sriracha john

It's been awhile since we've heard from Red Shirter Sae Daeng and I had been wondering what he's been up to lately....

I can guess what he's been up to lately.

From Red sniper to Miss Tiffany contestant?

Thai PMs office sprayed with bullets

By John Le Fevre

BANGKOK (thaivisa.com): -- Thai police are hunting those responsible for a pre-dawn assault on the head office of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s Democrat Party in Klong Toey this morning.

It was not the PM's office. It was a branch office of the Democratic Party housing a city councilor according to the Bangkok Post.

Is it possible to revise the thread title to more closely follow the facts... so as to avoid future erroneous posts such as...

marks office has been shot

For some reason, I'm reminded of an old campus newspaper clipping...

I am a university lecturer.

it just keeps getting deeper and deeper....

It goes back to February... when he was fully caught out... and admitted to his fabrication..

that's still more believable than mc2 seriously saying he has a "phD [sic] in Thailand cultural studies."

probably should have slipped a smily in there somewhere.

But, at least on a brighter note, at least another troll has been positively identified and any further posts can be seen in that light (although I'm sure that's nothing new for many other members who've already connected the dots with the poster).

LOL. it was a joke not a troll.

and now... months after being caught out with his falsehoods, it's now changed to:

Asian Studies...

Rather stupid and indicative of personal bias to immediately accuse the "redshirts" of this even when there is no evidence that it was politically motivated.

Democrat MPs Link Gun Attack at Local Office to Politics

Democrat MPs believe that Sunday night's gun assault on the party's Bangkok office in Klongtoey district is politically motivated, as the local election battle intensifies.

Democrat councillor for Klongtoey district of Bangkok Koranit Ngamsukonrattana, along with Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, was convinced that the gun assault at the Democrat headquarters in Klongtoey late Sunday night was politically motivated.

She said that the battle over the district councillor seat in the Klongtoey district has been fierce so such a presumption is not too far-fetched.

Koranit added for the first time in 20 years, her party won both the Bangkok and district elections in the constituency.

But it is not the first time that the Democrat office is the target of such an underhanded tactic.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-10

Thaksin's family and the petition - Poojadkuan [the comedy news section of Phujatkhan], August 5, 2009

The headline reads: The Shinawatra family reveals reason not to sign names in the petition to be offered to HM King - Not to draw superiors to be involved [meaning not to disturb the King] - The source reveals that the Shinawatra family (Thaksin's 3 children and Yaowapha Wongsawat) expressed their opposing opinion to the red's attempt to submit a petition to HM King. The family says that they are not agreeing with the case stating that they do not want the case to disturb HM King.

The signs they are holding are copies of the billboards put up by the Bhumjaithai Party opposing the petition.

It reads: Stop the enlisting of names for the petition - Stop pulling down the sky [idiom meaning "stop harassing your superiors." In recent years this has been used to refer to royalty] - Stop breaking up the rock [idiom meaning "Stop damaging the country"] - Stop separating people.

2Bangkok.com / 2009-08-11

Tsunami watch canceled

Perhaps this should be reflected in an update to the thread title?

Warrant out for third Sondhi case suspect

A warrant has been issued for a third suspect in the attempted assassination of People's Alliance for Democracy leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

The Criminal Court has approved a warrant for the arrest of Sgt Somchai Bunnag, of the Special Warfare Command, a police source said.

Arrest warrants were issued on July 14 for Sgt Maj Panya Srihera, a former non-commissioned officer attached to the same army unit in Lop Buri, and Pol Cpl Worawut Mungsanthi, of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, for their suspected involvement in the shooting. Both men are still at large.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2182...hi-case-suspect

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-11

'My duty is ended' : Acting police chief

Acting police chief Pol Gen Wichien Pojprosri said Monday that he is no longer in the temporary post as incumbent Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan returned from his trip to China.

Gen Patcharawat returned to Thailand on Sunday, five days ahead of his official leave of absence. The police chief is scheduled to return from his China trip on August 14. He is expected to report to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva or Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban before resuming duty. Gen Patcharawat also reportedly went to his office early Monday morning, but spent only five minutes there before leaving.

Gen Wichien said as Gen Patcharawat has returned to Thailand, his duty as acting police chief has completed.

