Army Renews Effort To Silence Monarchy Critics

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7 February 2014, 18:58

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, chief of the Royal Thai Army, at an army parade in January 2013

(7 February) The Thai military has vowed to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to stamp out any criticism of the monarchy.

The move followed the Royal Thai Army′s threat to pursue legal action against prominent historian Somsak Jeamteerasakul for his Facebook posts, which the army deemed to be offensive toward the monarchy.

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

"Commenting on personal capacity or on academic grounds without ill intent is the constitutional rights of the public," said Col Paphathip Sawangseang, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson, "But any comment that slanders [the monarchy] has troubled every military personnel".

Therefore, the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Thai Armed Force have instructed related authorities, including the Ministry of Information Technology and Communication, to closely monitor websites and social network sites which contain lese majeste contents.

The Ministry of Defence is required by mission to protect the national sovereignty, stability, and the monarchy, said Col. Paphathip.

He added that the military is consulting its legal teams in order to prosecute those who posted inappropriate remarks concerning the Thai Royal Family. The spokesman also called on "every Thai" to help defend the monarchy from any derogatory comments.

Meanwhile, Col Sirichan Nga-Thong, Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army, stated that the Commander-in-Chief of the army has been "greatly concerned" about the issue, particularly concerning the circulation of criticism of the monarchy on the social media.

"It causes confusion to the public, and the people might be manipulated by individuals with ill intention," she said.

The army has already instructed all military units to thoroughly study possibility of legal action against those who insult the monarchy, Col. Sirichan said, adding that the military is relying on support of "social norm" to deter any criticism of the Royal Family.

“The army is responsible to protect and uphold the dignity of the monarchy, and we can assure all Thai people that we would proceed with the issue as far as we can”, said Col Sirichan.

The spokeswoman claimed that the army has been continuously prosecuting critics of the monarchy since 2006.

"Some cases have been convicted and punished, and some cases are under the trial," Col. Sirichan said, "While some other cases are in the process of petitioning for Royal Pardon".

Widely regarded as the most outspoken critic of the Thai monarhcy, Mr. Somsak is also facing a separate lese majeste charge filed by the Royal Thai Army in 2011, following his criticism of a televised interview by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn.

Information of alleged license plate of Mr. Somsak′s car and his home address is also being circulated on a number of pro-monarchy social sites.

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Pathum Redshirt Radio Attacked By 'Grenade'

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7 February 2014, 18:19

(7 February) A pro-government radio station in Pathum Thani province was attacked with unidentified explosive device last night.

The incident took place at FM106.65 Radio headquarters in Lamlukka district, which is owned by a famous Redshirt leader, Mr. Wuttipong ′Ko Tee′ Kochthammakul.

The explosion damaged an air-condition compressor and left several marks on the building’s walls.

A security guard who was patrolling the scene also suffered minor injuries from the incident. Mr. Wutthipong said he was not at the station at the time.

Pol Col Naradetch Thipyarak, Chief of Kukhot Police Station, stated that the police is still unable to identify the type of the explosive, and is investigating the scene, but Mr. Wuttipong suggested that it might have been a grenade.

The Redshirt coordinator claimed he was aware of attempts to intimidate him after he appeared in much media coverage as a Redshirt leader in recent weeks.

Mr. Wuttiphong, who leads a local group of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) in Pathumthani province, has also recently drawn criticism from Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army by accusing the army of supporting the anti-government protests.

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Rice Scheme: Farmers Ask NACC To Probe Govt

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7 February 2014, 17:12

Pro-government rally by farmers in Phitsanulok province, 7 February 2014

(7 February) A group of farmers have requested the anti-graft body to take action against the government for its failure to pay them under rice-pledging program.

The government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has previously promised to pay farmers for their pledged rice by 31 January. Yet many farmers said they had not received the payment, causing them to take to the streets in many provinces and voice their discontent.

Today hundreds of farmers from various rice-growing provinces such as Suphan Buri, Angthong, Ayutthaya, and Saraburi marched to the office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in Nonthaburi province where they filed a request urging the NACC to investigate the government′s failure.

Mr. Songphon Poonsawad, President of the Farmers Council in Angthong province, stated that NACC is his last hope to hold the government accountable, as the authorities were supposed to pay the farmers 4 – 5 months ago for the mortgaged rice.

Many farmers ran out of money and were forced to take loans from illegal loan sharks who charged high interest rate, Mr. Songphon said.

He added that the government had not provided any clear explanation for the delay of the rice money, which was supposed to have arrived by 31 January as promised by the government.

The farmers also want to meet Ms. Yingluck in person to ask her for solid solution for the scheme, said Mr. Songphon. He said the protesters have set the deadline for the government to clear the matter by 15 February, or face an escalation in demonstration from the farmers.

Deputy Secretary General of the NACC, Mr. Wittaya Akhomphitak, received the letter from the farmers and promised that NACC will discuss the issue on 11 February.

The NACC will appoint a commission to investigate and document any distress the farmers have been facing from the controversial rice scheme, according to Mr. Wittaya.

However, not every protesting farmer group is taking a hostile approach to the current government.

