Thailand Live Sunday 18 Jul 2010

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Thailand Live Sunday 18 July 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...

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

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Related topic: Thailand Live Saturday 17 July 2010

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17 July's pre-election went orderly

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The pre-election in Bangkok’s constituency six on 17 July ended orderly as the ballot boxes had been

close since 17.00 hrs.

Bangkok's Constituency 6 is holdings its pre-election this weekend for those who cannot vote on the July 25's by-election.

Heading the electoral committee for Bung Kum District, Director of Bung Kum District Office, Bangorn Lamsuwan, said that

the ballot box had been kept on the 1st floor of the district office amid tight security with the CCTV active around the clock.

Those concerned about security threats can dispatch their officials to observe the securing process.

Election Commission (EC), Secretary-General, Suthipol Thaweechaikarn, had also visited Bung Kum District on Saturday in a

bid to monitor the election venues. He ensured that the by-election on Saturday went on orderly, and that no reports of

corruption had been made.

As of today, there were more voters compared to the previous election. However, the EC will simultaneously publicize the

campaign during the final week before of the July 25’s by-election. Mr Suthipol calls on the by-election candidates not to

violate the Emergency Decree.

-- NNT 2010-07-18

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DSI expects chief suspect in violence to disclose details in days

BANGKOK: -- Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tharit Pengdit said Saturday he expects a close

aide of the late Red Shirt military strategist, army Maj-Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol, suspected of involvement in violence in the

recent protests to provide details of many incidents in the next few days.

Mr Tharit said questioning of Surachai Thewarat, 25, revealed new information so the DSI chief ordered investigators to

complete their report and submit it Monday.

The DSI chief said he spoke with Mr Surachai who said he needed more time before disclosing details of all violence during

the anti-government Red Shirt protests which ended on May 19.

Although Mr Surachai has not confessed to involvement in violence during the protest, he has become subdued when

presented evidence showed that he was involved in several cases, especially on selling weapons during the protest, said Mr

Tharit.

Mr Surachai, who is subject to an outstanding arrest warrant for terrorism, was arrested Thursday in Lopburi province,

150km North of Bangkok, after his mobile phone signal was intercepted. He is accused of having fired multiple M79

grenades at police housing in the Lumpini area on May 15 and involvement in an M16 attack on the police on duty at

Saladaeng intersection in May, killing one police officer. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-07-18

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Thailand and Myanmar to develop trade ties in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community

TAK (NNT) -- UMFCCI General Secretary U Zaw Min Win on Saturday led Myanmar delegates to a meeting held by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI).

The meeting took place at the Centara Mae Sot Hill Resort in Mae Sot District of Tak Province in a bid to strengthen trade relations and seek means to eliminate future trade barriers.

Speaking after presiding over the meeting, Industry Minister Chaiwut Bannawat cited that 148.63 billion THB was the total value of border trade between Thailand and Myanmar in 2009. To enhance trade relations, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is scheduled to pay an official visit to Myanmar in August.

Meanwhile FTI Chairman, Payungsak Chartsutthipol, disclosed that Thailand and Myanmar had planned to enhance industrial clusters along the border by emphasizing on workforce management and industrial development, in a bid to add more value to the agricultural goods produced by Thai and Myanmar agriculturalists.

The bilateral cooperation has also been developed in preparation for the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. The grouping 's economic integration is due to start in 2015 and complete by 2020.

-- NNT 2010-07-18

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Pattaya gang 'duped foreign offenders'

By The Nation on Sunday

Crime Suppression Division police yesterday arrested a gang who allegedly duped foreigners into paying them money to lobby prosecutors and courts to reject legal cases they faced.

Sirikorn Kumpa, 33, Sukanya Songkhuntod, 33 and Mattana Huiyai, 31 were arrested at a supermarket in Pattaya, where they had an appointment with a "victim" to get money. The men are accused of deceived foreign offenders or people close to the offenders by claiming they could get prosecutors and courts to reject cases the offenders faced - for a lot of money.

Police traced them after a woman suspected she had been duped by the gang and filed a complaint with police. The men opened an illegal law company in tambon Nongplalai of Chon Buri's Bang Lamung. It was headed by Poonsawat Kerdkaeo, who was not even a lawyer.

Earlier, police sought warrants against others, including Angkhana Kerdkaeo, who remain at large.

-- The Nation 2010-07-18

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Russian conductor charged with child sex returns to Thailand

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American arrested on money laundering charges on Koh Samui

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Storm relief

By The Nation on Sunday

His Majesty the King yesterday granted relief bags to villagers affected by rainstorms in Prachuap Khiri Khan province's Muang district.

