Teen 'Snipers' Apprehended At Anti-Govt Protest

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24 November 2013, 16:28

(24 November) The police have apprehended a group of teenagers who carried BB guns into anti-government protest site near Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

Seven men, all of them underage individuals, were stopped at a police checkpoint in Khattiyani Intersection as a part of police procedure to search for weapons that could be smuggled into the protest site.

The police officers were surprised to find what resembled a sniper rifle and a handgun in backpacks carried by the teenagers.

Although the police quickly realised that the weapons were in fact BB guns, the rumour of police intercepting snipers has spread widely on the social network – both anti-government protest leaders and governmental officials have in recent days claimed that shadowy armed militants are attempting to infiltrate the protest site and cause chaos.

For instance, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, the former Democrat MP now leading the protests, told the crowd on stage he is being targeted by government-allied snipers who could finish him off at any time.

The fact that the teenagers were carrying Guy Fawkes Masks at the time also compounded fear that the group was related to the protests; anti-government protesters in the past have adopted the white masks as their symbol.

The concern over the news eventually forced spokesman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police to announce in a press conference earlier this afternoon that the teenagers were carrying the BB guns to film their own parody of the popular first-person-shooter video game Payday.

The teenagers decided to walk through the anti-government protests to board their buses to the venue for film shooting, the police spokesman said, before they were eventually stopped and searched by the police at the checkpoint.

"The young individuals had no intention to cause any disorder in the rallies," said the spokesman, Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul Narongsak, "Their guardians were summoned to pick them up and the BB guns. No charge was filed against them".

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Over 100 Cars Damaged By Mysterious Caltrops

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24 November 2013, 14:38

(24 November) Metal caltrops laid by unidentified individuals on the Bangkok-bound highway in Petchaburi and Prachuab Kiri Khan province have damaged more than 100 vehicles last night.

The police started receiving first reports of the incident yesterday evening that numerous vehicles encountered small metal spikes scattered along wide stretches of Petchakasem Road, which connected Bangkok with 14 southern provinces.

Despite the efforts by police officers from various police stations and local rescue workers in combing the area for the scattered caltrops, new vehicles kept running over the spikes, as the drivers could not spot the small metal spikes in the darkness of the night.

Our correspondent reported that chaos quickly descended on stretches of the highway, as very few vehicles had spare tires with them, and repair services were working frantically to replace the damaged wheels along the highway with limited supplies.

By morning, the police have recorded at least 100 cars whose tires had been punctured by the caltrops. Vehicles damaged by the caltrops include cars, pick-up trucks, public minivans, cargo trucks, and public buses.

Despite the widespread damage caused by the spikes, no injury has been reported, police said.

All of the caltrops were found on Bangkok-bound side of the road, rescue workers and police said, leading to speculation that the spikes were placed there to disrupt the flows of anti-government protesters headed for Bangkok from the southern region – the stronghold of the opposition party.

Indeed, among the vehicles damaged in the incident were 10 buses which were ferrying hundreds of anti-government protesters to join the mass rally in Bangkok. Enraged by the incident, the group briefly blockaded the road, before continuing to Bangkok around 01.00 this morning.

Leaders of the anti-government protests have been mobilising their supporters for a major rally on 24 November.

Mr. Suwiwat Promma, deputy director of Huay Mongkol Highway Rescue, said many of the caltrops were found in Hua Hin district.

"No matter who′s behind this, it′s a wrong and horrible action," Mr. Suwiwat fumed, "The damaged cars could have plunged into the roadside canal or crashed into trees and killed a lot of people. I condemn this horrible action".

A senior police officer in Prachuab Kiri Khan also voiced his suspicion that the caltrops were deliberatedly placed by "individuals with ill-intention" to disrupt the anti-government protesters. He added that some police vehicles were also damaged by the spikes.

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Russian Diver Missing In Chonburi Sea

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23 November 2013, 21:23

(23 November) A Russian man is reported missing after he went scuba diving off the coast in Chonburi province.

