Fearful of PCAD Shutdown, DSI Evacuates Files

By

-

9 January 2014, 13:12

Anti-government protesters storming the office of Division of Special Investigation, November 2013

(9 January) The Division of Special Investigation (DSI) has been ordered to evacuate important documents in preparation for the anti-government protesters' "shutdown" of Bangkok on 13 January.

Mr. Thawatchai Thaikeaw, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, said the operation of the Ministry will function normally to facilitate the public′s needs despite the the plan by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) to stage major rallies across Bangkok and "shutdown" the capital city.

While some officials would be stationed at its headquarters in Government Complex on Chaengwattana Road, others would be working from their homes.

“High-ranking officials, from Director and above, are instructed to come [to work] at the Ministry. However, some officers may be instructed otherwise”, Mr. Thawatchai said, “for those whose job is accessible from home, they are allowed to work outside the Ministry"

The Government Complex is one of PCAD′s targets for the "shutdown". If the protesters decide to prolong their rallies at the Complex, Mr. Thawatchai said, the Ministry will be operating from temporary workplaces outside the Complex.

For now, though, the Ministry is focused on closing cases that are due to expire or cases of urgent matter, according to Mr. Thawatchai.

"If some emergency happens, it won?t affect [the public]", said the Deputy Permanent Secretary, "However,

He added that the Ministry does not forbid its officials from joining PCAD rallies, but encourages them to do so only outside office hours.

It is also reported that the Division of Special Investigation (DSI) had moved important files and other equipment to other places, following the instruction from the Ministry.

Mr. Thawatchai explained that the move was necessary as anti-government protesters have besieged the Division′s headquarters many times. "Now, there is nothing to worry about," he said.

Governmental institutions under the oversight of the Ministry of Justice at Government Complex include the DSI, Right and Liberty Protection Department, Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection, Department of Probation, and Central Institute of Forensic Science.

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

Army Sends Out Vague Signals On Coup

By

Khaosod English

-

8 January 2014, 18:29

A model posing with soldiers in Bangkok on 21 September 2006, days after the army launched a coup which ousted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra

(8 January) Top officials of the Royal Thai Army have made contradictory comments about possibility of a military coup.

Rumours of a possible coup are intensifying in Bangkok as the "shutdown" of Bangkok planned by anti-government protesters is approaching.

The People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of the State (PCAD) vows to occupy major intersections in the capital city on 13 January in the bid to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, while pro-government Redshirts have also announced they will stage rallies of their own outside Bangkok on the same day.

Many observers see a parallel between the ongoing crisis and the political protests in 2006, when the military ousted the brother of Ms. Yingluck, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in a putsch which they claimed was a necessary step to restore order in Thailand.

Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, has provided vague answers to reporters when asked about a possible coup over the few weeks. Last month, the general refused to rule out a coup, stating that "anything can happen".

Gen. Prayuth told the press along the similar line yesterday, saying that he cannot confirm whether there will or will not be a coup, as it depends on the situation.

"It′s not only about [coup]. Everything happens because there is a cause," Gen. Prayuth said, "If there is no cause for something to happen, it won?t happen".

He added, "Just like the Thai proverb goes: if a cow has a wound on its back, the crow will peck it. If there is no wound, there won?t be any pecking".

The Permanent Secretary of the Royal Thai Army likewise refused to rule out the possibility of a new coup earlier today. Asked by reporters whether there will be a military coup, Gen. Nipat Thonglek simply laughed and continued on his way to attend a meeting at the Royal Thai Police headquarters.

However, Lt.Gen. Charnchai Phuthong, commander of the Second Army Region, downplayed the ongoing rumours about the coup by insisting that the army will only support a peaceful and legal path to resolve the political conflicts.

"Gen. Prayuth has stressed many times that the army belongs to the people and the nation. The current conflict must be solved by peaceful methods in accordance with the laws," Lt.Gen. Charnchai told reporters after he attended an event at Suranaree Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

"We are following that instruction very strictly," Lt.Gen. Charnchai added.

Meanwhile, the official leadership of the Redshirts has encouraged its supporters to be on alert lest the army launches another coup against an elected government.

In a statement, the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship also laid out plans to be executed in the event of a military coup. The plans call on the Redshirts to help escort the Prime Minister to a "more secure" location in the North or Northeastern region, establish a government in exile, gather at their local police stations, and stage protests in front of the military bases in the provinces.

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

Kidnapped Vietnamese Man 'Mistaken' For Debtor

By

Khaosod English

-

8 January 2014, 17:49

The suspects under custody at Pattaya police station

(8 January) Police in Pattaya have arrested a group of suspects who claimed they had kidnapped a Vietnamese man out of misunderstanding.

