Digital TV Rates Announced Amidst Auction Controversy

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9 October 2013, 19:13

(9 October) The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has announced digital TV signals rates amidst the ongoing controversy over digital TV spectrum auction between Channel 7 and one of its former bosses.

According to Mr. Thakorn Thantasith, Secretary-General of the NBTC, the monthly fee for standard definition signal on digital TV is set to start from THB 4.7 – 5 million, and THB 15 million for the high definition signal.

The auction is due to take place on 28 – 29 October, and the NBTC ruled that each representative must hold no more than 10% stakes of each company that auctions for the same signal.

The ruling was announced as Channel 7 is locked in a battle with its influential former director, Ms. Surang Prempri, who said she would lead her new TV company Chan 25 to auction for the same signal as Channel 7, in spite of her 21% share in the former company.

Top officials of the state-owned Channel 7 have demanded that Ms. Surang relinquish her shares before the auction, otherwise the NBTC would be obliged to rule the auction illegitimate, causing damage to both Channel 7 and Chan 25.

Mr. Surachai Danaitangtrakul, legal advisor for Chan 25, said Ms. Surang will not sell those shares, as the real price of her share had increased several times higher than the period when she was first given the share at the par value of THB 100.

The legal adviser to Chan 25 added that since Channel 7 is not registered with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), it fails to evaluate the real price of its share, and Ms. Surang is therefore reluctant to sell the shares without knowing the proper values of her shares.“Chan 25 is completely qualified for the auction, and had prepared its studio worth THB 200 million, and THB 1 million capital to auction for HD signal” insisted Mr. Surachai, “and if the company is unjustly disqualified, we will appeal to NBTC to call for justice”.

Channel 7 representatives also informed the NBTC that Ms. Surang no longer holds any functioning role at the channel.

However, Mr. Natee Sakulrat, NBTC Deputy President, also stressed that the guideline was clear, and suggested the two should negotiate in comply with the rules of NBTC.

Sources have suggested there is suspicion among Channel 7 officials that other competitors might have encouraged Ms. Surang to engage in the auction in order to nullify Channel 7′s attempts to expand in digital TV market.

NBTC had also held an informative meeting last week to advise all companies attending the auction about the conditions and announced that it is willing to assist every company should there be any queries regarding the auction.

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Horrific Car Accident Hints At Traces Of Human Trafficking

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9 October 2013, 18:03

(9 October) Police say the 19 Laotian labourers who were killed in a car accident earlier this week had been victims of transnational human trafficking rings.

24 Laotians, mostly construction workers, were packed on a converted pick-up truck when it slammed into a tree on Buriram – Satuek Road in Buriram province on 7 October. 15 people, including the driver, were pronounced dead at the scene, while 4 more died at the hospital. The rest were severely injured by the accident.

The police said they had found a single tablet of amphetamine and a bottle of alcoholic beverage at the driver′s seat. The driver was thought to have been driving under influence and dozing off when the horrific accident occurred.

A pregnant Laotian woman is also among the dead.

The dead driver had been initially identified as Mr. Chavalit Thawornkham, 24, according to the driver′s license he carried. But further investigation indicated that the man was actually Mr. Suwaphonchai Phanchan, 27, disclosing the fact that he had carried a fake license.

It was also difficult for the police to identify the casualties at the scene, as none of the passengers was travelling with any ID or relevant documents.

The police later realised that the passengers are illegal workers from Laos who had illegally crossed the border to work in Samut Prakarn province. The police believe they had been brought to the kingdom by human traffickers.

According to one of the survivors, Mr. Pu Liamwongrat, a native of Laos? Salavan province, he and his colleague wished to travel from Samut Prakarn to his homeland, so they joined the group of workers who had hired Mr. Suwaphonchai to drive them to Ubon Ratchathani, where they would cross the border to visit their homes in Laos.

Mr. Suwaphonchai′s vehicle had not been registered as commercial vehicle and had been modified without proper license. Police said the driver charged his passengers 1,000 baht each, and drove on deserted route at night to avoid police detection.

The pick-up truck had also exceeded passenger limit, as 25 people were on-board at the time of the accident.

Mr. Pu, the Laotian worker, also revealed to the police that they had been brought to Thailand by an agent, who required them to pay THB 2,300 each for the "services fee", with which accommodations and jobs are provided.

The police said further investigation is under way and vowed to tackle human trafficking around Thailand and its neighbouring countries, using the existing leads and evidences from the deadly incident on 7 October.

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10 German Tourists Injured By Bangkok Bus Crash

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9 October 2013, 17:23

(9 October) A dozen of people, mostly German tourists, have been injured after their bus crashed into a bridge barrier in central Bangkok.

Police in Makkasan area were alerted to investigate the accident which took place at Asoke Petch intersection late last night.

The injured are 10 German tourists, their Thai guide, and their driver. They were taken to Rama IX Hospital.