On behalf of His Majesty, Governor Veera Sriwatanatrakul and other representatives from local administrative organisa-tions provided 100 bags of aid to appreciative residents in tambon Aou Noi after the storm damaged 66 houses and 2,000 rai of farmland. About 100 vil-lagers had been affected.

The governor also gave affected residents money.

The area was declared a dis-aster zone after the storm hit early yesterday.

Police and soldiers helped residents clean up wreckage and repair damaged houses.

Disaster prevention and miti-gation officers provided tents for temporary cover while affected villagers wait for their homes to be repaired.

Veera said he told authori-ties and residents in other parts of the province to watch for more possible storms.

Ranong governor Wanchat Wongchaichana also urged resi-dents to keep alert for flash floods and forest runoff.

-- The Nation 2010-07-18

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One dead, 2 hurt

By The Nation on Sunday

One worker was killed and two others seriously hurt when an oxygen cylinder used for weld-ing work exploded yesterday.

Police said the accident occurred at 12.30pm at the Theves Insurance building in Bangkok's Nang Lerng area, while the three workers were fixing a leaked air-conditioning compressor.

Boonma Kaewpoung, 45, was killed instantly, while Pravit Damneudee, 40, and Sam-ang Phongburutm 45, were rushed to hospital. The explosive impact also shattered 10 glass windows and damaged five air-conditioning compressors.

The workers may have been welding to seal a leak on the compressor while there was still some refrigerant inside, causing the explosion, team foreman Theerawat Taijaem, 47, said.

-- The Nation 2010-07.18

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Seh Daeng's man wants time to think before talking to us: DSI

By PIYANUCH THAMNUKASETCHAI

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

The alleged right-hand man of the late army specialist Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol has asked for two days to think before revealing details about his attacks during the recent political unrest, Department of Special Investigation (DSI) chief Tharit Pengdit said yesterday.

After getting permission from the Criminal Court to hold Surachai "Rang" Thewarat at the Bangkok Remand Prison, DSI investigators planned to summon him for more information as their case investigation report needed to be submitted on Monday, Tharit said.

"In my recent talk to Rang, he asked for 1-2 days to think before telling [us] what happened [in attacks] on the authorities." He added that although the suspect had not confessed, he seemed to be calmer and evidence clearly linked him to many violent incidents during the two-month red-shirt rally, especially the sale of weapons.

Tharit said that a DSI sting operation to buy weapons had seen Surachai delivering the goods himself, hence he could not say the accusation was groundless.

However, so far Surachai had yet to reveal details that implicated other people.

He said Surachai had also contacted Rachata Wongyod, another close associate of the late Maj Gen Khattiya (otherwise known as 'Seh Daeng'), but he had declined to give details as they were still hunting for Rachata.

Tharit said he would present weapons obtained from the sting operation at a press conference tomorrow (July 19) at 10.30am.

A source in the investigation team hunting terrorist suspects revealed that initial inquiries indicated Surachai was one of four close aides to Khattiya who had authority over alleged armed "men in black" - guards for the red shirts. They were well funded and were given houses and cars to use, the source said. Those selected to be in the group were not people working only for money but shared the same political goals of the red-shirts and had faith and confidence in Khattiya. They were also able to undergo combat training. Most had a history of committing bodily assaults and break-ins in their youth.

A spy "embedded" in the rally site reported that after Khattiya was shot, Surachai and another of 'Seh Daeng's close aides became leaders of a team that launched attacks against troops and the government, the source said. When the red-shirt leaders ended the rally and surrendered, Surachai and other 'men in black' went to hide in a neighbouring country - and stayed with leading red shirts accused of terrorism, the source alleged.

After Surachai returned to Thailand, he allegedly went back to his former job, selling and distributing weapons on the black market, which had been seized from Thai troops. This included 25 Tavor rifles and some 20 shotguns.

DSI and Thai marine spies organised a "sting" operation to buy AK-47 rifles and grenades for Bt60,000 from Surachai but did not arrest him. They waited for a second meeting to buy weapons to arrest Surachai and two other of close aides of Khattiya. But the two others reportedly fled to a neighbouring country again when Surachai was arrested, the source said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva rejected talk yesterday that arrest of Surachai was the capture of a "scapegoat".

The PM said there was no need to bully anyone - the arrest was not mudslinging but made in line with evidence gathered by police.

