Redshirts Flood Ratchadumnern To Remember 2010 Crackdown

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10 April 2013, 23:04

Thousands of supporters of the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) took to the streets in Bangkok to commemorate the violent clash between the protesters and the military 3 years ago, in which 26 people were killed.

Vendors and protesters are occupying pavements along Ratchadumnern Avenue, our correspondent reports, while a large rally stage is being installed. UDD representatives have earlier announced that the events to mark the crackdown would last till midnight.

A senior police officer says 4 companies of metropolitan police have been deployed in the vicinity to maintain order, with assistance from traffic police and Bangkok authorities.

On the same day, two Japanese friends of Hiroyuki Muramoto Japanese cameraman, has come to lay flowers and bow in silence at the site where Muramoto was shot dead on 10th April 2010.

Hiroyuki Muramoto, 43 years old was shot in the chest while covering the political unrest involving soldiers and anti-government "Red Shirt" protesters.

He was one of two foreign cameramen (another is Fabio Polenghi the Italian photoghapher) killed during the unrest in April and May 2010. They are among 99 people – mostly civilians – who died in the clashes.

Channel 5 Reporter Killed In Roadside Accident

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Khaosod English

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10 April 2013, 15:13

A member of Channel 5 TV crew was killed in Nakorn Ratchasrima province during an assignment about safety on roads throughout Songkran holiday season.

The accident took place near a U-Turn point of Mittaparp Road in
See Kiew District. Upon arriving at the scene, police discover wreckages of a pickup truck slamming
into the back of another pickup truck which belongs to Nakorn Ratchasrima bureau of the Royal Thai
Army Radio and Television Channel 5.

The dead reporter, identified as Mr. Sunet Tawalee, 41,
was found in front of the news crew car. Mr. Sunet′s TV camera was found several metres away. Police
say 7 people are wounded.

Members of the news crew told Police that they were covering a
ceremony to open a center to promote road safety earlier in the morning, which was attended by Mr.
Chatchawarn Sittipat, Minister of Transportation, and many press teams.

On their return
journey, the wounded reporters say, they stopped their car near the U-Turn point and Mr. Sunet got
off to film the footage of traffic in Mittaparp Road while other reporters stayed in their vehicle.
That was when another pickup truck carrying 6 people reportedly slammed into the reporters? car. The
vehicle lurged forward and crashed into a tree, killing Mr. Sunet who was standing in between,
according to the reporters. The pickup truck driver told police he was bringing his family back to
his upcountry hometown to celebrate Songkran festival.

Travel on interprovincial highways in
Thailand during Songkran holidays is notoriously dangerous as millions of Thais return to their
hometowns for the holidays. Drunk driving and dozing off behind the wheels have been blamed for
majority of deadly accidents which occured throughout this period.

Soldiers Were Killed in 2010 Clashes, Too: Army Chief

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Khaosod English

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10 April 2013, 14:22

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, responds to the Redshirts? rally to mark 3rd anniversary of 2010 crackdown, which claimed lives of 26 people, by stressing that soldiers were also among those killed.

Gen. Prayuth
says the Redshirts are free to commemorate the crackdown because they have their losses, but says he
also has his own losses, and the army, too, has its own losses. Those responsible for the soldiers?
deaths, Gen. Prayuth tells reporters, must be sought and “a one-sided narrative of the event” is not
fair.

“I don?t want to pick fights with anyone” Gen. Prayuth insists, “but I have to ask for
fairness on behalf of those men under my command”

The army chief says he has received
complaints from the wounded troops and relatives of slain servicemen concerning the unsolved cases
involving their injuries and deaths. Gen. Prayuth says he will order the legal adviser team of the
Royal Thai Army to write to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), asking for any
development of those cases.

“Soldiers are people, too” Gen. Prayuth tell reporters.

Soldiers Were Killed in 2010 Clashes, Too: Army Chief

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Khaosod English

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10 April 2013, 11:15

BANGKOK — In response to a Redshirt rally marking the third anniversary of the April 2010 crackdown on Redshirt protesters that left 26 dead, the chief of the Thai army has stressed that soldiers were also among those who perished in the clashes.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha said the Redshirts are free to commemorate the crackdown because of their losses, but that he, and the army, have their own losses too.

“A one-sided narrative of the event” is not fair, said Gen. Prayuth, declaring that those responsible for the soldiers' deaths be brought to face trial.

“I don't want to pick fights with anyone,” Gen. Prayuth said, “but I have to ask for fairness on behalf of those men under my command.”

The army chief said he has received complaints from wounded soldiers and relatives of the slain servicemen concerning the unsolved cases concerning their injuries and deaths. Gen. Prayuth says he will order the army's legal team to write to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and inquire about any developments in those cases.

“Soldiers are people, too” Gen. Prayuth told reporters.

Help Sought For Disfigured Child

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9 April 2013, 20:44

Mother of 9 year-old boy who suffers from Harleguin-type ichthyosis appeals for help from anyone, strangers or government, saying she cannot afford the cost of medical care for her son.

Ms. Thitima Kothchalee says she has to take her son with her to
work – selling pineapples on the roadside of Lampang-Tark highway – because no one else will take
care of him. The boy, Manas Chokya, has burning pain on hotter days and needs to be wrapped in wet
cloth to relieve the condition, she says.