Patcharawat decides to continue his leave

PM: No need for acting police boss to step aside

National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwon has decided to continue his leave from office after returning home early from a trip to China. It was widely speculated Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva asked Pol Gen Patcharawat to take leave for 10 days until Aug 14 to clear the way for the investigation into the attempt on the life of Sondhi Limthongkul, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

The government has reportedly come under pressure from the PAD to dismiss Pol Gen Patcharawat for alleged interference in the investigation. Mr Abhisit said yesterday the police chief had agreed to resume his leave on Thursday so there was no need to ask the acting National Police Chief to step aside.

Mr Abhisit said Pol Gen Patcharawat planned to visit the South on Thursday so Pol Gen Wichien Pojphosri would stay on as acting chief.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2182...tinue-his-leave

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-11

Puea Thai Party mulls suits over petition

The Puea Thai Party is considering taking legal action against the Interior Minister, his Deputy, and ministry head for opposing the petition for a pardon for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Puea Thai Party Spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday said the opposition party would take legal action against Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat, and Permanent Secretary Wichai Srikhwan for malfeasance for forcing people to sign their names in opposition to the petition.

The party is also considering lese majeste charges as Article 191 of the constitution authorises His Majesty the King to grant pardons. Meanwhile, People's Alliance for Democracy spokesman Panthep Puapongpan said the PAD would take legal action against three leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship for initiating the petition - namely Veera Musikhapong, Jatuporn Prompan and Natthawut Saikua.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/2182...s-over-petition

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-11

Priewpan angered by 'snub'

Deputy National Police Chief Police General Priewpan Damapong has expressed outrage over the appointment of Police General Wichien Pojphosri as caretaker Police Chief.

Police General Priewpan, an elder brother of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's ex-wife Potjaman.

Priewpan's tears take nepotism to new levels

Priewpan was a low-key police officer until his brother-in-law Thaksin came to power in 2001.

Just before the Thaksin government declared a "war on drugs", the then prime minister handpicked his brother-in-law to head the Narcotics Suppression Bureau.

In the police corridors, that meant that Priewpan was being groomed for the position of national police chief, as part of Thaksin's alleged plan to consolidate power through domination of the police service.

That prompted accusations that Thaksin was pushing to install his in-law as the police chief in an attempt to reverse his political predicament.

What Thaksin did to the military was not much different from what happened to the police. He hauled his cousin Chaiyasit Shinawatra over the heads of all prime candidates for the Army Chief post and installed him in the most powerful position in complete disregard of all criticism.

Vintage Thaksin scheming... having his clan as the Heads of the Army AND Police.

It's been awhile since we've heard from Red Shirter Sae Daeng and I had been wondering what he's been up to lately....

From the Sondhi shooting thread:

Most thais believe its Sae Daeng behind the attack and they may be right. As you say lots of other candidates too.

Certainly one of Thailand's more ... errrr.... colorful... uhmm... characters.

And one that has a penchant for automatic weapons....

"Sae Daeng" AKA Major-General Kattiya Sawasdiphol (from his website)

http://www.sae-dang.com/

Priewpan angered by 'snub'

Deputy National Police Chief Police General Priewpan Damapong has expressed outrage over the appointment of Police General Wichien Pojphosri as caretaker Police Chief.

Police General Priewpan, an elder brother of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's ex-wife Potjaman.

Priewpan's tears take nepotism to new levels

Political drama is continuing in the Police Department, with police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan returning from his controversial leave abroad yesterday. But few of the stories remaining to unfold could compare to last week's emotional scene involving Police General Priewpan Damapong, which, while correctly representing many of the ills of Thailand's political and bureaucratic systems, was bizarre to say the least.

Claiming he was a victim of political discrimination, the ex-brother-in-law of Thaksin Shinawatra tearfully questioned Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva about the naming of an acting police chief.

Priewpan believed that, despite his unrivaled seniority, he missed out on the promotion because of his ties to the ousted former leader.

There are many political lessons that could be learned from Priewpan's dramatic press interview. The biggest concerns the law of nepotism: What goes around comes around, and if you benefited when things were going your way, you should accept it with dignity when they don't.

