Bangkok Authority Braces For Red-Yellow Protests

By

-

18 November 2013, 17:29

Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban handing out Buddhist amulets to volunteer guards of the anti-government protests, 18 November 2013

(18 November) Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) says it is prepared to handle two rival mass protests due to take place in the capital city tomorrow.

Coinciding with the ongoing anti-government protests organised by the Democrat Party at Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the official leadership of the Redshirts are planning an overnight pro-government rally at Rajamangla Stadium in western Bangkok from 19-20 November.

The Redshirts rally will also overlap the high anticipated judgment of the Constitutional Court, scheduled to be delivered on 20 November, which will dictate whether the ruling Pheu Thai Party′s push to amend the 2007 Constitution is constitutional.

To cope with the situation, Mr. Vasan Meewong, spokesman of the Bangkok Governor, said the BMA has convened a meeting and delegated relevant officials to oversee the rallies in respective areas.

He added that mobile toilets and water tanks will be dispatched to the Rajamangala Stadium to service the Redshirts protesters. "The BMA will take care of all protest groups equally," said Mr. Vasan.

However, the spokesman voiced his concern that the work capacity of BMA officials have been greatly stretched by the ongoing protests. The additional duty of overseeing the political rallies has forced the officials to downscale services in other areas, according to Mr. Vasan, and the BMA has to apply for more budgets.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ekkanat Prompan, a spokesman of the anti-government protests, told reporters at Ratchadamnoen Avenue that the protests leader, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, has met with many security volunteers and instructed them to be extra-vigilant in maintaining the safety of the protesters.

Mr. Ekkanat said the meeting with the guards followed the concerns that a "third hand party" might be planning to infiltrate the protests and stir up violence on 24 November, the day which the protest leaders expected at least 1 million citizens to join the rally.

The spokesman of the protests said he is confident that the major rally on 24 November would be decisive enough to score victory for the protesters.

Mr. Ekkanat also called on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to take responsibility for her governmental "minions" who have accused the anti-government protesters of plotting an unrest. As for the Redshirts? rival rally on 19 November, Mr. Ekkanat said the Redshirts should refrain from putting pressure on the Constitutional Court.

"How the Redshirts leaders have threatened to reject the verdict and to escalate their campaigns if the ruling is unfair toward the government is a clear violation of the judicial powers," said Mr. Ekkanat.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Blue Bloods Demand Lese Majeste Crackdown

By

Khaosod English

-

18 November 2013, 16:20

Anti-government protesters carrying portrait of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen

(18 November) A representative of the royal bloodline has called for a harsher enforcement of lese majeste laws, which criminalises any criticism of the Thai monarchy.

M.L. Suttichan Worawuth, representing the Rajanikul, a term referring to those related to His Majesty the King by blood, said he has submitted a letter this morning to Mr. Suranand Vejjajiva, Secretary General to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, demanding a "serious" effort to "protect the monarchy".

"There has been many insults of the institution [of the monarchy] via many means," said M.L. Suttichan, "But the Government has come up with no measures to protect the monarchy".

Any perceived insults or defamation of His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and the Royal Heir are criminalised under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code, which can punish offenders with a maximum of 15 years in prison per offence.

The law has been criticised by many civil rights activists as a politicised tool to stiffen any discussion concerning the Thai monarchy.

But M.L. Suttichan believes the application of the law has been too relaxed. In the letter submitted to PM Yingluck, he also urged the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to shut down any website that contains messages deemed offensive to the monarchy, and prosecute those responsible for the contents.

"The Prime Minister herself has given an oath to protect the monarchy when she took up the position," M.L. Suttichan said, "What we Royal Descendants want to see is a clear dedication in dealing with those who insult the monarchy".

He added that the Rajanikul will come up with "further response" if the government does not comply with their suggestion within 3 days.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Foreign Banks Brand Rice Program As 'Risky'

By

Khaosod English

-

18 November 2013, 15:56

(18 November) Many foreign banks and other financial institutions have expressed their concern over the possible collapse of Thailand′s rice-pledging scheme, according to a senior economist at the Knowledge Institute of Thailand (KNIT).

Mr. Somphon Iswilanont said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has also warned the Thai government last week that the rice mortgage program initiated under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is a "major risk" for the nation′s economy.

The IMF added that should the program end in failure, its economic fallout will affect other countries in the region as well, Mr. Somphon said.

