Thailand Live Today - Live Tuesday

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Thailand Live Today - Tuesday May 25

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Keep up to date with live updates from the news, hour by hour.

For breaking news,national, regional and international news updates on

a daily basis only, this thread is closed to commentary so that those

who wish to follow the news can find it here...

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[Maestro]

VOICE OF TAKSIN MAGAZINE

Editor surrenders

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, leader of a leftist redshirt faction and editor of the Voice of Taksin magazine, surrendered to police Monday after the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) issued an arrest warrant against him for violating the emergency rule.

Somyos had held a press conference last week to call for further protests after the May 19 bloody crackdown.

Just hours before turning himself in, Somyos told The Nation in an exclusive phone interview that he had decided not to flee "in order to maintain his human dignity".

"We are in a dark period. I will lose my freedom but will maintain my dignity," he said, adding the "government is clearly abusing its power" under the emergency decree.

On a more pragmatic note, Somyos said police had advised him that it would be safer if he surrendered.

In a related development, Assoc Prof Suthachai Yimprasert, a historian at Chulalongkorn University and a fellow political activist who was also calling for new protests, was arrested.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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BURNING ISSUE

The chaos is far from over

By Avudh Panananda

The Nation

Published on May 25, 2010

Even though many are heaving a sigh of relief now that Bangkok appears to have calmed down, the political predicament is far from over and the torching of buildings in the capital might just be the start.

A power struggle is part and parcel of the political system anywhere in the world. But Thais have often opted for military tactics and combat activities, hence turning a supposedly peaceful struggle into an all-out battle.

Many are blaming ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra for the latest predicament. Though demonising Thaksin has generated enough publicity, the fact still remains that one man, despite his bitterness, vengeance and vast riches, could not singlehandedly have caused mayhem of this magnitude.

Thaksin's cohorts were probably more involved in the havoc wrought.

Based on remarks made by Thaksin and his cohorts, particularly Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the red-shirt movement is purportedly a tool for breaking the political polarisation.

The so-called battle is nothing but a shameful ploy designed by the main opposition party to grab power via engineering the downfall of the Democrats through bloodshed, forcing a coalition switch or fresh elections.

After the red shirts voluntarily disbanded in the face of the military's anti-riot measures in April last year, the opposition movement resumed the protest in March, this time backed by armed guerrillas waiting to unleash atrocities since April 10 in plain view of a television audience.

If the reds had confined their activities to their rally sites at Phan Fa Bridge and Rajprasong, the government would in no way have been justified to use force.

However, it is unfortunate that agitators worked overtime on April 10 and from May 13 provoking the security forces to unleash their guns.

The atrocities can never be condoned regardless of each side's attempt to portray its actions as bravery and the other side's as cruelty. It is inexcusable for the agitators to incite arson and riots after the rally was brought to a violent end on May 19.

It is a disgrace that opposition and coalition lawmakers are trying to fault one another for the mayhem instead of behaving with suitable decorum to bring about the speedy recovery of a country that has been badly pummelled.

Despite the death toll of 85 with nearly 2,000 injured, the bloodbath did not end the polarisation.

As for the pacifist red shirts, their commitment to non-violence has been less credible due to the fact that 11 soldiers and policemen were killed in action and about 411 security forces sustained injuries. Furthermore, some 116 M79 and RPG attacks took place against more than 40 targets.

Between May 13 and May 19, almost 60 M79-grenade launcher attacks were aimed at the perimeter of the security forces.

The deaths, injuries and damages caused should prove that guerrilla warfare could never succeed in bringing about an uprising or advancing democracy.

If the reds are planning to take their fight underground, they should think again. There is no guarantee that they can successfully bring about political change. Terrorism will certainly cause misery, but a democratic system cannot be built by a band of guerrillas.

The first step toward building a Thailand free of political violence is getting strategists like Chavalit and Chamlong Srimuang, the fire behind the yellow shirts, to go into permanent retirement. Though these veterans may not have openly advocated violence, their military way of thinking has inevitably led to the use of force.

The resumption of peace and normalcy hinges on two key factors - an end to the use of military means to influence the political outcome and the disbandment of the red and yellow-shirt movements.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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BANGKOK RIOTS

Latest turmoil to be put in national archives

By Pakamard Jaichalard

The Nation

Published on May 25, 2010

The National Archives of Thailand plans to put the recent political violence that broke out in downtown Bangkok in its records for the first time under the category of Thai politics.

The information collected would cover all incidents from March 12 onwards, archives director Sureerat Wongsangiem said yesterday.