Mr. Niang Wan Too (name transcribed from Thai text), the 32-year-old Vietnamese national, told police he was walking with his girlfriend on Pattaya Soi 12 before a group of men arrived on a minivan. The group seized him into the vehicle and sped away.

His girlfriend, Ms. Buiti Hong Min (whose name also transcribed from Thai text), followed the minivan on a taxi-motorcycle and alerted the police.

The minivan was reportedly stopped at Diana Hotel alley, where the police then arrested the kidnappers, identified as Mr. Janephop Pongpai, 22; Mr. Peerapong Boonkor, 20; Mr. Raywat Yankrou, 22; Mr. Wutthinpong Boonkor, 23; Mr. Surapong Boonyuen, 22; and Mr. Chainarong Han-Chana, 23.

According to Mr. Niang, while he was detained on the vehicle the group had threatened him to pay back the debt, to which he replied that he had no idea what they were talking about.

The suspects told police they were hired by illegal creditors to hunt down a relative of one debtor in Pattaya, but their agent misidentified Mr. Niang as the target.

The suspects claimed that they had no intention to kidnap Mr. Niang for ransom, but Pattaya police said they are not convinced by the kidnappers’ statement, and would continue to further investigate the case.

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

Policeman Arrested For Bringing Gun, Drugs To Protests

By

Khaosod English

-

8 January 2014, 16:16

Anti-government protesters marching in western Bangkok, 7 January 2014

(8 January) A policeman has been arrested after he attempted to carry a handgun and crystal meth into anti-government protests at Ratchadamnoen Avenue last night.

The police officer, identified as Pol.Sgt. Pattara Petch-arwuth, was stopped and searched by protest guards at the entrance to the protest site near Kok Wua intersection at around 23.30 last night, said Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul Narongsak, deputy commander of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police.

According to Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul, the protest guards found a 9 mm. handgun, 10 bullets, and one small packet of crystal meth on the policeman. The protesters then reportedly escorted Pol.Sgt. Pattara to a nearby police station, where he was officially arrested.

Pol.Sgt. Pattara has been charged with possession of narcotics, bringing firearm and ammunition into residential area without reasonable cause, and violating the Internal Security Act.

It is not immediately clear whether Pol.Sgt. Pattara was wearing his uniform or operating a police duty when he entered the protest site, but Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul suggested that the policeman belongs to Public Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul also told reporters that the police are discussing possible plans to contain the major demonstrations planned by the protesters on 13 January, in which the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has vowed to "shutdown" Bangkok.

The public should not join the demonstrations or rallies organised by PCAD, since third-hand individuals could infiltrate the protests and cause violent situations or persuade the protesters to commit illegal acts, Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul warned.

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

Suthep Given Deadline For 2010 Crackdown Trial

By

Khaosod English

-

8 January 2014, 14:49

Soldiers firing their weapons at Redshirts protesters in Bangkok, 14 May 2010

(8 January) The Office of Attorney General has given a deadline for PCAD leader Suthep Thaugsuban to meet with the prosecutors and proceed with his murder charges, according to the court spokesman.

The leader of People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has been charged with murders alongside former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva following court inquests which indicated that the military operation both men had authorised against Redshirts protests in 2010 have caused deaths to unarmed civilians.

More than 90 people died in the 2010 unrest. Although the military and the government at the time denied causing deaths to any civilians, numerous court inquests have contradicted their claims.

While Mr. Abhisit met with the public prosecutors on 12 December last year as instructed by the court, Mr. Suthep has postponed the meeting via his lawyer, citing busy schedule. The court approved the postponement and instructed Mr. Suthep to attend the court in early January.

However, Mr. Suthep′s lawyer has requested another postponement today, said spokesman of the Office of Attorney General, Mr. Nantasak Poolsuk, who also serves as chief of the Department of Special Litigation.

According to Mr. Nantasak, the PCAD leader claimed he needed to closely oversee the protests scheduled on 7-13 January. Mr. Suthep also stated that if he was not present at the protests and take care of the demonstrations by himself, his numerous supporters might be harmed by ill-intentioned assailants, Mr. Nantasak said.

Mr. Suthep has requested that he meet with public prosecutors on 6 February, and the court has subsequently approved his request, said the Department of Special Litigation chief.

"We decide that Mr. Suthep has no intention to delay the process," Mr. Nantasak said.

However, he said, the court has made clear to Mr. Suthep that it is imperative he shows up for the meeting as instructed on 6 February, since the court case cannot be delayed any further.

"The prosecutors have prepared over 100 witnesses to testify to the court, and many more document evidences," Mr. Nantasak told reporters.

