Portuguese Cannon Smashed To Build Buddha Figure

By

-

21 March 2014, 18:02

Photo of the cannon in its original form, as provided by the temple staff.

(21 March) Police in Ranong province have saved the scraps of a 500 year old Portuguese cannon from the temple furnace where local monks intended to turn the artifacts into a Buddha figure.

The authorities have received previous reports that Wat Suwankiriviharn Temple would fuse the said cannon with other substances to construct a 3-metre tall Buddha statue on Friday.

Concerned that the artifact would be irreparably damaged, officials of Department of Fine Arts urged the police in Ranong to raid the temple and confiscate the cannon.

The police, accompanied by a team of experts from Department of Fine Arts, arrived at Wat Suwankiriviharn at around 15.00 yesterday and met with the abbot to discuss the issue. The temple staff offered no resistance, showing the officers to their store room where the cannon was held.

Nevertheless, the cannon had already been smashed into 56 pieces of metal scraps on the order of the temple monks, in preparation for the scheduled casting ceremony.

Mr. Thawatchai Chanpaisalsilpa, an archaeologist from the Department of Fine Arts, said initial inspection indicated that the cannon was a Portuguese-made weapon dating back to 16th century.

Two of the cannon scraps recovered by the police also showed a national emblem of Portugal and an insignia of the globe, similar to the signs on the ancient cannons placed in the compound of the Embassy of Portugal in Bangkok, Mr. Thawatchai added.

Temple staff told the police that local fishermen had uncovered the cannon as they were sailing near the Nicobar Islands in the Andaman Sea several years ago. According to Mr. Thawatchai, the cannon, in its original form, would have been 2.5 meters long and weighed 437 kg.

However, when the police scaled the scraps, the total weight of the smashed cannon was only 399 kilograms, causing the police to suspect that some pieces had been stolen or withheld by temple staff.

"The cannon represents historical evidence of the sailing, trade, and cultural exchange in the Andaman Sea, which was an important sea trade network" Mr. Thawatchai said, "It's a pity the cannon has been reduced to scraps".

The police said, after their investigation, that they intend to prosecute those who were involved in the destruction of the cannon, as the artifact is protected under the 1961 Act on Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums, which bans any action that vandalises historic artifacts.

Mr. Thawatchai also told our correspondent that the incident is the first offence under the 1961 law he has come across in his working life.

TAT To Woo Hong Kong Tourists Back To Bangkok

By

Khaosod English

-

21 March 2014, 16:41

Songkran celebration organised by Thai community in Hong Kong, April 2013

(21 March) The Tourism Authority of Thailand will launch a PR offensives to convince tourists from Hong Kong to return to Bangkok, a top official said.

TAT Director Thawatchai Arunyik complained that incoming tourism from Hong Kong has drastically decreased after the government imposed the State of Emergency over Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces, prompting the authorities of the semi-autonomous region to declare a "Black Travel Alert" and urge its citizens to avoid travel to Bangkok.

According to Mr. Thawatchai, many travel insurance companies based in Hong Kong refused to insure trips to Bangkok due to the travel notice.

Ms. Thitipon Maneenet, the director of TAT's chapter in Hong Kong, added that since 80% of all tourists from Hong Kong only visit Bangkok during their trips, the Black Travel Alert meant many Hong Kongers decide to scrap travel plans for Thailand altogether.

Now that the Hong Kong authorities have scaled down the travel alert – from Black to Yellow – following the repeal of the emergency decree in Bangkok, Mr. Thawatchai hopes citizens of Hong Kong will be willing to resume their trips to the Thai capital city.

However, much work remains to be done, officials warned. Ms. Thitipon said the TAT will launch a series of advertisements designed to inform prospective tourists in Hong Kong about alternative destinations in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai, Samui island, and Phuket, while Mr. Thawatchai said the TAT will also organise exhibitions in Hong Kong about Thailand's various tourist destinations.

Speed is critical, officials said, as the TAT is hoping to restore the confidence of foreign tourists around the world before the celebration of Songkran (traditional Thai New Year) Festival in April.

Mr. Somsak Pureesisak, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, added that he would convene a meeting between TAT and relevant authorities to resolve problems related to travel insurance for Hong Kong tourists in Thailand.

Meanwhile, officials said they are expecting only 28 million tourists to visit Thailand this year – slightly lower than the previously-projected number of 31.1 million tourists – due to ongoing political crisis.

In the first 2 months of 2014 alone, the number of foreign tourists arrivals in Thailand has already decreased by 4.1%, according to official records.

Rape Suspect Kills Himself After Lengthy Police Siege

By

Khaosod English

-

21 March 2014, 15:37

(21 March) A rape suspect has committed suicide in his residence after an 8-hours long standoff with the police.

