Thailand Live Friday 11 Jun 2010

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Thailand Live Friday 11 June 2010

News, Bits and Tweets

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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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Related topic: Thailand Live Thursday 10 June 2010

Thailand Live Thursday 10 Jun 2010 - Thailand Forum

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PAD Leader Slams PM for Lacking Leadership

BANGKOK: -- A key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy slams the government for keeping setting up panels to investigate issues in a bid to buy time. He also criticizes the prime minister for lacking leadership and being indecisive.

Key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, or PAD, Sondhi Limthongkul gave an interview on ASTV, saying the government led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has been unnecessarily forming too many committees to investigate problems in a bid to buy time.

He gave examples of the red-shirt unrest probe panel and the committee to investigate the controversial Khao Yai road expansion project.

Sondhi added that Abhisit is lacking leadership skills and has not been performing appropriately as the country's prime minister.

The PAD key leader went on to say that the Democrat-led government is the administration that has submitted the most requests to the Council of State for legal interpretation, reflecting that the premier is afraid to make decision.

He stated that the PM's lack of leadership and indecisiveness will make him unable to reform the country.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-10

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PM pleads for public cooperation in the govt´s reconciliation effort

BANGKOK (NNT) -- A letter was read out by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday evening in a live program televised nationwide.

In his letter to the Thai people, Mr Abhisit calls for citizens’ participation in the government’s reconciliation efforts, forsake wrath that prolong from the recent political turmoil as well as collectively re-build the nation.

People’s participation is now being counted on in a bid to overcome the crisis and bring about bright future to the nation.

-- NNT 2010-06-10

[Maestro]

DISSOLUTION TRIAL

Charges of smear, fact twisting fly in Democrat case

By Piyanuch Tamnukasetchai

The Nation

Published on June 11, 2010

Past and present investigators on the Democrat Party dissolution case have traded barbs - portraying one another as being prejudiced towards either destroying or saving the Democrats.

The war of words came to light yesterday following the prosecution's decision to collect additional evidence before lodging the case for mandatory review by the Constitution Court.

The Election Commission, representing the plaintiff, and the Office of the Attorney-General, representing the prosecution, have formed a joint panel to complete additional evidence-gathering within 30 days.

The Department of Special Investigation, as the primary unit in charge of the investigative report, will gather evidence as instructed by the joint panel.

Reacting to the new twist in the case, former DSI investigator Suchart Wong-ananchai said he was not surprised.

"I see this as a delaying tactic to favour the ruling party," he said.

Suchart said his investigative report on the case had no flaws as alleged by the public prosecutors and the incumbent DSI investigators.

He said he saw no justification to collect additional evidence since there was sufficient cause for prosecution.

"If I were a public prosecutor, I can think of more than 100 issues for further checks designed to cause unnecessary delay," he said.

He said he had no doubts about the fraudulent campaign contributions involving the Democrats, an offence punishable by party dissolution.

DSI director-general Tharit Pengdit held a press conference to denounce what he termed a smear to discredit him and his department for trying to help the Democrats elude punishment.

The smear was mounted by former DSI director-general Thawee Sodsong and his cohorts who were former investigators in charge of the case, Tharit said.

"My predecessor Thawee is trying to twist the facts to blame me and divert attention from his prejudices," he said.

He said under Thawee's leadership, the investigation into the case was initially based on the suspicion of wrongdoing related to stock exchange law - but redirected to focus on suspected violations related to the political parties' law.

The case was rigged and rushed to completion amid concern that former DSI investigators fabricated evidence, particularly the coercing of a key witness Prachuab Sangkhao to make an incriminating statement, he said.

Tharit said he was checking into the case and the alleged misconduct of former investigators after receiving a number of complaints, denying Thawee's claim that he was biased in favour of the Democrats.

He said the allegation about his pressuring past and present investigators on the case was groundless. The shuffling of investigators would have no bearing on the outcome of the case, nor the judicial review, because the investigators in charge of particular evidence would testify and not their replacements, he said.

The smear was blown out of proportion by alleging his linkage to the tampering of evidence, such as a recent theft of a computer notebook belonging to an investigator Worachai Arakrat, he said.

