“2023 Kim Nam-gil Fan Concert ‘Again’ in Bangkok”, held on the 8th of July by Triple VVE entertainment, at KBank Siam Pic-Ganesha Theatre, ended successfully with a whole-hearted support from Kim Nam-gil fans in Thailand.
Worth the Wait! Kim Nam-gil delivered fans with memorable moments through this intimate and relaxing event. The hall of event kicked off with screams and cheers of his fans as he showered them with Thai phrases “Is everyone having fun?”.
This jam-packed event included talk segments and some fun games where fans can win one-of-a-kind prizes and also a special opportunity for Kim Nam-gil to answer fun questions, which certainly, satisfied Thai fans and allowed them to discover him more as an artist.
The hype of the fans was far from dying down as Kim Nam-gil filled the stage with his voice as he sang songs including Reverbation, Last love, Hug me, and lastly a heartfelt performance of ‘Cant I love you?’, from one of his signature series, The Great Queen SeonDeok.
Kim Nam-gil revealed that even though it is his first fan concert in Thailand, it was a memorable time for him. The magical night ended with Kim Nam-gil bittersweet parting words, thanking the fans for all the support and promised to return to Thailand once again.
Kim Nam-gil, 43, is a South Korean actor, producer, director, singer, and philanthropist, according to Wikipedia. He is most recognised for his parts in the catastrophe film Pandora (2016), the crime thriller Memoir of a Murderer (2017), and the crime-comedy television drama The Fiery Priest (2019). His breakthrough role was Bidam in the hit television period drama Queen Seondeok (2009).
Kim is also the founder and CEO of a non-profit organization Gilstory that focuses on preserving cultural heritage, promoting arts and raising special purpose relief funds. He was placed 17th in the top 40 most powerful stars in Korea 2020 by Forbes. On February 3, 2021, Kim launched Gilstory ENT, a comprehensive entertainment company, together with Han Jae Deok, head of film production company Sanai Pictures
Siam Piwat takes the lead as a world-class experience creator for first-ever global events in Thailand, cementing its status as a source of endless inspiration
Siam Piwat Group, a leading real estate and retail developer, the owner and operator of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery, and a joint venture partner of ICONSIAM and Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, is further advancing its efforts to strengthen its position as a global destination developer, with emphasis on bringing never-before-seen world-class phenomena and creating the opportunities platform that ignite creativity in every aspect, inspiring people, and continuously delivering lifestyle value to everyone.
Delivering World-class Experiences Through Exclusive World-class Events
Siam Piwat has achieved remarkable success in establishing itself as a leading creator of exceptional and exclusive world-class experiences for both Thai and international customers through the years as well as in conveying the stories and magnificence of art and culture across Thailand and from diverse countries worldwide, each with its own distinct cultural heritage and identity.
Over the years, Siam Piwat has collaborated with partners across various sectors, both public and private, and transcended all boundaries in order to bring to Thai people for the first time exceptional and eye-popping world-renowned events and performances that showcase the magnificent stories of art, culture, and history from around the world. By delivering these first-ever world-class experiences, Siam Piwat has not only brought reputation to Thailand but also fostered a sense of pride among all Thais.
Experience the Soul of the East
To celebrate the 136th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Thailand and Japan and the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship, Siam Piwat is proud to have brought to the public the rich and enduring Japanese culture and spirit, which has been cherished and passed on for over 2,000 years, through “Siam Paragon: The Wondrous Japan Heritage,” held on July 6-9, 2023 at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.
The event not only gave attendees an exceptional opportunity to witness Thailand’s first-ever sumo match, brought directly from the Land of the Rising Sun, but also featured an array of Japanese cultural activities, including Taiko drum performances, dance shows, and workshops, as well as food and tourism activities.
Gateway to the Ancient Latin-American Civilization
Siam Piwat was honored by the Embassy of Peru in Thailand and chosen as the venue for “Torito de Pucará: Ambassador of the Peruvian Highlands,” an exhibition featuring the art of ceramic bull painting, which had been put on display across the world. Exuding creativity, determination, and strong faith, this art form is a cultural heritage found in the south of Peru.