Abhisit said he had no idea if Surachai had any connection with Maj Gen Khattiya, as alleged. Asked why the DSI accused Surachai of being involved in eight attacks during the red-shirt rally, he said people should allow police time to find out the facts about the case. He said the police also had no intention to bully anyone but were trying to do their duty to ensure justice for all.

-- The Nation 2010-07-18

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Sukhumbhand ready to mediate talks with Thaksin

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has vowed to mediate any peace effort between the government and Thaksin Shinawatra if his Democrat Party would allow him to do that.

The only man on the government side who has met Thaksin lately, Sukhumbhand told The Nation in an exclusive interview that reconciliation depends as much on the Thaksin camp as on the Abhisit administration's efforts. One of the biggest obstacles to peace, he said, was the fact that the government is party to the conflict, particularly in the wake of the May 19 bloody crackdown and riots.

He said the government's best bet is to maintain law and order, while laying down the groundwork to ensure that the next general election can take place smoothly.

"In my opinion, the next polls should be the focus in the sense that we could then really start the process of a genuine reconciliation," he said.

"In political conflicts like this one, there are only two major avenues for resolution. First is negotiation. Second is using force."

The governor lauded Prime Minister Abhisit's roadmap as reflecting his good and sincere intentions and said he would be ready to act as a go-between with the Thaksin camp "on strict condition that the party wants me to do so".

Sukhumbhand has the respect of some red shirts. He became the focus of political attention after flying to Brunei on April 19 to meet Thaksin at that country's official residence for VIP visitors. It was not a negotiation but the key message emerging from the meeting was that Thaksin still wanted to be absolved of all crimes before both parties could talk peace.

Another thing learned from the encounter was that Natthawut Saikua was the closest to Thaksin whom he trusted the most.

After his return from Brunei, Sukhumbhand has been telling the government that in the event of peace negotiations, talks would have to be through Natthawut, who talked to Thaksin almost on a daily basis during the red-shirt rally.

At his meeting with Sukhumbhand, Thaksin appeared very keen to negotiate. At one point, he virtually asked Sukhumbhand to pick up the phone and call Abhisit right then and there.

During his interview with The Nation, Sukhumbhand would not discuss the reported "cold war" between him and Abhisit. The governor, however, denied that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's non-involvement in the Constituency 6 by-election campaign was a sign of conflict.

Men in his position had better look neutral in these circumstances, Sukhumbhand said. He also cautioned that in this election battle, the government had to be aware that "sympathy vote" could decide the outcome. In other words, the Democrat Party must be careful not to "overdo" its campaign.

-- The Nation 2010-07-18

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Thai PM Abhisit hints at lifting emergency

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Coalition differs with PM on polls early next year

By PIYANART SRIVALO

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

The ruling coalition's second and third biggest partners yesterday disputed Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's remark that the next election could be held early next year, expressing doubts whether the country would be ready for polls by then.

The spokesmen of the Bhum Jai Thai and Chart Thai Pattana parties disagreed with Abhisit that the House could be dissolved to pave way for a general election early next year.

Chart Thai Pattana spokesman Watchara Kannikar expressed concern that if voters have to go to the poll when loopholes in election laws are not yet plugged, the same old political problems will continue to haunt the country. He recommended that the PM push for the amendment of the two articles in the Constitution regarding election zoning and Article 190 before dissolving the House.

"The political situation is not yet totally stable. Every one agrees that the country is not ready for a general election in the near future. We should first ensure that reconciliation efforts are achieved to a certain level,'' he said.

He added that the coalition parties would like the prime minister, who is also leader of the Democrat Party, to inform or confer with them before making a decision to dissolve House.

"It is better that we jointly decide if House dissolution is a solution to the political problems,'' he said.

Bhum Jai Thai spokesman Supachai Jaisamut also backed Watchara's stance, saying although the PM had the sole right to dissolve the House, it would be an honour if the PM held joint discussions with the coalition parties.

Chart Thai Pattana chief adviser Banharn Silapa-Archa also made his stand clear that he would like the charter amendment to be completed by August. And if a public referendum is needed, the government must ensure that it stays in power till the work is finished.

He admitted that the government's stability would be adversely affected, if the Democrat Party was dissolved by a court verdict because the government would lose a number of MPs as a result.

-- The Nation 2010-07-18

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Foreign editorials miss the point on the cause of Thailand crisis

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Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela! He turns 92 today

Nelson Mandela (File Photo) Source: wikimedia.org

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Sonthi asks Govt to further retain Emergency Decree

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Matubhum Party Leader and former chairman of the now-defunct Council for National Security (CNS), General Sonthi Boonyaratglin encouraged the Government to further retain the State of Emergency while saying that the establishment of the national reform panels is a good start to bring the nation back on track.

