Farmers Plead For Bank-Govt Loan To Go Ahead

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17 February 2014, 19:10

(17 February) Some farmers have urged the Government Savings Bank to approve a loan to the administration for its rice mortgage scheme payment.

The government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is currently seeking loans from the GSB via the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to pay off millions of baht in debt it owed to farmers across the country, who had pledged their rice to the government′s program.

However, anti-government protesters led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) oppose the interbank loans on the ground that the rice pledging scheme is a corrupt populist policy.

To block the loans, PCAD has encouraged its supporters to withdraw their savings from the GSB en masse as the means to voice their displeasure. PCAD hopes the prospect of a bank run would force the GSB to cancel its plan to approve the loans for the government.

Fearing that the campaign mounted by PCAD could compromise the promised rice payment, over 500 farmers from Ayutthaya province rallied in front of the GSB headquarters in Saphan Kwai district of Bangkok today to voice their support for the loans.

Mr. Likhit Utsahapradit, the Bang Chanee sub-district director and leader of the farmers group, said those who oppose the loans should sympathise with farmers who are waiting for the promised payment from the govenrment.

"We want the government to pay us as soon as possible," Mr. Likhit said, "I′d like to tell all sides not to get farmers involved with politics".

Mr. Vichian Puanglamchiak, director of Farmers and Agriculturalists Association of Thailand, said farmers in many provinces are distraught to see attempts to block the government′s payment to the farmers.

"It will only put farmers in more distress," Mr. Likhit complained.

Meanwhile, Director of the Government Savings Bank, Mr. Worawit Chailimpamontri, said the bank has seen a dramatic increase in money withdrawal in last three days, at the approximate amount of 30 billion baht.

The number is thrice the usual amount of money withdrawn in other periods, Mr. Worawit explained, adding that the incident has affected "confidence" of other clients who possess deposits in the bank.

"We will discuss the matter in a meeting with the executive board on 18 February to assess the damage," Mr. Worawit said, "If the damage turned out to be genuine, we might have to temporarily place the loans on hold".

Most of the cash withdrawal took place in Bangkok, where over 40% of the deposits of the GSB are located, according to Mr. Worawit. Southern provinces – stronghold of the PCAD movements – similarly sees spikes in withdrawal, while the northern and northeastern regions report no abnormal incident, Mr. Worawit said.

However, the mass withdrawal is not as high as the bank has initially estimated, since most of the withdrawals occurred in low-level accounts, the GSB director added.

Responding to the PCAD′s campaign, some pro-government supporters also either registered for new GSB accounts or increased their deposits in the existing accounts in order to show their support for the bank.

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Police Seeking Arrests Of Anti-Election Protesters

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17 February 2014, 18:07

Anti-election protesters prevent a voter from entering a polling station on Jan. 26, 2014, in Bangkok.

(17 February) The police are currently seeking the arrests of protesters who obstructed the advance voting of 2 February election.

Protesters led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) have besieged numerous polling stations in Bangkok and 11 southern provinces on 26 January in order to disrupt the general election.

PCAD is calling for the formation of an unelected "People′s Council" to rule Thailand and implement series of reforms deemed necessary by the PCAD leadership before any election can be held.

Although obstructing election is a criminal offence under the Thai laws, few attempts have been made to prosecute the PCAD protesters who besieged the polling stations.

But police in Minburi said today they have arrested a PCAD supporter for allegedly disrupting the election on 26 January.

The suspect is identified as Mr. Thaworn Bhiromjit. The police have previously issued arrest warrants for Mr. Thaworn and 4 other accomplices on the charge of preventing Thai citizens from exercising their rights through the election under the democratic regime.

Mr. Thaworn was arrested on 15 February in Preecha 11 Village, Minburi district, Bangkok, said Pol Col Kanchon Intraram in a press conference at the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

The accused denied all allegations and insisted to only testify in court, he added.

Pol.Col. Kanchon said the police is seeking to arrest Mr. Thaworn′s accomplices and other suspects accused of disrupting the election.

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Incense Smoke Increases Cancer Risk: Official

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17 February 2014, 17:04

Buddhists light their joss sticks during a Makha Bucha ceremony at Wat Thep Nari Temple in western Bangkok, 14 February 2014

(17 February) Smoke from joss sticks in religious ceremonies could increase cancer risks and exacerbate respiratory conditions, a public health official warned.

"It′s a silent danger that comes with the incense," said Mr. Anucha Setsathien, MD, Secretary-General for National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM).

Joss sticks and other incenses are commonly used in many religious ceremonies in Thailand, and Mr. Anucha′s warning came just few days after Makha Bucha Day, one of the most important religious holiday in Buddhist tradition.

However, although participating in merit-making or prayer at the temples may grant the worshipers a peace of mind, the joss sticks can also harm the temple-goers, Mr. Anucha said, explaining that the incenses tend to release toxic substances when they are lit.