The attendees were also given an opportunity to immerse themselves in the arts and culture of indigenous Mexico and witness Mexican folk dance, a rare sight to behold featuring Mexico’s historical narratives, social customs, as well as traditional costume and musical instruments.
Creativity-sparking Events from North America
Celebrating over 190 years of the robust US-Thai diplomatic ties, Siam Piwat was selected as a venue for Thai people to explore and experience American and Thai culture through the art exhibition “Rivers of Life: An Art Experience.” This exhibition was the culmination of “A Tale of Two Rivers,” the largest cultural exchange program initiated by the US Embassy in the last three years.
Through the collaborative efforts of Thai and American artists, the contemporary art showcase brought together dance, music, and film to narrate the captivating story of rivers, with the purpose of providing enriching experiences and igniting creativity among Thai people, giving them an opportunity to discover and connect with the stories of both countries’ rivers, from the Mississippi to the Mekong River. The exhibition underscores their shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges and safeguarding their waterways.
In addition, Siam Piwat hosted a photography exhibition entitled “Take Your Seat Together” from Canada, which highlighted the distinct beauty of both Thailand and Canada as well as their shared values and natural wonders despite their being on two different continents.
Using a red director’s chair as a symbol, the exhibition invited visitors to take a seat in front of a large photograph, reflecting the uniqueness and diversity of both human beings and the natural environment in Thailand and Canada. The red chair also served as a symbol of joy and our responsibility to preserve the planet and care for one another as well as a link that unifies our values, attitudes, and spirituality.
Made in Italy: Exploring the World of European Design
Held at ICONSIAM, the 7th Italian Design Day was a phenomenon that showcased creative Italian designs and the distinctive “Made in Italy” identity, which was key to the success of Italy’s production and export sectors. The event also included the exhibition “ITALIA GENIALE,” featuring ADI’s creations that had won the hearts of international attendees. Premiered in Rome and Italy’s pavilion at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, the event marked the exhibition’s debut in Thailand.
As the Icon of Innovation, Siam Piwat is ready to develop a platform that sets the standard for world-class destinations and takes immense pride in being the venue of choice for various world-class experiences. Through these events, we seek to create extraordinary and unforgettable moments as well as deliver first-ever world-class experiences that inspire and broaden the horizons for all in a sustainable way, in order to ultimately fulfill the lifestyle needs to all visitors and exceed their expectations in every dimension.
The inquiry into the disappearance of Mr. Hans Peter Ralter Mack, a German real estate businessman, 62, since July 4 is still ongoing, but it has revealed that his fate is not looking good.
His family has announced on social media if anyone finds his car, they will give a reward of 100,000 baht, and if anyone notified clues that could lead to find Mr. Mack, they will give a reward of 3,000,000 baht. Contact number is 086-3544161.
On the morning of July 9, his Mercedes-Benz was discovered parked in the temporary parking lot of the CC Condominium Building, Soi Khao Noi, Moo 5, Tambon Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
The Mercedes-Benz of Mr.Mack was discovered parked in the temporary parking lot of the CC Condominium Building.
A food vendor and a roast chicken vendor near the parking area report that two women parked this Mercedes-Benz car four days ago in the afternoon, but neither has noticed where the two women are walking.
Officers from the District 2 Forensic Science Division inspect the car and take latent fingerprints. Detail shots of the inside and outside of the vehicle.
Officers from the District 2 Forensic Science Division inspect the car.
The interior of the car, including the console, steering wheel, and gear, was discovered to have been wiped with a liquid akin to coolant or toilet cleaning. When the back storage compartment was opened, there was a pair of slippers and documents in a green envelope within.
According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Teerachai Chamnanmor, commander of Police Provincial Region 2, these stains indicated an intention to erase evidence.