Priewpan was a low-key police officer until his brother-in-law Thaksin came to power in 2001.

Just before the Thaksin government declared a "war on drugs", the then prime minister handpicked his brother-in-law to head the Narcotics Suppression Bureau.

In the police corridors, that meant that Priewpan was being groomed for the position of national police chief, as part of Thaksin's alleged plan to consolidate power through domination of the police service.

And although Priewpan brought some sort of embarrassment to the government with his botched operation to arrest a northern drug kingpin, who subsequently won an acquittal, he received Thaksin's blessing to bypass all senior police commissioners to get to the position of assistant national police chief.

That particular promotion came at the expense of such crime-busters as Police General Seripisut Temiyavej, whose career was sidelined to pave the way for Priewpan's rise, and Police General Wongkot Maneerin, a police cadet classmate of Thaksin.

Amid the eruption of street protests against Thaksin's controversial leadership, Priewpan was again put on a fast-track promotion to become deputy national police chief, although it was, at that time, an unprecedented move to twice elevate him within a year.

That prompted accusations that Thaksin was pushing to install his in-law as the police chief in an attempt to reverse his political predicament.

The 2006 coup shattered the dreams of Thaksin and Priewpan both, ending the heavy politicisation of the police force. But the coup, for all its evils, served to prove that too much nepotism can burn your fingers.

What Thaksin did to the military was not much different from what happened to the police. He hauled his cousin Chaiyasit Shinawatra over the heads of all prime candidates for the Army Chief post and installed him in the most powerful position in complete disregard of all criticism.

Conflicts over the deep South, however, later diluted the two men's blood ties and Chaiyasit was finally "kicked upstairs" to become supreme commander.

After that, Thaksin seemed hel_l-bent on doing another "Chaiyasit". His cadet classmate Pornchai Kranlert was "lobbed" from the Armed Forces Development Command to land within striking distance of the Army commander-in-chief post. However, Pornchai's lack of seniority meant that he first needed to be groomed, and had to wait as Army deputy commander-in-chief.

Thaksin needed a fill-in. After much manoeuvring, the name of Sonthi Boonyaratglin was selected as the final option. But the stand-in Army chief led a coup before Thaksin could re-consolidate his control over the military.

Police General Priewpan couldn't possibly have forgotten that nepotism was at its worst during the Thaksin era.

And it didn't just happen to the military and the police. The business sector and the civil service were also heavily influenced by the then prime minister's connections.

This is why there was so little resistance when his ex-wife Pojaman wanted to buy a lucrative, government-auctioned plot of land at Ratchadaphisek, and why government officials rose up one after another to defend the conspicuous use of nominees in the controversial, tax-free Temasek deal.

This is not to say that nepotism was not there before Thaksin or that it disappeared after he was ousted. What is deplorable is the scale of what happened during his time.

It has created a wrong political manual on how to hold on to power. After years of being relatively free from politics, the military is now heavily politicised, although to be fair to Thaksin, the politicisation had much to do with the coup that ousted him. The police, far less politicised previously, have since been totally shrouded in political intrigue.

Priewpan's tears, therefore, make us sad for a different reason.

They amplify the truth about nepotism in this country, telling us how it has become so sinister that men like him have the audacity to cry foul about it.

-- The Nation Editorial 2009-08-11

Nearly 4 million have signed name in opposition to Thaksin pardon: Interior Minister

Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul said Monday that nearly 4 million people have given their name in opposition to the campaign by the red-shirt movement to seek a Royal Pardon for former prime minister Thaksin Shinwatra.

Chaovarat said the Interior Ministry got 3.95 million names in opposition to the Thaksin pardon campaign.

Most of them or 2.28 million names came from northeastern provinces, he said.

-- The Nation 2009-08-11

Miss Thailand 2009 Chutima Durongdej walks the runway at a resort in Freeport, Grand Bahama, August 9, 2009. Miss Universe 2009 will be crowned in Paradise Island on August 23.

REUTERS

I voted "Good" and it's a vote of hope.

After the last April riots when i had the impression to be on the brink of a civil war,it must have been difficult enough for the PM just to keep a positive attitude.

I think he's the best PM Thailand can hope for,i hope the majority of the people will keep on supporting him.

Agreed.