The institute recently held a meeting to set up guidelines on collecting the information, as well as on the proposal to the Fine Arts Department about setting up a special team comprised of experts from the outside so the data gathered is more rounded.

She said the institute wanted to record this turmoil because it affected everything in the country, including politics, economy and society, especially people's lives. She said previous conflicts that resulted in such violence have also been compiled in the archives.

The information is usually collected from visiting the sites of incidents as well as gleaning data from media, related agencies, demonstrators and members of the public, she said

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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TERRORISM CHARGE

Court to rule today on warrant for Thaksin for terrorism

By The Nation

Published on May 25, 2010

The Criminal Court is scheduled to decide this afternoon whether to issue an arrest warrant for fugitive ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra for terrorism.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has sought the warrant in connection with last week's riots by the red shirts, during which many buildings in Bangkok and other provinces were torched by rioters.

The court initially agreed to the DSI request late last week but later withdrew its decision. It cited the need for more careful consideration, and called a trial yesterday.

At yesterday's trial, DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit and two other senior department officials testified in court in support the DSI request. The trial was conducted behind closed doors and lasted about an hour.

The DSI also provided two files of documents and a number of video clips linking Thaksin to the terrorism case.

The court yesterday turned down an objection to the DSI request by Thaksin's lawyers on the grounds that the document produced appointing them as Thaksin's lawyers was dated 2007, which the court considered "non-current", according to Thanadej Puangpoon, one of the lawyers.

He said the legal team was waiting for a new letter of certification from Thaksin, which he expected in one week. The lawyers would appeal against any decision by the court to issue a warrant against their wealthy client.

In a related development, two men described as potential "second-generation leaders" of the red-shirt movement yesterday turned themselves in to police at the Crime Suppression Division for violating the emergency decree.

Somyos Phruksakasemsuk, 49, a leader of the group "June 24 for Democracy" and editor of the Red News newspaper, and Assoc Prof Suthachai Yimprasert, 54, a lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Liberal Arts, turned themselves in.

Somyos said he surrendered after becoming aware that he was suspected of violating the emergency law. He said that a street demonstration he led last week in Lat Phrao had nothing to do with the red shirts. He said the event aimed to mark abolition of the absolute monarchy in June 1932.

After an hour of questioning by senior policemen, the two men were taken to the Army Cavalry Centre in Saraburi for detention and further interrogation. Their vehicle was escorted by police commandos.

Central Investigation Bureau chief Police Lt-General Tha-ngai Praschaksatru said the two were merely considered "suspects" and they would be released if, after seven days of detention, they were found to have no links with a violation of the emergency decree.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Pheu Thai files impeachment, censure motions

By The Nation

Published on May 25, 2010

The opposition Pheu Thai Party yesterday filed two separate motions to Parliament - one to impeach Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and three Cabinet ministers, and the other a no-confidence motion against the PM and five ministers.

The impeachment motion, signed by 159 opposition MPs, was handed over to Senate Speaker Prasobsook Boondech by chief opposition whip Witthaya Buranasiri.

Abhisit, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul and Transport Minister Sophon Saram were charged with malfeasance under the Constitution's Article 270.

Later Witthaya submitted a no-confidence motion against Abhisit and five Cabinet members, which was signed by 184 opposition MPs, to House Speaker Chai Chidchob.

The five ministers facing censure debate include Suthep, Chaovarat, Sophon, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij and Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

Witthaya said Korn and Kasit were not included in the impeachment list because there was insufficient evidence against them. They would only be grilled over their mishandling of the country's administration.

Parliament closed its session last Friday, and Chai ordered an extraordinary session, from yesterday to Thursday, for the deliberation of the 2011 budget.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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FOREIGN MEDIA

Answers sought to media 'bias'

By Onravee Tangmeesang

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation

Published on May 25, 2010

Thai media gathered yesterday to find solutions to perceived biased reporting on the political situation in the Kingdom by some of the foreign media.

"Thai people should speak up and spread as much correct and balanced information as possible to the world. The problem is that there are not enough people doing that. If you start watching something and question it, you should say so," said writer and music conductor Somtow Sucharitkul.

"We are not just fighting against [those in] the media that give distorted stories. We are also battling the perception of how developed countries see developing countries," he said at a forum held at the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at Thammasat University.

Most the 50 attendees were from the media and the student community.

Somtow will be one of five members of a committee to be set up to find resolve the problem and decide on the appropriate measures for doing so.

As a result of yesterday's discussion, the committee will invite foreign reporters for a debate at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on the problem of media ethics and professionalism.