Mr.Mack was last seen driving behind the village of Swiss Paradise, Soi Maptato, Moo 13, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, towards Tung Klom Tan Man, Chaiyaphruek Road, Jomtien, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
Inside the car was wiped with a liquid.
Ms. Peta, a 54-year-old German land broker whom Mr. Mack met on July 4 before disappearing, told the police that they discussed purchasing Ban Plu Villa on Koh Samui in Surat Thani Province, as well as boxing stadium land in the area of Soi Thung Klom-Tan Man, Huai Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, in which Mr. Mack is solely interested in boxing stadium land. They separated after that, and she had no idea Mack was driving behind her.
FILE - A view of the main entrance to the headquarters of the publicly funded BBC in London, Wednesday, July 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)
LONDON (AP) — The BBC said Sunday that it has suspended a leading presenter who is alleged to have paid a teenager for sexually explicit photos.
As senior British politicians urged a rapid investigation, the broadcaster said it was working to establish the facts of “a complex and fast-moving set of circumstances.”
The U.K.’s publicly funded national broadcaster was scrambling to head off a worsening crisis after The Sun newspaper reported allegations that the male presenter gave a youth 35,000 pounds ($45,000) starting in 2020 when the young person was 17.
Neither the star nor the youth was identified. Amid speculation on social media about the identity of the presenter, several of the BBC’s best-known stars spoke up to say it wasn’t them.
Though the age of sexual consent in Britain is 16, it’s a crime to make or possess indecent images of anyone under 18.
The Sun said the young person’s mother had complained to the BBC in May but that the presenter had remained on the air.
The BBC said in a statement on Sunday that it “first became aware of a complaint in May,” but that “new allegations were put to us on Thursday of a different nature.”
The broadcaster said “the BBC takes any allegations seriously and we have robust internal processes in place to proactively deal with such allegations.” It said the corporation had also been in touch with “external authorities,” but did not specify whether that was the police.
“This is a complex and fast-moving set of circumstances and the BBC is working as quickly as possible to establish the facts in order to properly inform appropriate next steps,” the BBC said.
“We can also confirm a male member of staff has been suspended.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer held crisis talks with the broadcaster’s director-general about what she called “deeply concerning” allegations. She said Director General Tim Davie had assured her the BBC was “investigating swiftly and sensitively.”
“Given the nature of the allegations, it is important that the BBC is now given the space to conduct its investigation, establish the facts and take appropriate action. I will be kept updated,” she wrote on social media.
Rachel Reeves, economy spokeswoman for the opposition Labour Party, said the BBC needed to “speed up their processes” and “get their house in order.”
Commercial U.K. broadcaster ITV recently faced its own scandal after Phillip Schofield, a long-time host on the channel’s popular morning show, quit in May, admitting he had lied about an affair with a much younger colleague.
ITV executives were summoned to Parliament to answer questions about whether the broadcaster had a “toxic” work culture and had covered up misconduct by stars.
The BBC faces greater scrutiny than other broadcasters because it is taxpayer-funded and committed to remaining impartial in its news coverage. It was engulfed in a storm over free speech and political bias in March when its leading sports presenter, former England soccer player Gary Lineker, criticized the government’s immigration policy on social media.
Lineker was suspended — and then restored after other sports presenters, analysts and Premier League players boycotted the BBC airwaves in solidarity.
Supporters hug Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat before he enters the parliament on Jul. 4, 2023.
On Thursday morning at 9am to be exact, parliamentarians will vote to select the new prime minister and Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat’s future will become clear, if not clearer.
Last minute lobbying for more junta-appointed senators to endorse Pita in the next three to four days aside, a rough and initial contingency plan has already been partly made public. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and Second Deputy House Speaker Pichaet Chuamuangpan have made it clear earlier this week that Pita’s name will at least get to be tabled for a second and even a third vote if he kept failing to get at least 376 votes – the magic number required to make him Thailand’s 30th prime minister.