Although Worachai's notebook might have contained records related to the case, this would not alter the investigation since the report was concluded and all evidence submitted for the prosecution, he said.

"I was promoted under the Thaksin Shinawatra administration and rose to prominence under the Somchai Wongsawat government although I am a career civil servant, hence it is unfair to portray me as leaning toward the Democrats," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-11

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UPDATE

Three freed in heist case

Bank Heist: Colombian Gang Arrested In Krabi - Thailand Forum - Page 3

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INTERPOL

Police, DSI squabble over seeking Interpol help

Thai Police, DSI Squabble Over Seeking Interpol Help - Thailand Forum

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WORLD CUP 2010

Parents told to be wary of child gambling

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A network of child advocacy groups yesterday expressed concern over an opinion poll in which young respondents said they were not worried about being caught and arrested for illegal football gambling during World Cup 2010.

The network also issued an open letter to Education Minister Chinnaworn Bunyakiat to impose strict measures in schools while implementing a campaign to discourage students from betting on football during the onemonth global football competition.

In its proposal, the network said volunteers and parents should be organised to provide surveillance around schools where illegal bookmakers offered punting services. A network of schoolchildren should also be set up to provide tipoffs on schoolmates who were betting.

A May 414 opinion poll, surveying 2,541 people from 12 to 60 years of age, found more than half believed football gambling would be rampant in this year's World Cup, especially with numerous online betting services. Local media outlets including certain daily football newspapers, although aimed at adult readers, were also encouraging students to bet.

The survey found that nearly one fourth of young respondents (24.2 per cent) said they had no worries about being prosecuted if arrested. Asked about sources of the money they wanted to place on bets, 43 per cent said they would borrow from friends, 24 per cent from their girl/boyfriends, 20 per cent from parents, 9.7 per cent from pawning their assets, and 7.5 per cent from loan sharks.

In order to prevent young students from staying up to watch live latenight matches, plans are being considered for reruns of recorded World Cup matches one day after they were played. Deputy Education Minister Chaiyos Jiramethakorn proposed the idea to PM's Office Minister Ongark Klampaiboon.

Chinaworn called on parents to check their children's spending and records of home or mobile phone use for frequent calls to detect possible contact with bookmakers during and after the onemonth football event. He cited a study by Kasikorn Bank that there could be as much as Bt9 billion circulated among football punters and illegal bookmakers.

Bangkok police chief Pol LtGeneral Santhan Chayanont claimed many tipoffs to authorities had been received after police announced they welcomed crimerelated leads from the public. He said all tipoffs were checked and would be further acted on if verified.

-- The Nation 2010-06-11

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PM Abhisit launches Thailand reconciliation plan

Pm Abhisit Launches Thailand Reconciliation Plan - Thailand Forum

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CASUALTIES OF WAR

Unidentified victims of conflict buried

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

No claimants for the bodies of middle-aged woman and teen boy

BANGKOK: -- Mystery continues to shroud the death of a middle-aged woman and at least three others who were killed during the recent political turmoil, with little known about their identities and no one coming forward to claim their bodies.

The woman had been seen roaming around the Din Daeng intersection and Rajprarop Road for many days, collecting discarded items to support herself. She did not acquaint herself with anyone in particular and the locals are now wondering who she was after the government crackdown on May 19 unexpectedly claimed her life.

The middleaged junk collector, assumed to be in her 50s, whose name remains unknown, was caught in the hail of bullets around SamliamDin Daeng intersection and Rajprarob Road on May 19.

According to a man who brought her to Rajavithi Hospital, the woman was shot while she was bending down to pick up junk from the street at around 9am.

After being hit, she lay there helplessly for more than half an hour. Because gunfire continued and black smoke from burning tyres hovered over the area, no one could rush in to help her.

"She was lying there and we could do nothing," the man said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said the woman was not killed instantly and was apparently appealing for help. He and his friends decided to ask for assistance from medics and rescue workers at Rajavithi Hospital.

"Can you send an ambulance to her? She is bleeding and suffering from pain. She is at the SamliamDin Daeng intersection," the man told a rescue worker.

