Thailand Live Today - Live Thursday

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Thailand Live Today - Thursday May 27

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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...

Commentary is still open for Thailand news in the relevant thread posted in News Clippings.

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Related topic: Thailand Live Today - Live Wednesday

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thailand-Liv...da-t369158.html

[Maestro]

Party Defends Red-shirt MP's Right to Join Debate

UPDATE : 26 May 2010

A senior Pheu Thai Party member said his party's MP Chatuporn Prompan, a red-shirt core leader, should be permitted to participate in the censure debate given his parliamentary privilege which protect him against being held by authorities during a House session.

Pheu Thai MPs' chief Chalerm Yoobumrung stated party-list MP Chatuporn Prompan, who is also a red-shirt core leader and has been charged with violating the emergency law, needs to take part in the no-confidence debate since he has a great deal of knowledge about the recent protests.

Chalerm said that Chatuporn should be allowed to join the censure debate as he has only been accused, not yet convicted, and therefore has a parliamentary right not to be detained by authorities during the House meeting.

The veteran MP also said the government is not sincere in trying to rebuild national unity as it is still moving ahead with the hunt for fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra while the his arrest warrant on terrorism charges is being appealed.

He also stated the Department of Special Investigation and other related agencies have no power to seek extradition of the ousted premier as he is still not convicted.

He also urged the department not to let tiself be used as a tool of the government.

Meanwhile Democrat MP for Bangkok Bunyod Sukthinthai cast doubt over the move by 54 senators who asked for a general debate on the red-shirt protests despite the fact that the issue has already been discussed at an Upper House's meeting.

Bunyod claimed that the senators are not politically neutral and several of them have close relations with key opposition members.

He noted their move is evidence of their plan to join a particular political party after the completion of their term.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-26

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Rioters rounded up in Khon Kaen

By The Nation

KHON KAEN: -- Khon Kaen police have arrested 26 red-shirt rioters who allegedly torched the city hall and destroyed government properties last week. They are among 70 people named in arrest warrants.

Most of the arrested suspects are local residents and 13 were apprehended on May 19 when the city hall and the local Channel 11 building were set alight. Another 13 residents were arrested later, while police are still seeking 44 others who are on the run.

Of the 44 fugitives, three have been identified through police sketches while the mug shots of the remainder have been posted on wanted notices. Police said most of the 70 were identified through media footage.

Some have been charged with multiple offences with the most common being arson, causing property damage and violating the curfew. Some were involved in arson on both the city hall and the Channel 11 facility.

Meanwhile, a court has approved seven more days of detention for Democratic Alliance Against Dictator-ship leaders weng Tojirakarn, Veera Musigapong and Korkaew Phikulthong.

The Criminal Court hearing yesterday was held via video conference, as the three suspects are detained at the Naresuan border patrol barracks in Phetchaburi province.

The seven-day extension of detention was also applied to four red-shirt activists detained in Pathum Thani, again via video-linked proceedings. One is Rassame Malam, a broadcaster who relayed live audio on radio of leaders' speeches at two protest sites during the protest.

Fugitive DAAD leader Arisman Pongruengrong yesterday faced another arrest warrant after he and his lawyer failed to attend a court session in which he was indicted for defaming Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva with statements that the PM was a tyrant and ordered people to be murdered.

The Criminal Court set June 15 as a preliminary hearing.

Arisman is also wanted on charges similar to those faced by fellow DAAD leaders now in custody in the police barracks.

-- The Nation 2010-05-27

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Thaksin - Will Interpol Act?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thaksin-Inte...ct-t369527.html

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Two 'Dirty Pigs' jailed

By The Nation

Two of four members in the "Dirty Pig" gang of thieves have been punished. Two were given an 18-month jail term, while another was acquitted over lack of evidence. The case against a fourth alleged gang member was dropped as he died during the trial.

The Criminal Court yesterday found Nat Chahom and racing driver Hathai "Dirty Pig" Chaiwat guilty of breaking into co-plaintiff Jariyaporn Jaiboon's home and stealing valuables worth about Bt132.7 million in December 2008. The pair was initially sentenced to three years in jail, which was halved after they confessed.

The lawsuit against late defendant Supat Noenwichien was dropped, while Peerawat Tawanthamrong, who main?tained his innocence, was acquitted on grounds of unclear evidence.