Ms. Suwimol (surname unclear), the manager of the diving company, told police Mr. Karen Gapoyan was travelling with 46 other Russian divers on the ship to the diving spot, west of Rin Island.

According to Ms. Suwimol, Mr. Gapoyan was among the first group of 7 Russians allowed into the water, accompanied by a diving instructor of the company. The group reportedly spent 55 minutes scuba diving in the area, and Mr. Gapoyan did not return to the surface when the allotted time for diving was over.

The Navy has been conducting search and rescue operations in the area, with a helicopter and a number of rescue parties on boats, to no avail.

Ms. Galina Telichkina, the wife of Mr. Gapoyan, said she was married to the Russian man on 16 November and the couple visited Thailand for their honeymoon.

Ms. Galina added that she believes Mr. Gapoyan is still alive because he is a talented diver with extensive experience.

The company manager, Ms. Suwimol, told our correspondent Mr. Gapoyan holds the record of 159 diving sessions. He was using his own diving apparatus when he disappeared, Ms. Suwimol said.

The divers have also signed documents acknowledging the risks of the diving session and taking responsibility of any misfortune caused by the trip, Ms. Suwimol added.

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Another Explosive Device Launched At Police

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23 November 2013, 20:57

Riot police facing anti-government protesters behind barrier line at Makawan Bridge, 22 November 2013

(23 November) An unknown assailant has launched a small explosive device at the police line near anti-government protests in Bangkok.

The incident took place at approximately 03.00 this morning, when a van headed from Nakorn Sawan Road pulled up near police checkpoint near Orathai Bridge. An individual later launched the explosive at the police officers before speeding away.

No police officer has been injured by the blast. The van managed to elude police chase near Makawan Bridge, where hundreds of anti-government protesters have been facing lines of riot police in full gears.

The attack followed a similar incident earlier this week when a homemade explosive device was thrown at the riot police who manned the barrier line around Makawan Bridge, injuring three officers. The police believe hardline members of the protesters threw the device, although no arrest has yet been made.

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Police Expect 70,000 To Join Anti-Govt Protests

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23 November 2013, 18:31

Two anti-government protesters getting married on the stage of the rally at Ratchadamnoen Avenue, 22 November 2013

(23 November) The police said they are prepared for a major show of force by the anti-government protesters in Bangkok tomorrow – the date promised by the protest leaders to be the final push to overthrow the government.

After nearly a month camping on the stretches of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the anti-government protesters, led by prominent members of Democrat Party, are calling for their biggest yet rally on 24 November.

The protesters have been calling for an "overthrow" of "Thaksin Regime", a term referring to the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra which its critics has accused of being puppets of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

Although it is highly unlikely that the total number of the protesters will reach one million as announced by the protest leader, Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, senior police officers are expecting at least 70,000 people to join the protests. In previous weeks, it has been estimated that 50,000 people joined the protests at the peak of their strength.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya Uthayo, spokesman of the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), said the number would rise dramatically tomorrow due to mobilisation of anti-government protesters from various provinces into Bangkok.

He also expressed fear that the protesters will violently confront with police officers posted around governmental districts, which are currently off-limit to pedestrians and traffic following the enactment of Internal Security Act.

"Our intelligence services have reported that the protesters will move to many important buildings at the same time on 25 November," said Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya, adding that the police have prepared rapid-moving forces to maintain public order throughout the protests.

The spokesman warned that the police would "respond strictly under legal procedures" to the protesters if the protests violate any laws or turn violent, but stressed that the police forces have been instructed to stick to peaceful methods in dealing with the protesters.

A number of governmental officials also appear to be wary of the protesters adopting aggressive tactics seen in the 2008 Yellowshirts protests against Thaksin-allied governments, in which Government House, the state TV station, and Bangkok′s two main airports were seized by the protesters.

While much of the protests has been focused on the Ratchadamnoen Avenue, there have been instances of protesters marching out to other areas in recent days, raising fear that the anti-government protesters are contemplating a large-scale demonstration to put pressure on the government.