Speaking over the retaining of the Emergency Decree in 19 provinces, General Sonthi deemed it beneficial for the country, saying that the decree would contribute to social improvement. However, the decree in each province must be evaluated continuously on whether to be revoked or retained further so as to avoid affecting the national security and tourism.

As for the establishment of the Government-appointed panels for national reconciliation, chaired by former Attorney General Kanit Na Nakorn, General Sonthi said all selected committees are capable and experienced people that could bring the nation back on track. He, however, asked all sides to be less obstinate in order to move the country forward.

-- NNT 2010-07-18

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PM Abhisit: Laws may be amended to find balance of controlling Internet-based media

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Police have arrested a 36y-old American expat and charged with murder of a Phuket bar hostess. He has confessed to the killing

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Tropical Storm Conson Wreaks Havoc in Nan and Payao

Tropical storm Conson has caused heavy rains in Nan and Payao provinces with the Meteorological Department warning of possible flooding and more heavy rains in other areas.

-- Tan Network 2010-07-18

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Meteorological Dept: Tropical storm Conson in Vietnam which downgraded to depression could trigger torrential rain and isolated heavy rainfalls nationwide /MCOT

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Full story

Wanphen Pienjai murder: American expat arrested in Phuket

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Children under 12 years at risk of serious mental problems caused by political unrest

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Children under the age of 12 years experiencing the recent political unrest are found to be at high risk of serious mental wounds, according to the Department of Mental Health.

Mr Kiattipoom Wongrajit, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Mental Health, stated that the recent political upheaval had a direct impact on mental health of the people across the country.

As for the survey conducted in Bangkok, out of the children under the age of 12 years, 20% have high risk of falling victims to mental illness.

Mr Kiattipoom added that the department would coordinate with the Ministry of Public Health in providing relief aid to more than 7,000 rally victims who received serious mental wounds and those who lost their relatives during the unrest. The assistance to all rally victims is expected to be completed by August 2010.

-- NNT 2010-07-18

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PM Abhisit: Thailand objects to Cambodian plan for Preah Vihear area management

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Red-shirts performed commemorative ritual at Ratchaprasong Inters. Police sent to oversee situation at Gaysorn Plaza /via @TAN_Network

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New Politics Party backs Emergency Decree revocation

BANGKOK (NNT) -- The New Politics Party of the People's Alliance for Democracy has voiced its supports to the revocation of the state of emergency in response to an earlier remark by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

New Politics Party Deputy Leader, Samran Rodpetch, stated that the Government must enforce laws to take care of situation within the kingdom more strictly and honestly upon the emergency rule cancellation as some underground movements of ill-intentioned people were still found at present.

Mr Samran, also acting spokesperson of the New Politics Party, recommended that the security law be lifted in all provinces because it could not show the real authority of the Government. He said it might be a double-edged sword as the Government would be attacked by international organizations.

Recently, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he was considering the revocation of the state of emergency in more provinces. The special law remains in Bangkok and 18 other provinces in a bid to prevent further instigation of unrest within the society.

Meanwhile, New Politics Party Secretary-General, Suriyasai Katasila, suggested the government hold a meeting of four parties involved in order to evaluate and help the political and security sides decide the law cancellation issue.

-- NNT 2010-07-18

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Ongart denies banning “Sorry Thailand” TV ad

BANGKOK (NNT) -– Prime Minister’s Office Minister Ongart Klampaiboon has declined knowledge about the decision of the Thai Censorship Board to ban “Khothod Prathet Thai” (Sorry Thailand) television advertisement.

Mr Ongart stated that he just learned the news from newspapers and reporters who called him to ask for details about the censorship. He said he could not remember because there were a great number of advertisements, but believed that the Government would not intervene in TV ads which should be the decision of individual stations.

The Thai Censorship Board, consisting of representatives from television stations, has recently resolved to ban “Khothod Prathet Thai” (Sorry Thailand) television advertisement, reasoning that the advertisement depicts violent political incidents and many controversial issues in the Thai society.

Mr Ongart then confirmed that the Government had no influence on television advertisements because there were officials and panels of each television station responsible for this issue.

The advertisement is now banned from airing on television; however, it is now well received in the online society.

-- NNT 2010-07-18

[Maestro]

to be continued

Thailand Live Monday 19 July 2010

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