On the same day, a group of at least 200 farmers gathered at Phisanulok City Hall to express their support the government, stating that they simply wish to be compensated for their rice.

The group, led by Mr. Somyong Joithing, the director of Wang Intok Subdistrict, said that they hope the authority will be able to clear off its debt and approve the payment for the pledged rice soon.

Mr. Somyong also indicated that the group will submit open letter to Mr. Rapee Phonbuphakit, Phitsanulok Governor, to explain their intention for the demonstration.

He also begged The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) to stop interrupting the government’s attempt to solve the issue, after PCAD tried to besiege and pressure several banks not to grant loans for the government′s rice scheme fund.

“Please understand that farmers are in distress”, said Mr. Somyong.

Mr. Witurat Srinam, Phitsanulok Deputy Governor, later received the letter from the farmers representative. He promised to pass on the issue to Phitsanulok Governor as soon as possible.

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Pitsanulok Pays Fresh Batch Of Rice Money

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7 February 2014, 16:07

(7 February) BAAC branches in Phitsanulok province have paid out another batch of compensation money to local farmers who participated in rice-pledging program.

The Bank for Agricultural and Agricultural Co-Operatives in the province were recently funded with 183 million baht to pay the farmers, officials said.

Farmers in a number of provinces have been protesting for the money the government owed them in the controversial rice mortgage scheme.

In Phitsanulok, many farmers could be seen queuing up at local BAAC branches for the earnings they were supposed to receive four months ago.

In Mueang district, BAAC was tasked to pay 13 million baht to farmers in the area. The money has been collected by the farmers within several hours.

As of 13 January, statistics reveal that in Phitsanulok Province alone, more than 494,000 tonnes of rice were pledged under the scheme, and the government was bound to pay an overall of nearly 7.69 billion baht to the farmers.

So far, the government had repaid only approximately 1 billion baht to the farmers, according to the statistics.

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Pro-PCAD Singer 'Attacked' In Chiang Mai

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7 February 2014, 15:29

(7 February) Folk-pop singer Lanna Commins told Chiang Mai police she was a victim of a physical assault, which might have been politically-motivated.

The 30 year old singer said she was attacked by a group of people in front of a pub-and-restaurant in Mueang Chiang Mai district last night, where she was drinking with her boyfriend.

While she was at the pub prior to the incident, Ms. Lanna said, the group of assailants who were sitting on the next table started to mockingly imitate her appearance on anti-government protest rally stage in Bangkok on 18 January, in which she performed the hit song "Can′t Be Trusted".

The group consisted of 2 women and 3 men, said Ms. Lanna, a native of Chiang Mai province.

As they were leaving the place later, according to the singer, the group had mocked her famous song again, angering Ms. Lanna′s boyfriend. When her boyfriend reportedly approached the group to ask them to stop teasing Ms. Lanna, the assailants charged at both of them, leading to a brawl.

Ms. Lanna claimed she was punched in her face and her hands. She also told the police she had lost her purse which contained her ID card, cash cards, and approximately 2,500 baht in cash.

She later filed complaint with the police.

Our correspondent added that Ms. Lanna’s appearance on PCAD stage had caused dissatisfaction among many residents in Chiang Mai province, which is known as a solid base of support for Pheu Thai Party and the Shinawatra family.

According to Pol Lt Col Kraisri Junphan, Chief of the Chiang Mai Provincial Police, an investigation team has been instructed to study footage from CCTV installed at the restaurant, in order to track down the culprits.

The officer said it is currently unclear whether the attack was politically-motivated. However, Pol Lt Col Kraisri also indicated that the singer is alleged to have previously engaged in fights during her other night-outs in the province.

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Suthep Accused Of Buying Land With Donation Money

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7 February 2014, 14:15

(7 February) Pheu Thai spokesman has accused anti-government protest leader of buying lands in a southern province with donation money.

According to Mr. Prompong Nopparit, his party has received information that 52 rai of land in Nakhon Si Thammarat province was purchased on 29 January with the price of 280 million baht.

The purchase was highly suspicious, Mr. Prompong said, as the provincial Department of Landm, which wields the sole authority in approving all land sales in the area, was closed down at the time due to "shutdown" protests organised by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

In the land purchase document allegedly obtained by Pheu Thai Party, the name of the son of PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban was also listed as a co-buyer.

Furthermore, the land borders with another piece of land owned by a "prominent Democrat politician", Mr. Prompong added, without naming the person.

Mr. Prompong said he would like to ask Mr. Suthep and his son managed to purchase the land, since their bank accounts are currently frozen by the authorities.

"I want to ask Mr. Suthep and his son whether this is true," Mr. Prompong said, "Mr. Suthep has to clarify this matter. If he doesn′t, I′ll take it that he accepts the allegation".

The spokesman of Pheu Thai Party also voiced his suspicion that Mr. Suthep′s family has spent a part of donation money received from PCAD supporters on the land purchase.

"There has already been rumour about whatever happened to 2 billion baht of donation Mr. Suthep has received," Mr. Prompong said in the press conference.

He added that the ruling party will request the Division of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to investigate the land purchase in Nakhon Si Thammarat for the sake of "fairness".