But the rescue worker politely refused to dispatch the ambulance, explaining the situation was so dangerous that even the safety of medical workers could not be guaranteed.

"We are so sorry we're unable to help you," the rescue worker said.

He added that his colleagues had been shot at while trying to help victims. "We no longer want to lose anybody in our team," he said. "If you could use your motorcycle to bring her out of the firing zone, we will be ready to pick her up from a location closest to you."

Determined to save the bleeding woman, a group of four men rushed out of the hospital.

Ten minutes later, these motorcyclists came back to the hospital with the body of the junk collector. However, despite all the medical treatment, she succumbed to her injuries.

A hospital doctor said she died of massive haemorrhage and shock, because the bullets had cut her blood vessel at the right side of her leg.

"We have done our best but we could not save her life," the doctor said.

Pol LtColonel Thepitak Sangkla, an inquiry official of Phyathai Police Station, said he was now trying to locate the victim's relatives because nobody had come forward to claim her body for the funeral rites.

A 55yearold road sweeper, Suphab Sangsai, who works at Victory Monument area, said she had seen this junk collector every day before May 19.

Suphab described the junk collector as one with a hunchback, who always carried a black bag with her.

"Nobody knew much about her but she was nice. She never had problems with anyone," Suphab said.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a taxi motorcyclist said he sometimes saw the junk collector with a man at night. "But I don't know where they lived," he said.

This middleaged junk collector was not the only anonymous victim of the recent political violence. Sadly, like her, three other bodies have been buried in Chon Buri without conventional funeral rites because no one had come forward to claim them.

Thepitak said a boy, believed to be 14, was shot in his abdomen at Soi Mor Leng near the Pratunam area during the government's socalled security operations blockade.

"The boy died and no one knows who he was," the policeman said, "We are unable to establish his identity."

On the day of his death, the boy donned a white polo shirt with embroidered English letters, "SR Telecom" on the left side of his chest.

Thepitak said the boy's body was kept at Ramathibodi Hospital for many days but no one came forward to claim it. Finally, authorities decided to bury his body in Chon Buri along with three other bodies, including that of the junk collector.

-- The Nation 2010-06-11

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Arrest warrants approved against bank arsonists

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court has approved arrest warrants for five men who were involved in torching a Bangkok Bank branch on May 19.

The arrest warrants were issued on Wednesday based on recordings captured by security cameras and camera cell phones.

Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj General Sumeth Ruangsawas yesterday said police had yet to identify these suspects by name.

"But we have their photos," he said.

According to him, police are now trying to track down these arsonists. They are charged with arson and intrusion into the property of others during the night.

In a related development, police investigators are reportedly now preparing to press additional charge against three detained suspects.

These suspects were among nine people arrested while stealing stuff from the Central World on May 19.

However, an informed source said that after the investigators pored over the video recordings of Central World security camera, they found that these three suspects were involved in setting fire on this upscale shopping complex too.

The Central World has suffered serious damages from the arson attacks, which forced it to shut down. A part of the Central World will also need to be dismantled.

On the CNN pictures showing a man carrying an M16 assault rifle, Sumeth yesterday said the man - who donned soldierlike camouflage - was not a soldier.

"He is Sornchai or Yak Lek Sridee," the senior police officer said.

According to Sumeth, police have requested that CNN supply information on which date and where exactly the picture was taken.

"But we were told by CNN staff here that they must seek permission from its headquarters first," Sumeth said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) disclosed that a taskforce, headed by the DSI deputy director general Narat Sawettanan, had just confiscated many war weapons from hardcore red shirts in Pattaya.

Among the confiscated items were M79 grenade launchers and M16 assault rifles.

"We are now trying to nail down the owners of these weapons too," DSI director general Tharit Pengdit said.

Currently, the government has decided to keep the State of Emergency Decree in place in many provinces including Bangkok and Chon Buri with the purposes of maintaining peace.

After the redshirt rally in Bangkok ended on May 19 in the face of military surge, riots in the form of arson attacks, bombing incidents and looting erupted in many areas.

In several northeastern provinces, the provincial halls were burnt down.

Prapai Ngarmsan, a finance official at the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Hall, yesterday expressed relief that the fire did not damage the content inside the safety box.

