected leader would only cause further cycles of chaos, since the majority of the people prefer a solution under constitutional procedure. "The Prime Minister came with her legitimacy. If she has lost it, she must lose it under constitutional practice, not because Mr. Suthep has demanded so".

Asked whether invocation of Article 7 would amount to breaching the boundary of His Majesty the King′s power under a Constitutional Monarchy, Mr. Warathep replied that he does not want to comment on the matter "especially in the auspicious celebratory period of His Majesty the King′s Birthday," which falls on 5 December.

Mr. Jarupong Ruangsuwan, Minister of Interior Affairs and chairman of Pheu Thai Party, likewise dismissed Mr. Suthep′s pursuit of Article 7 as unconstitutional.

"How could we proceed with it when the Prime Minister is still here and she has done nothing wrong?" Mr. Jarupong told reporters, "At most, the way out of the current political situation is to dissolve the House and call for a new election. It′s something the government can do," therefore there is no need for an extra-constitutional solution proposed by Mr. Suthep.

He continued, "I?d like to invite Mr. Suthep and the Democrat Party to talk with us. Talk, then listen to the opinion of the majority according to rule of the majority. They should stop clinging to their minority mandate and starting all these fights. The world is laughing at us".

However, Mr. Ekkanat Prompan, spokesman of the PCAD, said the call for a royally-appointed Prime Minister is perfectly constitutional.

When a reporter asked him whether the move would be against the democratic system, Mr. Ekkanat shot back, "How could it be?"

He also alleged that it was the government who acted in contradiction with a democratic system when it refused to accept the ruling of the Constitutional Court last month.

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Trat Boat Providers Protest New 'Diving Fee'

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4 December 2013, 15:40

(4 December) Around 200 boat service providers in Trat province have rallied against a new ?diving fee? regulation imposed by Director of Mu Koh Chang National Park.

According to the group, the director, Mr. Weera Khunchaisak, has instructed the park officials to charge tourists who wish to dive in Mu Koh Rang area for ?diving fees? from 1 December onward.

Reportedly, foreign tourists aged 3-14 must pay 100 baht per person and those above 14 are required to pay 200 baht per person as diving fees. Meanwhile, Thai tourists are charged a much lower price: 40 baht per adult and 20 baht per child.

The group of boat providers explained to our correspondent that the rate was imposed without any notification to the foreign tourists, and boat providers were tasked in collecting the fees from the tourists, instead of park officials.

The protesters also demanded that Mr. Weera resign from his position.

Mr. Peera Eiamsoonthorn, District Chief of Koh Chang, later met with the protesters and promised to negotiate with relevant agencies on their behalf.

Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Mr. Samak Donnapee, told our correspondent that the new entrance fee is aimed to help his department to raise fund for the park’s maintenance, such as cleanup of the area.

However, Mr. Samak said, the department has decided to postpone the regulation to be in effect from 1 June 2014.

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We Only Serve As Dialogue Mediator: Navy Chief

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4 December 2013, 13:52

An anti-government protester in front of Government House, 3 December 2013

(4 December) Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy has insisted the military did not pressure the government into any negotiation with the anti-government protest leaders.

Admiral Narong Pipattanasai also stressed that the armed force did not push for any condition to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra when she sat for dialogue with the leader of the protesters, former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban, earlier this week.

"The military served only as a mediator," said Admiral Narong.

His comment came at a time when many observers of Thai politics are frantically searching for clues what has been said behind the closed doors between PM Yingluck, Mr. Suthep, and the military chiefs.

The government′s silence on the full contents of the negotiation only adds to the suspense; it was Mr. Suthep who announced he had met and talked with Ms. Yingluck in the presence of commander-in-chiefs of the armed forces.

The inclusion of the military top brass led to speculation that the military, who has ousted Ms. Yingluck′s brother former PM Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006, might be yet again pressuring the government to resign.

But Admiral Narong was adamant during the press conference at the Navy headquarters earlier today that the armed forces are not contemplating another military coup, even if the government and the protesters failed to reach an agreement.