Particularly when viewed against the previous PPP/PTP government's non-accomplishments over a period of time twice as long, Democrats easily earn a "good" ranking.

House Speaker to Meet with Senate to Review Proposal by Reconciliation Committee

The House's Speaker will meet with the Upper House next week to review the suggestions made by the national reconciliation committee on the controversial charter revision.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said he will meet with the Upper House next week to discuss the conclusions made by the parliamentary committee studying the guidelines for national reconciliation, charter amendment, and political reform.

Chai, however, declined to give anymore detail, saying the measures recommended by the committee must be reviewed carefully. After the Senate has reviewed the proposal, the matter will also be discussed with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Meanwhile, personal spokesman of the Democrat Party leader Thepthai Senpong said he disagrees with the proposal by the national reconciliation committee to revise 6 articles of the 2007 charter. He fears the proposed amendment may lead to a new round of political confrontations.

Thepthai confirmed that the Democrat Party is not attempting to delay the charter amendment to buy time and remain in office. However, he insisted that the party wants the amendment proposal to be reviewed carefully and for the charter rewrite to be implemented for the benefit of all Thais.

-- Tan Network 2009-08-10

Fraud spotlight on Hollywood

Hollywood studios and film producers are set to face increasing scrutiny from anti-fraud officials, as a result of a trial involving incidents in Bangkok that could have repercussions across the entertainment sector.

Gerald Green, an American film producer, and his wife, Patricia, are alleged to have ­violated the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by paying bribes to a Thai tourism official. It is claimed that the alleged bribes were offered to obtain contracts to run an international film festival in Bangkok.

The Green’s trial in Los Angeles, which is entering its second week, is the first FCPA case to involve the entertainment industry. The case suggests that Hollywood has joined the pharmaceuticals and energy industries as a target of anti-fraud enforcers at the US department of justice.

Mr Green produced Rescue Dawn, a Vietnam war drama starring Christian Bale, and ­Salvador, starring James Woods. Mr Green and his wife have pleaded not guilty to bribery charges.

The DoJ declined to comment on the case. But its new interest in Hollywood could become a severe headache for studios and producers that shoot films in international locations.

Cash inducements to local officials are common in overseas shoots and such payments have hitherto been subject to only patchy scrutiny in Hollywood’s notoriously opaque accounting system.

“The reality is the entertainment industry has always been a little loose in its approach to best practice,” said Jonathan Drimmer, a former DoJ lawyer who is now a partner in the anti-corruption group at the Steptoe & Johnson law firm.

The Green’s trial is likely to be followed by more FCPA investigations in Hollywood, he said. “The justice department identifies a practice [in a particular industry] and then suddenly they go across that industry in a lateral manner. They did it with the medical device industry and they did it with oil and gas companies.”

The bulk of the FCPA cases brought in recent years have focused on the energy and mining sectors.

However, the US government has recently expanded its focus to other industries, including healthcare and retail.

In the past six years it has stepped up its anti-corruption work, launching 17 enforcement actions in 2008 compared with three in 2003.

- Financial Times / 2009-08-09

Court issues another warrant in Sondhi case

BANGKOK, Aug 10 (TNA) - Thailand’s Criminal Court on Monday issued an arrest warrant for a new suspect in the attempt on the life of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

Mr Sondhi, a veteran media entrepreneur and political activist who played a key role in campaigning to oust then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, culminating in the September 2006 coup d’etat, survived a serious attempt to kill him in an April 17 ambush.

The court approved a warrant for Segeant Somchai Bunnag, from the Special Warfare Command at Erawan Camp in Lop Buri, the same military camp of another suspect who was earlier the subject of an arrest warrant.

All three suspects face related charges in the attempted killing, including the possession of firearms and explosives in a public place without official permission.

The court earlier issued arrest warrants for two non-commissioned officers for their alleged involvement in the attempt on Mr. Sondhi’s life.

The two suspects still at large are identified as Sgt-Maj.1st Class Panya Sri-hrao, a non-commissioned officer from the Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri and Pol. Cpl. Worawut Mungsanthi, assigned to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) in Bangkok.

