Street Clashes Dead Identified As 1 Student, 3 Redshirts

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2 December 2013, 20:56

(2 December) The victims who lost their lives during nighttime clashes between rival protesters in Ramkhamhaeng district of Bangkok have been identified as one student from Ramkhamhaeng University and three Redshirts protesters.

The clashes erupted when a group of anti-government protesters, mostly composed of Ramkhamhaeng students, approached the vicinity of Rajamangala Stadium, where thousands of pro-government Redshirts protesters were holding their rally.

The violence which involved beating rival protesters and vandalising public vehicles in the afternoon deteriorated into street battles as night fell. Explosions and gunfire echoed in the area throughout the night, which forced the Redshirts leadership to call off their rally in the morning, citing concerns for the safety of their protesters.

According to Prachatai, rescue workers at Erawan Centre said three individuals had been killed by the violence: Mr. Taweesak Bhodikaew, 21; Mr. Wisanu Paopu, 26; and Mr. Viroj Khemnark, 43.

Prachatai identified Mr. Taweesak as a student from Ramkhamhaeng University, while Mr. Wisanu and Mr. Viroj are described as Redshirts protesters.

Whether Mr. Taweesak was participating in the clashes with other anti-government students is not immediately clear. His father, Mr. Naramet Teerarangsikul, was quoted as saying that he did not want his son′s death to be used as political discourse or as a tool to discredit any particular side.

"I have been pressured to choose side, but I want to confirm that my son belonged to no side," Mr. Naramet reportedly said, adding that the matter is now under legal procedure and that he wished the country would return to peace in the near future.

Meanwhile, Ms. Thida Thavornseth, chairwoman of the Redshirts official leadership, told Prachatai that one more Redshirts protester had been killed. The victim had been identified as Private Thanasith Viengkam, 23. According to Ms. Thida, his funeral is now being held at Yang Temple, Soi Onnuj 23.

All victims died from gunshot wounds, the report says.

The deadly clashes at Ramkhamhaeng have been claimed by both anti-government and pro-government factions as proofs of brutality of the opposing side. Many in both factions also accuse the police of failing to intervene and put an end to the clashes in timely manner.

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Survey: 29% Have Unsafe Sex With Strangers

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2 December 2013, 20:03

Free condoms issued by Ministry of Public Health in Pitsanulok province

(2 December) 29% out of 200 samples surveyed by Disease Prevention Control Department have said they do not use condoms when they have sex with people other than their partners.

The survey was conducted online during the period of 1-30 November. The sample group answered a number of questions involving HIV/AIDS. and the result was announced by Mr. Cherdkiat Klaewkasikit, Director of the Risk of Communication and Health Behaviour Development, which operates under DPCD in Pitsanulok province.

The poll is expected to raise public awareness regarding the risks of HIV/AIDS in Thai society, said Mr. Cherdkiat, which would help curb infection rates, deaths, and improve understanding toward HIV/AIDS patients.

52% of the respondents says they are aware of their partners? previous sex experience with other people, but only 31% says they are confident that their partners always use condoms when having sex with other people.

Meanwhile, 62% says they are confident they will continue to have sex only with their partner throughout their relationship sure to have sex with a single partner.

In a disturbing revelation, 29% of respondents say they have had sexual intercourse with people other than their committed partners without condoms, and only 54% say they are capable of refusing unsafe sex.

Nearly half of the samples (47%) says they have their condoms ready in any situation, whereas 56% says they have previously tested their risk of having HIV.

Samples who have shared injection needles with other people stands at 9%.

Nearly three-fourth (73%) of the sample says they have learned that HIV/AIDs medicine is accessible to every Thai people and 83% knows that regularly consuming the medicine could prolong the lives of infected individuals. 39% knows that ingesting the anti-virus medicine could prevent the risks to pass the virus to other people.

77% says they would tell their family members if they were infected with HIV, whereas 9% says they have close friends and relatives who are having HIV and 49% knows someone who has HIV.

However, 14% says they would try to stay away from HIV patients, whom have been described as "disgusting" by 2% of the respondents. 4% say they feel disgust toward AIDS patients.

Three-fourth says they would like to have HIV/AIDs test if the service is available for free.

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PM Yingluck Dismisses Possibility Of Military Coup

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2 December 2013, 18:28

(2 December) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has hinted that she was willing to dissolve Parliament for the sake of the "happiness of the Thai people".