"We have had many lessons about this in the past," Admiral Narong said, "I don?t want such thing to happen again".

The Admiral added that the chiefs of the three military branches had already discussed about the coup d?eta and all of them had come to conclusion that the armed forces will not take any leading role in the ongoing political crisis.

The Navy commander-in-chief also told reporters that the situation has not reached a "dead end", and expressed his belief that politicians and academics in political science are better equipped in guiding the nation out of the crisis peacefully than the military.

"The armed forces are not experts in politics. We cannot give any advice," the Navy chief said, "As far as I have listened from many academics and private sector representatives, there are many ways that could be good solutions. It depends on both sides which way they would choose".

"But the military, especially the navy, are not involved or having any role in this event. We are trying to be in an appropriate position," Admiral Narong stressed.

Nevertheless, he hinted that more negotiations are underway after 5 December – His Majesty the King′s Birthday – but said he could not give any details and directed the media to inquire Gen. Thanasak Patiprakorn, Chief of the Defence Forces, instead as he was the military chief who organised the dialogue sessions.

"The previous dialogues were good starts," said Admiral Narong, "I believe the situation will return to normalcy very soon".

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Roi Et Woman Killed By Neighbour's Rottweilers

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3 December 2013, 20:25

(3 December) Three Rottweiler dogs have attacked and killed a 69 year old woman in Roi Et province.

Ms. Thongchan Onchaphew was mauled by the dogs until she fell and hit her head with the pavements on 30 November, according to her son, Mr. Banjong Onchaphew.

Mr. Banjong said his mother was on her way to a nearby market when the dogs spotted her and rushed out from a neighbour′s house, as the owner did not chain them inside the house.

After Ms. Thongchan fell down and was knocked unconscious, Good Samaritans in the area brought her to Suvarnabhumi hospital. Due to her severe condition, she was later transferred to Roi Et Hospital, where she died.

Medical personnel identified Ms. Thongchan’s causes of death as severe head injuries and Septicaemia.

Mr. Banjong said he would pursue legal prosecutions against the dogs’ owner to the very end, adding that the dogs had previously escaped the house and attacked many people whenever their owner forgot to lock the door or chain them inside.

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Protests Cost Thai Tourism 'Over 25 Billion Baht'

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3 December 2013, 18:51

(3 December) Thailand′s tourism industry is expected to lose over 25 billion baht in revenues due to the prolonged protests against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, which turned violent in recent days.

Ms. Piyaman Techapaiboon, President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (ICT), said on Monday in the meeting with 6 other financial organisations that number of tourists is expected to fall 8-10% in December.

The falling number, which resulted in 500,000 tourists approximately, was revealed after 68 countries issued warnings to their citizens about the current political clashes in Thailand. However, in November 2013 alone, the country welcomed 11% more tourists than it had last year.

Prior to the political crisis, Thailand was originally projected to welcome 21.6 million tourists to bring in 1.18 trillion baht in 2013.

During the same meeting, a statement demanding every party to solve the current political crisis in a peaceful and democratic way was also announced by the attending 7 organisations.

The 7 organisations were the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), The Thai Bankers Association (TBA), Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) , Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations (FETCO), The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and Thai Listed Company Association (ThaiLCA).

“The current political situation had harmed our economy and social structure. It had also harmed investors’ confidence in trade, industry, consumption, tourism and investment," the statement reads.

"We, representing the public sector, demand every party to stop the conflict and to stop any movement that may lead to further destruction. The current situation had resulted on the loss of lives, properties and national economy. It may as well continue to escalate without an end” said Mr. Isara Vongkusolkit, representative from the TCC.

Mr. Phayungsak Chatsuthiphon, Chaiman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), commented that the political turmoil had worsened the economy more that the floods in 2011, as it laid bare the problems in Thai politics and social structure.

Many investors expressed their uncertainty to invest in a country where rule of law is ineffective, and tend to hold their investment in Thailand or move to other countries, said Mr. Phayingsak, who additionally warned that Thailand’s competitiveness could fall behind its ASEAN counterparts, namely, Indonesia, Vietnam and even Myanmar.