Pol Cpl Worawut earlier sent a letter to Pol Gen Thanee denying involvement in the attack. While a lawyer representing Sgt-Maj 1st Class Panya filed the suit against investigators for malfeasance but the criminal court dismissed the case, saying that investigators have full authority to carry out an investigation and collect all possible evidence to find a culprit and to prove their guilt or innocence.

-- TNA 2009-08-10

The greatest troll ever on Thaivisa, ColPyat, in an extremely rare moment of honesty, accurately reflected:

"You can be anybody you want to be on the Internet."

Why am I not surprised that srirachajohn has taken to quoting himself!

Actually it's a quote of your idol, but as noted, it was a memorable and significant comment... particularly with the inundation on the forum lately of people it applies to as well as his own multiple bannings.

Big Brother to certify films

If things go as planned, the new Film Act will go into effect six weeks from now, on June 4.

And though nothing ever goes as planned when it comes to the Culture Ministry (eg. the recent plan to clothe the pop-nymphs Girly Berry in prim 1900s robes ended in a saucy bitchfest between the glum minister and the vampish girl group), moviegoers should brace for the historic introduction of the rating system, which is likely to be accompanied by confusion and clamour.

Filmmakers are shuddering at the reputation of our cultural watchdogs, since it is believed the last film they watched was King Kong in 1933, which they don't like because Fay Wray is too sexy and the hairy ape obviously carries a phallic symbolism.

UPDATE.... a little past June 4, 2008... but it's coming...

Film ratings start Wednesday

Foreign and local filmmakers will be required to submit their films to the Culture Ministry for rating on audience suitability from Wednesday, when the Film and Video Act (2008) takes effect, Culture Minister Thira Salakphet said on Monday.

The movies will be classified in seven categories, determined by the ministry committee responsible for inspecting films and videos, he said.

The categories are: films for educational purposes and general audiences, and films appropriate for people over 13, over 15 and over 18 years old. The committee will also decide which films cannot be viewed by people under 20 and films that cannot be released in the kingdom.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/15...start-wednesday

-- Bangkok Post 2009-08-10

'My duty is ended' : Acting police chief

Acting police chief Pol Gen Wichien Pojprosri said Monday that he is no longer in the temporary post as incumbent Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan returned from his trip to China.

Gen Patcharawat returned to Thailand on Sunday, five days ahead of his official leave of absence. The police chief is scheduled to return from his China trip on August 14. He is expected to report to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva or Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban before resuming duty. Gen Patcharawat also reportedly went to his office early Monday morning, but spent only five minutes there before leaving.

Gen Wichien said as Gen Patcharawat has returned to Thailand, his duty as acting police chief has completed. He said from now on Gen Patcharawat would oversee the police annual reshuffle list, from deputy commissioner to non-commissioned officers.

Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Suthep declined to comment on the early return because he has received no official confirmation letter about the return from the police chief. Suthep said he would wait for the letter before informing the mater to the prime minister.

Gen Wichien was appointed by Prime Minister Abhisist as acting police chief only last Tuesday following the 10-day leave of Gen Patcharawat. Abhisit said the absence was initiated by the police chief himself reportedly to smooth some minor obstacles to the police investigation of the attempted killing of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul on April 17.

Rumours swirled during the past week that Gen Patcharawat would be transferred to an inactive post after the Sondhi investigation team complained that they encountered difficulties in conducting the case as information had been leaked by unnamed police officers.

-- The Nation 2009-08-10

btw, what's it say under Classifieds? Is it a person?

Can you find nothing worth posting about?

Which is more beneficial to the Forum? My "cutting and pasting" a percentage of my posts to the news or your trolling?

just do the right thing and change your title to "forums number 3 top poster" instead of making false and egotistical claims.

Like putting qualifications down as a signature?

Reminds me of...

The greatest troll ever on Thaivisa, ColPyat, in an extremely rare moment of honesty, accurately reflected:

"You can be anybody you want to be on the Internet."

Anyway I for one an impressed that someone has made it to be the #2 poster on an anonymous internet forum. It bespeakes much about their life.

Imagine the achievement if one could become #1, something us mere mortals can only dream about.

Perhaps you should PM the member who is # 1 and ask.

Still, my own numbers probably wouldn't surpass those of some posters with the aggregate total of their multiple ID's.