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Corruption from the beginning to the end, the poor get poorer and the rich even more richer,.....sounds like ditactorship

EDITORIAL

Action needed in Phuket, not more hot air

The Nation

PHUKET: -- The DSI chief is making a song and dance about a crackdown, when arrests are long overdue

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is poised to launch a major crackdown on "criminals" targeting tourists in Phuket as part of a government strategy to sustain one of the most important industries in the country.

The launch starts with the naming of 11 people and groups in question but falls short of saying exactly what the authorities will do next.

DSI chief Tarit Pengdith made the announcement about the plan himself at a media briefing last week.

He talked about extortion and scams on the resort island and said legal action could be taken.

While a crackdown on illegal activities should be welcomed, it is somewhat odd for the authorities to toss out the names of suspects. Tarit said it was a "message to them to stop" their illegal activities.

This is strange law enforcement methodology and strategy. Perhaps these suspects have yet to cross the line; perhaps the DSI wants to project itself as the force to be reckoned with.

Interestingly, while the launch is being prepared in Phuket, a senior police officer in Pattaya, Thailand's sin city, came out and said his city has no problem with criminal activities.

Perhaps the DSI should be ask why one city is singled out but not the other. Maybe the DSI doesn't want to bite off more than it can chew. Maybe as officials source suggest - the DSI has yet to secure the cooperation of local law enforcement in Pattaya, thus, holding back formal announcement of a crackdown there.

For the newly established Centre for Preventing and Suppressing Organised Crimes Targeting Tourists to have any teeth and credibility, there has to be serious political will at the policy-making level.

There have been too many complaints from locals and the international community, including Bangkok-based embassies, about the harassment and rip-offs involving bona fide visitors to these destinations.

Why did the government have to wait until a group of European ambassadors issued a public demand for better protection for their citizens? Surely Thai officials and public know better than foreigners about the kind of abuses that local and foreign visitors face.

From crooked taxi operators to jet-ski scam artists, as well as allegations of flimsy law enforcement and foreign criminal gangs roaming the streets of these major destinations, Thailand is all over international and local social media outlet.

If we are serious about preserving the tourism industry, and our image in the international community, much more has to be done.

But the damaged reputation is not beyond repair. Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak said he wants Phuket to be a paradise for tourists. That is good. But it means eliminating the rip-offs. And to do that involves all of us. Not empty promises from politicians who are here today and gone tomorrow.

We shouldn't have to wait for foreign ambassadors to raise these embarrassing issues. We know better and should do something about it.

-- The Nation 2013-08-11

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

'Liking' political rumours is a crime

Pisit

Police Maj Gen Pisit Pao-in, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, defends his agency against criticism over its threat to take legal action against Facebook users who "like" certain messages of a political nature.

He talks to The Sunday Nations Pakorn Puengnetr in an exclusive interview.

Q : Are asking if clicking "like" is now against the law.

It will be if you 'like' a message deemed damaging to national security. If you press 'like', it means you are accepting that message, which is tantamount to supporting it. By doing so, you help increase the credibility of the message and hence you should also be held responsible.

Q : Is this rule the same in other countries?

This has nothing to do with foreign countries, because they have different laws. We are taking preventive measures in dealing with this matter. Others may use the principle of law but we use the principle of political science.

Q : Do you think the police have done anything wrong in this?

I don't know. But believe me, I can take legal action against you. The Penal Code and the Computer Crime Act can be applied in this matter.

Q : Which message of the four people summoned by the TCSD was deemed unlawful?

Basically, they talked about the possibility of a coup, which is groundless and is clearly against the Computer Crime Act.

The TCSD action is just meant to have a psychological impact. We don't want these four persons to be jailed. We just questioned them and it's okay for them to say they didn't mean to create panic.

After this action, people are now more careful [about their Facebook messages]. I am mainly aiming at social peace.

So you mean from now on, people can't click 'like'?

I'm not prohibiting from pressing 'like'. But if you 'like' this kind of message, you will be arrested.