"The problem is that some foreign media are giving only a one-sided story," said faculty dean Pornchit Sombutphanich.

The president of the Satellite Television Association (Thailand), Niphon Naksompop, presented and compared video clips of the turmoil in Thailand by foreign media, including CNN, Al Jazeera and France 24.

"CNN interviewed protesters and their leaders, who said they only had slingshots, fireworks, firecrackers and rocks while the troops were armed with war weapons. But Al Jazeera showed the picture of protesters holding guns," he said.

Entertainer Kamol Sukosol Clapp, who lives in Soi Ngam Duplee in downtown Bangkok, said he had gone to the flashpoint areas last week to see if the violence would possibly reach his house.

He had heard plenty of rumours spread in the area and therefore needed to check out what was actually happening on the ground.

He was at the same spot that CNN's Dan Rivers was reporting on one occasion, and his experience was different from what the reporter was saying, Kamol told the forum.

He told CNN this was the case, but received no reply, he added. Instead of boycotting foreign media as some have proposed, Kamol agreed that ordinary people could make a difference.

"The Internet gives small fish a chance to express their opinion and make themselves heard. I believe that if enough people speak up, they will make an impact,"he said.

Kamol mentioned his friend Napas na Pombejra, whose letter to CNN opposing Rivers' reports had also been spread via social networking.

"I'd rather not use the word celebrity, but the people who have influence over others should stop playing safe and get out more," he said.

Education will play a crucial role in solving the problem in the long run, he said. "On the bigger stage, the government should start thinking globally. The world has changed. We are living a globalised world and we are playing a global game."

Parames Rachjaibun, chairman emeritus of the Advertising Association of Thailand, also stressed the importance of the government having a global perspective. "I think at this point, the hiring of professional PR with global connections is necessary," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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BANGKOK WARFARE

Religious rituals to be held today at Rajprasong

By The Nation

Published on May 25, 2010

Religious rituals will be held at Rajprasong intersection tomorrow morning to boost the morale of Bangkok residents as well as invite good luck.

The rituals, which will include Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Sikh ceremonies, will be held by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), together with Rajprasong business operators. Everyone is invited to attend.

The ceremonies will kick off at 6am with monks being presented with breakfast and special offerings being made to sacred beings. Senior monks will chant prayers, as 1,000 monks do the rounds collecting alms. These rituals are in line with Buddhism and Hinduism.

Once these ceremonies are completed, Islamic, Christian and Sikh rites will follow and be completed at around 9.30am.

Rajprasong intersection, once a vibrant downtown area in Bangkok with many luxurious shopping centres, five-star hotels and lively stalls, was also home to many businesses and embassies.

However, the area became a hot-spot when the red-shirt demonstrators moved in, and only dispersed after their leaders announced the end of the rally as the military homed in last Wednesday. Several people were killed and injured during clashes between soldiers and demonstrators.

"We will also dedicate the merit-making ceremonies to those who died," BMA spokesman Thanom Onketphon said yesterday.

Bangkok residents have been shaken by the rioting and dozens of buildings in the capital, along with Thailand's largest shopping mall CentralWorld, being set ablaze.

A tourist guide and interpreter Thipthanya-thorn Chaithanadit yesterday took two Japanese monks to the Pathum Wanaram Temple near Rajprasong intersection to chant prayers for those who were killed.

Speaking via the interpreter, one of the monks said: "I wish Thailand peace and I hope people will love, not hate, each other."

Meanwhile, about 20 people attended the cremation of Italian photographer Fabio Polenghi at Klong Toei Temple. Polenghi was shot in the stomach last Wednesday.

His older sister said her brother reportedly left his camera and belongings with an unidentified man while covering the clashes on Rajdamri Road.

"Please give the memory card in his camera via the Italy embassy. I don't want his assets. I just want to see the photos my brother took just before he died," she said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Italian embassy and the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand sent wreaths to the funeral yesterday.

Abhisit also went to the King Mongkut Hospital yesterday to visit Lt-Colonel Kriangsak Nantabhodidej and Maj-General Warit Rojanapakdee of the 12th Infantry Regiment the Royal Guards.

The two senior military men were injured during a bloody clash with red-shirt demonstrators at Khok Wua intersection on April 10. It was one of the few times the PM has been seen in public since the red-shirt rally began.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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At least 3 buildings will have to be demolished: BMA

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will today present demolition orders to the owners of CentralWorld, Centre One and the Siam Theatre. They will be required to submit plans to demolish the three buildings.

