Panthongtae: Thaksin's Rant Against Anti-Govt Crowd Is Fake

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27 May 2013, 14:22

(27 May) Son of Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra denied news reports that Mr. Thaksin used his Facebook account to express his frustration with the anti-government Facebookers who spam government-related Facebook pages.

Mr. Panthongtae Shinawatra′s remark came after some media outlets reported images purported as screenshots of Thaksin′s Facebook account posting on Pheu Thai Party Facebook page. In it, the account named ?Thaksin Shinawatra? said You are dumb. How can you let these scums insult us on our Party Facebook page?\r

Today, Mr. Panthongtae said on his Facebook account that the screenshot was definitely fake. While Mr. Thaksin indeed had a Facebook account, Mr. Panthongtae said, the former prime minister has not logged in for 3-4 days now.

He added that Mr. Thaksin is now residing in the United Kingdom, having flown in from his residence in Dubai recently.

Mr. Panthongtae also derided the anti-government Facebookers who set the Guy Fawkes mask as their profile pictures, calling it a misinformed attempt to paint the current government as dictator.

Personally I don?t mind… In the past, I can?t tell from their profile pictures which sides they are on. But now I can find out within a single glance, Mr. Panthongtae wrote on his Facebook.

Full Script of Thai PM Speech at International conference on the Future of Asia

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24 May 2013, 22:44

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra delivers her keynote speech during the two-day International conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo on May 24, 2013.

She says : Asia is on the rise. Asia has a large population and land mass that extends to link two great oceans. This means that we have massive influence on the world.
Indeed, for many centuries, Asia has created many civilizations. And now, we are at an important junction, where the future of Asia will again define the future of the world.

In recent years, the center of world economic growth has shifted towards Asia. In the 1980’s, Japan led the Asian economies’ pack of the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand, to achieve increased wealth and prosperity. In the past decade, China and India became the new engines of growth for the world.

The IMF (International Monetary Fund) has recently forecast 5.7 percent growth for the region this year, and around 6 percent in 2014. A moderate inflation and manageable level of public debt to GDP in most Asian countries have led to stability.

At the same time, Asian innovation and creativity, together with a productive workforce supported by new technology, will promote sustainable growth for the region.

Analysts have projected that the share of Asia’s GDP to global GDP will double to 51 percent by 2050. The consumer base and spending power of Asia is also projected to grow further, where the share of Asian middle class is expected to increase from 28 percent to 66 percent of the global middle class.

In addition, Asia’s international reserves are very high at 6.4 trillion US dollars. If this is used productively, it will help bring about a true Asian Century.

On the political front, Asia has reconnected.

There are effective regional cooperation for all of Asia in the form of ACD (Asia Cooperation Dialogue). For the cooperation of sub regions of Asia, there are the GCC (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf), SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Initiative for Technical and Economic Cooperation) and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). The EAS (East Asia Summit) also extends the East Asian cooperation to other regions.

This has promoted understanding between nations as well as people to people relations. Bilateral and multilateral cooperation has been strengthened because of the connectivity of modern technology and transportation. The few who chose not to join remained in the cold of lost opportunities.

So I believe the stage is set for Asia’s rise. But the road is not guaranteed to be easy. Challenges could limit growth and the promised prosperity.

I would like to share some of my thought on these challenges with you.

First, Asia is diverse. I always believe that in diversity we can find strength. Moreover, Asia is not just East Asia. But it also includes other regions of growth and potential, comprising South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. Close cooperation from all will promote growth.

But at the same time, I accept that when there is diversity, sometimes there can be conflicting interests. Asia needs to look beyond national interests and take into account the interests of the region as a whole.

We need to start thinking of being part of the same Asian community with an outward-looking approach that will promote shared interests and address challenges together. Because in today’s world, we are all connected.

Countries like Japan have played and can continue to play an important role in achieving this. Moreover, Japan’s recent economic revival under Prime Minister Abe’s leadership has the potential to help promote growth in the region as a whole.

For example, the continued economic challenges in Europe and the U.S. is a big test for Asia. Asia’s fundamentals are strong as I mentioned earlier. But how we act now will determine our future.

The quantitative easing measures of the U.S., U.K., EU and Japan have led to strong capital inflows into the region. And while this can be seen as a strength in our economic fundamentals, Asia needs to work together to manage the inflows productively to ensure stability in the region.

