Phuket Senator Condemns 'Exaggerated' Crocodile Rumour

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7 November 2013, 14:41

(7 November) Officials in Phuket province continue to search for the crocodile reportedly seen swimming just off the shore of the popular resort island earlier this week.

Khaosod English has previously reported that a large crocodile was found swimming near Haad Mai Khao Beach in the southern province. However, some people claimed they had spotted two other crocodiles near Kata-Karon Beach and in Tai Mueang district, which locates in the neighbouring Phang-Nga province.

The rumour has caused concern among a number of tourists and business owners in the province, as Kata-Karon Beach is teemed with beachside hotels popular among many foreign tourists, our correspondent reported.

Mr. Prarop Pleang-Ngan, director of the provincial National Park agency, said that his teams had patrolled the area near Haad Mai Khao beach and Pru Je san with infrared camera to locate the crocodile. They had also tried to lure the creature using poultry as baits, but have not yet successfully found the reptile.

He expressed his opinion that the creature which was rumoured to be sighted near Kata Beach and in Tai Mueang district could be the same one previously found near Haad Mai Khao beach.

“Naturally, crocodiles prefer peaceful environment and it is unlikely that it will enter such busy area like Kata Beach” said Mr. Prarop, who indicated further that there has not been any clear evidence to confirm the presence of the crocodile in the sea near Kata Beach.

Nevertheless, search teams are planning to conduct an aerial inspection in Phang-Nga and Phuket to ensure that the crocodile is not causing any harm.

Mr. Thanet Mannoi, Director of Marine and Coastal Conservation Centre, said a recent notification from Tai Mueang district suggested that the crocodile might have travel up north to find shelter in the area, and said that it is very possible that the creature could be the same one found near Haad Mai Khao beach.

The authorities cannot yet confirm the species of the crocodile, but it is suspected that the creature could be a hybrid type that has escaped from one of the local farms, he said.

Reportedly, there is no crocodile farm in Phuket, while three owners are reported to possess crocodiles in the neighbouring province of Phang-Nga. One of the farmers further indicated that he owns 14 large crocodiles, and 25 small ones. Other two owners reported to the authorities each of them owns only one crocodile.

Two crocodiles have previously escaped the Phang-Nga farm, causing the authorities to shoot one dead and capture the other alive.

Meanwhile, Ms. Thanyarasmi Atchariyachai, a Phuket Senator, condemned those who had spread the rumour about three crocodiles roaming the seas in Phuket, as the rumour has harmed the province′s tourism industry in the seaside area, particularly at Kata-Karon beach.

“It is nearly impossible for the crocodile to travel from Haad Mai Khao to Kata” Ms. Thanyarasmi added, “the areas are quite far apart.”

Pol.Maj. Uranphon Khundechsamrit, a senior officer of Phuket tourism police, said his team had not been notified about the crocodile near Kata beach. However, he had instructed his team to assure the tourists of their safety in the area.

Mr. Maitree Intusud, Phuket Governor, also told our correspondent he had instructed officers to guard the seaside area, and to keep close watch over the spots they expected the crocodile would surface.

“So far, there has been no report about the crocodile, and the tourists were not panicked” said Mr. Maitree, “However, I’d like to ask the media to carefully report the news, as it might damage the provincial tourism industry in an inestimable degree.”

Mr. Tian Jai-Kla, the owner of a beach canvas bed stall in Karon beach, said that he had never seen any crocodile throughout his 10 years of doing the business at the site.

“I don’t think the creature would come close to such a busy area” said the businessman, who added the crocodile would have been spotted long ago by so many people in the area. “Moreover, teams of lifeguard are patrolling the area to assure the tourists of their safety.”

“I think the rumour is false”, Mr. Tian insisted.

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Claiming Students' Mandate, Universities Join Protests

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7 November 2013, 14:21

(7 November) The leadership of some of Thailand′s leading universities have joined the ongoing anti-government protests on behalf of their universities.

The first establishment to ?blow the whistle? – a term used by critics of the government-sponsored Amnesty Bill to signify their protests – was the elite Chulalongkorn University. Thousands of its students, academics, and alumni marched to the heart of Bangkok′s commercial downtown earlier this week to show their strength against the government′s effort to push for a sweeping amnesty deal.