Pichaet even specified that the second and third bicameral vote would be on July 19 and 20. That much we know but what we do not know is what will happen if Pita couldn’t muster enough votes even after the third try. Pichaet said the eight-coalition parties will then meet to discuss the future.
A most outlandish solution would be to keep putting Pita’s name back for a vote until, well, the junta-appointed senators complete their term in May 2024. This means former junta leader Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha will continue to serve as caretaker PM for another 10 months. Thailand will be stuck in a blackhole for another 10 months and that could be disastrous for the economy, stock market, and foreign investors’ confidence.
Some think this should be the way as the junta-appointed senate should not trump voters. Among those in the camp include senior Pheu Thai MP Chaturon Chaisang who said on Saturday the eight-coalition parties should stick together and “when the senators no longer have power we can form [the government].”
For those neither inclined nor want to wait that long, Plan C would be for the second-biggest party to put their PM candidate name for a vote. Pheu Thai can nominate three people, but the most likely choice would be former real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin, a moderate. This is because another ‘popular’ alternative, Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinwatra would prove to be less palatable to the junta-appointed senate simply because the senators (and a substantial proportion of the Thai populations) are highly allergic to anything Shinawatra.
Under this scenario, if Srettha becomes PM, the First Deputy PM can either go to Pita or Move Forward Deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun.
Anything less than that then we are probably witnessing the breakup of the current pro-democracy coalition with Pheu Thai possibly switching sides to join Phalang Pracharath Party and Bhumjai Thai, if not more, that will see Move Forward being left in the opposition camp.
Such a move would be unacceptable to pro-democracy voters who may have voted for Pheu Thai and it means the party may suffer a heavy loss in the following general election as a result as they would be branded as a sellout and betrayer.
In another scenario, we will see an attempt to form a minority government by the pro-junta camp that would be short lived as it will not have enough MP votes to pass the annual budget. But who am I to say it cannot be done. At least someone, perhaps Phalang Pracharath Party leader (and former deputy junta leader) Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan could at last become prime minister even if for a few short weeks (or Bhumjai Thai Party leader Anutin Charnveerakul for that matter).
Though I hope that since people have spoken, the will of the people will be respected, at the same time I should also say – do not underestimate how ludicrous and low Thai politics can get in the weeks ahead.
FILE - Activists and international delegations stand next to cluster bomb units, during a visit to a Lebanese military base at the opening of the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, in the southern town of Nabatiyeh, Lebanon, Sept. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday defended what he said was a “difficult decision” to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, a move the administration said was key to the fight and buttressed by Ukraine’s promise to use the controversial bombs carefully.
The decision comes on the eve of the NATO summit in Lithuania, where Biden is likely to face questions from allies on why the U.S. would send a weapon into Ukraine that more than two-thirds of alliance members have banned because it has a track record for causing many civilian casualties.
“It took me a while to be convinced to do it,” said Biden in a CNN interview. He added that he ultimately took the Defense Department’s recommendation to provide the munitions and discussed the matter with allies and with lawmakers on the Hill. He said “the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition” and the cluster bombs will provide a temporary fix to help stop Russian tanks.
The move was met with divided reactions from Congress, as some Democrats criticized the plan while some Republicans backed it. It was hailed on Twitter by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who thanked Biden for “a timely, broad and much-needed defense aid package” that will “bring Ukraine closer to victory over the enemy, and democracy to victory over dictatorship.”
The munitions — which are bombs that open in the air and release scores of smaller bomblets — are seen by the U.S. as a way to get Kyiv critically needed ammunition to help bolster its offensive and push through Russian front lines. U.S. leaders debated the thorny issue for months, before Biden made the final decision this week.