Some say funds flow like water. I believe there should be cooperation between all countries through which the water flows, so that all can benefit and grow together.

Together, we can create immunity by building a vibrant regional market to absorb goods, products and services, while at the same time, excess funds can be used for investments to benefit the whole region.

This brings me to my second point. I propose that we should direct our investments to build connectivity, both on land and sea, since Asia is mostly a large land continent covering two oceans, the Indian and the Pacific.

On land, rail link is the most effective and efficient. From ASEAN on the Southeast Asian mainland, we must build links to North and Northeast Asia. And on the opposite end, to South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.

A modern Silk Road to connect the region with high speed trains, and feeder tracks for cargo and passengers will become the new Asia-Euro land bridge linking the two continents, while opening up new growth areas along the way.

At the same time, we will continue to develop road links, airports and sea ports. Dawei deep seaport in Myanmar will create maritime connectivity within the Indian Ocean, and through land links to Laem Chabang port in Thailand, to connecting South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

On the Indian Ocean side, Dawei will link up Southeast Asia with the Middle East and Africa. The port, industrial estate and transport infrastructure will help drive economic growth and development throughout Southeast Asia.

Moreover, it will also add value to the production bases in ASEAN of many countries, in particular Japan.

In other words, Dawei is an investment in the future of Asia. In the long run, it can become a major point for transportation and connectivity to complement other port and industrial estates in Myanmar.

We look forward to participation from foreign partners for investment and also multilateral institutions such as the Asian Development Bank to help consult and assist in this regional project.

Another contribution to the region’s future is Thailand’s 66 billion U.S. dollar in infrastructure development which includes high speed rail link between Thailand, Laos and China. And we plan to link this with infrastructure investment plans of other Asian countries.

The challenge is the rising tension in the Asia-Pacific caused by the geo-politics of maritime challenges. Without a peaceful and stable security environment, there cannot be sustainable growth and a bright future for Asia.

An unstable South China Sea or maritime disputes benefit no one. It is necessary for Asia to move beyond the legacies of the past and manage challenges that can threaten maritime connectivity. Peace and security are an essential foundation for a better future.

Likewise, peace and stability are essential for land links to work. For Asia to realize our full potential, the various jigsaws must fit together.

A borderless ASEAN in 2015 will be a hurdle to jump across. But if we can move beyond 2015 to become more integrated with other sub-regions of Asia, Asia can rise together.

To help bring these jigsaws together, I suggest that we promote closer cooperation on win-win issues that will add value to Asia as a whole. Such issues include food and energy security.

Because addressing these challenges will also contribute to promoting human security for the peoples of our region as well as help reduce potential tensions caused by competition for water and oil.

Asia is rich with land suitable for agriculture. In Thailand, we are restructuring our agriculture production with zonings and post-harvest management to produce higher quality food and at the same time ensure food security, for Thailand, Asia and the world.

We are also investing in water management system that will provide enough supply for agriculture, industry and household uses. Effective measures to build water and food security, as well as protection against natural disasters, will provide a stronger foundation for growth and social harmony within our region.

Complementing this is the issue of energy security which we hope to achieve through green growth and by relying more on alternative energy. As Asia plans towards the path of sustainable growth, Asia will demand for a large amount of energy.

For Asia, I believe that there is great potential in cooperation between the regions, whereby food could be exchanged for energy between ASEAN countries in Southeast Asia and the GCC in the Middle East.

Also, since a rising Asia is outward-looking, cooperation in trade and investment must also be extended to other regions, such as Africa which is also rising. That is why we are launching a Thai-African Conference to enhance engagement with Africa.

The bottom line is that Asia and other regions, Africa, the Americas, Europe need to work together to grow together.

The future of Asia is in our hands. It is up to our generation to set the future course towards sustainable growth for all. It is a path where we work together, learn from each other and grow together, not only in our region but also with the world.

Early Morning Rival Gangs Clash In Ranong

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24 May 2013, 14:44

(24 May) Shotguns were fired and homemade explosives thrown during early morning clashes between rival teenage gangs in Rongkluang district of Ranong province.