But she rejected to follow the demands of the anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, who called for the establishment of a "People′s Council" to transform the country to what Mr. Suthep describes as an "absolute democracy".

Ms. Yingluck made the remarks during a press conference earlier today, amidst the ongoing attempts by the anti-government protesters to unseat the government. A number of governmental offices and Ministries have been occupied by the protesters.

She insisted the government is not clinging to power at any cost. "We are ready to invite experts in laws and other fields, including ordinary people, to find solutions for our country, and to return the happiness to the people".

As for the demands of a "People′s Council" issued by the People′s Committee For Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), Ms. Yingluck said while she is open to all suggestions from the protesters, they must be within the boundary of the laws and the Constitution.

"Mr. Suthep′s demands cannot be supported by any laws," said Ms. Yingluck, "But let me stress that we are still open to all channels to solve the problem together".

Asked whether she fears the military would launch a coup against her government, as they had done so against her brother, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006, Ms. Yingluck replied that the 2006 military coup has led to violent confrontations and suffering which she believes no one wants to see such tragedy repeating itself.

The Prime Minister also claimed she is willing to consider resignation or House dissolution if the protesters agree to leave the governmental buildings and disperse their rallies.

When a reporter asked her how would she justify her resignation to the people who had elected her into office, Ms. Yingluck said, "whatever that can bring back happiness to the Thais, that is the majority voice of the people".

She added, "If the country can return to peace, I am willing to do it".

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Protesters' Campaign Of Press Intimidation Criticised

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2 December 2013, 17:20

Anti-government protesters breaking into a state TV station, 1 December 2013

(2 December) Media associations have spoken out against the campaign of widespread press intimidation by the hands of the anti-government protesters.

Anti-government protesters have besieged or entered the compounds of state televisions headquarters, which are Channel 3-11 and Thai PBS, accusing them of biased coverage of the protests.

The protests also demanded the channels to broadcast communiques issued by the protest leadership, which calls itself The People′s Committee For Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), and instructed them not to report any "pro-government" contents.

But a number of media organisations in Thailand, including the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (ThaiBJA) and Thai Journalist Associations (TJA), has jointly issued a statement today decrying actions of the PCAD, calling them "intimidation" of the freedom of the press and "contradictory to the principle of democratic system".

Furthermore, the statement called on the anti-government protesters to cease their hostile acts against members of the press.

It also advised the media agencies to halt all their broadcasting operations rather than giving in to protesters? demands that they broadcast their choice of materials. The advice follows the incident of state-owned TV channels agreeing to broadcast live statement of PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban on their airtime, after the channels have been surrounded by the protesters.

"Editors and members of the press in all TV stations must stand by their principle [of press freedom]," the statement reads, "Especially the Thai PBS station, which is a public-funded media with its commitment to impartiality enshrined by the laws".

The anti-government protests have additionally drawn criticism from international media freedom advocates in the wake of the protesters? physical and verbal assault on a German freelance photojournalist, Mr. Nick Nostitz, last week after a protest leader accused Mr. Nostitz of being a pro-government journalist.

One of the condemnations came from Reporters Without Borders, which describes the attack on Mr. Nostitz as "unacceptable".

"This kind of attack on a reporter who had an armband clearly identifying him as a journalist casts serious doubt on the protest movement’s legitimacy," the organisation says in a statement.

Moreover, the statement notes that while there is a lack of impartial state TV coverage of the protests, "this does not give demonstrators grounds for focusing their frustration with the government on the media".

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PM Yingluck Begs Protesters to Leave Her Son Alone

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30 November 2013, 15:15

(30 November) A group of anti-government protesters has attempted to ambush the 11 year old son of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at his school.

A source inside Prime Minister′s security team told Khaosod that some parents at the school who are hostile to the government have organised the campaign to blow their whistles at the boy, Supasek Amornchat, when he arrives at the school.

The group also sometimes shouted verbal abuse at Ms. Yingluck′s son, but the source did not say how long has the practice been going on.

In an emotional plea on Saturday, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra urged parents of other children at school to leave her son alone.

"I beg, if you have children you?ll understand the heart of a mother. If you?re angry, please make it all about me." she said.

The latest incident of harassment was said to take place on the afternoon of 28 November, when a black pick-up truck, bearing license plate registered in Surat Thani province – a stronghold of the Democrat-led anti-government protests – pulled up at the school compound.