Ms. Thitima adds that donations trickled in
recently after photos of her son was shared on social network, but she says the money is still not
enough to treat her son.

Songkran Kicks Off Early in Chiang Mai

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Khaosod English

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9 April 2013, 19:40

It′s still 4 days before actual Songkran holiday but our correspondent reports that waterfights are already spotted in some spots of Chiang Mai downtown, amidst soaring temperature.

Mr. Thanin Supasaen, the governor of Chiang Mai province,
encourages the residents to wear folk costumes for the waterfights and maintain civility. He expects
an increase in number of visitors to the famous Chiang Mai Songran festival this year, estimating
that the season will bring in 1 billion baht.

Mr. Thanin also stresses that alcohol
consumption is strictly forbidden in areas designated for Songkran activities.

Lost Dog Reunited With Owner in Nakorn Ratchasima

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Khaosod English

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9 April 2013, 18:48

Mr. Puunt Nilnaowarat, a resident of Nakorn Rajasrima, said he has been reunited with his dog after a 2 week search which involved putting up gigantic banner in downtown seeking the dog’s return and was reported by much of the nation′s press.

Mr. Puunt said the 6 year-old shitzu – Muhthu – was found by one of his employees in front of his shop. He added that the dog was clean and well fed, leading him to believe the dog has been kidnapped. He also said Muhthu had gone missing before for few times, and each time he paid 2,000 baht to those who brought the dog back.

He made no mention whether any payment has been made this time.

Nevertheless, Mr. Puunt said he would like to thank the person who returned the dog, and all the concerned citizens on social network who help spread the news of Muhthu’s disappearance. He said he would not lose the sight of his dog ever again.

The Question of Independent Agencies

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Khaosod English

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9 April 2013, 18:06

(9 April 2013) The committee of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) dismissed the allegation that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has given 30 million baht loan to her partner's company. The NACC explained the transaction did not violate any laws and that the loan interest has been properly paid.

However, a day before the NACC decision, Constitutional Court tribunal announced a 3-2 decision to pursue the complaint that the ongoing process to amend Article 68 of the 2007 Constitution is illegal. The complaint demanded the Court dissolve the 6 political parties involved in the process.

The decision-making process and the extent of power of these so-called independent agencies have long been subject of scrutiny and worries.

Two major concerns have been raised about these agencies: that the source of legitimacy of the agencies is not directly associated with the sovereign power of the people, and that many decisions handed down by these bodies have led to outcry of grave double-standard.

Many have also questioned whether the agencies are still necessary. Even the independent bodies established following the enactment of 1997 Constitution have been likewise questioned.

As Mr. Wisanu Waranyu, vice chairman of the Central Administrative Court, observed last month: unaccountable wielding of power by any agency will only naturally sow distrust among the society.

If the bodies wish to survive, they are required to build a truly transparent and accountable process with which the agencies operate.

Otherwise, the calls to abolish these so-called independent agencies will never cease.

Mukdaharn Police Seize 30M Baht Worth of Marijuna

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Khaosod English

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9 April 2013, 17:32

The cargo was intended to be sold during Songkran.

Police say they have seized 871 kg. of marijuana from in Mukdaharn province. The cargo, estimated to worth at least 30 million baht, was hidden in 26 sacks and laid under crates of apples on a pickup trucks, according to police.

Mukdaharn police representative says the force received reports on April 7th that the cargo was being smuggled from Laos across Mekong River. Receiving assistance from the military and local civil servants, the police attempted to intercept the vehicles but the suspects managed to slip past the first checkpoint. A brief pursuit ensued before a suspect was eventually arrested at Baan Nhong Dern Nuea temple while others are still on the run.

The arrested suspect, Mr. Thanawut Sanohsode, 31, said he and his accomplices were paid 50,000 baht to smuggle the marijuana to a dealer in Pathumthani province. Mr. Thanawut said the marijuna was to be sold in major tourist attractions throughout Songkran holiday season.

Bus Accident in Pisanuloke Mountain Kills 5

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Khaosod English

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9 April 2013, 15:16

The local police said they received the distress call around 2 am.

At the site of the accident, in Nakorn Thai District, police discovered that an unroofed red two-storey bus has plunged off the moutainous highway and landed 50 meter deep in a nearby gorge.

The bus was operated by Chakrapongse Tour Company. The wounded were rushed to Somdej Yuparart Nakorn Thai Hospital and Somdej Yuparart Darn Sai Hospital.

The accident killed 5 victims, including a 7 month-old toddler. Some of the wounded are reported to be in critical condition, including Ms. Magdalena Jaworska, a 30 year-old foreigner in her 4th month of pregnancy.

The bus was carrying passengers at its full capacity from Udorn Thani to Chiang Mai, police said. The bus reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into a van on the descent section of the highway before plunged down into the gorge. However, police said additional investigation was underway for a clearer picture of the accident.

A passenger on the bus, Mr. Chokechai Yachara, 46, said a burning smell was noticed as the bus entered Loey province and the bus driver stopped to inspect the problem at a local ranger checkpoint. The bus nonetheless continued its journey and the driver appeared to be struggling with the brake moments before the accident, according to Mr. Chokechai.

Later, Mr. Nattapon Lertmongkol, 24, identified himself to the police as the driver of the van. Mr. Nattapon told the police he was descending down the highway when a the bus hit his van from behind, then plunged off the highway. He said a passenger in his van was slightly wounded by the accident.

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