Mueang Ranong police received emergency call (191) at 05.00 am informing them of the sounds
of gunfires and explosives in Rongkluang district, and officers rushed to the scene to investigate.
The incident took place in front of flat buildings inside Rongkluang community when a group of
teenagers on 3 motorcycles reportedly arrived and shot at 10 teenagers sitting at a table at the
side of the road.

According to witnesses, they also launched 2 explosives which caused a
loud roar heard 1 km away. Mr.Chalermchai Niyomtum, 19, was injured in his right thigh where a
bullet fragment from a shotgun pellet. He received first aid from volunteer rescue workers and was
sent to Ranong hospital.

Initial investigations reveal that before the incident, the
teenagers in Rongkluang gang were being pursued by the teenagers gang of Bangrin and the teenagers
gang of Soi 10 on motorcycles from the district office along Ruangrat road but they were able to
escape into their community area. However, the pursuers eventually found them and chaos ensued.

Explosion marks were found on the road, along with the burns traces of nitrate. Black duct
tape and fabric scraps scattered about. A detonator device was also found lying on the floor, 10
meters from the spot were blood trails of the victim. Several shotgun shells and grain pellets were
also found at the scene.

It is suspected that the culprits have made their own explosive
using shotgun shells and grain pellets as shrapnel, wrapping it in glass or ceramic shreds, and
using nitrate as the detonator. The concoction was wrapped into a ball using black tape and fabric,
and when thrown to the floor, would have exploded instantly.

Investigative officers of
Mueang Ranong police station questioned witnesses and victims, and concluded that the attack stemmed
from the conflict between the two opposing gangs. The police say they have identified the culprits
and that they will be brought in and prosecuted by law.

Kanchanaburi Unemployed Man Killed Himself And His Daughter

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Khaosod English

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24 May 2013, 14:36

(23 May) Kanchanaburi police received reports from a man in Nongfai district that he found a dead girl in a house. Investigative officers and on call doctor at Laokwan hospital arrive at the scene to investigate.

The officers found a 2-year old girl dead in the house, with bubbles foaming came out from
her mouth and nose. The police estimated the girl had been dead for 10 hours before their arrival.

23 May, Kanchanaburi, Laokwan police station officials received reports from Mr.Amnuay, 30,
that he found a dead girl in a house in Nongfai district. Beside the body is a bottle of insecticide
and a hand written note saying “Sorry but it is needed to be done. Don’t want to become a burden”,
signed “Chumnarn”.

Later, police found the body of Mr.Chumnarn floating in a well behind the
house. Police suspected he drank the insecticide and jumped into the well.

Mr. Amnuay (no
surname given), the brother of Mr.Chumnarn, said that the little girl is Mr.Chamnarn’s daughter.
Mr.Chamnarn, he said, lost his job and was unable to find a new one. He often complained of
financial stress and that he did not want to become a burden to his family who are now supporting
him and his daughter.

Mr.Amnuay suggested he committed suicide due to this stress by making
his daughter drink the insecticide first, and then drinking it himself and jumping into the well.

His family suspects no fowl play and the bodies were taken to undergo religious rites.

PM Yingluck: Future Of Asia Is In Our Hands

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Khaosod English

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24 May 2013, 14:08

(24 May) On her third day of official visit to Japan, PM Yingluck Shinawatra told the audience in a Tokyo conference that Asian region has the potential to influence the course of the world in 21st century.

The Prime Minister was attending 19th Future of Asiaconference in Tokyo, organised by Nikkei Co. Ltd. and the Economic Research Center of Japan. In her speech, she cited the growing strength and population of Asia, coupled with the capital influx to the region and its long-term investment returns, as main factors that would lead to the Asian Century.

Asia has the potential to expand trade and investment into other regions and to grow together. Each country should look to the overall interests of the region rather than the interests of their own, Ms. Yingluck said.

The Prime Minister also promised to focus on investment in creating a links, both land and sea; for example, the high speed rail, the Dawei deep-sea port project, and other projects aimed at developing the infrastructure and communications in Thailand worth 2 trillion baht to connect Thailand to other countries.

She concluded in her speech that Asia′s future is in the hands of the people to determine future direction and to lead to a sustainable growth together, for both the region and the world.

Prime Minister is scheduled to attend lectures and see the local trade show in Shibuya. She will also visit a commercial project called ?D47?, where shops displayed trades from villages in the 47 provinces of Japan.