The police had previously attempted to arrest Mr. Wuttiwong Saeku, 48, on charges of sexual assault, unlawful detention, and unauthorised possession of firearms related to an alleged rape case earlier this month.

When the police approached Mr. Wuttipong's residence in Nong Kai province yesterday however, the suspect responded by firing his handgun at the officers, although no one was hit by the shots fired. Mr. Wuttipong also shouted at the police telling them not to enter his house.

Later more than 40 police officers arrived at the scene to besiege Mr. Wuttipong's residence, while negotiators attempted to persuade the suspect to surrender, but Mr. Wutthipong insisted that he would only give up if the alleged rape victim withdrew all charges against him.

Furthermore, he claimed he had a shotgun and a handgun with at least 150 rounds of ammunition, which he threatened to use against the police and kill himself afterwards should they try to arrest him again. Police officers decide to lay siege to his house and wait.

At 04.00 this morning, a single gunshot could be heard inside the residence, however the police did not make a move until 07.00, when an assault squad was ordered to flush the suspect out of the building.

The officers threw two tear gas canisters into the bedroom on the lower floor before breaking the windows and doors of the residence. However, when the suspect did not respond for half an hour, the police decided to storm into the building and discovered that Mr. Wutthipong had committed suicide with his handgun.

Officers said the suspect had shot himself in his right temple.

According to court documents, the rape charge was filed against Mr. Wutthipong by his 20-years old stepdaughter. The woman said a month after her mother divorced Mr. Wutthipong, the suspect stormed into her house and raped her at gunpoint.

The police applied for arrest warrant after medical examination indicated that the victim had been sexually assaulted.

The news came a day after a newly unveiled report says more than 31,000 women and children were subject to sexual violence throughout Thailand in the year 2013 alone.

Thanks To PCAD Campaign, Court Voids 2 Feb Poll

By

Khaosod English

-

21 March 2014, 14:38

Disappointed voters in Bangkok's Sai Mai district hold pro-election signs after PCAD protesters have forced a local poll station to close down, 26 January 2014

(21 March) The 2nd February general election has been nullified by the Constitutional Court thanks to the anti-government protesters' campaign to besiege poll venues and seize ballot equipment.

In a ruling which will likely add more uncertainty to the ongoing crisis in Thailand, the judges ruled that the election result is unconstitutional on the ground that the poll was not held on the same day across the kingdom, as required by Article 108 of the 2007 Constitution.

Majority of the judges – 6 out of 9 – argued that no election was held in 28 southern provinces on 2nd February, where protesters led by the People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) had blockaded numerous poll stations, besieged election registration venues, obstructed the transportation of ballots, and forced the officials of Election Commission (EC) to suspend their duties.

The disruptive campaign was called by PCAD leaders in order to scupper the 2 February election and replace Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra with an unelected "People's Council", which would implement a series of national reforms before any election would be allowed to be held.

Although the election on 2 February was largely peaceful, the PCAD had previously launched a series of intimidating campaigns to dissuade the voters from casting their ballots during the advanced voting day on 26 January, and attempted to storm the candidate registration venue at Din Daeng Stadium in Bangkok late last year, leading to violent clashes with the police which left several people dead.

Today's verdict will therefore likely anger many supporters of the government, who have viewed the PCAD's anti-election campaigns as a pretext for the court to nullify the 2 February election. Many Redshirts activists have also accused the judicial powers of collaborating with the anti-government protesters to oust Ms. Yingluck.

The verdict does allow for a new election to be held – the judges have instructed the government to "consult" with the EC to arrange another poll – but it is unclear whether a new round of voting will resolve the crisis.

The Democrat Party, the main backer of the PCAD movements, has previously boycotted the 2 February election and stated that it might also boycott another election, citing the need to "reform" the political system first.

'Gangsters' Arrested For An Assault On The Wrong Guys

By

Khaosod English

-

21 March 2014, 14:33

(21 March) Two men in Chiang Mai province have been assaulted and wounded by a group of teenager gangsters, who had mistaken the pair as rival gang members.

The assault reportedly took place at around 02.30 on 16 March. Witnesses said the perpetrators arrived on over 10 motorcycles at the intersection near Mueang Chiang Mai Market where Mr. Noppadol Duangdecha and Mr. Weerapong (surname unclear) were stopping for a red light on their motorbike.

Mr. Weerapong told police the teenagers asked him whether his nickname was "Foo". When he said yes, the gangsters reportedly proceeded to mob him and Mr. Noppadol, kicking and assaulting both men with knives, before speeding away.