U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. will send a version of the munition that has a reduced “dud rate,” meaning fewer of the smaller bomblets fail to explode. The unexploded rounds, which often litter battlefields and populated civilian areas, cause unintended deaths. U.S. officials have said Washington will provide thousands of the rounds, but provided no specific numbers.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Friday, July 7, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
“We recognize the cluster munitions create a risk of civilian harm from unexploded ordnance,” Sullivan told a White House briefing. “This is why we’ve deferred the decision for as long as we could. But there is also a massive risk of civilian harm if Russian troops and tanks roll over Ukrainian positions and take more Ukrainian territory and subjugate more Ukrainian civilians, because Ukraine does not have enough artillery. That is intolerable to us.”
But Marta Hurtado, speaking for the U.N. human rights office, said Friday “the use of such munitions should stop immediately and not be used in any place.”
U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “wants countries to abide by the terms of that convention and so as a result, of course, he does not want there to be continued use of cluster munitions on the battlefield.”
Colin Kahl, the under secretary of defense for policy, said the U.S. will give Ukraine the most modern cluster munitions that have far lower dud rates. He said the bombs have been tested five times between 1998 and 2020, and the U.S. is confident the rate of unexploded duds is below 2.35 percent. While he declined to say how many the U.S. will send now, he said the U.S. has “hundreds of thousands” of cluster munitions available for Ukraine at the low dud rate.
He said the key reason to provide the bombs is to keep Ukraine in the fight.
Pentagon spokesman U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder speaks during a media briefing at the Pentagon, Thursday, July 6, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
“Things are going a little slower than some had hoped,” Kahl said in a Pentagon briefing. “So this is to make sure that the Ukrainians have the confidence that they have what they need. But frankly, also that the Russians know that the Ukrainians are going to stay in the game.”
Kahl said the Ukrainians have provided written assurances that they will not use the munitions in urban areas that are populated by civilians and that there will be a careful accounting of where they are employed.
Questioned at length about the decision, Sullivan said the U.S. consulted closely with allies before making the final decision, noting that even allies who have signed on to a ban of the bombs “have indicated, both privately and many of them publicly over the course of today, that they understand our decision.”
Allies “recognize the difference between Russia using its cluster munitions to attack Ukraine and Ukraine using cluster munitions to defend itself its citizens and its sovereign territory,” he said. The U.S. “will not leave Ukraine defenseless at any point in this conflict, period.”
Still, U.S. reaction was mixed. Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., called the decision “unnecessary and a terrible mistake.” And Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said the civilian risk lingers “often long after a conflict is over.” Meanwhile, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, backed the move, saying Ukraine needs access to weapons Russia already is using.
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, some cluster munitions leave behind bomblets that have a high rate of failure to explode — up to 40% in some cases. With a claimed rate under 3% for the supply to Ukraine, U.S. officials said there would be fewer unexploded bombs left behind to harm civilians.
A convention banning the use of cluster bombs has been joined by more than 120 countries that agreed not to use, produce, transfer or stockpile the weapons and to clear them after they’ve been used. The United States, Russia and Ukraine are among those who have not signed on.
The cluster munitions are included in a new $800 million package of military aid the U.S. will send to Ukraine. Friday’s package, drawn from Pentagon stocks, will also include Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles and an array of ammunition, such as rounds for howitzers and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, officials said.
Providing the cluster bombs will also ease the pressure on limited U.S. ammunition stockpiles. The U.S. has been taking massive amounts of 155 mm rounds from Pentagon stocks and sending them to Ukraine, creating concerns about eating into American stores. The cluster munitions, which are fired by the same artillery as the conventional 155 mm, will give Ukraine a highly lethal capability and also allow them to strike more Russian targets using fewer rounds.
Kahl said the cluster bombs are not a permanent solution, but more of “a bridge” as the U.S. and allies work to increase the production of the 155 mm rounds.
So far the reactions from allies have been muted. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stressed on Friday that the military alliance takes no position on cluster munitions and it is a decision that allies will make. And Germany, which has signed the ban treaty, said it won’t provide the bombs to Ukraine, but expressed understanding for the American position.
“We’re certain that our U.S. friends didn’t take the decision about supplying such ammunition lightly,” German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit told reporters in Berlin. “We need to remember once again that Russia has already used cluster ammunition at a large scale in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.”