Yesterday members of People and Student Network for Political Reform of Thailand have marched to headquarters of Pheu Thai Party, where they briefly blew their whistles in defiance to the party before dispersing peacefully.

Later, however, they moved to block the busy intersection of Nang Loeng, just a block away from Government House, causing massive traffic jam in the Friday rush hour of Bangkok. The protesters have so far refused to negotiate with the police, who demanded that they disperse and return the intersection to traffic.

Responding to the anti-government protesters? call for ?Day of Judgment?, the Redshirts have vowed to stage a mass rally at Rajamangala Stadium tomorrow to show their support for the government.

The Redshirts have previously rallied at the stadium earlier this week when the Constitutional Court struck down the attempt of the ruling Pheu Thai Party to amend the 2007 Constitution.

"The rally of the group who is intent on overthrowing the elected government will prove to history which side the Thai society will choose: the backward conservative force, or the progressive democratic force" said Ms. Thida Tojirakarn, chairwoman of the Redshirts? official organisation.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Piya, the spokesman of CAPO, said the police will do their best to avoid confrontation between the two rival protests.

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Tourists Told To Avoid Raging Southern Seas

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23 November 2013, 15:07

(23 November) Fishermen and tourists have been advised to be wary of the particularly strong waves lashing at many popular beaches and islands in the Andaman Sea.

Scores of boats have been sunk or disabled by the waves which were measured to be at least 3-4 metre high in some areas.

Among the most affected areas were popular tourist destinations such as Ao Ton Sai on Phi Phi Islands, where at least 20 boats were sunk as they anchored near the shore, including a 400-seat ferry ship used in transporting tourists to the island. No injury or death has been reported.

Three boats which ferried tourists to Koh Hong Island in the area of Than Bok Khorani National Park were also damaged by the waves, officials said, resulting in 19 tourists and 3 crew members stranded on the islands.

All tourists were later safely transported to the mainland, officials said, but as a precaution the authorities have ordered all tourist ships and boats not to leave the shores until the weather improves.

Meanwhile, Phuket island has been subject to heavy rain throughout the night, but no flood has been reported. Waves 2-3 metre high have been lashing at the shore, forcing many tour companies to cancel their sea trips, and officials issuing warning for bigger ships to navigate the seas with extreme caution.

Many speed boats, ?long-tail? boats, and fishing boats are damaged by the unusually strong seas in Phuket province, officials added.

Pol.Lt.Col. Chatchai Sakdi, chief of Phuket Marine Police, said the storms have taken by boat owners in the province by surprise, leaving them no time to retrieve the boats they had anchored in the open seas.

"Many tourists and locals are all surprised by the ferocity of the waves," Pol.Lt.Col. Chatchai said, "They have not seen anything like this since the tsunami incident [in 2004]".

Elsewhere in the southern region, rain storms and floods have damaged many roads, railways, and farmlands. The province of Surat Thani is particularly hard-hit by the storms, with 150,000 people affected.

The Meteorological Department has warned that the strong weathers in the southern seas will continue until 24 November.

Citizens and tourists in the provinces of Prachuab Kiri Khan, Chompon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakorn Si Thammarat, Phang Nga, Phuket, Trang, Krabi, and Satul should be vigilant of the extreme weathers, the statement said.

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Filipino Typhoon Relief 'Scammers' Arrested

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22 November 2013, 13:44

(22 November) Udon Thani police have arrested two Filipino missionaries accused of posing as fund raisers for the relief effort of Typhoon Haiyan and pocketing the donation money for themselves.

The police said they had been informed by a charity group called JC Society Foundation that two citizens of the Philippines have been claiming to work for the charity and raising donation under the name of the foundation in many provinces, such as Bangkok, Chonburi, Phuket, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.

According to complaint filed to the police, the two suspects would perform music in tourist attractions or crowded places, such as shopping malls, and displaying fake documents claiming to represent JC Society Foundation. The suspects would also reportedly pretend to register the names of those who donated their money.