She refused to elaborate on what were inside the box, which was blended into the wall.

So far, an informed source disclosed that the box contained Bt21million in banknotes and coins, and ivory.

Speaking to a group of businessmen at the Government House, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday insisted that the State of Emergency Decree had to remain in effect.

The businessmen later quoted Abhisit as speaking that there were some underground activities going on in various areas.

Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat said his ministry had still regularly updated the security agencies about the situation in target provinces.

"The situation remains highly volatile in some areas," he said.

He also admitted that some underground operations had been detected. "But it's not worrying," Boonjong assured.

He added that the authorities would deploy officials to help people affected by the recent political violence.

"We are reaching out to all people. We will not single out demonstrators," Boonjong said.

Since the redshirt rally started in Bangkok in midMarch, 99 victims were killed and nearly 2,000 others were injured.

According to the Mirror Foundation, 44 people went missing during the recent political turmoil.

"We are going to compile further information and submit it to the National Human Rights Commission as well as to Kanit na Nakorn, the head of an independent investigation panel," the foundation's senior official Ekalak Lhumchonkhae said.

-- The Nation 2010-06-11

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Leak affects more

By The Nation

RAYONG: -- As the number of casualties from Sunday's chlorine leak at the Hemaraj Eastern Industrial Estate in Rayong reaches 740, the Rayong health office has set up an occupational medicine centre at Map Ta Phut Hospital to support more patients around the clock.

Health official Dr Porames Kingko said yesterday the centre's medical team would conclude the incident report on Monday. The office and related agencies have proposed the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand have each factory set up a fund to provide healthcare for its workers and surrounding residents.

A team of engineers and police officers yesterday afternoon inspected the scene inside the factory of Aditya Birla Chemicals (Thailand), where a 100cubicmetre sodium hypochlorite container fell and spilled the chemical.

-- The Nation 2010-06-11

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Thai Grassroots Movements Can Work Without Politicisation

OPINION - By Malee Traisawasdichai Lang

Thai Grassroots Movements Can Work Without Politicisation - Thailand Forum

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Consumer confidence inching upwards: survey

By PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI,

NALIN VIBOONCHART

THE NATION

Thai consumer confidence turned upward last month for the first time in four months as the prolonged political turmoil ended. But sentiment was still very weak, with high concern over the stability of the government and the possibility of the political mess returning.

"The end of the political unrest has created a positive psychology for Thai consumers. Consumers have more confidence in spending their money on new cars, houses, travel and investing. However, this could be easily hit by political instability," said Thanavath Phonvichai, director of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's Economic and Business Forecasting Centre.

The consumer confidence index rose from 75 points in April to 75.5 points last month. Confidence in the overall economy increased from 67.2 in April to 67.6 points in May. Consumers have a more positive attitude over future prospects, as consumer confidence in the future grew from 78.4 points to 79.4 points last month.

However, the index on confidence right now dropped from 61.8 points to 61.3 points last month, showing that consumers are greatly concerned over the prolonged mess and the fires at the end of the rioting last month, said Thanavath.

Consumer confidence is fragile. Political stability is the major factor influencing confidence. To ensure that confidence grows smoothly, Thanavath suggested the government should continue on reconciliation measures and stimulate budget disbursement under the Thai Khemkhaeng project.

The government also needs to promote farm sector incomes, as drought may cause lower incomes for farmers, he added. The government should also stabilise the baht value to not stronger than Bt32.50 per US dollar to ensure Thai export competitiveness. And it should keep the policy rate unchanged.

Spending over World Cup 2010 is expected to stimulate economic growth and boost sentiment among Thai consumers, he added.

Saowanee Thairungroj, vice president of the UTCC's Research Division, said the index on the political situation dropped to the lowest level in nine months, from April's 42.9 points to 36.4 points last month.

The survey also showed that the "gross domestic happiness" index dropped from 79.3 points in April to 75.9 last month, the lowest figure in five years of surveying.

Other indexes related to confidence increased slightly last month after the end of the turmoil. Confidence in future income improved from April's 91.2 points to 92.1 last month, while confidence in future employment increased slightly, from 66.5 to 66.9.