-- The Nation 2010-05-27

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Thong Song Hong police chief demoted

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Chief of the Thung Song Hong police station in northern Bangkok was demoted yesterday following allegations of corruption and malfeasance, including the alteration of arrest documents in favour of red-shirt protesters.

Pol Colonel Phong Sangmurin's post was swapped with that of Pol Colonel Siwaroj Sukkakkanont, the commander of a subdivision. Phong will hold this post for four months while an investigation into his misconduct is underway.

In addition to Phong's "regular misconduct", interrogators under his command were also slow in completing investigation of red-shirt protesters arrested for possessing weapons while travelling to Bangkok before and during the protest.

Allegations against Phong say he also allowed protesters to bring in a large number of used tyres, which were later burned on the city streets, and was also instrumental in altering arms-possession charges against some demonstrators to offences with lighter penalties.

The road checkpoints set up by the Thung Song Hong police station was the frontline to stop the red shirts' route into Bangkok via the Vibhavadi Rangsit highway. The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation was aware of the arrests and reminded the police station to speed up the cases.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has reportedly asked the Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt-General Santhan Chayanont to punish Phong and make an example of him for other police officers for disobedience and lack of coopertion.

Santhan signed the transfer on Tuesday.

Phong has been under close watch for misconduct among his men, including extortion and illegal debt collection, and his failure to suppress money-chit deals involving police officers and their wives. The money-chit deals resulted in losses worth more than Bt10 million and lawsuits being filed against the victims.

-- The Nation 2010-05-27

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AFTERMATH

Bangkokians gather to make merit despite downpour

By Onravee Tangmeesang

The Nation

Hundreds of people braved a torrential downpour early yesterday to do their bit to bring good luck and peace to Bangkok.

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, plus businesses in and around Rajprasong intersection, organised religious rituals and merit-making ceremonies to boost morale in the capital, which was badly shaken by the chaos of the past two months.

"We want to restore the city's image and are trying to involve everyone in rehabilitating Bangkok. We are going by the 'Together we can' motto," Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra explained.

The recent political unrest resulted in a large number of deaths, as well as arson attacks that burnt down buildings such as Zen department store at Rajprasong.

Up to 1,000 monks gathered to collect alms on Rajdamri Road, Henri Dunant Road and Rama I Road.

"My friend told me about the event and I decided to come to show my support. I hope peace returns to Bangkok," Kodchanant Naveethanakul, a university student, said after giving alms to monks.

She said she wanted to dedicate the merit to soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect Bangkok. Many people died in fierce gun-battles with red-shirt militants before troops could reclaim Rajprasong.

Manju Kwatra, owner of the RJ Oumo tailor shop in Amarin Plaza, said the red-shirt rally had had a direct impact on her business because her shop had to be closed during the marathon rally.

"I have been so stressed out over the past two months. Today, I am here to perform religious rites because I hope it will make me feel better," the 48-year-old woman said. She was amazed at the number of people from different religious backgrounds who showed up to take part.

"This proves that Thai people still care for each other despite having different beliefs," Kwatra said.

Apart from residents with different faiths, even tourists prayed for peace.

Nicole Webb, who had flown in from Oregon in the US to help out at a church in Pattaya, joined the merit-making crowds at Rajprasong.

"We landed last night and church staff told us about the rituals. This is a great opportunity to pray that Bangkok gets its spirit and peace back. I heard about the situation here and prayed that I could come here and help. To my surprise, God answered my prayers," Webb said.

Love for the city was so strong that most people stayed to complete the ceremonies despite the rain, while businesses around Rajprasong showed support by handing out products to the participants.

-- The Nation 2010-05-27

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State authorities urged to speed up tasks during curfew extension

BANGKOK (NNT) -- State authorities are tasked to expedite the operation to capture rioters during the four-day extension of the curfew.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, as the Director of the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), stated on Wednesday that the CRES found it necessary to prohibit the general public to leave their residences at night time for another four days so the authorities can proceed with their tasks to get troublemakers for prosecution.

The Cabinet on Tuesday endorsed the extension of the curfew from 25 to 28 May during 24.00-04.00 hrs for safety reasons. The curfew has been activated across the country following widespread rampage by the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstrators in the capital of Bangkok and other provinces on 19 May.

-- NNT 2010-05-27

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Rally-affected victims urged to sue the UDD

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has declared its readiness to sue the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) on behalf of civilians who suffered from its marathon protests and the following riots.