A joss stick typically contains ingredients such as saw dust, glue, essence, leaves, barks, and seeds which lengthen the stick′s burning and sweeten its smell, according to Mr. Anucha. Once burned, he said, formaldehyde, benzene and butadiene are released from the joss stick in a form of smoke. The substances are known to increase the risk of cancers to human once inhaled.

Mr. Anucha stated that individuals with lung diseases and recurrent asthma should avoid the joss stick altogether, or at least reduce the numbers they use in ceremonies.

"In Thailand, some people light as many as 9 joss sticks in order to pray to the Buddha, the Tripitaka, and the Sangha," Mr. Anucha said.

He also encourages asthma patients or their relatives to call hot line 1669 and follow the instruction if their conditions are suddenly worsened by inhaling joss stick smoke.

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Policeman Shot By 'Teen Motorbike Gangster'

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17 February 2014, 15:41

(17 February) A police officer had been reportedly shot by a motorcycle gang member during a crackdown on nighttime street racing in Samut Prakarn province.

The incident took place in Prah Pradaeng district last night when police officers from Samrong Tai Police Station blocked the roads in effort to arrest dek van, motorcyclist racing gangs whose members are mostly in teenage years.

Pol.Lt. Suksawat Loinork later chased a lone motorcyclist into a small alley and managed to stop the suspect, his colleague said. As he was searching the suspect, however, another motorcycle appeared and its passenger allegedly shot the policeman several times before fleeing the scene.

The officer is being treated in Viparam-Chaiprakarn Hospital for gunshot wounds in his right arm and back.

Pol.Maj.Gen Tatchai Hong-Thong, commander of Samut Prakarm Provincial Police, said a CCTV installed at a nearby factory might have captured the footage of the confrontation.

Pol.Maj.Gen Tatchai added that he has also instructed the police force in the province to revise and rehearse their tactics to curb illegal racing strategy, in order to ensure better protection for police officers in the future operations.

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BKK-Khonkaen Bus Crashes After Driver 'Dozes Off'

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17 February 2014, 14:56

(17 February) A bus has crashed in Nakhon Ratchasima province early this morning after its driver had reportedly dozed off behind the wheel.

The driver, who was later identified as Mr. Pirom Luang-Ei, 59, died at the scene. Many passengers also suffered injuries, but no additional death has been reported so far.

Rescue workers spent more than 30 minutes at the scene to retrieve the injured passengers through the front windshield of the wrecked bus.

The bus was operated by Nakhonchai Air Company. A passenger said the bus departed Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok at 23.00 last night with maximum capacity and was bound for Khonkaen province.

When the bus approached the scene, the passenger said, the bus was visibly swaying before it eventually slid off the road and collided into a tree.

Police believe the driver fell asleep behind the wheel, but stressed that the investigation is ongoing.

Correction: The original version of this article incorrectly identified the name of the bus company as Nakhonchai Tour Company. It should have read Nakhonchai Air. The mistake has been fixed.

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Kwanchai Shooting: Army Postpones Suspects Transfer

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17 February 2014, 13:40

Mr. Kwanchai Praipana with his family members in hospital

(17 February) The military has not yet handed to the police four suspects currently wanted for their alleged roles in assassination attempts on a Redshirt leader.

Four military officers based in the 9th Infantry Division are accused of the drive-by shooting at the residence of Mr. Kwanchai Praipana, a local leader of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), in Udon Thani province last month.

Mr. Kwanchai was critically wounded in the attack but has since recovered from his injuries.

According to the police, the Royal Thai Army has previously promised to surrender the four suspects into the police custody by Monday morning for an interrogation, but the police have not received the suspects so far.

Sources inside the police force assert that the police have failed to contact any commander in the army concerning the four suspects, and the 9th Infantry Division has similarly refused to return calls seeking the transfer of the suspects.

The sources claimed that the 9th Infantry Division, which locates in Kanchanaburi Province, has also withheld two pick-up trucks thought to be used by the four suspects during their assassination attempt on Mr. Kwanchai.

The military has not stated any reason for the delay in transferring the suspect to the police, according to the sources.

Pol.Col. Kovit Charoenwattanasak of Udon Thani police said the officers have already prepared a secure venue for interrogation of the four military officers where Redshirts protesters cannot cause any disruption to the procedure; local Redshirts have encouraged supporters of Mr. Kwanchai to rally in front of police stations where the suspects would be held.

"I believe we can reach understanding with the Redshirts," Pol.Col. Kovit said, "I believe there won′t be any problem".

Pol.Col. Kovit also indicated that the military has asked for the rights to choose a venue of its own, but the police have denied that request, as the investigation is strictly under police authorities.

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Writer Gets Suspended Sentence For Lese Majeste

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17 February 2014, 12:57

Activists demand release of lese majeste prisoners in a rally in front of Government House, 15 May 2012 (Photo by Prachatai)

(17 February) The Supreme Court found a 73 year old writer guilty of insulting the monarchy and handed him a suspended sentence of three years in prison.

