Soldiers Were Killed in 2010 Clashes, Too: Army Chief

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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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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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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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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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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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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.

Redshirts To Commemorate 3rd Anniversary of Deadly Clashes

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9 April 2013, 12:24

Tens of thousands expected to attend the rally at Ratchadumnern Avenue.

The National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) announced plans to hold a major rally to commemorate the military crackdown on Redshirt protesters 3 years ago. Mr Jatupon Prompan, a leader of the UDD, said the event will take place on 10th April from 13.000-15.00 around Democracy Monument in Ratchadumnern Avenue.

The rally will be held in remembrance of those who were killed by the authorities in the violence that spanned from April-May 2010, he said, and will include religious ceremonies, political parades, speeches, and performances of songs in the memory of dead.

Mr Jatuporn added that constitutional amendments, amnesty bill, and the UDD′s efforts to assist the imprisoned Redshirts would be stressed on the rally stage. He said he was not certain whether former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra would "phone-in" to give speeches, as the matter is still being discussed.

"The UDD′s intention is to remind Thai society that a lesson must be learned – that we must not let killings of its people happen again in this country," Mr Jatuporn said

Ms. Thida Tojirakarn, chairwoman of the UDD, said that the political parades would take place at 13.00, with the Redshirts from northern and northeastern regions marching from the Panfa Bridge while the protesters from southern and western regions marching from the Royal Field, and the two groups is to meet at Kok Wua intersection – one of the sites of the lethal clashes between the Redshirts and the military 3 years ago.

Further events will include a religious service to the dead, speeches by relatives of those killed and Redshirts leaders, and screening of footages of the 2010 crackdown, and are expected to wrap up at around 01.00 am., according to Ms. Thida.

The UDD chairwoman said she expected 30,000-50,000 Redshirts would attend the rally.

Tasty Chicken near Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium

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9 April 2013, 01:59

Ratchadamnoen Avenue (Thai: ถนนราชดำเนิน, pronounced [râːt.tɕʰa.dām.nɤ̄ːn]) is a historic road in the Phra Nakhon and Dusit Districts of Bangkok, Thailand. Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium which is located Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, is also the place that attracts foreign tourists.

If you come and want to try Isan food, such as Somtam (papaya salad) and roasting chicken, let′s go to Likit Kaiyang. It is established more than 50 years near Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium. The roasting chicken are very tasty. Somtam is also hot and spicy.

Half a chicken costs 75 baht, salad costs 45 baht, minced pork 80 baht and sticky rice at 15 baht. It opens 10.00-22.00 everyday. Tel. 66-2281-1094, 66-2281-3502

Heat Drives Buffaloes To The Sea

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9 April 2013, 01:36

Heat at Ban Tale-nock, Ranong Province, southern of Thailand has made a herd of buffalo move from dried swamp into the sea. It is comfortable enough for the herd of buffaloes in the afternoon. They spent approximately an hour at the beach before walked back in the evening without the owner′s supervision – all in the sight of onlooking, bemused tourists in the area.

April is the hottest month of Thailand across the country.

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