Oleksandra Ustinova, a member of Ukraine’s parliament who has been advocating that Washington send more weapons, noted that Ukrainian forces have had to disable mines from much of the territory they are winning back from Russia. As part of that process, Ukrainians will also be able to catch any unexploded ordnance from cluster munitions.
The last large-scale American use of cluster bombs was during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, according to the Pentagon. But U.S. forces considered them a key weapon during the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, according to Human Rights Watch. In the first three years of that conflict, it is estimated the U.S.-led coalition dropped more than 1,500 cluster bombs in Afghanistan.
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ZEKE MILLER, TARA COPP and LOLITA C. BALDOR reported from Washington. AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee and Associated Press writers Geir Moulson, Ellen Knickmeyer, Lorne Cook, Nomaan Merchant, Frank Jordans and Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report.
A police official at Nong Prue Police Station in Chonburi Province, said on July 8 that the family of Mr. Hans Peter Ralter Mack, a 62-year-old German businessman, came to report on July 5 that he had gone missing and sought the police for help in finding him.
He was last seen driving a grey Mercedes E 350, licence plate No. 7146, Bangkok behind the village of Swiss Paradise, Soi Maptato, Moo 13, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, towards Tung Klom Tan Man, Chaiyaphruek Road, Jomtien, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, on July 4.
His family has announced on social media if anyone finds his car, they will give a reward of 100,000 baht, and if anyone notified clues that could lead to find Mr. Mack, they will give a reward of 3,000,000 baht. Contact number is 086-3544161.
Ms. Piraya Bunmak, his Thai wife of 24 years who has lived with Mr. Mack for more than 5 years with his two sons from his previous wife, said that before her husband left, he said he was going to talk to a foreign broker about buying land worth hundreds of millions of baht on Koh Samui, Surat Thani Province.
Police on Sunday morning found only the missing German man’s Mercedes Benz parked at his condo in Bang Lamung, Chonburi. When the police officers observed solution stains on the seats, windscreen, door, and door opener, they knew something was wrong inside the vehicle. As a result, an expert was summoned to conduct an intensive inspection.
Khon Kaen police received praise on Saturday for putting an end to a terrible incident in which a 36-year-old man driving a grey Aura Good Cat EV car crash into six cars, including a police patrol car, on several roads in the Khon Kaen municipality at noon on Friday.
The police revealed on July 8 that the man, Bowonwong Krairiksh, who drove the car so fiercely after taking methamphetamine (ice), had been in prison for 5 years for selling drugs and had just been released from prison before causing this incident.
The police charged him five counts, including reckless driving, causing a collision with other people’s cars, driving recklessly, hit-and-run, driving without regard for safety, and being a driver who has drugs in the body. The accused confessed to all charges.
Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimon, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, praised the police officers who adhered to tactical principles in performing their duties, including using stop sticks to reduce violence and potential losses to people.
The car’s driver was arrested.
A stop stick is a device that can be used to stop a car in an emergency by making the tyre leak. But the driver did not stop the car right away in this case. So, the police split up the chase along the expected escape route until the car turned into Soi Supapira, where a police officer parked a pickup truck to block the way. The driver then crashed his car into it and was stuck. The cops were able to take him into custody.
The demolished car was confiscated by the police and parked at Muang Khon Kaen Police Station
Pol. Gen. Torsak ordered the Provincial Police Region 4 to take lessons for use as a case study, along with conveying concern to other areas. There is a chance that something like this could happen. So the police officers should practise the contingency plan, including checking various equipment to be ready to perform duties at all times.
Former chief of DSI Tarit Pengdit and relatives of those who were killed during the 2010 political crackdown held a press conference on July 8 at the Miracle Hotel in Bangkok.
Former chief of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Tarit Pengdit on Saturday urged the new government to revive the investigation over the deaths of 99 people and the injuries of 2,000 others, mostly redshirts, during the 2010 political crackdown by setting up a fact-finding committee.