4-5 men wearing black shirts with Thai flag headband were seen sitting inside the car, but they left the school as soon as a security guard approached them to inquire about their visit. Security officials believe the men were planning to ambush PM Yingluck′s son with their symbolic protests.

Police officers in Wang Thong Lang district of Bangkok also told Khaosod that there had been a bomb threat made to a school in the area where Supasek regularly attends for tutorial sessions.

However, Mr.Michael Farley, the Head Master of Harrow International School in Bangkok has made statement that "rumours" circulating about politically motivated attempted security breaches at School are untrue. Nevertheless he request that all parents support the School by ensuring that no politics are brought on Campus.

But few days later, Mr. Farley issued an email to parents acknowledging that there have indeed been a small number of political gestures being made at the school in the past few days.

In the email, which was reviewed by Khaosod, Mr. Farley admitted that there has been whistling and name calling aimed at "student from a prominent family and his security staff".

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Songkhla Protesters Storm Highspeed Rail Exhibit

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30 November 2013, 09:12

(30 November) Hundreds of anti-government protesters in Songkhla province have stormed the venue of roadshow exhibition promoting the government′s plan to construct high-speed rail system.

The transportation overhaul project, which is expected cost 2.2 trillion baht and due to complete in 2020, is opposed by critics of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Transport Minister Chatchart Sittipan and Minister of Finance Kittirat na Ranong were slated to give keynote speeches at the exhibition in Songkhla, but security concerns have forced the government to assign the role to the Governor of Songkhla and a high ranking official from the Ministry of Transport.

Before the show started, however, 400 protesters rushed into the exhibition hall, occupying the stage and giving speeches critical of the government. A protest leader said it is unacceptable if a corrupt government is allowed to organise such events in Songkhla.

The protesters also unfurled a banner which alleged that the 2.2 trillion baht project is a potential ground for massive corruption.

Mr. Krisada Boonraj, Governor of Songkhla, later went on stage and assured the protesters that no Cabinet member would be attending the exhibition. He also offered to cancel the events for the day in exchange with the protesters? departure from the exhibition hall, which was agreed by the protesters.

However, the protesters also erected a stage just outside the exhibition hall where they continued to rally. Scores of police officers kept close watch of the protesters nearby.

The latest wave of political tumult has brought doubts over the fate of the highspeed rail project. Ms. Yingluck was quoted as telling the Ambassador of the United Kingdom yesterday that the project might be "delayed".

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Film Makers Sorry For Lingerie-Clad Lantern Scene

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30 November 2013, 08:37

(30 November) Facing criticism from conservative activists and Netizens, the producers of the ghost-comedy film ?Oh! My Ghost? have issued an apology over a scene in which the characters released a traditional balloon lantern attached with a set of women underwear.

The scene was criticised by many on the social network as insulting toward the culture of the northern region, the original home of the ?Yee Peng? hot-air lantern, which is now popular in other parts of Thailand.

Mr. Natee Teerarojanapong, a well-known conservative activist, also staged a protest with his group ?Civilised Chiang Mai? in Chiang Mai province. He called the lingerie-lantern scene a "blasphemy", since it disrespect local religious and cultural beliefs.

He called on the state censorship authorities to work harder to ensure that all cultural or traditional objects were portrayed appropriately in movies. "If any film maker would like to use any custom or tradition in their film, they should have carefully studied about the practice," Mr. Natee was quoted as saying.

Mr. Natee added, "The destruction of Thai culture is not caused by outsiders or foreigners, but it is caused by Thais who lack the consciousness of their own art and culture"

For many Thais, women underwear is seen as a lowly object.
Meanwhile, Sahamongkol Film International and WorkPoint Picture, the firms behind the making of "Oh! My Ghost” have issued an apology.

Citing that the scene may “disparage beliefs or disrespect norms and culture”, the firms, including the director, actors and crews expressed their sincere apology for not considering the issue thoughtfully, the statement reads.

In response, the crew will remove the scene from the movie, which was already released to many cinemas. However, the statement warned that the scene may still appear in some cinemas due to technical difficulties.

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UK Ambassador Cautions Thais Against Confrontation

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30 November 2013, 08:05

BANGKOK — (30 November) The British Ambassador to Thailand, Mr. Mark Kent, has expressed his concerns over the political unrest during his visit to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday.