The BMA resolved yesterday that after the arson attacks by militant red-shirt protesters last week, CentralWorld's Zen Zone, Centre One and the Siam Theatre will need to be demolished due to irreparable structural damage.

BMA spokesman Thanom Onkatephol said yesterday that eight other buildings could be repaired after further BMA inspections, including the Maleenont and Narcotics Control Board buildings. And 11 buildings, mostly Bangkok Bank branches, could be restored without prior examination, he said.

Three buildings have not yet been checked by the BMA - Big C Rajdamri, a shophouse on the corner of Siam Square Sois 5-6 and a Krung Thai Bank branch in Chidlom. Six other buildings requiring damage checks include two Bangkok Bank branches, a K-bank warehouse, a conven-ience store at Din Daeng and a boat noodles restaurant at Victory Monument.

The 11 buildings that can be immediately fixed include the Chivathai building, a four-storey shophouse at Din Daeng, five Bangkok Bank branches, a GSB nank branch at Din Daeng, the Stock Exchange of Thailand building and K-bank's Ngam-Duplee branch.

The BMA will fix all damaged infra-structure within six months, while the governor will pro-mote the city in the US and Europe

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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POLITICS IN THE CLASSROOM

Bringing about a fair view ff the reds vs govt issue

By Chularat Saengpassa

The Nation

Focusing on coexistence via understanding of others

"You can watch this and you can cry for it. But don't hate those who did it," Ticha na Nakorn told her children at the Kanchanaphisek Remand Home, whose eyes were brimming with tears while watching the CentralWorld shopping mall go down in flames.

The heartwrenching event must not be kept away from children, but it should be used to educate them on how to help the country avoid repeating such a tragedy, she said.

It is necessary to teach how to respect others for peaceful coexistence, she said. Like some other educational institutions, the Kanchanaphisek Remand Home for delinquents aged 1018 resorted to the incidents as a new educational tool.

Soon after the horrific photos were released, the facility put up a board showing pictures of recent scenes of burnt tyres, bleeding protesters, soldiers on duty and smoke all over Bangkok.

"These can be great educational tools. This tragedy should not be swept under the carpet, as that could cultivate deeper hatred. The pictures are intended to make children here feel about the losses, which all must share responsibility for," she said.

"We do not point the finger at anyone. We don't say who killed whom or who set the fire. There's no point blaming others. Everyone in the country has brought us to this point one way or another. Hatred must be stopped. All of us, children included, must be understanding and considerate of others."

Ticha was convinced that some teenagers had joined the red shirts in rioting because they felt neglected for so long and were internally urged to challenge the authoritative power.

The original red shirts could also feel frustrated, since their leaders surrendered to end the sevenweek demonstration as troops closed in on them. Still, the buildings on fire and the bleeding victims were the losses of all.

"We show these pictures in a bid to teach children here that they must learn about coexistence. Humans must think, care and understand their fellow humans. If they can do that, the overall atmosphere will be good. For example, when a student is depressed, his or her classmates should lend a hand, not criticise. That classroom then will be a pleasant classroom," Ticha said.

At Lamplaimat Pattana School in Buri Ram, teachers have discussed this political turbulence and related violent incidents every week. The school's headmaster Vichien Chaibang said from this week on, the frequency would be raised in class to twice a week.

He said the teachers were briefed in advance that they must present information from various perspectives without stirring up students' emotions. A briefing is necessary so that teachers would not create more confusion.

In the classroom, students are encouraged to answer as many questions as possible. What they would do if they were red shirts, what they would do if they owned the properties being burnt down, what they would do if they were a member of the government or the soldiers. Through the questions, they would learn by themselves the different dimensions of the incidents.

"Teachers can play an important role. They need to look at an event from different angles. Then, we bring this to class, to educate the children. Don't ignore the problem. The teachers won't say this is right or this is wrong, but our aim is to make them understand the incidents appropriately so that they can think about how they can defuse such a problem, if one arises in the future," Vichien said.

This headmaster said all schools should address the current political crisis in the classroom to stop such calamities from recurring.

Sompong Jitradub Angkhasuwathin, who teaches education at Chulalongkorn University, said most educational institutions were still too naive. They now seemed to lag behind the system adopted by the political schools set up by the red shirts, or the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

They had no knowledge of political developments and have taken no role. While the UDD has established hundreds of schools in various provinces to promote its ideology and gather supporters, most other teachers did not know how to equip children also with the right knowledge on their duty and rights under the democratic system. This can be done through the councils of children, students and teenagers.