According to the NHRC’s statement, the UDD rally has brought serious loss of lives and harmed people’s well being both physically and mentally. The rally has also damaged public and private properties both in Bangkok and other provinces, not to mention a tremendous loss to the national economy throughout their two-month gathering.

With regard to the BE 2550 Constitution Section 257 (4), the NHRC is entitled to sue the UDD to the Court of Justice, if requested by victims in order to remedy their losses.

The NHRC urges rally affected people to defend their rights by reporting their cases to the NHRC office via PO Box 123 Laksi District Bangkok 10210 or Hotline 1377 or Email: [email protected], with a provision of fact clarification letter, mentioning their losses from the protests.

-- NNT 2010-05-27

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Special Branch Police Watching Underground Red Shirt Movement

Commander of Special Branch Police Police General Thaworn Chanyim revealed that his units have received confirmation that some red shirt elements have gone underground and there are warnings that further violence is possible. Special Branch Police units nationwide have been ordered to keep close watch.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-27

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TAN Network: Gov't Spokesman reveals extension of curfews will be deliberated on Saturday

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Government to Decide on Extension of Curfew on Saturday

Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn revealed that the government will decide whether or not is it necessary to extend the implementation of the curfew on Saturday.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-27

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[Thaivisa News]

Party Defends Red-shirt MP's Right to Join Debate: http://bit.ly/dbMLF5

Rioters rounded up in Khon Kaen: http://bit.ly/au0CDi

Thong Song Hong police chief demoted: http://bit.ly/cMlYig

Bangkokians gather to make merit despite downpour: http://bit.ly/ctsPhK

Thailand: Special Branch Police Watching Underground Red Shirt Movement: http://bit.ly/b6Bhuh

Thailand: Government to Decide on Extension of Curfew on Saturday: http://bit.ly/8YANeb

Thailand: Two 'Dirty Pigs' jailed: http://bit.ly/9LTiMb

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MCOT: Thaksin tells ABC by telephone in TV interview that Interpol will not execute warrant for his arrest on terrorism charges as it is politically motivated

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Thai medics and rescue teams bemoan soldiers' lack of trust

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Medics-...So-t369548.html

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Thaksin denies financing red movement

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=3645644

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Governor Defends Handling of Unrest

The governor of Khon Kaen province said he is ready to take responsibility on the arson attack at the provincial hall but insisted that all responsible parties had worked to the best of their ability in coping with the situation.

Khon Kaen Governor Pramote Sajjarak today attended a religious ceremony at the provincial hall held in hope of boosting morale and solidarity in the province.

Pramote, who has been transferred to an inactive post at the Interior Ministry after the unrest on March 19 in which furious red-shirt protesters set fire on the provincial hall, disclosed that all responsible officials had worked to the best of their ability to prevent the protesters from committing any act of vandalism.

He said he is ready to take responsibility on the uncontrollable incident.

Meanwhile, a Big Cleaning Day campaign was launched in Mukdahan today, with many people joining hands to clean up the provincial hall after it was burnt down by the red-shirt protesters.

In Udon Thani, local police held a press conference about the arrest of Wittaya Chaowian, who is wanted for involvement in the arson attack on the provincial hall.

Authorities have issued arrest warrants for 51 people believed to be responsible for torching provincial halls and other state buildings on May 19. Police have apprehended seven suspects, who are being detained at an Udon Thani prison.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-27

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Famous Panda Celebrates First Birthday

Panda enthusiasts flock to the Chiang Mai Zoo to celebrate young female panda Lin Ping's first birthday. Lin Ping was delightfully received by the Thai public after her parents, Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, came to Thailand several years ago as gifts from the Chinese government.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-27

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MFA Sends Representative to Montenegro to Ask for Thaksin's Extradition

Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya has revealed that his ministry will be sending Vice Foreign Minister Panich Wichitseth to Montenegro to ask for the extradition of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. However, Panich admits that an immediate extradition would be difficult as Montenegro has made it clear in the past that it will not extradite one of its citizens.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-27

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[Thaivisa News]

Thaksin Shinawatra speaking to ABC's Lateline News via phone-in: http://bit.ly/aROOEu /via @RichardBarrow

PM sees Cabinet reshuffle after censure debate, unconcerned wth being griled by Jatuporn; reasserts no reconciliation wth terrorists /v MCOT

Full transcript of ABC's phone call with Thaksin: http://bit.ly/bhop8Z /via @RichardBarrow

Thai stock index opens on Thursday at 726.59, down 2.35 points /via MCOT

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PM To Consider Cabinet Reshuffle After Censure Debate