The protests were organised under the official endorsement of the university′s directors and deans.

Similarly, the directors of Thammasat University today organised a large rally involving its students, lecturers, and alumni at its Tha Prachan Campus before setting off on a demonstration to the nearby Democracy Monument, briefly merging with another group of anti-government protesters headed by the opposition Democrat Party who had been camping there for days.

At the start of the rally, Mr. Boonsom Akkarathammakul, an alumni of Thammasat who also served as a member of its student council in 1981, read the statement on behalf of the university that the government has "stigmatized" the function of Thai Parliament by stealthily revising the original amnesty into a version that would benefit former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"They have lied for many times," Mr. Boonsom said, reading from the statement, "They claim to build reconciliation, but they only aim to score a political victory".

Although Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has said the government will no longer pursue the controversial amnesty bill, the statement notes, the people have become so distrustful of the government that they will not take her words for granted.

The statement ends with a threatening note, warning the government that the people have the rights to overthrow it if it dishonours mandate given by the people.

A stone′s throw away from Thammasat University, Silpakorn University has likewise endorsed a campaign against the amnesty plan. Its staff has set up tables collecting signatures from the students and lecturers to denounce the ?amnesty for all?.

Mahidol University and Rangsit University have also announced a day-off for their students, encouraging them to join the protests against the ?blanket amnesty?.

It should be noted that leading figures of Thammasat University and Rangsit University have been longtime critics of Mr. Thaksin and have publicly spoken out against the government of Prime Minister Yingluck.

Furthermore, at the scene of the demonstration held by Chulalongkorn University,the overwhelming majority of banners, signs, and placards held by the protesters virtually focused solely on the issues of Mr. Thaksin′s potential return from exile and absolution of his corruption charges, leaving out the issue of the 2010 military crackdown which has killed over 90 people, our correspondent reported.

The rallies sponsored by Thammasat University also experienced such glaring absence of reference to 2010 crackdown, although a small group of students held signs demanding that the authorities responsible for the operation be held accountable.

The fact that the 2010 crackdown are not featured by these protests is particularly intriguing, as the former government who authorised the crackdown will also receive the amnesty under the plan.

None of the aforementioned universities participating in the protests has conducted a referendum of their students? opinions concerning the amnesty prior to launching the rallies on their behalf, our correspondent added.

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Thai-Cambodian Journalists Vow Reconciliatory Reporting

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6 November 2013, 20:56

(6 November) Representatives of the media agencies along the border of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed in a meeting that they will refrain from inflammatory coverage on the issue of Preah Vihear Temple.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is due to deliver its verdict on the ownership of the territory around the ancient temple, which has been claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, on 11 November.

The tension has escalated to armed conflicts that has killed and injured a number of people on both sides of the border. The Union Media of Asean (UMA), a group of media agencies based in the border regions of Thailand and Cambodia, has held meeting in Thailand′s Sa Kaeo province today to find measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Mr. Prasit Saengrungrueang, and Mr. Sok Sovan, Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the UMA from Thailand and Cambodia, respectively, announced that media in both countries have unanimously agreed to present the report regarding the upcoming ICJ verdict in a peaceful and "constructive" manner to maintain peace along their shared 800 km.-long border.

The case of the dispute between both nations which resulted in the 2003 mob arson attack on the Thai Royal Embassy in Phanom Penh was cited in the statement as a lesson learned by both nations.

"We would also like to tell the government of both countries that the people along the border want peace. They don?t want any conflict," the representatives of UMA said.

Mr. Sok Sovan, deputy secretary of the UMA, said that both Thai and Cambodian media must accept the OCJ ruling regardless of its outcome to avoid the repeat of deadly clashes in the past.

"The governments must not use the issue of Preah Vihear Temple to damage the two nations," Mr. Som Sovan said, "Instead, they should focus on developing well-being of the citizens in the border provinces, and promote peace in the region".

Meanwhile, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha, said this morning that the army has been working cooperatively with the government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in dealing with the approaching decision of the International Court of Justice regarding Preah Vihear Temple.

“Our border links to other countries, and we have both temporary and permanent border points which receive large numbers of people” said the army chief, “when the situation is tough, we must be more cautious. Officials must also patrol the area to create understanding and cooperation between Thailand and its neighbor in every dimension.”