According to Mr. Teerat Rattanasevi, Prime Minister Office Spokesman, Mr. Kent had discussed with Ms. Yingluck about the current political situation in the country after the protest had occupied many administrative headquarters throughout Bangkok.

“The British Ambassador said he wishes to see the negotiation between the government and the anti-government protesters. He also stated that Britain support political protests as a feature of democratic nation, but they must be within the boundary of the laws,” the government spokesman said.

Mr. Teerat added that “Mr. Kent disagreed with the occupying of government administrative offices, at which point the Prime Minister assured him that the Thai government will not use force against the protesters”.

“The Prime Minister also wishes to see the negotiation to avoid the confrontation between two sides, which is very well agreed by the British Ambassador,” said Mr. Teerat.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister reportedly insisted to Mr. Kent that many government offices can still operate properly, despite the occupation.

However, according to Mr. Teerat, Ms. Yingluck replied to Mr. Kent′s question regarding the two-trillion baht infrastructure development scheme that the government may have to delay its proposal at this time.

The United Kingdom is not the only nation expressing its concerns over the ongoing crisis, as the United States, the United Nations and China have previously sent letters to the Prime Minister asking for negotiations between the Government and the protesters.

However, anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has rejected any chance of negotiation with the government.

China Praises Yingluck's 'Restrained' Measures

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28 November 2013, 22:26

(28 November) The Chinese Ambassador to Thailand has praised Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra′s reluctance to employ violence against the anti-government protesters who had occupied a number of governmental buildings in Bangkok.

In his visit to Government House yesterday – just a few blocks away from the main campsite of the protesters – Mr. Ning Fukui said he was glad to see that Ms. Yingluck is handling the ongoing crisis in a peaceful, restrained manner.

During the meeting, both the Chinese ambassador and Thai leader discussed the two countries? warm relations and touched on the possibility of the future infrastructure development. The Chinese government has previously offered to assist Thailand in its 2.2 trillion baht investment on construction of public transportation, including high-speed rail.

Mr. Ning said he was deeply concerned by the protests, which saw anti-government protesters led by former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban seizing or besieging headquarters of four Ministries in Bangkok.

He also offered to assume the role of the mediator to solve the current political turmoil within the principle of Thai democracy.

Mr. Sukree Sitthiwanich, deputy Governor for Policy and Marketing Plan, Tourism authority of Thailand, also announced this morning that 28 countries have already issued travel warnings for their citizens concerning the political crisis in Thailand. Among the latest were Russia, Australia, Ireland, Switzerland, and Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon, expressed his concern about the rising tension in Bangkok, according to his spokesman.

"The secretary-general calls on all sides to exercise the utmost restraint, refrain from the use of violence and to show full respect for the rule of law and human rights," the statement noted.

However, the anti-government protesters, who are seeking to overthrow the government of PM Yingluck, show no sign of backing down; the protesters appear to be increasingly confrontational in their campaign against the government by launching additional protests against several provincial town halls.

Earlier today, the protesters went as far as cutting electricity to the compound of the Royal Thai Police headquarters in central Bangkok. A public hospital which locates on the same compound was affected by the blackout, leading to an urgent evacuation of its patients.

The police have made no attempt to disperse the protesters.

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Pheu Thai MPs Stayed Overnight For Confidence Vote

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28 November 2013, 22:22

(28 November) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra survived the no-confidence vote following two-day debate in Parliament, with anti-government protests raging just few intersections away outside the building.

Ms. Yingluck comfortably won the votes of 297 to 134 to remain in her position.

Mr. Jarupong Ruengsuwan, Minister of Interior, also made it through a no-confident vote after he won 296 to 135 votes.

Acknowledging the result, Mr. Jarupong glanced to the Prime Minister and gave her a thumb up and a smile.

After the vote, Mr. Somsak Kiatsuranon, the speaker of the House of Representatives, reported the overall performance, before Mr. Wichak Nakwatchara, secretary-general of the House, closed the meeting within 15 minutes.

The apparent haste of the procedure reflects the fear prevalent among Pheu Thai Party members that the opposition party might initiate a surprise tactic to disrupt the parliamentary vote.

Leaders of Pheu Thai Party had even instructed their MPs to spend the night inside Parliament compound prior to the vote, out of concern that the Democrat Party might prevent the Pheu Thai MPs from entering Parliament later.

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