He added that if Mr. Suthep entered the court procedures after the witness examination stage had already started, the court would be required to start the whole phase all over again so that Mr. Suthep, as a defendant, would be able to cross-examine the witnesses.

"It would make the process repetitive and very delayed," Mr. Nantasak said.

Mr. Nantasak also warned that an arrest warrant on Mr. Suthep would be approved if he fails to meet with public prosecutors on 6 February.

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

Police Insist Non-Lethal Weapons Used Against PCAD

By

Khaosod English

-

8 January 2014, 13:35

A police officer firing tear gas in a demonstration for reporters, 7 January 2014

(8 January) Thai police once again insist that they had not employed any lethal weapons against PCAD protesters at the clash at Thai-Japan Stadium on 26 December 2013.

One policeman and one anti-government protester were shot dead, and scores of others injured, following the clashes, in which People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State attempt to storm the election registration venue held inside the Stadium.

There are reports of numerous gunshot injuries on both sides, and PCAD has accused the police of using live ammunition on the protesters, but the police have repeatedly rejected this accusation.

Pol.Lt.Col. Sarayuth Aroonchai, Chief of the Crowd Control Police, led members of the press to tour the police headquarters yesterday and demonstrated police weaponry reportedly used in the 26 December clashes.

The tour was meant to show how police had handled the protesters on that day, Pol.Lt. Col. Sarayuth said.

Police officers confront the the demonstrators by wearing protection suit, he said, adding that only two officers per police unit are responsible for the firing of tear gas and rubber bullets.

The use of rubber bullets was aimed to warn the protesters not to approach the police defence position, Pol.Lt.Col. Sarayuth told reporters. Furthermore, police did not aim these weapons directly at the bodies of the protesters, and they were fired only in open environment, according to Pol.Lt.Col. Sarayuth.

He also told reporters that tear gas used by police can be divided into two types; one for shooting, with approximately 50-150 metres range, and the other for throwing, with a range of no more than 25 metres, which operates in both smoke and powder forms.

Meanwhile, the liquid tear gas the police sprayed on the protesters contains food-dyeing colour substance, which is harmless to humans, according to Pol.Lt.Col. Sarayuth.

The riot police chief stressed that tear gas launchers cannot be loaded with M79 grenades as claimed by some protesters, since the calibre size of both weapons are different.

Reporters were later invited to observe the demonstration of tear gas and rubber bullet firing.

Additionally, Pol.Lt.Col. Sarayuth reiterated that black-uniformed individuals seen on top of the Ministry of Labour building during the 26 December clashes indeed belong to the Crowd Control Police. "All ten of them were instructed to detach their insignia, which makes them look like ?black-shirt? men," Pol.Lt.Col. Sarayuth said.

PCAD has accused the police of employing the shadowy ?black-shirt? militants to attack the protesters. Pol.Lt.Col. Sarayuth denied the allegation, and insisted that police officers stationed above the Ministry of Labour possessed no lethal weaponry.

Pol.Col. Kamtorn Uicharoen, chief of EOD unit, also told reporters that EOD police have combed the area around Thai-Japan Stadium after the clashes were resolved, and found many home-made explosive devices, such as large firecrackers, slingshots, ping-pong bombs, and booby traps filled with nails.

"These weapons can cause fatal harm," Pol.Col. Kamthorn said.

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

Heckler Tells Abhisit To 'Respect My Vote'

By

Khaosod English

-

7 January 2014, 18:33

(7 January) Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been heckled today by a man who told the former leader to respect his rights to vote.

Mr. Abhisit was delivering a speech at a press conference titled "Eradicate Corruption, Committed In Reforms" organised by the Democrat Party at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) this afternoon when an unidentified man stood up in the audience and blew his whistle.

The audience mistook him as a supporter of Mr. Abhisit, since whistle-blowing has been a trademark of the anti-government protesters, and no one restrained him until he held up a sign which reads – in English – "Respect My Vote!".

The heckler then shouted at Mr. Abhisit, "If you cannot even reform yourself, how can you reform the country?". Mr. Abhisit was visibly surprised by the incident, but the former leader tried to manage the confrontation by thanking the man for his remarks.

However, the heckler went on to shout, "When you were the government, why didn?t you do it? Stop the discourse about anti-corruption. You have intimidated other people, so can they not intimidate you as well?".

"This is an example of reasons why we need reforms," Mr. Abhisit told the audience, "This is the form of Democrat Party′s rivals", to which the heckler shot back, "I am not your rival, I am the people!".

Security guards later surrounded the man and led him out of the room. After the heckler has been removed, Mr. Abhisit told the crowd that such harassment is a reason why the upcoming election on 2 February 2014 would not be a fair one.

The former leader then continued with his keynote speech.