He added, “We must also, at the same time, strengthen our units, and we are now ready to protect our own sovereignty beyond the border.”

Gen. Prayuth stressed that every related authority must take part in solving or discussing about any cases.

“We are a friendly neighbour to the countries surrounding us, hence we will not interfere with their domestic affairs. We must trust each other and avoid the endless fight, as it is our population who are endangered by the clash. We must find the best possible solution to solve the case"

Once the reporter asked whether Cambodia had been reinforcing their military near the border, Gen. Prayuth said that “every country does that, we should not be too worried as both Thailand and Cambodia are closely observing the situation.”

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Eight Countries Issue Thailand Travel Warning

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6 November 2013, 18:44

An anti-government protester wearing a mask of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at Ratchadumnoen Avenue, 5 November 2013

(6 November) At least eight nations have warned their citizens about their visits to Thailand during the ongoing political confrontation, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul.

According to the Mr. Surapong, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Sweden, Israel, Japan and Taiwan had advised their citizens to refrain from visiting the protest grounds in Thailand.

The minister expressed his concern that the protests could worsen the welcoming tourism atmosphere of Thailand during the annual ?high season?, which would host many celebrations and festivals, such as Loy Kratong, Christmas, and New Year Day.

“It is understandable to protest as it is the right everybody possesses, however, the protesters should also respect other people’s right,” said Mr. Surapong, “They should understand that their actions create negative impacts to low-earning people, vendors, and enterprises. Moreover, every party should be concerned about our national economic performances and image of the country in long term”.

He added, “I hope every party that have come out against the Amnesty Bill, including all university professors, students and other movements, to understand that the legalization process is beyond the decision of the lawmakers", as the fate of the Amnesty Bill is now handed to the Senate.

“I believe that if everybody reasonably argues about the case, the Senators would listen to their arguments. I want to stress that we all can solve every problem our nation is facing if we turn to each other [to discuss the issues] and take a step back from confrontation," said Mr. Surapong.

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Bangkok Officials Ready To Clean Tons Of Kratong

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6 November 2013, 16:56

(6 November) The environmental agency of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) says it is prepared to cope with tons of Kratongs that are expected to flood Chao Praya River on the upcoming Loy Kratong Festival.

The festival, which falls on 17 November this year, is traditionally celebrated among the Thai people by floating Kratong into the water sources such as rivers to pay respect to the river goddess Pra Mae Kong Ka.

Mr. Somchai Chatsakulpen, deputy-director of the BMA environmental department, said that he expected the number of Kratongs would not differ much from last year′s festival.

In 2012 Loy Kratong, BMA workers have collected at least 916,354 Kratongs from Chao Praya River, which amounts to over 4,000 tons of waste. However, over 80 – 90% of Kratongs are made of natural resources which are easily disposed such as banana leafs, whereas only 10% are made of non-disposable waste like foam and plastic.

Numbers of Kratong retrieved from the river in 2012 doubled the waste gathered in 2010. In 2011, only 200,000 – 300,000 Kratongs were floated, partly due to the Great Flood that was devastating many parts of the country including Bangkok.

This year, the BMA environment department, in collaboration with Department of Drainage and Sewerage, and District Offices, had arranged the policy to gather Kratongs in many parts of Bangkok before 06.00 on 18 November.

The relevant agencies must submit their reports about the operatuion to the Environment Department by 07.00 to be assessed and reported to Bangkok Governor later in the same morning, said Mr. Somchai.

Mr. Somchai also asked the public to use natural materials for their Kratongs – banana chunk, banana leaves and bread – as they are environmentally friendly and can be easily disposed.

BMA also instructed Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department and City Law Enforcement Department to actively maintain public safety during the festival, particularly in the waterfront areas.

Furthermore, the use of fireworks would be prohibited throughout the festival. The BMA says it will press legal action against those who violated the restriction on fireworks. However, in previous years many Loy Kratong festival-goers ended up ignoring the prohibition, leading to injuries and deaths.

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Majority Wants To See Abhisit Stand Trial: Isaan Poll

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6 November 2013, 16:03

Soldiers confronting Redshirts protesters at Democracy Monument on 10 April 2010.