Mr. Bundit Aneeya was previously convicted of the crime by the Court of Appeals, which also handed the defendant an unsuspended two year jail term. Mr. Bundit contested the verdict, arguing that he was not mentally sane at the time of his alleged wrongdoing.

His plea was accepted by the Supreme Court today. The judges overturned the previous verdict and sided with the ruling of the court of first instance, handing Mr. Bundit a jail sentence of four years which was reduced by the high court to suspended sentence of three years jail term.

The court also noted that the defendant is in old age, and has never been convicted with crimes which carry jail sentence. The judges additionally urged Mr. Bundit to receive treatment for his mental condition and turn himself into "a good citizen" once again.

Lese majeste, or defamation of the Royal Family, is punishable by up to 15 years in prison per offence under Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Codes.

Mr. Bundit′s reaction to the Supreme Court′s verdict was mixed. He voiced his disappointment that the court found him guilty of the alleged crime, but expressed relief that the prison term has been averted.

"I am glad that I didn′t have to die in prison," Mr. Bundit was quoted as saying by Prachatai news agency.

The writer was charged with lese majeste after he allegedly disseminated documents which defame the monarchy during a panel discussion event organised by Election Commission (EC) in 2003.

The trial of Mr. Bundit had been largely conducted in secrecy, and the media had been dissuaded from reporting about the case thanks to strict lese majeste laws.

A number of human rights organisations and academic have asserted that the Thai lese majeste laws is among the most draconian in the world, and warned of its detrimental effects on freedom of speech in Thailand.

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Chiang Mai Redshirts Attack PCAD Rally

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17 February 2014, 11:00

(17 February) Scores of pro-government supporters have attacked the anti-government rally in Chiang Mai province yesterday.

Demonstrators of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) were organising a rally under the theme of "We will give love to Chiang Mai" in front of Wat Jed Yod Temple to show their solidarity with fellow anti-government protests in Bangkok.

At 13.30, over 200 Redshirts calling themselves "Independent Chiang Mai Reds" arrived, led by Mr. Abhichart Insorn, near the PCAD rally and approached the anti-government protesters in threatening manner, causing PCAD demonstrators to flee into the temple.

Approximately 60 police officers attempted to separate the two rival protest groups from each other by closing the gate of the temple where PCAD demonstrators were taking shelter.

The Redshirts then proceeded to dismantle the PCAD rally stage, burning the banners and throwing stage structures into the nearby canal.

PCAD supporters later fled the area via the temple′s backdoor. No injury has been reported.

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Family Honours Briton's Last Wish With Thai Funeral

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16 February 2014, 19:29

(16 February) Family of a British man who recently passed away in Thailand has honoured his last wish by arranging a Thai-Buddhist styled funeral for him.

The body of Mr. Alan Willian Ball, who passed away at 59, was cremated with traditional Buddhist ceremony yesterday at Wat Khao Kanthama in Sattahip district, Chonburi province.

Prior to the cremation, the body of Mr. Ball had been enshrined in a traditional white coffin at his home in the province, flanked with Thai funeral wreaths and a pot of incenses.

The Briton′s Thai wife, Ms. Somphon Ball, also invited 9 monks to the residence and pray for his soul per Buddhist tradition, before a funeral convoy eventually carried Mr. Ball′s body to his cremation.

The funeral was attended by several relatives of the deceased, including Mr. Ball’s nephews and their friends from Britain.

According to Ms. Somphon, Mr. Ball used to be a Christian, but he later adopted Buddhist practices after he moved to Thailand, such as offering food to the monks and participating in ceremonies at Buddhist temples.

Mr. Ball had attended numbers of ceremonies and funerals held in Buddhist style, Ms. Somphon said. She added that Mr. Ball has become so attached to Thai and Buddhist cultures that he asked for his funeral to be held in similar fashion with many Thai people, if he passed away in Thailand.

The Briton, who was originally from Nottingham, had also instructed his family to store his ashes in the same pagoda with his mother-in-law in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Ms. Somphon said.

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Truck Kills Student On His Way To Exam

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16 February 2014, 18:02

(16 February) A school pupil was killed after his motorcycle had been hit by a 18-wheeled truck as he made his way to a national university entrance exam.

The incident took place on Phaholyothin Road in Lam Luk Ka district, Pathum Thani province.

Police identified the victim as Mr. Panupong Photirak, 18, a student from Rittiyawannalai School and a local resident. It is reported that he was on his way to attend an Ordinary National Educational Test (O-NET) when the accident occurred.

Witnesses said it was raining and Mr. Panupong lost control of his mtorbike, when he was hit by the oncoming truck. He then fell off his vehicle and was run over by the vehicle.

Kukot Police later arrested the truck driver, Mr. Montri Sri-Ngam, 36, who parked his vehicle 800 metres away from the scene. Mr. Montri said he was not aware that his vehicle had hit the student.

Police have charged Mr. Montri with reckless driving resulting in the death of a person.

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