While urging the government to quickly address social inequalities to avoid another protest, Sompong said all schools should encourage their students to discuss the current political crisis and work up a project about democracy for local communities. Teachers must correctly educate them about democracy, not take the lead in fuelling divisiveness.

"Education can shape a person's attitudes. So, schools must take a more proactive role," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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'Solve crisis peacefully'

By Pakamard Jaichalard

The Nation

Buddhist leaders from 83 countries attending the International Buddhist Conference on the UN Day of Vesak Celebration 2010, believed that Thailand would get through its domestic crisis, while UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed hope in a statement that religions could solve world crises.

The conference was held at Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in Ayutthaya's Wang Noi district for the second day yesterday.

Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University Rector Phra Dharmakosajarn, who chairs the conference organising committee, said Buddhist leaders had stated at the conference that the Thai crisis must be solved by instilling morality and ethics. Strong faith in Buddhism, which many Thais observe, could help create reconciliation leading to peace.

However, they also expressed concern that, since Thailand was accepted as a world centre for Buddhism, if it failed to set an example of using Buddha's Dhamma to solve internal issues via peaceful methods, other countries would also lose hope. They expressed confidence that Thailand would pass through this crisis.

Meanwhile, Ban Ki-moon's message to mark the occasion, said "the theme, "Global Recovery: The Buddhist Perspective", spoke to the heart of global concerns at a time of multiple crises.

"When the financial crisis hit, the poor suffered first and worst and they would take longer to recover. At the time, I urged world leaders to act in unison for the common good. Their synchronised response and the efforts of the United Nations helped to avoid a worse crisis.

"Such displays of solidarity are increasingly essential in today's interdependent world. They are reflected in the Day of Vesak itself, and the acts of compassion for the less fortunate that are part of its annual observance.

"Only by showing regard for others can we succeed in tackling the great challenges of our era... If we follow the true spirit of Buddhism - or any of the other major religions of the world - all these noble goals can be achieved."

UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova's message for the occasion was: "The Buddha's emphasis on living together in peace and accepting diversity resonate particularly strongly in this International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, for which UNESCO has been designated lead UN agency. The principal aim of the International Year is to promote knowledge and mutual understanding, reinforce shared values and foster dialogue as the best guarantees of sustainable development and, ultimately, peace.

"I believe that no matter what our origins are, we are all naturally bound by our status as human beings and that peace is built day after day in the minds of people, through exchange and dialogue. I an equally convinced that we need to instil tolerance, the values of compassion, mutual respect and appreciation from an early age."

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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511 people sentenced for violating curfew

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Courts have slapped 511 people with a suspended jail term and a fine of Bt2,000 each for violating the curfew between May 20 and May 24. The two-month jail sentence will be suspended for a year.

Metropolitan Police Bureau spokesman Maj-General Piya Utayo announced the figures yesterday.

From Sunday 11pm and 4am yesterday, 36 more people were arrested in Bangkok for flouting the curfew without sound reason.

"They too will be prosecuted," Piya said.

Since last Wednesday, the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation imposed a curfew in Bangkok and several other provinces barring people from travelling during the night. These measures were taken to curtail the unrest.

As soon as red-shirt leaders announced the end of the rally at Rajprasong intersection last Wednesday, up to 36 buildings in the capital and several city halls in the provinces were set ablaze.

This was in addition to fierce gunfights between unidentified, armed men and security officials.

In Ayutthaya, 14 curfew violators have already been given a month's sentence, suspended for a year, and fined Bt1,000 each.

Pol Colonel Paiboon Charoenpanich, deputy chief of Ayutthaya police, said 40 people were arrested on Sunday night and early yesterday.

"They too will be sent to court," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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BP: US says its embassy in Bangkok opened for "limited operations" on Monday, fully reopen on Tuesday after being closed more than a week amid violent protests

[Thaivisa News]

2 sides of Thailand's political divide cranking up spin machines in race 2 rewrite history of blooy riots. http://bit.ly/b6J4Ix /@suthichai

TAN: Bangchak to reduce Benzene and Gasohol by 50 Satang; Diesel by 60 Satang tomorrow

TAN: Jatuporn to turn himself him to DSI today at 1 P.M.