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Indian PCAD Activist Seeks Help From Rights Commission

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7 February 2014, 13:12

Mr. Satit Segal chats with reporters at an anti-government rally in Pathumwan Intersection, 6 February 2014

(7 February) The India-born anti-government activist has sought help from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to fight the government's effort to deport him.

The announcement was made by a representative of Mr. Satit Segal, who serves as a core leader of the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

The Center for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) has previously stated that it has initiated the procedure to deport Mr. Satit, who is also known as Satish Segal, citing his lack of Thai citizenship. Mr. Satit contended that he had been living in the kingdom for decades and will not be cowed into leaving.

According to Ms. Chumsilpa Sotathipreedawong, Mr. Satit′s representative, a number of police officers have showed up at the PCAD leader′s residence even though the deportation document has not been issued.

"Mr. Satit is greatly worried," Ms. Chumsilpa said, "He has been conducting himself under the rights of assembly granted by the laws. He has not violated any laws".

Mr. Niran Pitakwatchara, chairman of the NHRC, said the Commission will urgently deliberate on the matter. He also called the alleged incidents of police officers entering Mr. Satit′s house an act of "intimidation".

The NHRC will additionally send a letter to CMPO chairman, Mr. Chalerm Yoobamrung, to request that he clarifies the threat of deportation.

"Mr. Satit has merely exercised his rights as a citizen," Mr. Niran said, "He has not committed any act of violence".

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Passport Registration Quota To Increase Next Week

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6 February 2014, 17:06

Officials negotiate with the anti-government Buddhist monk, Buddha Issara, for the full re-opening of Government Complex, 5 February 2014

(6 February) The Department of Consular Affairs will increase quota for passport registrations per day amid ongoing shutdown of its main office on Chaeng Wattana Road.

The Department′s headquarters have been closed down by anti-government protesters since 13 January, and venues for passport application have been appointed at Bang Na and Pinklao districts.

Due to the disruption to its operation, the DCA was forced to dramatically scale down the numbers of passports they could process to 3,650 cases per day, causing long lines to form at registration venues.

However, following a negotiation with the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), DCA is allowed to send its technicians into its HQ, where they will reboot the online application and automatic query system which links the HQ with other DCA offices, both in and out of Thailand.

The DCA plans to test the system on 7 – 9 February and the network is expected to operate as usual soon afterward.

"Consular Office should be able to start issuing passport with the capacity of 7,000 per day," if the system operates smoothly, the DCA said in a statement.

While the DCA main office at the Government Complex will remain closed until negotiation with PCAD is achieved, its smaller offices at the Ministry Labour, Surat Thani, and Phuket would be opened to the public on Monday, the statement says.

In order to facilitate the public, DCA will also open its temporary office at Lotus Hall, Sirikit Convention Centre, on 10 February onward, with the capacity of 600 passports a day.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that it still has more than 5,000,000 passports in reserve, which will allow the production of 6,500 passports per day, each of them valid for 4 years.

Nevertheless, those who do not urgently require new passports should wait until the system is fully operated, DCA said in the statement.

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PCAD Withdraws From Rama VIII Bridge

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6 February 2014, 16:34

(6 February) Rama VIII Bridge is once again open to public after anti-government protesters dismantled their campsite there.

Normal traffic on the bridge resumed this morning, traffic police announced.

However, some protesters, led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), are still occupying a number of roads in the area around eastern side of the bridge, such as Jor Por Ror Intersection and Phan Fah Intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

PCAD protesters also remain at 5 other majors intersections and roads throughout Bangkok: Government Complex in Chaeng Wattana Road, Pathum Wan Intersection, Saladaeng Intersection, Asoke Intersection and Ratchaprasong Intersection.

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PM Yingluck Defends Controversial Rice Program

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6 February 2014, 15:57

Rice farmers protesting in front of Ministry of Commerce, 6 February 2014

(6 February) Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has defended rice pledging scheme even as farmers continue their protests against the program.

The rice mortgage scheme is "similar to agricultural subsidisation policies in many other countries," Ms. Yingluck wrote in a Facebook post, "We have seen the success of this policy in its first two terms".

She added, "The current situation is unusual, as we have been facing political instability for 3-4 months. The situation had obstructed the caretaker government to exercise its power," to pay the farmers the money they were owed under the governmental program.

Just today, furious farmers from the provinces of Petchaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi marched to stage their protest in front of the Ministry of Commerce in Nonthaburi province, demanding their promised compensation from the scheme.

The farmer representative stated that the payment was due 4 months ago, and demanded the government to start pay them immediately.

In the Facebook post, Ms. Yingluck promised to pay back the farmers as soon as possible.

“I have not been at ease. I have instructed related authorities to identify problems which obstruct the payment. Now, the Ministry of Finance is currently seeking for loans, while the Ministry of Commerce is studying the possibility to auction off the rice to earn some money to run the scheme," the Prime Minister said.

Krung Thai Bank has previously refused to approve a loan for the government, much to the cheer of anti-government protesters who claim the rice pledging program is a corrupt populist policy.

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