The move came ahead of the Supreme Court’s ruling on July 10 on whether Tarit had acted illegally or by fraud with the intention of persecuting then PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and his deputy Suthep Thuaghsubhan to receive criminal penalties when he was DSI chief or not.
Soldiers confront Redshirt protesters on Rama IV Road in Bangkok on 14 May, 2010.
“At the time, I was summoned to an army barracks on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, where a high-ranking military officer told me, ‘Tarit, you should not prosecute the death of 99 people, if you don’t believe it, You will be relieved first.’ This was a threat to me. As a result, I was transferred less than 24 hours after the coup,” Tarit explained.
He stated that even though the Criminal Court, which was the lower court, had dismissed the charges against him and the others, the Court of Appeal ruled that it was an offence. The verdict came at a time when the President of the Court of Appeal was criticised for the PDRC rally (in which led to the coup). This issue was such a great concern.
Former chief of DSI Tarit Pengdit and relatives of those who were killed during the 2010 political crackdown held a press conference on July 8 at the Miracle Hotel in Bangkok. (Yokin Charoenying / Khaosod Photo)
“I’m ready to go to jail and confirm that I’m just an ordinary civil servant who has worked professionally even if I have to go to jail again, like in the case that I was sued by Suthep. I was inevitably obliged to respect and obey the judgement of the Supreme Court. But I couldn’t accept it, with utmost regret,” Tarit remarked emotionally during the press conference.
In a related development, Tarit has petitioned the Constitutional Court to rule whether it’s constitutional for the criminal court to try him or not, as he was merely carrying out his duty.
Armored vehicles are left abandoned at Democracy Monument on April 11, 2010, after a failed military crackdown on Redshirt protesters.
The former DSI chief was speaking at a symposium on the continued search for justice for those killed in 2010. He stated that he came out to stress that this was his last right to seek justice, or the Last War, and that it should exist. He also wanted to explain to the public how to understand the deaths of 99 people and seek support for all professional government authorities in the pursuit of justice.
FILE - Sheikh Talal Fahad Al-Sabah, chairman of Kuwait Football Association (KFA), poses during a joint press conference with FIFA President Sepp Blatter in Kuwait City, on Dec. 15, 2010,. (AP Photo/Gustavo Ferrari, File)
BANGKOK (AP) — Sheikh Talal Fahad Al-Sabah will replace his suspended brother as president of the Olympic Council of Asia after winning an election by four votes Saturday and taking control of the organization their father created in the early 1980s.
Sheikh Talal’s brother, Olympic power broker Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah, led the 45-nation OCA from 1991 until 2021, when he was barred from Olympic business following his conviction in Geneva for forgery. He denied the charges and has appealed his conviction.
The OCA issued a statement saying the outcome “keeps the leadership of the Kuwait-based OCA in the House of the Al Sabah family.”
The statement noted the 58-year-old Sheikh Talal is the son of the first OCA president, Sheikh Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who was president from 1982 to 1990, and the younger brother of Sheikh Ahmad. The OCA’s former secretary general, Randhir Singh of India, led the organization on an interim basis from 2021 until the election.
“I will follow the lead of my father and brother,” Sheikh Talal told the delegates in an election presentation, according to the OCA. “We have been with Asia for more than 40 years. I promise you I will unite Asia again.”
Sheikh Talal joined the OCA in 2007 and was a member of the executive board.
Sheikh Ahmad, an International Olympic Committee member since 1992, was warned off Olympic business by its ethics commission nearly two years ago after his conviction for forgery in Geneva in a case related to domestic Kuwaiti politics. A ruling on his appeal is not expected before September.
The OCA organizes the multi-sport Asian Games. The next edition opens Sept. 23 in Hangzhou, China, with about 12,000 athletes competing in more than 480 medal events.
The IOC has not terminated Sheikh Ahmad’s membership from which he was allowed to self-suspend in 2018 upon being indicted by prosecutors in the Swiss city.
