Protesters Reach Govt House

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9 December 2013, 12:34

Anti-government protesters shouting abuse at police officers inside Government House compound.

(12.50) Anti-government protesters led by former Democrat MPs are now besieging Government House, their target for the massive demonstrations today.

Very few police officers are visible around the Government House
compound, our correspondent says. Most of the officers have now retreated to their positions inside
the buildings, while thousands of protesters are just outside the
compound.

The
protesters are occupying various roads around the government office, such as Pitsanulok Road and
Royal Plaza, their ranks increasingly swelling by the minute as they are joined demonstrations from
other areas of Bangkok.

The demonstrators are being led by a number of former Democrat MPs who resigned from their
position just yesterday.

All
exits and entrances of Government House are blocked by the protesters who were instructed by their
leaders not to let the police force to leave the compound.

Protest leaders on their
loudspeaker-vehicles have told the protesters to hold their ground and wait for a ?declaration of
victory? from PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

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Citing Democratic Principles, Yingluck Dissolves House

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Khaosod English

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9 December 2013, 09:37

(9 December) Prime Minister Yingluck has told the nation she will dissolve Parliament to let the Thai people decide the outcome of the ongoing political crisis with democratic means.

Ms. Yingluck′s announcement was made on live television broadcast at a time of high tension in Thailand; all opposition MPs just announced their resignation in protest yesterday, and the anti-government protesters were set to march from various rally sites in Bangkok toward Government House in the bid to unseat her.

In her speech, she defended her government as a hard-working and democratic one. The Prime Minister also claimed her government has been pursuing a compromise with the anti-government faction, even going as far as offering to hold a referendum on the idea of ?People′s Council? proposed by protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban.

Nevertheless, Ms. Yingluck said, she has decided to give back the power to the people by calling a new election and dissolving the House "which is a democratic way, letting the people to decide which path the majority of the people wants to see"

She added that she would like to invite all parties and all groups to use the upcoming election as the means to pursue their political goals.

Ms. Yingluck also told the nation she and her cabinet would stay in power as caretakers until the next election.
Although Ms. Yingluck has not set the date for next election, Khaosod has been told by a source that the polls would likely take place on 2 February 2014.

However, as of 10.00 today, anti-government protesters have refused to disperse, and they have begun their demonstrations across Bangkok as planned. Anti-government protest leaders have previously demanded the establishment of an unelected ?People′s Council? to rule Thailand instead of another election which, they said, would still be won by Ms. Yingluck′s allies.

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Rector's Leaked Message Predicts Suthep's Gameplan

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Khaosod English

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7 December 2013, 19:57

(7 December) The Rector of Thammasat University has been accused of secretly collaborating with anti-government protest leaders after leaked screenshot of his chat application correctly predicts the protesters? next move.

The protesters, led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State (PCAD), had refrained from marching out of their protest camps since His Majesty the King′s Birthday, providing Bangkok with a brief lull following a week of confrontation when the protesters clashed with riot police in governmental district.

But when, a leaked screenshot shows, Thammasat University′s Rector Somkid Lertpaithoon was asked in a LINE group chat what the next gameplan of the protesters could be, he instantly casually that "nothing much" would happen on 6 December, and said the real move would come on 9 December.

On that day, Mr. Somkid said in the screenshot, the protesters would attempt to "shutdown Bangkok" following two days of demonstration on 7-8 December.

The news came less than a week after a group of student activists staged a protest in Rangsit Campus of Thammasat University to denounce Mr. Somkid′s decision to close down the university earlier this week.

While Mr. Somkid claimed he did so out of safety concerns amid the political chaos in Bangkok, the activists charged that the closure announcement coincides with PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban′s call for a nationwide strike and shutdown of education establishments.

The screenshot of the chat was also seized by critics of Mr. Somkid as further evidence of his conspiracy with the protest leaders.

Speaking to Khaosod, Mr. Somkid confirmed the screenshot was real, but denied he possessed any inside knowledge of the protest leaders, explaining that he merely repeated what he had been told by his colleagues, and he did not know whether the rumour was true.

"I was just talking without any agenda," Mr. Somkid said, "If I knew the events beforehand where the protesters would go, I would be a genius, and I would have joined Mr. Suthep′s strategic advisers already".

The Rector also told our correspondent his actions or words might appear to coincide with the anti-government protesters?, but it is because he had proposed them even before the protest started. "I have been talking about House dissolution and [Prime Minister′s] resignation before Mr. Suthep did. He just copied my formula, and people think I collaborated with Mr. Suthep. That is not true."

He added, "Some people just want to attack me" with smear campaign.

However, his discussion of Mr. Suthep′s next move was proven to be accurate later in the evening when Mr. Suthep himself announced the plan to mobilise his supporters over the weekend for a "final showdown" on 9 December.

PCAD leader promised a shutdown of "every street" in the capital city, as he expected "millions" of protesters to come out of their offices and homes to join their "final" march on Government House. Mr. Suthep said he was confident he would achieve "victory" within a single day.

The coincidence led Mr. Jatupon Prompan, a leader of the Redshirts official organisation, to quip during a press conference today that Thammasat is no longer a bastion of freedom and democracy when its Rector is cooperating with what Mr. Jatupon described as anti-democracy protesters.

"He can claim he merely repeated what people have been sharing, but it doesn?t make sense," Mr. Jatupon said, "He′s been collaborating with Mr. Suthep all along".

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Protests Bad For Children's Health: Official

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Khaosod English

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7 December 2013, 16:32

(7 December) The Department of Mental Health has warned parents that bringing their young children to protest camps may harm the kids? physical and mental health.