According to police initial investigation, the bus had picked up the passengers from Sanam Luang to their destination at Amaree Atrium Hotel. The police believe the bus driver did not notice the barrier of the bridge, which lies across the road, and unintentionally crashed into the bar.

Further investigation will resume as soon as the driver recovers from his severe injury, police say.

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Anti-Govt Protests To Stay During Chinese Premier's Visit

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9 October 2013, 16:26

Mr. Li Keqiang, Premier of People's Republic of China, talking with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at APEC summit in Indonesia, 9 October 2013

(9 October) The protesters who are rallying against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at Government House in Bangkok say they would not clear the ground for the upcoming visit of Premier of the People′s Republic of China.

Li Keqiang is scheduled to visit Bangkok from 11-13 October. The Premier is also expected to meet with Ms. Yingluck at Government House, where thousands of riot police officers are posted to keep close watch on the much fewer anti-government protesters who are camping just outside the compound.

Calling themselves People′s Force of Democracy to Overthrow Thaksinism (PEFOT), the protesters accuse Ms. Yingluck of serving as a puppet for her brother, the controversial former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and demand her resignation.

Earlier this morning, Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul Narongsak, deputy commander of Bangkok Metropolitan Police, visited the protesters? camp with his assistants and attempted to negotiate with PEFOT representatives, namely Adm. Chai Suwannaparp and Gen. Preecha Eiamsupan.

Sitting on a mat near Gate Three of Government House, Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul proposed that PEFOT move their rally to somewhere else, preferably Lumpini Park, during Mr. Li′s visit in order to maintain "good atmosphere" around Government House for the foreign delegates.

"After that, you are welcomed to come back and protest again," Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul told the protest leaders.

The deputy commander stressed during the meeting that the police have to place checkpoints around the protesters? camp to safeguard the welfare of the protesters. He said the officers have confiscated firearms, knives, and scissors from individuals who attempted to enter the protest site.

"We do not know who these people are," Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul said, "We have received intelligence that a third hand party is intent on creating [chaotic] situation,"

However, Adm. Chai and Gen. Preecha insisted the protests would not disperse during the visit of the Chinese Premier, and offered to keep the camp site in clean and orderly fashion.

"I think it′s something we can show the foreigners, so they will see that Thailand has democracy and the rights of expression," said Gen. Preecha, adding that Ms. Yingluck should take Mr. Li for a walking tour in the protesters? camp to prove that point.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul said he hoped both parties can engage in further rounds of negotiation in order to solve the matter.

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Anti-Govt Protests: Police Reinforce Suvarnabhumi Airport

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9 October 2013, 15:42

Anti-government protesters at Government House

(9 October) Riot police have been dispatched to maintain order at Bangkok′s main international airport amidst the fears that the ongoing anti-government protests might escalate.

115 officers, drawn from the crowd control unit of Uttaradit province, are now stationed at Suvarnabhumi Airport in order to "assure the foreign visitors of their safety," said Pol.Col. Montri Chinda. The order came direction from the Royal Thai Police headquarters, he added.

The officers are supported by two vans carrying supply and riot gears, such as shields and truncheons.

Pol.Col. Montri also told our correspondent that two more police companies in Uttaradit are at "stand-by" to reinforce the riot police in Bangkok should the protests at Government House get out of hand.

In 2008, the People′s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) led the protesters to occupy both of Bangkok′s airports as part of their campaign to force the government at the time to resign. The government of then-Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat eventually collapsed after the court ordered the disbandment of his political party.

Allied to the PAD, the People′s Force of Democracy to Overthrow Thaksinism (PEFOT) is similarly calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, accusing her of being a corrupt puppet of her brother, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

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Police Colonel Lost His Post Due To 'Dirty' Police Station

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8 October 2013, 21:22

(8 October) Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Pol.Gen. Adul Saengsingkaew, terminated the command of Superintendent of Chachoengsao police station for his failure to keep the station tidy.

The order, labeled ‘Most Urgent’, was relayed to the provincial station from the Royal Thai Police Headquarter, detailing that Pol.Col. Sanan Boonphaen failed to keep the station performance in accordance with the police regulations.

In the statement, Pol.Gen. Adul alleged that the station had been ‘left dirty’, and ‘lacked of welcoming atmosphere to serve and provide justice to Thai people’.

The statement also complained that the walls in the holding cells at the station had been plastered with graffiti written by various detainees.

The order stated that from 8 October onward, Pol.Col. Sanan will be serving at the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre in Bangkok, until he is ordered otherwise.

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Boy Dies From Drinking 18 Litres Of 'Holy Water'

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8 October 2013, 19:49

(8 October) A 16 year old boy has died from drinking 18 litres of water, which was claimed to possess magical power, during an exorcist ceremony in Songkhla province.

According to the father of the victim, the boy and his twin brother had joined their family members in a religious ceremony which was held inside the rubber farm owned by the family in Mueang Sadao district on 28 September.