Detective police officers later located the two suspects as they were playing guitar and soliciting for donation opposite Napapai Hotel in Udon Thani province. The police apprehended the suspects and sent their names as printed on passports to the JC Society Foundation for verification. The suspects were identified as Ms.Minerva Macapili Bedana and Ms.Juana Espelita Hoyos

Upon hearing confirmation that the suspects do not exist in the charity database, the police promptly arrested the two and escorted them to police station, where the suspects reportedly confessed that they were missionaries working in a church in Manila and later devised a plan to pose as fund raisers of JC Society Foundation in Thailand.

According to the police, the suspects told them they simply printed out official-looking documents from the foundation′s website and frame them in plastic cover to fool unsuspecting donors.

Ms. Bedana and Ms. Hoyos also reportedly told the police they would return to the Philippines every two months before coming back to Thailand again for further scamming, as their tourist visas would expire after two months.

The suspects also reportedly said the latest trip they made to Thailand was after Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, causing devastating damages to the nation, and they claimed to their donors that the donation money would be sent to assist the victims in affected areas.

A senior police estimated that the two Filipinos had gathered "hundreds of thousands" baht throughout their alleged frauds.

Ms. Bedana and Ms. Hoyos were charged with soliciting for donations without permission. The police expect representatives from JC Society Foundation to file charges on using counterfeit documents soon.

The police also urged citizens allegedly scammed by the two suspects to file charges against the pair.

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Officials Scrambling To Ward Off Russian Boycott

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21 November 2013, 17:43

Police arresting two suspects accused of raping a Russian tourist in Pattaya

(21 November) Following a boycott threat by the Russian tourism business federation, Thai officials are coordinating efforts aimed to improve safety standard for foreign tourists in the country.

The Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) has previously submitted a letter to the Moscow office of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), demanding Thai government to ensure the safety of Russian tourists traveling in Thailand after a series of accidents and crimes which saw Russian tourists killed and injured.

The letter reportedly called for an improvement of tourism safety in Thailand to be in place by the end of November, otherwise the members of the trade union will cancel all their charter flights to Thailand.

Today, Mr. Somsak Pureesrisak, Minister of Tourism and Sports, said he has informed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of the issues, and that he will chair a meeting on 26 November with Ministry of Transport and representatives of Tourism Council of Thailand in order to devise policies in compliance with the Russian demands.

The Russian ambassador in Thailand will also be invited to attend the meeting, Mr. Somsak added.

"Let me assure you that the Ministry is already doing its best to protect every tourist from every nation," Mr. Somsak said, explaining that the Ministry of Transport will be tasked with reducing number of traffic accidents, while the Ministry of Tourism and Sports will serve as coordinator that listened to the complaints.

He also told our correspondent he will instruct the Ministry to investigate why many accidents have occured with Russian tourists.

Ms. Piyamai Techapaiboon, chairwoman of Tourism Council of Thailand, admitted that many vehicles used by tour companies to ferry foreign tourists to their destinations in Thailand are not up to universal safety standard. Therefore, she said, the officials will focus on enforcing the regulation on safety of public transportation.

"Thailand has extensive laws regulating the safety of these transports, but the laws are seldom enforced," Ms. Piyamai said, adding that she will also inquire why increasing number of Russian tourists fall victims to accidents in Thailand.

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Anti-Govt Actress Files Charge Over Car Acid Attack

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21 November 2013, 16:09

(21 November) The father of a famous actress has pressed charge to the police on her behalf, following an acid attack on her vehicle earlier this week, an attack she believed could be politically-motivated.

Ms. Pattarathida ?Tang Mo? Patcharaweerapong made headlines recently by appearing on the stage of the anti-government protests rally at Ratchadamnoen Avenue, where she gave a fiery speech denouncing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the brother of PM Yingluck Shinawatra.