Q : What about "sharing" such a message?

There are two kinds of sharing. If you share in a way to support the original message, this is wrong. But if you comment against the message, this is okay.

Q : Will this rule be applied to all cases?

We will just focus on cases of political violence. If you don't prevent it, bad news will be covered by foreign media and confidence [in Thailand] will be affected.

Q : There has been a campaign that "liking is not a crime".

It's okay for people to "like" a Facebook page. But they can't 'like' rumours anymore. I think I have achieved my goal.

Q : Is the TCSD action intended as a threat?

No. We work without any bias about the political colours. Two of those summoned were red shirts, another is a white mask. [The last one is Thai PBS editor Sermsuk Kasiti pradit.]

Q : How did the TCSD go about this case?

I have a team here [at TCSD] and at the Royal Thai Police HQ. Our team searched the keyword "coup" and we found posts by these four persons. It was not difficult. We didn't have a particular watchlist.

Q : Do you think police will be criticised for this action?

It's okay. I just do my work and I have achieved my goal.

What the law says

The Criminal Code and Computer Crime Act can be enforced against people who "like" and "share" Facebook messages deemed unlawful by police, according to the Technology Crime Suppression Division commander.

Section 59 of the Criminal Code, involving Criminal Liability, states that "A person shall be criminally liable only when such person commits an act intentionally. To commit an act intentionally is to do an act consciously and at the same time the doer desired or could have foreseen the effect of such doing."

Section 83, about Principals and Supporters, states that, "In case of an offence accrued by commission of two persons or more, such accomplices deemed to be principals shall be punished as provided by the law for such offence."

Under Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act, any person involved in dissemination or forwarding of computer data already known to be against this law shall be subject to imprisonment for not more than five years or a fine of up to Bt100,000, or both.

-- The Nation 2013-08-11

A democratic country, WOW! Do not voice your opinion on something that is classed as freedom of speech in a normal democracy.

Only in Thailand. A sign of things to come.

not only in Thailand, there are more countries where you will be arrested for "liking" and sharing political motivated posts. Face book, emails and for example twitter are great ways for governments to create a profile which later can and will be used against you. Freedom of speech does not exist!

what i dont understand is if you press the like button you life will change because you are making thailand look bad, so what becomes of the media that brings the thai badness to the public eye?

So I guess anyone who "likes" Thaksin's facebook page should be considered supporting an international criminal fugitive, huh?

Push-up bra commercial goes viral

By Coconuts Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- The latest viral video to come out of Thailand is a cheeky ad for Wacoal Mood's new Boost Up bra. The video, which was uploaded on July 30th, has quickly racked up almost two millions views and nearly two thousand comments on the social network.

For those of you at work, it's probably best to watch this when your boss isn't around.

Source: http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2013/08/05/push-bra-commercial-goes-viral

-- Coconuts Bangkok 2013-08-09

<deleted>

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

'Thaksin's return home is long overdue'

Somchai

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, who heads the ruling Pheu Thai Party's strategy committee, defends the government, the amnesty bill proposed by party MPs, and his wife, in an interview with Nation News Agency's Chanikarn Phumhiran and Samudcha Hoonsara.

Why is the Pheu Thai pushing for the amnesty bill now?

MPs had earlier voted to put Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema's bill at the top of the parliamentary agenda. The party wanted to deliberate the 2014 fiscal budget bill, but the committee vetting the bill has yet to finish it.

Will this bill spark conflicts inside and outside Parliament?

It depends if people respect the majority decision.

This bill aims to pardon people - both the red shirts and the yellow shirts - who joined the protests with honest intentions.

I believe people who oppose this bill do not have pity for those people.

How would you sum up the current situation, since the Democrats are responding in full force?

I personally believe political rallies this time will not escalate. I hope they do not spark any serious issues that impact the country.

The opposition has interpreted the word "leaders" in the bill as people such as ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra, what do you think?