Moreover, according to Mr. Somphon, the failure to release the commodity of the Ministry of Commerce had additionally caused the lack of revenue for the rice-pledging scheme within the last two years. So far, the government had spent ?680 billion in paying the farmers for their rice, and had run nearly ? 500 billion over budget.

In 2013, the scheme started on 1 October had so far received 14 million tonnes of rice, 11 million tonnes overstock, to top the 18 million tonnes that is already in store.

Meanwhile, many farmers have not yet been paid by the scheme, said Mr. Somphon.

However, Mr. Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisan, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, insisted that the government would carry on with the scheme.

Mr. Niwatthamrong claimed he had assured the farmers they will get paid by the end of this week, following the Commerce Minister’s discussion with Finance Minister, Mr. Kittirat Na Ranong.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Locals Won't Be Missing 'Bangkok Stonehenge'

By

Khaosod English

-

17 November 2013, 12:00

(16 November) There is no doubt that, if left to stand for the next thousand years, the yet-unborn generations of Thais would be debating the possible purpose of hundreds of concrete pillars that lined the stretch of railroad in northern Bangkok.

For the moment, though, the towering concrete slabs – appropriately nicknamed by many as ?Bangkok Stonehenge? – have been useful to a local vendor. The ?Stonehenge? has been providing the shades that help shield her stall from the sun of Bangkok ever since she started her career a decade ago, she said.

A quick disclaimer, though – she was being sarcastic.

"Actually, I?m really bored of it," said the vendor, Ms. Somsri Boonthet, "They should have got rid of these things long ago because they are so useless".

The Stonehenge is, in fact, the remnants of what would have been the ambitious Bangkok Elevated Road and Train System (BERTS), also known to the Thais as the Hopewell Project.

Proposed during the administration of Prime Minister Chatichai Chunhawan during the economic boom in 1990, the project was intended to improve the services of State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The plan would have seen multiple elevated railways linking Bangkok with its outer provinces.

However, the ?mega project? was repeatedly postponed by a series of political instability and massive corruption. On 20 January 1998, Minister of Transport at the time, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban (who is now leading a protest against the current government), eventually called it quit.

The cancellation came at an enormous price for Thailand. The government was forced to pay Hong Kong-based Hopewell Holdings owned by the billionaire Gordon Wu an amount of 11.8 billion baht for unfair agreement cancellation.

The 532 concrete pillars have since been left standing. To many Thais, the ?Bangkok Stonehenge? serve as a costly monument to the incompetence and corruptions that are often associated with so many governments that have ruled the country.

In the following two decades, the said monument also became shelters for birds, while graffiti artists showed off their skills on some of the pillars.

But as the government is pushing for the construction of Red-Line Sky Train services, which runs from Bang Sue to Rangsit, the Bangkok Stonehenge is finally being dismantled. The demolition was agreed in June 2013 when the SRT instructed Italian-Thai Development firm to destroy the rows of these concrete skeletons and pave way for future development.

The dismantling is planned to be completed no later than March 2014, and – according to interviews conducted by Matichon correspondents – the locals are not shedding any tears.

Ms. Somsri, the vendor, is one of them. "The demolition has not affected me at all, and it will definitely make the scenery around here look a lot better," said Ms. Somsri, whose stall is located just opposite Wat Samien Naree Temple.

She added with a smile, "Once these pillars are gone, maybe the area will experience further improvements that promote my business.”

The demolition is proceeding slowly. The workers have to stop for the trains that run on the tracks just beneath the concrete slabs, and the crowded daily market in the evening near Wat Samien Naree Temple forced the engineers to work more slowly.

But Mr. Surasak Meesombat, a taxi driver, said he wished the process would go faster.

"Just get rid of them already! It′s like our country′s hall of shame to foreigners and to our next generations," he said angrily, adding that he always complained to his passengers about the "useless" Stonehenge whenever he drove past them.

“It is a big waste of our taxes," Mr. Surasak concluded his verdict.

Once asked if he could see any bright side of the pillars, Mr. Surasak said “the only benefit they yield are shelters for homeless people and a writing space for those who want to practice their Thai", pointing his hand to a compilation of graffiti bearing impolite sentences sprayed on the concrete slabs.

Mr. Boonchuen Raktawat, 67, a local Song-Thaew driver, also expressed his delight for the government plans to remove the pillars.