The celebrity′s political venture quickly earned drawn much criticism from many Redshirts, and even led to Mr. Thaksin announcing via his lawyer he might press libel charges against Ms. Pattarathida, although the former leader later said he would not pursue any legal action.

Later, it emerged that her car was sprayed with chemicals which police identified as acid. The wife of a prominent Democrat leader first broke the news to the public by posting photos allegedly showing Ms. Pattarathida′s car in the aftermath of the acid attacks. The actress yesterday confirmed to the press that the incident did happen.

According to Ms. Pattarathida, she parked the car at her house at 18.00 on 19 November, and she spotted the acid marks on the vehicle when she went out to retrieve her items from her car at 23.00 later that night.

She said she has not dismissed the possibility that the attack was a retaliation to her political remarks, but stressed to reporters that she has not concluded what the motivation of the assailants could be.

"If you ask me whether I?m afraid, well, I wouldn?t know what to be afraid of," Ms. Pattarathida said, "Personally, I think the attackers just want to intimidate me".

Asked about what additional security measures she would take, the actress said she would install CCTVs around her house and has instructed security guards to patrol the area more frequently.

When a reporter asked her whether she would continue to give speeches at the rally on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, the actress explained she would only speak when she feels she has issues to address the crowds.

Pol.Col. Somchai Choeyklin, commander of Kok Kram Police Station, told our correspondent he has been informed by his officers that the chemical appeared to be acid as the actress has claimed.

Earlier today, Ms. Pattarathida′s father has officially filed charges over the incident; his action was required as the car was reportedly registered under his name.

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Chalerm Not In Charge Of Protests Monitor: PM Deputy

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21 November 2013, 14:57

Anti-government protesters at Ratchadamnoen Avenue, 20 November 2013

(21 November) Deputy Prime Minister Pracha Promnok was forced today in Parliament to clarify that former Deputy PM Chalerm Yoobamrung was not in charge of the governmental body that monitors the ongoing anti-government protests as claimed by Mr. Chalerm.

Mr. Chalerm, who currently serves as Minister of Labour, announced to the press earlier this week that he has been appointed by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to lead a ?war room? he established at Ministry of Labour to monitor and manage the protests led by former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban at Ratchadamnoen Avenue.

The unilateral announcement surprised many observers, as the government had already appointed Pol.Gen. Pracha to head the official body that directs the authorities involved in public security during the period of the protests. But Mr. Chalerm insisted in the press conference that his work will not overlap or interfere with Pol.Gen. Pracha′s agency.

Curiously enough, Mr. Chalerm also claimed that the appointment was directed to him "verbally" by Ms. Yingluck, without any official document.

In the press conference Mr. Chalerm, went on to threaten a full police blockade around Mr. Suthep′s house, allegedly to intercept illegal arms shipments the protest leaders planned to unleash on the capital city, and claimed he received intelligence reports that the anti-government protesters have devised a plot to seize many important governmental buildings.

Mr. Chalerm′s threats have apparently alarmed Democrat MP Wachara Petchthong, who demanded during the parliamentary session that Pol.Gen. Pracha explain the authorities of Mr. Chalerm.

Replying to Mr. Wachara′s question, Deputy MP Pracha clarified that Mr. Chalerm was not tasked by the government to head any operation concerning the protests.

"The government has delegated the responsibility to me only," Pol.Gen. Pracha said, "Mr. Chalerm was only involved by occasionally giving advice".

He stressed that the government respects the rights to assembly of the protesters, and contradicted Mr. Chalerm by declaring to Parliament that there is no known evidence of any protester smuggling firearms into the protest site.

"The government is well aware of its duty to protect the lives of the protest leaders and the protesters," Pol.Gen. Pracha told Parliament, "Because if anything happens, it would lead to uncontrollable escalation".

Pol.Gen. Pracha also addressed the rumour that three policemen had died on duty as they kept watch on the protesters, admitting that three police officers had indeed passed away during their posts, but the cause of deaths were personal illness and unrelated to the protests.

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