DSI Chief Presses On With Hunt For 'Blackshirts' Militants

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24 May 2013, 13:01

The police say these individuals are involved in the CTW arson on 19 May 2010.

(23 May) Chief of the Division of Special Investigation (DSI) has instructed the Metropolitan Police to revive its efforts in locating the armed militants that allegedly infiltrated the ranks of the Redshirts protesters during their mass protests in April-May 2010.

Pol.Lt.Gen. Anuchai Lekbumroong, vice commander of the Metropolitan Police, said Mr. Tharit Pengdit of the DSI has sent an urgent message to his police force to interrogate all security forces personnel involved in the military operations against the Redshirts in 2010 and find any evidence of the ?Blackshirts? fighters that Former PM Abhisit Vejjajeeva said have infiltrated the protesters and posed threats to the authorities.

The Blackshirts were also allegedly responsible for burning down Central World shopping mall (CTW) in Ratchaprasong intersection on the last day of the protests.

Previously, the police have released security camera footage which identified some of the suspects involved in the arson attack. The police said the investigation to locate these suspect is ongoing.

On the same day, Maj. Wintai Suwaree, vice spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army, said in press conference that the military could not intervene and extinguish the fires at CTW because ?unidentified armed elements? were shooting at the soldiers.

The vice spokesperson denied accusation by adviser of CTW′s security team that the soldiers were already in the area and prevented firefighters from entering the shopping mall. Maj. Wintai said that the Blackshirts could have disguised themselves as military personnel, so one cannot judge the matter from appearances of the uniforms.

Maj. Wintai said that no one should spread ?incomplete? information about the 2010 violence because the public could be ?confused? and ?become even more fractured?.

2 Aussies Mobbed By Locals In Phuket For Their 'Rampage'

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24 May 2013, 11:16

(23 May) 2 Australians were about to walk into a bar in Phuket but were refused entranced by a bouncer, then reportedly went on drunken rampage, attacking random people until group of locals and tourists took the matter into their own hands and beat up the 2 men.

Around 01.30 police received reports of foreign men being mobbed and injured by other tourists. At the scene they found shirtless foreign men in shorts and tennis shoes holding each other and covered in blood. Around them a group of tourists and locals look on.

The men were identified as Mr.Anthony Saoder, 26, and Mr.Brand Tube, 30. Both are identified as Australian nationals. Mr. Saoder’s legs and his eye socket were broken, causing blood to run down his face. Meanwhile, Mr.John Henza, 28, an American, who was covered in blood with a broken brow bone, said he was attacked by the 2 Australians. The 3 men were sent to Patong hospital.

Investigations reveal that Mr. Saoder and Mr. Tube were visiting Thailand for the first time and had only arrived in Phuket that day. Before the incident, they were out on the town and the bouncer at Hollywood Discotheque would not let them in. A scuffle reportedly broke out and the two men retreated to the Kangaroo Restaurant across the street where they also picked fights with other people. Police believe Mr. Saoder and Mr. Tube were intoxicated at the time.

Witnesses said Mr. Henza, the American, was sitting with his girlfriend in Kangaroo restaurant when the 2 Australians hit him with ashtrays, and proceeded to attack other people in the restaurant with chairs, causing the patrons to flee in panic. A female Thai worker at the restaurant tried to break up the fight, but ended up getting injured herself.

According to witnesses, the 2 men later strolled down the road and attacked random people, both Thai and foreign, until the crowd could take no more and banded together to beat up the two men before calling the police.

Mr. Saoder and Mr. Tube have been charged with causing injury to others and committing drunken behavior in public. They are now being detained and are awaiting prosecution.

Parents' Unpaid Electric Bill Led To Deadly House Fire

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23 May 2013, 21:56

(22 May) Two children in Phitsanulok were killed in a house fire possibly caused by a candle they lit to provide some light in the house; their parents had failed to pay for electric bill.

The incident took place around 23.45 last night (21 May). Police and firefighters arrived at the scene to find a wooden house fully ablaze. The firefighters took 30 minutes to contain the fire.

Later, they found bodies of Sunpetch Polnok, 13, and Nutprapa Polnok, 9. The boy and the girl were reportedly burnt to death. Their bodies were tightly embracing each other.