The committee vetting the bill will have to identify them. I cannot see how Thaksin can fall in this category. This bill has made it clear that the word 'leaders' does not include Thaksin. But this depends on how each individual interprets it.

If the amnesty bill and the Bt2-trillion loan bill are passed, do you think the government will serve a full term?

The government will stay a full term because Thais voted us in with 265 seats. If the government does not stay the full term, it will be because of a military coup and the military has reiterated that this will not happen.

Do you think the Bt350-billion loan decree and Bt2-trillion loan bill violate the law?

The government is likely to proceed with the [anti-flood] project. If the government causes any fallout, it will not be allowed to return. Corruption allegations are not the reason that all of the water projects must be scrapped. Corruption cases can be proved in court.

Are you worried that opponents will bring down the government by using legal tactics?

They are resorting to all legal tactics possible. It is tiring, but we must move forward because we have a social contract.

If we do nothing about incidents like the massive flooding in 2011, how can we survive until today? This is a must-do job. Bt350 billion may sound like a lot, but if we can help prevent loss of life, even one life is worth it.

Reports say that Chiang Mai MP Yaowapa Wongsawat [somchai's wife] has been accused of corruption in the rice-pledging scheme.

I must insist that Yaowapa has not gained anything. I guarantee this with my life. If Yaowapa took even one single baht, you can come and behead me.

I have a duty to keep politics as calm as possible and do anything that does not adversely affect the Yingluck government or Yingluck herself.

We have never thought of using her position to make money, we are more civilised than that. I am not rich, but I have never made money illegally. This is because of my background as a judge. My family would never do such things. The fact that Yaowapa is Yingluck's sister has caused people's imagination to run wild. This project has suffered losses, but losses and corruption are different issues. If corruption is suspected, there must be an investigation. We are close to former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, but that does not mean we have teamed up for the purposes of exploitation.

Will the government stumble if the National Anti-Corruption Commission finds the corruption allegations in the rice-pledging scheme are true?

The government and the PM issued this policy. Corruption has nothing to do with the PM. Arrest the people who are corrupt not the one who issues the policy.

Is it possible that independent agencies could a factor in the collapse of the government?

I hope not. I am confident that they are neutral. Even though no agency can check the independent agencies, people can.

Is it time for Thaksin to return home?

It is long overdue. Everyone wants justice. You can starve, bake in the sun, but you cannot withstand injustice. When Thaksin said he wanted to return home in style, it did not mean he would be dressed attractively when he stepped out of the plane. What he meant was that when he returned, he did not want to see people fighting one another.

-- The Nation 2013-08-07

Save the World ... or save face?

Pathetic is how even PT ministers try to cover up PTT's mess and convince locals not to sue PTT. Don't forget, Thaksin is a major shareholder of PTT.

It all makes sense, right?

Company Behind 'Genius Drink' To Comply With TV Ad Ban Order

A screencap from one of Peptine's commercial featuring medical students

BANGKOK: -- Thailand′s consumer protection agency has requested a pharmaceutical and beverage company to stop airing its "misleading" commercials which imply that one of its drinks would help students become doctors.

The beverage, called "Peptine", is sold alongside bottled teas and other energy drinks in convenience stores. It has been marketed as an ingredient that would help improve students′ ability to study harder; its target group is apparently millions of young students struggling to enter their desired universities via the national "Admission" exams.

According to the letter sent by Office of Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to Osotspa, the distributor of Peptine drinks. The letter, which is viewed by Khaosod, says the Board has received complaints from a number of concerned physicians, and asked Osotspa to halt its TV commercial immediately.

Osotspa has responded in a statement that it is willing to cooperate with OCPB′s order, saying it will cease airing its controversial commercials on this 1 August.

"Peptine" is certainly not alone in the extensive "nutritional food" market in Thailand. Even more ubiquitously advertised around the country is "Brand", a sort of chicken soup that, according to its commercials, boost brain activities.

But "Peptine" came under heavy scrutiny after its airing of "Want To Be Doctors" TV ads which feature medical students endorsing the product.