-- The Nation 2010-06-11

[Thaivisa News]

PM Abhisit Launches Thailand Reconciliation Plan

Thai Police, DSI Squabble Over Seeking Interpol Help

Thailand: Consumer confidence inching upwards: survey

Thailand: Rayong chlorine leak affects more

[Thaivisa News]

Bangkok: Arrest warrants approved against bank arsonists

Thailand: Charges of smear, fact twisting fly in Democrat case

Thailand: PAD Leader Slams PM for Lacking Leadership

Thailand: Arrested foreigners cleared of Bt12-million heist

[Thaivisa News]

Panitan said PM's statement that election was "possible" early next year was "surprisingly" played up by the media. /v @tulsathit

Panitan: PM was responding 2 a question, & that, in fact, any timeframe was possible next year, as govt term ends nxt yr anyway. /@tulsathit

Panitan: Red shirts can work with us for the roadmap. In fact, that's the main idea. /via @tulsathit

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Unrest Probe Head to Clarify Probe Process

Former attorney-general Kanit Na Nakorn, who heads the panel to investigate the May 19 unrest, will unveil the process of the investigation at Siam City Hotel this afternoon.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-11

[Thaivisa News]

DSI chief affirms former DSI executive attempting to discredit organization; orders probe into theft of DSI officer's laptop /via TAN

Kanit Na Nakhon to unveil process of probe into May 19 unrest this afternoon at Siam City Hotel /via TAN

[blog] Assessing Latest NTC Thai Mobile Stats Jon Russell: Social Media In Thailand » Blog Archive » Assessing Latest NTC Thai Mobile Stats /via @jonrussell

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Thai Meteorological Dept Denies Speculation Of Massive Quake, Tsunami

warns people not to panic

Thai Meteorological Dept Denies Speculation Of Massive Quake, Tsunami - Thailand Forum

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Former Coupmaker Voices Support for Reconciliation Plan

Former coupmaker and Army chief General Sonthi Boonyaratklin has voiced support for the government's reconciliation plan.

He believes it will bring peace back to Thailand.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-11

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Justice Ministry to Re-open Investigation into "War on Drugs"

BANGKOK: -- The Justice Ministry has prepared to resume the investigation on those killed during the so-called “War on Drugs” initiated by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Justice Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga revealed that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has ordered the ministry to resume its investigation regarding those killed during the “War on Drugs” initiated by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The investigation was introduced during Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont's administration, but was shelved when late-Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej came to power.

Pirapan also said he has planned to nominate Kampee Kaewcharoen, a senior public prosecutor, to head the investigation panel. Kampee's name will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval next week.

The justice minister also claims the commission's goal is to uncover the truth, not to conduct a political witch-hunt.

However, those who are found guilty will be brought to justice, whether they are in the country or abroad.

The commission was appointed during the coup-installed administration to investigate the execution of 2,500 people during the “War on Drugs” initiated by the Shinawatra administration in 2003.

The previous investigation found that of those killed, approximately 1,400 people were not involved in narcotics.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-11

Related topic: Probe To Resume Into War On Drugs Killings During Thaksin Govt - Thailand Forum

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Former coup leader Sonthi says he is ready to contest next poll

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin, former leader of the 2006 coup, said Friday that he is ready to contest the next election.

Sonthi, the Matubhum Party leader, said he is ready to contest either as a constituency-based or party-list candidate when the next election is held.

Sonthi said his party joined the coalition because the party saw that it could serve the country this way.

-- The Nation 2010-06-11

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Suthep: Drug arrest successful so far

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The Narcotics Control Board (NCB) has reported the arrests and drug seizures after implementing the second phase of measures to tackle narcotics.

Deputy Prime Minister of Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban in his capacity as Chairman of NCB said that authorities have managed to arrest 401 drug cases, seizing a total of more than 25 million tablets of methamphetamine, 56.9 kilograms of heroine and more than 6,500 kilograms of marijuana. Authorities have also uncovered four methamphetamine production plants in Bangkok, Pathum Thani and Ayutthaya. The strategic five-layer prevention measure was enforced from 12 May 2009-21 May 2010.