“This should bring the better future for us”, said Mr. Boonchuen “It could develop business opportunity and quality of life of the people in the area.”

However, Mr. Boonchuen also voiced his concern that the current government end up repeating the same mistake that brought the "annoying" Bangkok Stonehenge into its creation in the first place; the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is seeking to invest on the massive infrastructure and transportation project worth 2.2 trillion baht.

The scale of the project alarmed many critics of the government, who warned that it could be ridden with corruption and might become a twentieth first century version of the demolished Bangkok Stonehenge.

Indeed, many Thais are hoping that history will not repeat itself, and it remains to be seen whether PM Yingluck′s government can steer her earmarked policy away from the all-too-familiar mire of corruption that once doomed the hope of Hopewell Project.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Foreigner Killed In Samui Car Crash [UPDATED]

By

Khaosod English

-

17 November 2013, 10:46

UPDATE: Statement from the New Zealand authorities has indicated that the man killed in the car accident is not a New Zealander.

(17 November) A foreigner has been killed in a road accident after he crashed his car into a garbage truck on the island of Koh Samui, Surat Thani province.

The man was found dead on the driver seat in a car.

Mr. Aphirak Duangmala, 33, the driver of the garbage collector truck, reportedly told the police and that he had parked his vehicle on the side of the street. While his team is collecting garbage, the foreigner′s car, which was driven in a fast speed, slammed hard into the back of the truck, according to Mr. Aphirak.

Mr. Aphirak was charged with committing reckless act leading to death of other person.

The body of the foreigner is appointed for autopsy at Koh Samui Hospital to find any presence of alcohol in his blood. His nationality is not yet independently verified. Although initial reports suggest that he is a New Zealander, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand has released a statement disputing the reports.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Upset By Lonely Loy Krathong, Man Hangs Himself

By

Khaosod English

-

17 November 2013, 10:32

(17 November) A man reportedly hanged himself to death in his home after his girlfriend refused to celebrate Loy Krathong festival with him.

Mr. Anusorn, 28, a resident of Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo province, was found hanged inside his home by his stepfather on 16 November.

Mr. Thawan said the house where the body Mr. Anusorn was found was a residence he helped build for Mr. Anusorn and his girlfriend who was expected to marry him in the near future.

According to Mr. Anusorn’s girlfriend, Ms. Noi (real name undisclosed), the couple experienced heated argument three days ago, before she decided to flee to her parents’ house. Mr. Anusorn then begged for her forgiveness and asked her to come home for Loy Krathong festival, which Ms. Noi refused.

Presumably, Mr. Anusorn then decided to end his life under the influence of alcohol, said Ms. Noi.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Computer Shop Burgled By Almost-Naked Man

By

Khaosod English

-

16 November 2013, 16:24

(16 November) A man in his underpants has stolen ?500,000 worth of items from a computer store in Tak province, said Mae Sod Police.

Mr. Somphop, the owner of the computer shop, said he noticed his house has been robbed and later alerted police to investigate the scene. Mr. Somphop claimed he lost ?70,000 cash, gold ornaments, and diamond rings, in total worth of nearly ?500,000.

CCTV video shows that the nearly naked man broke into the shop from the second floor before entering Mr. Somphop’s office.

Police identified the robber as a Myanma national, however, no evidence confirming his identity has been presented at the moment.

Police have warned locals to be more careful during the Loy Krathong Festival, said Pol.Sr.Col. Ekkarat, Chief of Mae Sod Police Station. People are also encouraged to make sure that their windows and doors are firmly locked before leaving their houses since many robberies have taken place in the province.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Thai Navy Ready To Aid Haiyan Typhoon Victims

By

Khaosod English

-

16 November 2013, 15:54

(16 November) Thailand is dispatching additional aids to help its fellow ASEAN member, the Philippines, after the nation has been battered by Typhoon Haiyan which had caused widespread destruction in the country.

On 19 November the Cabinet is expected to authorise the Royal Thai Navy to depart for the Philippines. Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Narong Pipattanasai, has previously announced plans to send two warships, HTMS Ang Thong 791 and HTMS Sri Chang to aid the island nation.

The ships will be loaded with one Marines mechanic corps, two medical teams, 500 tonnes of rice, clean water producers, and other vehicles to support the Navy’s three-weeks long disaster relief programme.