Some medical students are also frustrated by the commercial. A representative of the Society of Medical Students of Thailand (SMST) has recently submitted a complaint to Osotspa, demanding that the company stop airing the advertisement.

Doctors are highly respected career for many Thai families, due to its (perceived) social prestige and rewarding salaries. Therefore, many parents encourage their kids to pursue medical studies.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNM05URTRPRE16TUE9PQ==

-- KHAOSOD English 2013-07-31

Shocking..He wants to receive the university education that he denied his young victims...He is just gloating...

I'll bet both my nuts that the buildings will still be standing in 7 years, never mind 7 days.

7 day demolition order issued to popular South Pattaya Hotel

PATTAYA: -- A South Pattaya Hotel which has reportedly ignored warnings from City Hall regarding their unauthorized extensions to the Hotel have now been told to demolish the extensions within 7 days or face legal action.

On Tuesday Morning an officer from the Engineering Department of Pattaya City Hall posted the demolition notices on three buildings which form part of The Boutique Hotel located in Soi VC in South Pattaya.

The first building which was previously 7 floors was extended to 11 floors, the second was 3 floors which was extended to 5 floors and the third building was 3 floors extended to 7 floors.

Full story: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/97329/7-day-demolition-order-issued-popular-south-pattaya-hotel/

-- Pattaya One 2013-07-30

Four youths charged over Phuket machete attack

Phuket Gazette

PHUKET: -- Police have arrested four youths for a savage attack on a man who was repeatedly beaten and hacked by machete in Karon last Thursday, after the incident was recorded on CCTV.

We went to the scene and found the victim, Silert Pong-Aroon, seriously injured, Karon Police Superintendent Weerawat Jantarawichit told the Phuket Gazette.

Rescue workers rushed him to Vachira Phuket Hospital. None of the attackers were at the scene when we arrived, he said.

Karon Police checked CCTV footage, on which they saw Mr Silert being repeatedly beaten and hacked at until he fell unconscious.

After viewing the footage, police were able to track down and identify the attackers.

When we found out who they were, we applied to the Phuket Juvenile Court for arrest warrants, because of the ages of three of the suspects, said Col Weerawat.

The Phuket Juvenile Court subsequently issued arrest warrants to apprehend the three teenagers two aged 16 and one aged 17.

Amorn Patkor, 19, was also arrested.

They were taken to the police station and they all confessed to the charges against them, Col Weerawat said.

Hospital staff have confirmed to the Gazette that Mr Silert is no longer in critical condition.

He is now stable but under close observation, the staffer said.

The attack last Thursday came on the same day Phuket City Police arrested and charged four members of a teenage gang for attempted murder after a Burmese man was seriously injured in a knife attack in Phuket Town early the preceding day

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Four-youths-charged-over-Phuket-machete-attack-21807.html

-- Phuket Gazette 2013-07-30

Thailand's Full Moon Party 25 years on

Once a peaceful gathering, the wild beach extravaganza now attracts 20,000 hardcore backpackers looking to party.

George Henton

Koh Phangan, Thailand - According to those there in late 1988, the first Full Moon Party on Thailand's Koh Phangan was a peaceful gathering of travelers from around the world, the full moon providing the only light available at night on the remote island.

Today, 20,000 people regularly cram the shores of Haad Rin beach, attracted by cheap alcohol, readily available drugs and, of course, the lure of a party often referred to as a backpackers' rite of passage in Southeast Asia.

This month's party was typical of what it has become 25 years later. A tawdry scene of increasingly intoxicated 20-somethings, each holding onto their buckets of booze as they stumble along the beach for hours on end. As the sun rose, hidden behind a grey blanket of clouds, the night's excesses were laid bear. Bodies littered the beach, semi conscious, surrounded by broken bottles and plastic buckets.

Full story: http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2013/07/201373091551508782.html

-- AL JAZEERA 2013-07-31

As well its really time to do some clean up on all the drug use

Umm, that bar looks familiar -- wait, no it doesn't.