Ms. Karnchana [surname unclear], 36, reportedly led the ceremony, telling the participants that the rituals would cleanse their souls of sinful elements.

The participants are said to have mediated in the morning and afternoon, consumed vegetarian diet in the mid-day, and engaged in an exorcist ceremony in the evening which took place from 16.00 to midnight.

According to the victim′s father, Ms. Karnchana instructed the pilgrims to drink a barrel full of "holy water", 18 litres in capacity, before midnight of each day in order to release the evil spirits from their bodies. The participants were also reportedly instructed to drink the water until they vomited.

The older twin said the victim suffered seizure after he drank the barrel of water on the first night, but the leading necromancer, Ms. Karnchana, managed to revive him and told his relatives that the spirits were attempting to flee from the boy′s body.

On the night of 5 October, the older twin said, the boy suffered another seizure and fainted as he drank the water. He was later revived by other participants, who were convinced that a "tiger ghost" was leaving his body, and forced to drink more holy water once he regained consciousness.

The boy reportedly fainted, and was revived to drink the water, for three times before he eventually lost his consciousness for the final time around midnight. After failed attempts to resuscitate him, the family members finally brought him to hospital at 03.00, where the medical staff pronounced him dead.

The older twin was also sent to hospital for injuries he suffered from the holy water consumption. His father said Ms. Karnchana slipped past the family members to visit the boy, reportedly telling him she had seen his twin brother "dressed in beautiful garments" in heaven.

Doctors at the hospital said the deceased victim suffered from lung flooding and heart failure which was caused by excessive water consumption.

Pol.Cpt. Pawich Ritthamnark of Sadao Police Station told our correspondent he is seeking for further evidence that ties Ms. Karnchana with the boy′s death, in order to issue arrest warrant against her.

He said he had interrogated the necromancer but she had insisted that she did not coerce anyone to drink the holy water throughout the ceremony.

Millions of Thais of Chinese descent are observing the holy season during which they abstain from meat and dairy products, and engage in various religious ceremonies.

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Officials Retrieving Derailed Train In Pathumthani

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8 October 2013, 19:07

(8 October) Technicians are working to remove the train carriages involved in a derailment near Chiang Rag station in Pathumthani province.

It is reported that only one carriage is left to be salvaged.

The derailment is said to have occurred during the night of 7 October, after exceeded its weight limits as it was carrying cement from its company Siam Cement Plc.Ltd.

The train was travelling from Kaengkhoi district in Saraburi province to Bangkok, according to an official. It derailed soon after departing from Chiang Rag station.

There were no reports for any injuries or deaths.

The authorities have not yet evaluated the loss from the incident, but asserted that it does not affect the schedules of the trains travelling on the same route.

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'Je' Festival Set To Generate 8.1 Billion Baht For Phuket

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8 October 2013, 17:32

(8 October) Kasikorn Research Centre expects a THB 8.1 billion cash flow during Vegetarian Festival in Phuket province alone.The province has long been known as the epicentre of the vegetarian festival, which is also known as ‘Je festival’, celebration.

For decades, the province hosted the celebration joined by many Thai and Chinese tourists.

Across the country, many Thai-Chinese also participate in the festival by abstaining from meat and dairy products.

During 5-13 October, Kasikorn predicts that the numbers of tourists visiting the island province should increase to 12.3% from the same period last year.

Those expected numbers of tourists should spend at least THB 2.3 billion in accommodation or 28.4% of all expenses, according to the report. Aside from that, THB 1.55 billion and THB 1.25 billion are said to be spent in food and souvenir, respectively.

The season is also expected to generate THB 0.93 billion in leisure and entertainment business, THB 0.78 billion in Transport, and THB 0.88 billion in other tourism related activities.

It is also reported that apart from many Thai tourists from Bangkok. Phuket is expected to welcome tourists from Chinese origin who live in other Asian countries, such as China, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

Phuket’s beaches are also attracting some Western European tourists, as the "high season" for tourism is approaching.

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Truck Accident Unleashes Free Booze For Locals

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8 October 2013, 16:38

(8 October) Local residents and motorists helped themselves to free beer on Rama II Road in Samut Sakorn province last night after dozens of beer containers were accidentally dropped off from a truck.

Mr. Somchai Rakchat, the truck driver, said he unknowingly dropped several boxes of beer as the truck bumped into a water puddle on the road.

After word of the accident spread, many residents, especially the labourers who were working nearby, rushed to the scene to gather the undamaged beer bottles. Some motorists also parked their cars and joined the frenzy, causing much traffic.

Almost no one at the scene was worried about shards of broken beer bottles on the ground, nor showed any generosity to help Mr. Somchai who was frantically picking up the fallen cargo as many as he could.

Mr. Somchai, who was still visibly stunned by the incident, said he still did not know how to deal with the beer that people had taken from the truck.

The remaining load of beer would be transported to his client in Surat Thani province, Mr. Somchai said.

The road was later cleared and the traffic resumed a couple of hours after the accident.

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