(6 November) An opinion survey conducted in 20 Northeastern provinces reveals that a majority of respondents wants to see former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stand trial for his role in the deadly 2010 crackdown.

Mr. Abhisit and his Deputy Prime Minister at the time, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, have been charged with murders by the Division of Special Investigation for their authorisation of the military crackdown against the Redshirts protests in Bangkok which resulted in the deaths of more than 90 people, most of them civilians.

The ?blanket amnesty? proposed by Pheu Thai Party to the Parliament would dissolve Mr. Abhisit and Mr. Suthep of their charges, while former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of PM Yingluck Shinawatra, would also be cleansed of his corruption convictions.

But the survey, conducted upon 1,190 subjects by Isaan Poll, indicates that 72.5% of the respondents prefer to see Mr. Abhisit and his former deputy face the court prosecution, whereas only 14.4% wants them to receive amnesty.

Additionally, only 36.7% of the respondents agrees with an amnesty plan for Mr. Thaksin.

As for their opinion toward ?amnesty for all? proposed by the government, a majority of 46.6% of the respondents say they are against it.

The evident lack of support for the government-sponsored Amnesty Bill is particularly striking as the Northeastern region, or Isaan, has long been known as a major stronghold of Pheu Thai Party and the Redshirts movements.

In what promises to be an alarming fact for Pheu Thai Party, the survey also indicates that the support for the ruling party among the regional population has dropped from 44% to 34% in the wake of the attempt by the government to pursue the blanket amnesty.

The survey was published at a time when Redshirts movements appeared to be increasingly alienated by the Pheu Thai Party and the government. Many prominent Redshirts leaders and activists have condemned the ?blanket amnesty?, accusing the Pheu Thai Party of reneging on their vows to hold those responsible for 2010 crackdown accountable.

Facing widespread discontent from both allies and enemies of the government, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday announced that the government would not contest the Senate′s decision if it chooses to reject the ?amnesty for all? draft, virtually signaling that the Pheu Thai Party has given up its effort to pursue the bill.

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Prachinburi School Bus Crash Injures 13 Students

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6 November 2013, 14:58

(6 November) 13 schoolchildren were injured after their songthaew school bus skidded off the road and crashed into a tree in Pachinburi province.

The songthaew vehicle was carrying 27 students at the time of the accident, police said. The injured students were sent to Nadee Hospital.

Pol.Lt.Col. Suchart Yaemsak, an investigative police officer from Nadee Police Station, told our correspondent that the momentum following the crash has caused many students to suffer broken bones.

Mr. Anuwat Sahinlom, 38, the songthaew driver, said he picked up the students from Triam Udom Sueksa Nomklao School and Chankrachang Sueksa School in the province prior to the incident.

Once he arrived at the scene, he said, a truck suddenly approached the school bus. Mr Anuwat said that he was forced to swerve onto the roadside, hitting into the tree.

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Protests Could Damage Thai Economy: Finance Minister

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6 November 2013, 14:21

(6 November) Minister of Finance Kittirat Na Ranong said the ongoing protests against the amnesty bill are hurting Thailand′s economic growth in Q4.

The protests could also drive away potential foreign tourists just as Thailand enters its annual ?high season? in tourist business, according to Mr. Kittirat.

Mr. Kittirat, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, warned that “the investors start to question about the current political situation."

“We tried to explain to investors about the ideas of peace and forgiveness in the amnesty bill” Mr. Kittarat added, “I believed that if people resort to discussion about the dispute, they should be able to solve the conflict peacefully.”

The Minister said he would like to ask every party to keep the nation’s economic performance in mind, as trade, tourism and investment sectors will be greatly affected if the situation has been escalated.

However, he stated that there is no need for the government to come up with any new stimulant plan at the moment, but all relevant authorities have been instructed to improve the economy during this particularly difficult time nonetheless.

Meanwhile, Mr. Itsara Wongkusolkit, President of Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), revealed the results of the meeting between the Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Bankers Association and the Thai Chamber of Commerce that both three institutions had not yet concluded whether they would jointly stand against the proposed amnesty bill.

The TCC President added that the investors fear that if the situation worsened, the nation’s economy might be severely affected. He also expressed his wishes to urge every related party to find the solution for the current political conflict as soon as possible.