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has revealed that he will consider a Cabinet reshuffle after the government goes through the scheduled censure debate on May 31 to June 1. He went on to say that he will move forward with reconciliation efforts but will not reconcile with terrorists.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-27

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Global Warming Threatens Thailand

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Global-Warmi...nd-t369569.html

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Many Countries Adjust Travel Advisories to Thailand

Government Spokesperson Panitan Wattanayakorn said various countries such as the UK, New Zealand, and Australia are adjusting their travel advisories to Thailand, lowing the risk level in terms of security concerns. He claims that other countries will soon follow.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-27

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[Thaivisa News]

Thailand: PM Abhisit To Consider Cabinet Reshuffle After Censure Debate: http://bit.ly/a4WXpC

Bangkok: Tonight Boy George playing at Bed Superclub: http://bit.ly/9I19TT /via @freakingcat

Global Warming Threatens Thailand: http://bit.ly/cVkSma

Gov't Spokesman confirms that UK, New Zealand, Australia are adjusting travel advisories to Thailand /via TAN & @nnanews

Suspect of Yala Bombing (Yesterdays incident at a car showroom) Caught on Surveillance Camera: http://bit.ly/aAUhQ2 /via TAN

Suthep: More arrest warrants on terrorism charges to be issued; to consider Friday on curfew, emergency decree to be in place /via MCOT

Blood donations: Thai Red Cross mobile unit is at Chamchuree Square today 9am-3pm /via @veen_NT @Tulip_Oum @js100radio

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Chuan warns opposition, coalition MPs to speak only truth during censure showdown

Democrat Party chief advisor Chuan Leekpai Thursday warned both opposition and coalition MPs to speak only the truth during the censure debate expected next week.

He said if the MPs speak only the truth the situation would not be aggravated.

He said the government will have to explain every issue to create understanding.

-- The Nation 2010-05-27

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CRES ponders lifting curfew

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation is considering lifting a curfew imposed in 24 provinces of the Kingdom, after its three day extension.

According to government spokesperson Panithan Wattanayagorn, the government is reviewing measures to lift a curfew imposed in various areas across the nation. Factors such as normalcy and order in each area will decide the continuation or end of the curfew.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved an extension to the curfew from 25-28 May 2010 between 24.00 and 04.00 hrs.

The affected provinces include Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Nongbua Lampu, Maha Sarakham, Roi-Et, Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, and Mukdahan.

On boosting foreign confidence, Mr Panithan said that the effort would take time. On 29 May 2010, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is scheduled to hold a hearing on the situation with foreign delegates, the government spokesperson said.

-- NNT 2010-05-27

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[Thaivisa News]

PM Abhisit unworried over Thaksin's plan to file complaint at ICJ http://bit.ly/aQf5we /via MCOT

Thailand: CRES ponders lifting curfew: http://bit.ly/961voh

Thailand: Notification from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairsand Trade's Smartraveller advisory service: http://bit.ly/cTA7v3

Crime Suppression Police: Arisman Hiding in Ratchaburi: http://bit.ly/btWA3h

Suthep says no Cabinet reshuffle after censure debate: http://bit.ly/azQUfx /via @nationnews

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Crime Suppression Police: Arisman Hiding in Ratchaburi

The Crime Suppression Police chief has revealed that intelligence reports indicate key red-shirt leader Arisman Pongruengrong, who remains at large, is currently hiding out in Ratchaburi Province. He added 2 foreigners who've been linked to arson attacks that took place last week have been detained by the authorities.

-- Tan Network 2010-05-27

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Notification from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs

and Trade's Smartraveller advisory service.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=3646551

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Suthep tells US ambassador red-shirt protests organized by Thaksin

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Thursday that he had warned the US ambassador to Thailand to be careful next time before dealing with the red-shirt movement, saying fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was behind the turmoil caused by the red-shirt protesters.

Suthep recounted that US ambassador Eric G. John met him at the Government House Wednesday to explain why US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell met former foreign minister Noppadol Pattama and former deputy prime minister Chaturon Chaisang during a brief visit to Bangkok.

Suthep quoted the ambassador as explaining that Campbell met the two in their capacity as former Cabinet members and Campbell wanted to meet Thai government leaders but an arrangement could not be made as the government was busy.

Suthep said he told the ambassador that the red-shirt protests were systematically planned and established and the red-shirt leaders received orders from Thaksin.

-- The Nation 2010-05-27

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