Shoppers will be happy that Paragon & Siam Discovery/Center will re-open today. MBK & Central Chidlom opened on Monday. /v @RichardBarrow

Gaysorn, Amarin, Central World & Big C Supercenter remain closed. /via @RichardBarrow

MCOT: PM reaffirms intention to bolster #investment promotion http://bit.ly/cR5D6q

TAN: Bkk Bridge will open for vessel passage for around 20 mins; please use Rama 3 Bridge instead /via @js100radio

MCOT: Finance minister seeks extended property stimulus measure; Silom 'walking street' http://bit.ly/diGqac

At least 3 buildings will have to be #demolished: #BMA http://bit.ly/btqoDm

Politics in the classroom. Bringing about a fair view of the reds vs govt issue: http://bit.ly/9PDaQk

Solve crisis peacefully: http://bit.ly/cQ3RbR

[Thaivisa News]

MCOT: Deputy Premier Suthep asserts curfew still needed, Bon Kai worrisome area

TAN: #Redshirts lawyer reveals #DSI to interrogate #redshirt leaders tomorrow at Naresuan Camp /via @news1005fm

Paul Gray, bass player for Slipknot, found dead: http://bit.ly/9iM5xk

Bangkok Bank ready to support affected business operators: http://bit.ly/doks7h

Rong Kluea border market turns lively after riots in Bangkok ends: http://bit.ly/bQKiy8

CNNgo: Bangkok's bullet-dodging blogger, Florian Witulski (@vaitor) http://bit.ly/9V2zjT /via @RichardBarrow

First group of customers at Paragon this morning: http://tweetphoto.com/23855574 /via @veen_NT @VickyBogBog

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Bangchak to cut oil prices

Bangchak Petroleum Plc announced on Tuesday price reduction for all fuel types by Bt0.50 per liter, and by Bt0.60 a liter for diesel fuel,excluding gasohol E85, effective 5 a.m. this Wednesday.

-- The Nation 2010-05-25

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Bangkok Bank ready to support affected business operators

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Bangkok Bank is ready to assist the riot-affected business operators by considering a suitable direction of each customer on a case-by-case basis.

Bangkok Bank Deputy Manager Weerasak Sutantawiboon cited that the Bank had conducted two directions to assist affected business owners from recent protests including repayment adjustment and additional loan release for business liquidity injection.

Details in each direction will be varied case by case in accordance with the customers’ needs. The Bank’s customers who are business operators can obtain further information at the business relationship division or contact the business assistance cooperation center at 0-2353-5825 and 0-2636-4095.

-- NNT 2010-05-25

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Rong Kluea border market turns lively after riots in Bangkok ends

BANGKOK, 24 May 2010 (NNT) – Thailand – Cambodia border trade becomes lively after the termination of political demonstration in Bangkok following a quiet month that 50% of tourists disappeared during the riots.

A Cambodian trader at Ban Khlong Luek Border Market or Talat Rong Kluea, located in Prachin Buri Province said that he and other Cambodians involved in the trade at this site were very happy to hear that political demonstration in Bangkok ended. They hope that after the political crisis, the number of tourists and trade situation in the market will turn to normal.

The number of Thai tourists at around 50,000 each day had plunged by 50% during the riots and Cambodians traders had to suspend the orders of commodities for sale at the market. The revenue earned at more than 20 million THB each day turned to less than 10 million THB only. However, exports to Cambodia at Khlong Luek border have not been impacted by the incident.

Most of Thai goods exported to Cambodia are cement, engine, spare parts, livestock feed, automobile and swine, while imports from Cambodia are agricultural products, scrap iron and second-hand clothes.

-- NNT 2010-05-25

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Multi-shirt Coordinator Petitions Police to Investigate Red Sympathizers in Uniform

Dr. Tul Sittisomwong, the coordinator of the multi-shirt movement, has petitioned Acting Police Chief Pateep Thanprasert to investigate alleged red sympathisers in the police force.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-25

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DSI to Further Interrogate Red Leaders Tomorrow

Red shirt defense lawyer Karom Poltaklang revealed that investigators from the Department of Special Investigation will be further interrogating some red shirt leaders who have not yet spoken to officials at the Naresuan Camp in Hua Hin.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-25

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88 Dead Since Start of Red Shirt Rally in March

Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanawisit reveals that 88 people died during the red shirt rally which started on March 12 and ended on May 19. 1,885 people were injured, with 17 still in ICU.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-25

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[Thaivisa News]

Multi-shirt Coordinator Petitions Police to Investigate Red Sympathizers in Uniform: http://bit.ly/cRdKq6

DSI to Further Interrogate Red Leaders Tomorrow: http://bit.ly/bSPTZf

88 Dead Since Start of Red Shirt Rally in March: http://bit.ly/dmTyS2

MCOT: US Senate approves resolution, affirms support 4 vital alliance with Thailand,urges all parties 2 resolve differences through dialogue