Bangkok has also seen a decrease of foreign tourists arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport in November and early Devember, said Mr. Somsak Pureesrisak, Minister of Tourism and Sport.

Currently, the nation’s main airport is receiving 49,000 tourists a day, 1,000 less than its usual time. Moreover, many tourists arriving at the airport also tend to board another plane to other tourists destination, for instance, Chiang Mai and Phuket, to avoid the chaos in Bangkok.

However, the Tourism and Sport Minister said they need to monitor the situation a little longer before they can conclude how the situation would end. He added that he feared Thailand may experience falling popularity among foreigners if the political crisis is not solved in timely manner.

“We have instructed the Ministry’s permanent secretary to appoint every organisation, particularly the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to support tourists facing any domestic problems, including the political turmoil," said Mr. Somsak, "TAT also has, on its website, an explanation and information regarding the protests"

The TAT is providing 24 hour a day services for coordination among different agencies and information for visitors, Mr. Somsak added.

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Royal Princess Delivers Gifts To Injured Protesters

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3 December 2013, 17:01

Anti-government protesters lighting fire to a red shirt worn by a pro-government protester in Ramkhamhaeng district, 30 November 2013

(3 December) A representative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has delivered gifts to protesters injured by clashes with the police in Bangkok on the princess? behalf.

Thanpuying Rawichit Suwannabuppha said HRH Sirindhorn has instructed her to follow up on the conditions of every wounded individual who is currently admitted to Ramathibodi Hospital. According to Thanpuying Rawitchit, the princess would also like to express her encouragement and blessing to the injured protesters.

The hospital has received wounded protesters from both the clashes between pro-government and anti-government protesters which erupted near Ramkhamhaeng University on 30 November, and the battles between police and the anti-government protesters around Government House over the weekend.

Thanpuying Rawichit, who also serves as deputy secretary to Her Majesty the Queen, said HRH Princess Sirindhorn is particularly concerned over the clashes around Ramkhamhaeng University as Her Royal Highness has visited the University every year to hand out diplomas to the graduates.

"I will bring the details of every injured person to report to the princess," Thanpuying Rawichit told reporters, adding that HRH Princess Sirindhorn has offered to personally pay the medical bills for any conditions of the protesters which are not covered under the national health insurance program.

According to Thanpuying Rawichit, the princess is also worried about a protester who had been shot through the stomach and is now at risk of permanent paralysed conditions.

The clashes in Ramkhamhaeng killed at least 4 people; one has been identified as a student, and three others as members of the Redshirts protesters, who were rallying in Rajamangala Stadium.

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State Railway Governor's Train Derailed In Lamphun

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3 December 2013, 15:59

LAMPHUN — The safety demonstration of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) of its newly repaired tracks has ended in an embarrassing failure when the train carrying the SRT director derailed en route to Chiang Mai province yesterday.

Prapat Chongsanguan and his entourage were riding on the third carriage of the train, which departed from Bangkok on 1 December as an effort of the SRT to show that their northern route is now operating again after weeks of repair works.

The repair operation along the northern route followed series of train derailment occurring on the route in the past year.

However, the train derailed 100 metres away from a train station in Lamphun. No injuries have been reported, as the train was slowing its speed during its approach to the train station.

Witnesses at the station said a technician prematurely switched the tracks under the incoming train before the entire train went past the switching position, causing the third and last carriage, where Mr. Prapat and his entourage along with members of the press were riding, to derail.

After the incident, Mr. Prapat and other officials traveled to their destination in Chiang Mai province by cars. He refused to answer questions from reporters, and appeared to be visibly distraught by the accident.

Technicians spent 5 hours removing the derailed carriage, and few more hours in fixing the rail track. The line was reopened in the evening.

Police Water Cannon 'Not Chemical Weapon'

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3 December 2013, 14:49

(3 December) A public health official has dismissed reports that water cannon used by the police in clashes with the anti-government protesters contained hazardous chemicals.