Glad to see that the Thai cops are doing a stand up job protecting young people. Next they could investigate the number of young Thais who cannot afford to go to school, or receive adequate health care.

Or investigate & incarcerate the mothers who sell their 12 yo's into prostitution.

It's a sick place and getting sicker by the day

It's so sick, but u need to see thy have no hard, only money talks

I guess someone did not pay the tee money on time, as I know that prostitution is illegal in Thailand, u can find it everywhere and nothing happen, wired do understand, but again the tee money, very strong Thai police work, if u look closer u see 60% underage prostitution in pattaya so get up and do your work

Very difficult to work agains taksin and Pm sister, its only me me me and no one else, easy to control uneducated people thy don't understand how corrupt are this government

How arrogant a PM can be, she should be happy with all the money the tourist bring for this kind of service we get, for thaipeople we are only walking ATM's, and all the rip offs and scam we need to deal every day, so think again and just say thanks that even one of us is coming hire, and just check all your infrastructure, high end as well right? Wake up PM

It's good that u guys have a go at one place, what about this place who play the music until 5-6 am, ark bar closes around 2am what I know, ???????

What ever u people say, for sure there is no garbage on the beach from ark bar, and yes thy play music and have beach party on Wednesday, but what I know there was not many issues or fights at ark bar for past 10 years if u consider how many people go true this place, not like soi green mango or soi reggae or even soi solo, where there are fights almost every night, and shootings as well, a much mor dirty place u can speak about is the fullmoon party in kopangan

For crying out loud guys give the men a break! They have to lay the tarmac first then they will fill in the drains. Think yourselves lucky you are not back in the UK having the same thing done. There you would have miles of traffic cones, A useless contaflow system and HUNDREDS of speed cameras and it would take arond 5 times as long to complete. There was even some clown saying it was going to be carnage as the tarmac was too black. JEEEEEEEZ

People in my opinion are split into two sorts. Those that see problems and those that see solutions.

You could not drive on the motorbike section of road in Maenam before they layed the new tarmac so no real big difference! The drains now coming into Lamai from Nathon now is no problem.

Calm down, calm down H2oDunc!

i would say, job well done, and very fast as well, Rome was not build in one day, so give tham a brack, and many thanks to the hard working people, keep up the good work and thanks to the new goverment who made this posible, to invest in the inferstracture on koh samui and not in there one pockets as it was before

The old mayor was a waste of space, I remember those golden coloured lamp posts in bang rak that had to be lifted on by crane they were so heavy, apparently over 100k each, fine they look nice, but things like that come last, after basic infrastructure is completed and satisfactory. The funniest thing is during the run up to the last election there were posters up using them as an example as a good reason to re-elect him...... lol

Since the new mayor has come in you can see the change for the better all around. There are green bins everywhere all along the ring road, drainage is finally being fixed, and best of all tarmac has arrived.

That change of mayor may prove to be one of the most important hurdles in getting this place back on track. With the Demorcrats really pushing samui for city status above all other places the future is looking brighter.

Ok, nothing happens overnight here, but there is more positive happenings in the last three months which are actually visible than I saw in two tenures from the previous mayor.

Funny how he managed to build two flashy hotels during his tenure, anyone know what he did before he was mayor? How he earn't his $......

what u meen 2 altogether its minimum 3 hotels

You may or you may not be aware that there is presently a study carried out by Chulalongkorn University in regards to future planning of Koh Samui.

The professor in charge who I met again this morning has asked me what would be needed to make Samui a better place to live for us residents (Thai and foreign) and for visiting tourists (Thai and foreign).

This study also includes Phangan and the re-design of Thongsala area/pier and the Marina in Samui.

So if there is anything which comes to mind then you may post it. If you have nothing to say then just do so.

There will be a public hearing within the next 6 weeks and once I know the date I will advise.

need to sort out the electric and water supply for chongmon area, no goverment water for 4 weeks...............