On an optimistic note, Mr. Chai Sriwikrom, President of Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association, suggested that protest against the Amnesty Bill woudl affect tourism and consumption only in a short term.

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Transport Minister Appalled By Minivan Safety Standard

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5 November 2013, 19:43

(5 November) Transport Minister Charchart Sittipan said he had instructed the authorities to urgently tighten the safety measures applied to public minivans, after he had personally discovered that much of the safety policies are blatantly ignored by the minivan drivers.

Mr. Chatchart said he had encountered such problems during his private minivan trips – the Minister is well-known for his preference to inspect various public transports such as buses, boats, and trains by riding one by himself.

According to the Minister, a number of minivans refused to comply with the safety standards issued by the Ministry of Transport. Reportedly, some of the vans did not equip any safety belts, fire extinguishers, and glass-breaking hammer in their cars.

Although some of the vehicles did equip the items, they did so in "inappropriate positions of the minivans", Mr. Chatchart said. He also complained that he had seen some vans illegally adding extra passenger seats.

Moreover, some vans operator did not ask their passengers to leave the vehicles when they refuel the gas, which is a very dangerous procedure, according to the Transport Minister.

Mr. Achsathai Rattanadilok Na Phuket, acting director-general of the Department of Land Transport, said that he had instructed the provincial authority to improve the safety policy.

According to the Director-General, the laws clearly states that minivans imported or manufactured after 1 April 2012 must be equipped with safety belts on every seat; as for minivan imported or manufactured before the date, the procedure must be applied by 1 January 2013.

"Every mini-van should have their seat equipped with safety belt by now", Mr. Achsathai said.

He added that the service providers must also warn their passengers to leave the vehicles during the refuel stops.

In case of minivans that had attached extra seats, legal prosecution will be pressed against the drivers and service operators, said the Director General.

Mr. Achsathai said that if any passengers have experienced minivans that do not comply by the safety procedure, they should call 1584 to inform the officials about the matter.

Accidents involving interprovincial minivans have killed and injured large number of passengers in recent years, and many drivers were discovered to have operated the vehicles without proper licenses or registration.

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Japanese Senior Police 'Concerned' By Amnesty Plan

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5 November 2013, 18:53

(5 November) A high ranking Japanese officer has expressed his concern that the ?amnesty-for-all? proposed by Pheu Thai Party might stall the investigation into the death of the Japanese reporter killed in 2010 crackdown.

Mr. Hiroyuki Muramoto, who worked as a cameraman for Reuters, was shot dead as he filmed the clashes between the soldiers and the Redshirts protesters near the Democracy Monument on 10 April 2010.

The circumstances of his death are under investigation by the court. While witnesses have told the court they saw soldiers discharging their weapons in the direction of Mr. Hiroyuki, the military and the government at the time blamed his death on the presence of the ?Blackshirts? armed militants who were also firing their weapons at the soldiers.

Earlier today, Mr. Nobuyuki Kawai, a senior member of the National Police Agency of Japan, has met with representatives of the Division of Special Investigation (DSI) in Bangkok to discuss the progress of the case. A group of Japanese police officials also accompanied Mr. Nobuyuki.

Speaking after the discussion at the DSI headquarters, Pol.Lt.Gen. Bantoon Chimkra said he had assured the Japanese officials that the DSI has been working very hard to shine the light on Mr. Hiroyuki′s death. It is the group′s eighth visit to Thailand to demand progress of the case, Pol.Lt.Gen Bantoon added.

"I told them the DSI is interviewing 20 witnesses per week," Pol.Lt.Gen. Bantoon said, "We have also interrogated hundreds of low-ranking soldiers".

However, the Japanese are intent on finding out who precisely shot Mr. Hiroyuki, the officer said. "We promise them that we will work on the case".

According to the DSI officer, Mr. Nobuyuki also voiced his worry that the ?blanket amnesty? would affect the court procedure of Mr. Hiroyuki′s death. "So DSI told them that the bill is under deliberation of the Parliament. We cannot give them any answer at the moment," Pol.Lt.Gen. Bantoon said.

10 more witnesses are scheduled to testify to the court concerning Mr. Hiroyuki′s death, Pol.Lt.Gen. Bantoon added.

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