Anti-government protesters led by People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State (PCAD) have been camping in a number of sites around Bangkok, such as Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the Government Complex. Some parents have been seen attending the prolonged protest with their children.

But Dr. Jetsada Chokedamrongsuk, Director-General of the Mental Health Department, said it is not advisable to bring small children to such crowded protests as the events can be harmful to the kids. "Young children are easily infected by germs, and they have a higher risk of suffering from heat stress or exhaustion".

The demanding nature of the protests, with extreme temperatures in various times of the day and the overnight political activities, will also disrupt the sleeping pattern of young children, Dr. Jessada said.

Dr. Jessada added, “Parents should spend their free-time daily with their small children in a relaxing environment," instead of bringing them to political rallies.

He said any parents or children suffering from exhaustion or depression caused by their stay in the protest sites are advised to call Department of mental Health hotline via the number 1323 at any time.

Furthermore, Dr. Jessada said, the ongoing political confrontation would also expose young children at home with aggressive, impolite rhetoric uttered by protest leaders when they watch television.

However, according to the official, the department does encourage parents to allow their children to engage in political debate within the family. In a statement, the department suggested that ‘parents should notice how children react to the news and engage them in discussion where they can voice their ideas’.

The statement also advised parents to be open about different perspectives from their children and allow them to explain and propose ideas freely.

"Parents should look toward the issue positively and be tolerant about alternatives ideas," the statement went on ,"And at the same time, they should use appropriate language when communicating with the kids or use books and word cards to help them understand the situation better".

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Man, Angry At Ex-Wife, 'Kills Her Stepson'

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Khaosod English

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7 December 2013, 15:29

Mr. Usman Salae during the crime re-enactment.

(7 December) Songkhla police have arrested the man accused of killing a woman′s 14 year old stepson because he was angry of her marrying the boy′s father.

Mr. Usman Salae, 26, reportedly confessed, telling police he was enraged when he heard that his former wife had married a new man. He said he later tracked down the woman′s new family to Na Thawi district in the province and visited her home.

At the house, Mr. Usman said, he saw the boy watching television alone, so he stabbed the boy three times in anger with a sharpened metal rod. He said he fled the scene after he realised the boy was dead.

Songkhla police said they will proceed with further prosecution against Mr. Usman.

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TU Vice Rector Defends Threats Against Transgender Student Activist

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Khaosod English

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7 December 2013, 14:48

Ms. Aum Neko during her protest against Thammasat Rector in the university's Rangsit Campus

(7 December) Vice Rector of Thammasat University said he does not regret posting threats against a prominent student activist who had staged a protest against the university rector.

Ms. Saran Chuichai – a transgender student who is also known as Ms. Aum Neko – led her fellow activists in the attempt last week to replace the Thai national flag with a black flag over a building in Rangsit Campus of Thammasat University.

However, security guards in the area successfully prevented her group from raising the black flag.

Ms. Aum said the gesture was meant to serve as a rebuke to Thammasat Rector, Mr. Somkid Lertpaithoon, for his alleged cooperation with the so-called People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King as Head of State (PCAD) by closing down the university just few days after PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban called for a nationwide closure of universities to support his cause.

This activity has been criticised by many Thammasat students as unruly and insulting toward the university.

But the most furious criticism of Ms. Aum so far has come from Thammasat Vice Rector, Mr. Somchai Chakhatrakan, who posted on his Facebook account yesterday that he was so angered by Ms. Aum′s action that he wishes to resign from his position and "trample" Ms. Aum with his feet.

The Facebook post, which was made on the Public setting, has since been deleted.

In other posts, Mr. Somchai also called on "members of the Thammasat community who love their university and their country" to "defend" Thammasat. "Don't let these snakes inside the university to poison the dignity of the university," Mr. Somchai wrote.

He added, "I feel sorry for [Ms. Aum′s] parents for having such an evil child".

The comment has been widely shared on the social network, drawing much criticism that Mr. Somchai has acted inappropriately as a high-ranking academic in the university.

But in an interview with Khaosod, Mr. Somchai defended his controversial comments by claiming that he could not remain silent and let Ms. Aum desecrated the Thai national flag at will.

"If a child acted like that, what would happen to our country? The Thai heroic ancestors have sacrificed their lives for the country and our homes. The Thai flag is the symbol of Thainess," Mr. Somchai said, adding that the Thais should not let just one person "destroying our nationhood".

In a long tirade during the phone interview, Mr. Somchai also described Ms. Aum′s activity as a "defamation" against the nation, the religion, and the monarchy. "I feel pathetic. Why did they allow this kid to do such thing? It damages the dignity of Thainess," said Mr. Somchai.

"If you see this disgraceful blasphemy of the Thai national flag and tolerate it, please don?t call yourself Thai," Mr. Somchai fumed, "I will assault it [Ms. Aum]. I won't do it in the name of a teacher, but I will assault it in the name of Somchai Chakhatrakarn, as a Thai person".

Nevertheless, as of 7 December, Mr. Somchai has deactivated his Facebook account.

Meanwhile, Ms. Aum said he is disappointed by the threatening manner of the Vice Rector. She told our correspondent she and her friends will submit a complaint to the administrative body of Thammasat about the matter.

"I had expected a lecturer who is teaching at Faculty of Science to possess critical thinking," Ms. Aum said, referring to Mr. Somchai, "But he ended up threatening violence as a solution. That is not the right thing to do."

She also insisted that she had no intention to desecrate the Thai national flag, explaining that her activity in the campus was merely a "symbolic action".

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Ministry To Regulate 'New Year Gift Basket'

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Khaosod English

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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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Khaosod English

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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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Khaosod English

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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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Khaosod English

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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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