Authorities have also reported on 34 districts from 14 provinces for border drug smuggling, issuing warnings for Chiang Rai province, Nong Khai and Amnat Charoen. Meanwhile, the police has arrested 46 foreign drug smuggling cases of heroine and methamphetamine at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. Authorities have warned against the use of meth and heroine after reports show that the smuggling of the two drugs have increased due to increased demand.

-- NNT 2010-06-11

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Nam Khem villagers evacuate on tsunami reports

Thai Meteorological Dept Denies Speculation Of Massive Quake, Tsunami - Thailand Forum - Page 3

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Suthep: Govt never giving order to kill UDD member

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The government was not involved with the death of Mr Chakarin Krongkaew, a leading member of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) group in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban stated that the government had no policy to kill innocent people. However, he said he had already urged police officers to probe the fatality of Mr Chakarin as well as arrest the killers as soon as possible.

Mr Chakarin, alias "Uan Bua Yai", 24, a close aid of UDD core leader, Suporn Attawong, was shot dead in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima on 10 June 2010.

Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission accused the government of violating human rights by keep enforcing the state of emergency in 24 provinces.

Mr Suthep responded that the commission could examine whether the special law was still needed for the current situation or not. He said the law imposition did not violate human rights of people as alleged, and he was ready to provide proof that the law was in need.

-- NNT 2010-06-11

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Nelson Mandela's great granddaughter killed in car crash after S.Africa's World Cup concert; Driver arrested and may face homicide charges /via MCOTEnglishnews

[Thaivisa News]

Thai Meteorological Dept Denies Speculation Of Massive Quake, Tsunami: Thai Meteorological Dept Denies Speculation Of Massive Quake, Tsunami - Thailand Forum

Police arrest 2 more suspects in arson of Ubon Ratchathani provincial hall; 60 suspects arrested so far /via TAN

Thailand: Former Coupmaker Voices Support for Reconciliation Plan

Thailand: Justice Ministry to Re-open Investigation into "War on Drugs"

A society at war with itself: Yes, that's Thailand A society at war with itself: Yes, that's Thailand /via @suthichai

Nelson Mandela's great granddaughter killed in car crash after S.Africa's WorldCup concert; Driver arrested&may face homicide charges /MCOT

Thailand: Former coup leader Sonthi says he is ready to contest next poll

Protest probe panel head pledges action on investigation; to question Red Shirt leader Veera at Naresuan Camp June 14 /via MCOT

[Thaivisa News]

Kanit: I will visit Veera and other red leaders at Nareasuan police camp on Monday. NationTV /via @veen_NT

Kanit: My working motto is that legal principal and nation come first. /via @veen_NT

Kanit na Nakhon, chairman of an independent fact-finding panel on May 2010 bloodbath, just met reporters for the 1st time today/via @veen_NT

Thailand: Suthep: Drug arrest successful so far

Nam Khem villagers evacuate on tsunami reports: Thai Meteorological Dept Denies Speculation Of Massive Quake, Tsunami - Thailand Forum - Page 3

Suthep: Govt never giving order to kill UDD member

264 website on football gambling have been blocked so far by the ICT. /via @lekasina @veen_NT

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Probe Continues for Local Red-shirt Leader's Murder

Police investigating the murder of a Nakhon Ratchasima red-shirt leader have not ruled out politics as a motive behind the killing.

Provincial Police Bureau 3 Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Amnat An-at-ngam, along with Nakhon Ratchasima deputy provincial police chief Police Colonel Wachirawit Kritrittisak, traveled to Nakhon Ratchasima's Buayai police station to review the probe into the murder of a local red-shirt leader, 24-year-old Sakarin Kongkaew.

Police Major General Amnat interrogated 17-year-old Weerayut Deesuan, a witness who was riding on a motorcycle with the victim when the shooting occurred.

He said significant progress has been made and police are still working on whether the motive for the killing is related to politics, personal relationship or vengeance.

Police Colonel Wachirawit said he has interrogated other witnesses and found out that on May 30, Sakarin had a heated argument with a group of teenagers over a woman.

Police believe the killer is a professional hitman since the murder appeared to be well planned and the gunshots hit vital organs.

-- Tan Network 2010-06-11

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