Their mother, Ms.Chutikaan Polnok, cries painfully at the sight. She was injured after trying to enter the house to rescue her children where neighbors pulled her out. She said that she worked 200 meters from home at a barbecue restaurant, and that the electricity in her house was shut off recently because she did not pay the utility bill.

While at work, a neighbor ran to her to inform her of the fire. She immediately rushed home but it was too late. Ms. Chutikarn was later sent to Buddha Shinnarart hospital to treat her burn injuries.

Officers suspect the children lit a candle and fell asleep, and they candles may have caught fire to the sleeping net. The fact that the house was made of wood made the fire spread quicker.

The municipality provided 50,000 baht to the family for compensation. Additionally, the royal offices of HM the King and HM the Queen had sent some aid to the family as well.

Mr.Niwut Tummatikornchai, Provincial Electricity Authority manager of Mueang Phitsanulok branch, said that the electricity bill for the house was due on 2 May, which was not paid.

He said the incident greatly shocked and saddened him but the Authority cannot be held responsible for it since they have followed all necessary protocol.

Electricity customers in Phitsanulok is estimated at 250,000, with 15,000 late payments per month.

Transgender 'Robber' Arrested On His Sex Change Bed

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23 May 2013, 21:17

(23 May) Songkhla police arrested a transgender accused of robbing a Kuwaiti citizen while he was recovering from his sex change surgery in hospital.

Mr. Duhaimal Alalati, 56, employee of an oil company based in Kuwait, said he was robbed of his 300,000 baht by Mr. Sumit Manupan, 20, a transgender individual from Ubol Ratchathani province. The robbery reportedly took place in the early morning of 15 May after Mr. Alalati met Mr. Sumit and had sex with him.

Today, the police located Mr. Sumit in a hospital in Hat Yai district of Songkhla province, where he was undergoing a sex change operation. Mr. Sumit was still on doctor′s bed when police apprehended him. The police then confiscated 50,000 baht from the suspect and escorted him to Bangkok.

The police said it was very inconvenient trip for Mr. Sumit since he just had a sex change operation. However, preliminary medical report reveals that Mr. Sumit is not in any medical danger

Mr. Sumit, who gave his nickname as Nong (little sister) Aimie, confessed to the robbery. He told police that he and the victim met in front of a night club on Pattaya′s Walking Street. They subsequently went to a hotel room, and after they had sexual intercourse, the Kuwaiti fell into a deep sleep.

The suspect said he noted a wad of cash fallen out of the victim′s pants, so he took it and fled to Bangkok, where he deposited the money into his bank account and took a bus to Hat Yai to have a sex change operation. Mr. Sumit said he has already spent part of the stolen money.

“It is every lady boy’s dream to have a sex change operation, so after I got the money, I contacted a doctor immediately. I paid over 90,000 baht and now I feel relieved that I’m a woman. Too bad I was arrested on my hospital bed.” Nong Aimie said during the police press conference.

The police officer said the detectives have scoured Pattaya′s Walking Street looking for Mr. Sumit and received tips from other transgender individuals that he said he would have sex change operation in Hat Yai. Mr. Sumit will be transferred to Pattaya police to be prosecuted under the law.

Residents Protest 'Land Incursion' By Famous Monastery

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23 May 2013, 20:46

(22 May) Kanchanaburi provincial officials are trying to meditate a negotiation between a famous Buddhist monastery and group of locals who claim the monastery is blocking the public road into their community.

The monastery belongs to Luang Ta Mahabuayannasumpunno (known commonly as Luang Ta Mahabua), an influential monk. Locals of Saiyoke district accused the monastery of blocking the asphalt road in front of their community since October 2012 by building a large steel gate with strap locks.

Today, Mr. Paisarn Pinwon, 55, the leader of the residents, filed complaints to Mr. Chaiwat Limwunta, Kanchanaburi provincial governor, asking him to solve the matter. He said the locals? transportation had been limited by the monastery. He also threatened a court action.

Officials in Kanchanaburi said they are trying to set up negotiation between the two sides so the case would not have to reach the court. Mr.Somchat Suwannachakra, headman of Saiyoke district, has been advised to assist in the mediation of the locals and to report back to the district office within 15 days.

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