New draconian drinking laws in Phuket?: http://bit.ly/9JjDgy

Australian Ex-military, Conor Purcell has been arrested in Thailand from Thai Protests: http://bit.ly/cbJcxd

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MCOT: Ubon Ratchathani court issues arrest warrants for 57 Red Shirts charged with May 19 arson of provincial hall; local movement remains intensified

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Related topic:

Australian Man Arrested Over Thai Protests

(identified as as Conor David Purcell)

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Australian-M...te-t368941.html

[Thaivisa News]

Lanna Drum concert at Wat Prah Singh in Chiang Mai: http://bit.ly/aM2zOu

Center 1 owner, "bldg is under Riot insured for Vt165mln, but to rebuild the bldg cost ฿300-400 mln" /via @veen_NT @Tung_NBC @Tupip_OUM

TAN: At 12:30pm today, Dusit Thani Hotel ready to welcome its first guest after the riots /via @news1005fm

Governors of Khon Kaen, Ubon, Udon Thani, Mukdahan provinces transferred to inactive post in Bkk 4 failing to protect prov halls from Reds arsonists

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Govt Continues Hunting for "Terrorists"

BANGKOK: -- The government is speeding up its efforts to hunt down red-shirt leaders who have eluded arrests and other members of terrorist and underground groups who are planning to instigate more chaos in the country.

At the same time, the Cabinet is to decide whether or not to extend the curfew during its weekly meeting tomorrow.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva pointed out that the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation, or CRES, and other security agencies are continuing to work to safeguard citizens from danger.

A curfew declared in many provinces will be canceled on a case by case basis through the discretion of the center.

Prime Minister Abhisit asked citizens and organizations to cooperate with the CRES for the time being in the best interest of national security.

He reminded that all information should be considered with critical judgement and that all sides should act for the progress of the Kingdom beyond its recent turmoil.

After affirming moves to create more unity, the PM addressed Pheu Thai Party's decision to seek a censure debate against his administration, saying that it is ready for the debate.

Abhisit noted that he welcomes the censure debate as it would be the rightful use of political means to deal with differences and mistrust rather than allowing them to stir further animosity.

After the seminar, the PM called a meeting with agencies tasked with aiding those affected by last week's riots. He instructed the agencies to work in an integrated fashion.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of national security Suthep Thaugsuban, in his capacity as the CRES director, said that the Cabinet will evaluate the situation in order to decide whether or not the curfew should be extended.

Suthep also pointed out that it is possible that the curfew will remain in effect in some areas in order to maintain peace and order with minimal disruption to people's daily life.

The deputy prime minister has admitted that the curfew is still being enforced because there is still some concerns regarding public safety.

Suthep also claimed that authorities are currently gathering evidence regarding the anti-government terrorist movement, which aims to stir turmoil in the country.

He also revealed that a number of “black-shirt terrorists” have been apprehended and are being questioned by the Department of Special Investigation.

Suthep also said that the prime minister remains under tight security. However, he admitted that it could be difficult to bring the red-shirt leaders who are still at large to justice.

The deputy prime minister believes that the fugitive anti-government leaders are still hiding in the country.

Suthep also claimed that the government was not behind the deaths of six people inside Pathumwanaram Temple and asked the public to be wary of the Pheu Thai Party's attempt to mislead them on the issue.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-25

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Philippines Protest against Thai Government

Filipino activists urge the Thai government to take full responsibility for the mob dispersal operation in a protest outside the Thai Embassy in Manila.

Filipino protesters gathered in front of the Thai Embassy in Manila in a bid to call on the Abhisit-led administration to show responsibility for the bloody military actions.

A total of 85 people were killed and nearly two thousand people were injured in the two-month protest that started off peacefully and degenerated into violence.

Protest leader Egoy Bans, from a group called Initiatives for International Dialogue, said the Thai government failed miserably to exercise maximum restraint, and the Thai soldiers shot protesters with live ammunition, in spite of appeals from the international community.

He said Thailand is now on its way to restore peace in the Kingdom, but part of this effort should be a guarantee that human rights must be protected at all costs, especially in times of conflict.

He also called for a peaceful dialogue that will address the root causes of the problem.

Pro-democracy activists in the Philippines have led to two "people power" uprisings that toppled two governments in the last two decades.

In addition, many have expressed support for the red-shirt movement.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-25

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Special Report : Rally with weapons

BANGKOK: -- The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) on 22 May 2010 arranged a press conference chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and CRES director Suthep Thaugsuban at the 11th Infantry Regiment. The piles of war weapons and other dangerous objects seized from the rally sites of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) were displayed with detailed descriptions to members of the diplomatic corps and foreign media who had been invited to get a closer look at various weapons used in the protest. The press conference was also joined by CRES and Army Spokesperson, Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd and Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) MD Khunying Pornthip Rojanasunand.