Prominent Democrat members such as Mr. Jurin Laksanavisit and Ms. Kalaya Sophonpanich were also present at the event.

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

Thai Celeb's Lucky Name Change Goes Viral

By

Khaosod English

-

7 January 2014, 18:20

(7 January) Following a name change intended to improve her fortune, famous actress Pim-Aksiphon Wintarakomintra is now known as Khakkingrak Khikkhiksaranang.

It is the third name change for the Channel 3 star; she was born Kwankhinee Winkomintra and identified herself as such until she started her acting career, when she decided to change it to augment her fortune.

Ms. Khakkingrak also cited divine intervention as a reason for her latest name change.

Nevertheless, her choice of name drew an amused reaction from much of the Thai public and went viral on the Internet almost overnight, with many Thai netizens attempting to pronounce the name and consulting their dictionaries for the meaning behind Ms. Khakkingrak′s full name.

Many also point out that a part of her surname, ?Khikkhik?, sounds like giggling in Thai.

Ms. Khakkingrak, who is known to her fans by her nickname ?Meiji?, stated on Channel 3′s morning news program today that despite the difficult spelling and pronunciation it brings, her new name is in fact very beneficial to her luck.

“It is my personal belief” said Ms. Khakkingrak, “A friend of mine suggested I should go with a new name that can be calculated as 99," according to a numerological principle.

She added that her new name means “moderate practice.”

Name change is a common practice for many Thais who hope to avoid bad luck or evil spirits.

Ms. Khakkingrak is far from being the first celebrity whose name change caught the attention of the media. A beauty-contestant-turned-actress, Ms. Noo-Im-Im Kaomahassajarn, is also known for her obsession with lucky names and numerology.

Born with the name “Achita Sikkhamana”, she later changed her last name to ‘Woothinantasurasit’, and then to ‘Thanasastananta’.

She then told the press that Thanasastananta brought her ill luck, which convinced her to change her name to the current one and have her mother follow suit with the same family name.

Because luck runs in the family, Ms. Noo-Im-Im said.

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

Pongsak: Bkk Shutdown Won't Cause Fuel Shortage

By

Khaosod English

-

7 January 2014, 15:35

Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban greeting supporters during a 'warm-up' march before the planned "shutdown" of Bangkok, 7 January 2014

(7 January) Minister of Energy has assured the public that "shutdown" of Bangkok planned by anti-government protesters won't cause fuel shortage in the capital city.

The People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has vowed to occupy a number of major intersections in Bangkok on 13 January as the bid to force Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra into resignation.

There are fears that vital public utility services could be disrupted on that day, but Minister of Energy Pongsak Ruktapongpisal has downplayed those concerns.

He insisted that many petrol stations are equipped with security system, which would allow them to operate despite disruptions caused by PCAD protests.

Only 73 petrol and gas stations in Bangkok’s inner area are at risks of fuel shortage due to transport difficulty during the shutdown, Mr. Pongsak said.

Likewise, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) will not allow the protesters to cut the electric supply during their marches, as it has acknowledged that power supply is regarded as ‘national security’, said Mr. Pongsak.

Nevertheless, Mr. Pongsak also emphasised that the demonstrator who managed to cut off power supply will be prosecuted by law, such as those who disrupted power supply at PTT Energy Complex in November 2013.

According to the Energy Minister, PTT is gathering evidence and will proceed its legal action against those individuals as soon as the ongoing protest is resolved.

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

Redshirts Meet To Discuss Anti-Coup Campaign

By

Khaosod English

-

7 January 2014, 14:10

(7 January) Hundreds of local Redshirts leaders across the nation have attended a conference in Nakhon Ratchasima province to discuss campaigns against a possible military coup.

The conference was held at Liptapallop Hall inside HM King′s 80th Birthday Anniversary stadium. Over 5,000 coordinators and activists under the leadership of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) gathered at the venue this morning to hear speeches by UDD chairwoman Thida Thawornseth.

Other prominent UDD leaders such as Mr. Nattawut Saikua were also present at the conference. The meeting was broadcast live on Asia Update, a Redshirts-allied satellite channel.

Ms. Thida told the coordinators that the Redshirts must be on alert for any potential military coup against the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. She also raised suspicion over the Royal Thai Army′s moving of tanks and other military equipment into Bangkok this week for the occasion of Children′s Day.

Although the army has insisted the weaponry will be in Bangkok only for a public display on Children′s Day, which falls on 11 Saturday this year, Ms. Thida criticised the move, citing the already-fragile political turmoil in Bangkok.

"The army should not move armament into Bangkok in this situation," Ms. Thida said.

The conference also exchanged opinions concerning the UDD′s further campaign against the planned "shutdown" of Bangkok called by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) on 13 January 2014.

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