As of Friday, it is reported that the navy had completed its preparation for its mission and is now awaiting the Cabinet’s decision.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

'Thai Sakura' Blossom Season Arrives

By

Khaosod English

-

16 November 2013, 15:13

(16 November) The blossoming Wild Himalayan Cherry Trees are greeting visitors to Phuhin Rongkla National Park in the northern region as Thailand′s cool season approaches.

Dubbed ?Thai Sakura? due to its resemblance to the Japanese cherry trees, the plants usually blossom in profusion during the end of November to December, and Lomlo Hill in the National Park is the only place in the kingdom – so far – that tourists can witness them.

"By the beginning of December, all the cherry trees, which are planted in over 10,000 rai (1,600 hectare), should be blossoming", said Ms. Sucharat Seang-aroon, a field officer of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) based in Phitsanulok province.

“It is very beautiful when the hill is covered with these pink trees," Ms. Sucharat added, "tourists are welcomed to enjoy such beautiful scenery and take pictures of this rare experience”.

Northern Thailand is also expected to welcome numerous tourists, both Thai and foreign, who are headed to celebrate the Loy Krathong Festival in the region.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Suthep's Campaign To Oust Govt MPs Begins

By

Khaosod English

-

16 November 2013, 14:29

(16 November) The anti-government protests have intensified their campaign against the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by calling for a mass petition to remove the 310 MPs who voted for the controversial amnesty bill.

The attempt of Pheu Thai Party to push for ?blanket amnesty? has angered many critics of the government as the bill would dissolve corruption convictions of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and eventually allow him to return to power in Thailand. Mr. Thaksin is deeply despised by the anti-government protesters, who view him as a corrupt puppet who uses his sister as a proxy to retain power in Thailand.

With the exception of a handful MPs who abstained, a vast majority of Pheu Thai Party voted for the draft, only to hurriedly withdraw it once the scale of public hostility against the plan became clear. However, former Democrat MPs who are leading the protests at Ratchadamnoen Avenue argue that the government would stealthily pursue the bill later on.

The protests' de facto leader, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, yesterday called for an "escalation" of their campaign to oust the government, urging the Thais to sign petition to remove the MPs who voted for the ?blanket amnesty? and to boycott all products and services related to "Thaksin′s Regime".

He also encouraged all bureaucrats to go on a nationwide strike to pressure the government into resignation.

In a fiery speech, Mr. Suthep compared Mr. Thaksin′s administration to Adolf Hitler′s subversion of the German Reichstag.

"Thaksin′s Regime has destroyed morality and goodness," said Mr. Suthep, "It turns the parliamentary system into a tyrannical Parliament, just like the German Parliament under Hitler, which led to the world war that killed millions of people".

The former Democrat MP insisted that the protesters will achieve "victory" within this month – if a million souls have answered his call and joined the rally at Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Earlier this morning, tables have set up in the protesters? encampment to collect the signatures needed for removal of 310 MPs. Banners near the tables read, "Stop Puppet Parliament!".

Few people showed up to sign the petition throughout the morning, our correspondent reported, but more people are expected to file their signatures this evening, the usual peak time of the protests.

Meanwhile, government officials continued to portray the protests at Ratchadamnoen Avenuen as a masked conspiracy to cause chaos in Bangkok in order to overthrow the government. Mr. Suphon Attawong, deputy secretary of the Prime Minister, for instance, claimed a group of powerful figures are secretly funding the protests.

He said he has asked the Division of Special Investigation (DSI) to investigate the group and its alleged money channel. Mr. Suphon added he is also discussing with Anti-Money Laundry Office (AMLO) for the possibility of seizing these alleged funds on the ground that they support "illegal" methods to overthrow a democratically-elected government.

Furthermore, there are strong evidences that a number of militants armed with sniper rifles and automatic weapons has been planted inside the protest campsite, awaiting the protest leaders? signal to sow chaos, according to Mr. Suphon.

Lt.Gen. Paradorn Pattanabutr, director of National Security Council, also alleged that the protesters have been infiltrated by "hardcore radicals" who are intent on provoking violence to hurt the legitimacy of the government.

However, Lt.Gen. Paradorn said there have been no arrests of these armed individuals yet.

For comments, or corrections to this article please contact: [email protected]

You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish

Hot News

LATEST NEWS