Throughout much of the clashes over the weekend near Government House the police employed water cannon and tear gas in fighting off waves of protesters, but anti-government media have questioned the use of the high-pressure purple-coloured water by the police.

A number of protesters also reported receiving skin injuries from the water, leading to speculation that the water might contain tear gas or other "chemical weapons".

But Ms. Chantana Padungtos, MD, an official from Department of Disease Control which operates under Ministry of Public Health, said the water has been mixed with a colourful and hard-to-clean chemical in order to identify the aggressive protesters and arrest them later, if the police chose to do so.

She identified chemicals in the water as Potassium permanganate, which many Thais uses as the chemical to wash their market fresh fruits, and Sodium thiosulphate, which Ms. Chantana said was mixed in the water for a better propelling effect.

Nevertheless, Ms. Chantana said, the two chemicals can cause a mild level of sulfur dioxide that can result in skin irritation. "The purple water is not chemical weapon," she stressed, "Its acid density is only slightly higher than vinegar".

She added, "And no tear gas was mixed into the water because tear gas cannot be used in water"

The official described the measure as one of universal crowd control methods, along with pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets.

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Thammasat Academics Defy Rector's Closure Order

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3 December 2013, 13:17

Student activists mockingly placed a sign over lecture hall to announce that the aim of Thammasat University is to serve Democrat Party, which is leading the ongoing anti-government protests

(3 December) A group of prominent academics have hosted their own lecture session in the Rangsit Campus of Thammasat University in defiance of its rector′s instruction to close down the university.

The rector of Thammasat, Mr. Somkid Lertpaitoon, has previously announced the closure of Thammasat campuses from 2-4 December, citing security concerns over the escalating anti-government protests in Bangkok.

But a group of dissenting lecturers in Thammasat view the instruction as the cooperation with anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, who has called for a nationwide strike by bureaucrats and closure of all universities to pressure the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into resigning.

Known as ?Nitirart? or ?The Enlightened Jurists?, the academics have in the past campaigned for a more liberal change to Thai political system, such as the amendment of the draconic lese majeste laws, and spoken out against Mr. Somkid′s alleged conspiracy with anti-government factions.

Members of the Nitirart group, such as Mr. Worachet Pakeerut, Ms. Yukti Mukdawijitra, and Mr. Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, told the crowd of students who gathered to hear their lectures at Social Sciences lecturer hall that Mr. Somkid′s order to close down the university is unacceptable as it leads to impression that Thammsat University has taken a side in the political crisis.

The academics have advertised their out-of-classroom lecture as a special session to teach the students about democratic system contrasted to the one propagated by the anti-government protest leadership, which called itself the People′s Committee For Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

Many Thammasat students attended the session.

During the lecture, Mr. Piyabutr criticised Mr. Somkid′s suggestion that Ms. Yingluck should resign and appoint an unelected Prime Minister to take charge of the country.

Mr. Piyabutr, a law lecturer, said the suggestion is completely unconstitutional because the 2007 Constitution does not allow the possibility of an unelected Prime Minister, according to report from Prachatai.

Prachatai also quoted another Nitirart member, Mr. Worachet, as saying that the PCAD′s demand of a "People′s Council" to be established is likewise impossible under the current constitution. The constitution recognised the people′s participation via electing the MPs, the Senators, and casting votes in referendum, but it said nothing of an unelected council to rule the country, Mr. Worachet said.

Mr. Worachet added that the rector′s call for an unelected Prime Minister is not based on any academic principle and can be seen as supportive of an extra-judicial political change.

Another act of defiance against Mr. Somkid took place at another building in Rangsit Campus of Thammasat University, when a group of student activists attempted to lower the Thai national flag from its pole and replace it with a black flag.

The students said the act symbolised the death of Thammasat University as a beacon of democracy for Thailand following its rector′s alleged collusion with anti-democracy forces.

They also tried to explain to the security guards that Thammasat students had previously raised a black flag over their university during the student uprising against military dictatorship in October 1973. However, after a brief struggle, the guards eventually succeeded in preventing the students from hoisting the black flag.

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