Mr Suthep started the conference by saying that the seizure of the weapons came after security officers approached the Ratchaprasong intersection and nearby areas in order to narrow down the rally space. The weapons found after the operation include standardized weapons and those invented by the protestors. On the list of weapons seized from the protestors are 19 guns, eight of which are AKA, five M-16, two pistols, one cabin gun, one shotgun, one TAVOR automatic assault rifle, one M79 grenade launcher with ammunitions, chemical substances and mixtures, fire extinguishers, gas tanks, 200-liter oil tanks. According to Mr Suthep, most of the items could be used for producing car bombs and various types of explosives. He also expressed concerns over a number of official weapons that were taken by the protestors and are now still in the hands of the terrorists who had managed to escape from the military operation. Those people are still wandering in many areas causing fears for car bomb explosions and further retribution.

Meanwhile, MD Khunying Pornthip stated that authorities found car bomb attempts at four locations -- on Phloen Chit road, in front of the Mater Dei School, at the foot of Chalermlok Bridge and at Chitlom bridge. In Chitlom, a modified container truck equipped with bomb-making substances was found. At the time of the protest, some protestors were seen trying to set fire to piles of car tires near the truck with an aim to create a serious bomb explosion, but the bomb failed to function, fortunately.

Colonel Sansern also said that the recent arson attacks on major business streets of Bangkok that occurred after the surrender of the UDD core leaders were pre-meditated. He said that the post-rally search found that M79 and RPG grenade launchers were used most by the perpetrators after the UDD core leaders declared their decision to turn themselves in to authorities. A total of 46 bombing incidents in the capital and around its vicinities were reported, using 116 rounds of M79 grenades and RPG grenades.

Colonel Sansern continued to say that apart from the displayed weapon, a lot of dangerous arms were also found during additional operations to clear up Ratchaprasong junction and nearby areas. Weapons found on 21 May 2010, included one AKA 47, one shotgun with 30 rounds of ammunition, one used smoke grenade, one bomb placed at the parking lot of the Central World shopping complex and three M67 grenades including incendiary bombs and other types of grenades. Moreover, at the Pathumwanaram Monastery which was used as the temporarily sanctuary for the protestors who were preparing to return home, the officials found 20 various types of explosives, flare guns, molotov cocktails, mini skews, and metal objects which are all life-threatening. Around Saensap Canal and Chitlom area, fire extinguishers were found to be modified into explosives with wire and gun powder added. If put to use, the device could cause destruction within a radius of 100 meters.

Colonel Sansern concluded that the press conference was held with an objective to describe how the terrorists planned to incite the riots in the capital and details of weapons used by the terrorists to support methodical instigations and how those weapons could inflict damage to the buildings and people’s life, especially the innocent ones.

-- NNT 2010-05-25

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KTB to aid customers who suffered from riots

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Krung Thai Bank (KTB) has issued relief measures for its customers affected from the recent political unrest and riots by deferring and changing plans for loan payments as well as opening spaces at the KTB Headquarters to operate businesses temporarily.

As elaborated by KTB President, Apisak Tantivorawong, the bank has issued three main directions for debt payment deferment and adjustment to bolster their recovering speed, but the approval will be made on the negative effects each customer received.

In the first option, customers will be allowed to defer loan payment period by paying less principal based on their solvency and cash flow. As for the second option, customers will be allowed to enjoy a grace period for six months.

The last option will be for severely affected customers to pay some of the interest while payment of the rest would be exempted for 6 to 12 months. The bank has prepared a circulation fund of 5 billion THB.

In addition, the bank president announced that the bank would allocate some space in its headquarters on Sukhumvit Road and other branches in Bangkok for its retail customers affected from the unrest to sell products and operate their businesses temporarily.

Interested business owners can contact credit officers of the bank at the nearest branches or dial 0-2208-8015.

According to the initial survey by the bank, almost 300 customers of the bank have been affected with the total loan of 30 billion THB. Most of them are from hotel, wholesale, and retail businesses.

-- NNT 2010-05-25

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[Thaivisa News]

Philippines Protest against Thai Government: http://bit.ly/bbeWfK

Special Report, The display of war weapons from the Rally: http://bit.ly/cUN0IB

KTB to aid customers who suffered from riots: http://bit.ly/d7Zu8t