Mr. Noppadol suffered from stab wounds on his shoulder and ribs, while Mr. Weerapong's head wound required stitches, police said.

The victims insist that they had not personally known the gangsters prior to the attack.

Today the police arrested 8 suspects, some of whom are minors, in connection with the crime. They have been charged with assault and causing bodily harm. Police said they are also locating other suspects who had participated in the attack.

According to the police, the suspects are members of the notorious motorcyclist gang called the "Samurai Gang" who have previous history of random violent acts against locals in Chiang Mai province.

The suspects told police they were searching for a rival gangster called Foo, who had reportedly damaged some of the gang's motorcycles, when they encountered the victims at the crime scene. The suspects claimed they mistook the victims as their target and only discovered later that they had beaten up the wrong people.

Speeding Truck Crashes, Flips Over In Rangsit

By

Khaosod English

-

21 March 2014, 11:24

(21 March) A truck has crashed and flipped over on an elevated road in Pathumthani province.

The incident reportedly took place at around 01.30 today in front of Future Park Rangsit shopping mall in Rangsit district.

The crash has caused the cargo potato flour and some of the vehicle's petrol to spill onto the bridge and the roads underneath. Officials scrambled to cover the petrol spill with sands to prevent any ignition, and clean the flour off the roads.

Mr. Suthep Thongnum, 44, said he was driving the cargo from Prachinburi. When he approached the curve on the bridge, Mr. Suthep said, he could not slow down in time as he was driving with high speed, causing the truck to smash into the barrier and turn over its side.

Apart from the driver, no injury was reported.

Police say the same elevated road was the scene to a previous accident in which a loose container fell down from a truck into a public van, killing one person.

Bombs Target Judge's Residence Before Key Ruling

By

Khaosod English

-

21 March 2014, 10:50

(21 March) Two explosive devices appeared to have narrowly missed the residence of a Constitutional Court judge hours before the court is scheduled to deliver a key verdict.

Police in Bangkok's Klong Tan area received reports about the blasts at around 23.20 last night and proceeded to inspect the crime scene at Soi Ekkamai 30, where two houses were damaged by the explosions.

The residence of Mr. Jaran Pukdithanakul, a member of the Constitutional Court judges, locates only 200 metres away from the blast sites.

The first explosion is said to have injured a 43-years old resident who was reportedly sleeping in his house when the unidentified explosive device hit the residence's roof. Another device fell on a nearby house, but no injury was reported.

Mr. Panomprai Panyasai, the owner of the house, said he dismissed the sound of the first explosion as firework, but shortly afterwards he heard a loud explosion on the roof of his residence. Mr. Panomprai insisted that he has no history of personal conflicts with anyone, and that he never joined any political demonstration.

Police suspect that the devices might have been intended to target the resident of Mr. Jaran, but stressed that further investigation is needed. Nevertheless, additional police officers have been dispatched to guard the vicinity of Mr. Jaran's residence.

The suspected attack came prior to a much anticipated ruling by the Constitutional Court, which might nullify the general election of 2 February.

Student Summoned By Police Over Lese Majeste

By

Khaosod English

-

20 March 2014, 18:32

(20 March) A summons warrant has been issued for on an outspoken student activist who has been accused of insulting the Thai monarchy.

The complaint was filed under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Codes by Ms. Ponnipa Supatnukul, 41, the host of a talk show on a satelite TV station in September last year.

In the complaint, she accused a transgender student activist at Thammasat University, who is famously known as Aum Neko, of insutling the Royal Family during a TV interview hosted by Ms. Pontipa in June that year.

Lese majeste, or defamation of the monarchy, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison per offence under the Thai law.

Ms. Aum, whose real name is Ms. Saran Chuichai, is well-known for her campaigns for a more liberal atmosphere in the campus and for her provocative tactics; she once attempted to remove a Thai national flag hoisted over administrative building of Thammasat University and replace it with a black one, in order to protest about the alleged political bias of the university dean.

Pol.Cpt. Witthawat Sai-Ong said Ms. Aum has been summoned to face charges on 24 March after the police studied the evidence provided by Ms. Pontipa and decided to proceed with the prosecution.

He said the police would be forced to apply for arrest warrant if Ms. Aum refuses to show up on the appointed date.

Speaking to our correspondent, Ms. Aum said she is willing to report to the police on 24 March, but she is still waiting for the police to choose a venue for the meeting.

She added that she will not provide any testimony – and the police are not expected to interrogate her – as she has not appointed a lawyer yet.

The student activist also told Khaosod that she is very distraught by the summons warrant today, since she was also facing an exhaustive investigation conducted by Thammasat University administration yesterday. The inquiry, she said, was meant to determine whether the university will expel Ms. Aum for her past actions, such as the "black flag incident", which has been deemed offensive by a number of staff.

Ms. Aum said the university has not yet informed her of their decision.

Landline Phones To Be Charged By Minute

By

Khaosod English

-

20 March 2014, 18:32

Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva speaks on phone with members of the public, 2 July 2010.

(20 March) Landline phones in Thailand are no longer to be charged under a flat fee of 3 baht per call, an official said.

Mr. Thakorn Tanthasit, Secretary-Genral of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), said the agency is currently amending the telecommunication regulations which would become effective in July this year.

The new regulation will replace the flat fee of landline calls with a charge of 0.45 baht per minute, Mr. Thakorn said. The price will be reduced to 0.34 baht per minute in July 2015.

He explained that the change is necessary as service providers are bearing greater financial costs in their operation at the present time.

The amendment will be finalised by June this year, Mr. Thakorn said.

Official: No Plan To Sue Singapore Over Songkran

By

Khaosod English

-

20 March 2014, 18:08

(20 March) The head of the Thai cultural watchdog has disputed reports that indicate officials are taking legal action against Singapore for organising a Thai traditional New Year festival.

Billed as the "Largest water festival celebration party in Singapore" and "The largest Songkran outside Thailand", the event, to be held on 12-13 April, features water-splashing fights and musical performances.

According to information on their website, the event appears to be co-hosted by several private companies, without direct partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) or the Thai consulates – unlike Songkran celebrations in other overseas Thai communities, such as Australia and Hong Kong.

The news has received mixed reaction from the online community in Thailand. While many welcome the event as a proof that Songkran has become so successful and widely recognised by an international audience it has been adopted by foreign organisers, others accused the Singaporeans of "stealing" the Thai tradition.

Debate intensified after several media agencies quoted Ms. Yupa Taweewattanakijbaworn, Director of the Culture Surveillance Bureau, as saying that her agency was considering a lawsuit against the island nation over the "unauthorised" celebration of the Songkran Festival.

Ms. Yupa was also quoted as saying that the Singaporeans have "distorted" the tradition of Songkran by using it solely to promote tourism without paying tribute to the cultural roots behind the festival.

The reports have baffled many observers, leading one prominent historian to comment on his Facebook page that it is incredible that any Thai official would proclaim the ownership of Songkran since the tradition has been inherited from Thailand's neighbouring cultures, and it is still celebrated in the regions beyond Thailand.

However, Ms. Yupa told Khaosod late yesterday that her agency, which operates under the Ministry of Culture, has no intention of filing any lawsuit against Singapore.

"I never said anything like that," Ms. Yupa insisted, "Such reports have caused damage to me, and to the Ministry of Culture".

The director of Thai cultural watchdog claimed that she merely said, in previous interviews, that she positively views the Singaporean Songkran as good PR for Thai Songkran, and expressed her wish that the Singaporeans would "play Songkran correctly" in accordance to the Thai tradition.

"It's a sensitive subject. I don't want to cause any disturbance to international relations," Ms. Yupa complained, adding that she's distraught to see her "misquotes" being amplified and "distorted" on the social network.

Other tourism officials have also downplayed any impact the Singaporean Songkran might cause to Thailand.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Somsak Pureesrisak said he is delighted to see Singaporeans adopting Songkran celebration, which he believes will help promote tourism in both Thailand and Singapore, while the Department of Cultural Promotion Director Chai Nakhonchai commented that Songkran has been a "shared tradition" among Southeast Asian nations for centuries.

Organisers of the event in Singapore did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Meanwhile, Mr. Somchart Pimthanapoonphon, chairman of Hatyai-Songkhla Hotel Association, dismissed concerns that the Singaporean Songkran would affect Thai tourism. He noted that Malaysian organisers have staged their own Songkran event in the past, yet it was not as "fun" as Thai Songkran, and foreign tourists still kept coming to enjoy the Thai festival.

"I think tourists will still prefer Songkran in Hat Yai." Mr. Somchart said, "Moreover, it's much cheaper here than Singapore".

However, Mr. Visoot Buachoom, director of Chiang Mai's chapter of the TAT, voiced his suspicion over the motives of the Singaporeans to organise their own Songkran festival.

"If you look at it in a negative way, you might have the idea that they are being opportunists, using their neighbour's culture for their own gain," Mr. Visoot said, "It's not appropriate, because it disrespects the rights and unique identity of other cultures".

But Mr. Visoot also expressed his confidence that many foreign tourists will find Songkran in Thailand more attractive, due to the "originality" and fun.

He estimated that 100,000 tourists will flood into Chiang Mai province during the Songkran holidays, generating revenues of over 1.2 billion baht.

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