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Thailand Live Sunday 5 Feb 2012

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Thailand Live Sunday 5 February 2012

News, Bits and Tweets

with webfact

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 4 Feb 2012

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Capital should be moved to Northeast, top scientist says

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- Dr Art-Ong Jumsai na Ayudhya, a former scientist at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), has called for the relocation of Thailand's capital to the Northeast.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/531115-thai-capital-should-be-moved-to-northeast-top-scientist-says/page__view__findpost__p__5030284

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DSI keen to tap phones of dealers in prison

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday welcomed Deputy PM Chalerm Yoobamrung's idea to tap the phones of inmates allegedly involved with drug-trafficking rings, and may seek court permission to do this at certain prisons.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....ost__p__5030301

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Rise in cases 'tied to power struggle'

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BANGKOK:-- Kittisak Prokkati, a lecturer at Thammasat University's Faculty of Law, called for Parliament to approve the appointment of monarchs in the future during an interview in which he gave his perspectives on the Nitirat group's proposals involving changes to laws on lese majeste offences.

Your article 'Nitirat thinks differently - please listen to them' sounds as if your are telling the public to take up the Nitirat proposals.

It is about freedom of expression. It is like you want to do house improvement - you have the right since it is your house. But it has to be done under the law. Nitirat may express views that make people think they are arrogant but, as long as they have not crossed the line, or made any threat or assaulted anybody, they can do it, but it does not mean everyone has to agree with them.

In Thai society people do not want to talk about section 112. It is as if they are being censured.

You cannot censure because even the papers like The Nation, Matichon, Prachathai still run articles on the issue. In my opinion, the best way to worship the monarchy is to let them stay close to the people and belong to the people. The monarchy should be Dharma or virtues in human form. Our religion bans us from insulting others and even insulting the monarchy. We do not like anyone to insult our monarchy. Nitirat does not say that we must remove the monarchy system but only to brush up the outdated law; first, reduce the heavy penalty of 3-15 years [for lese majeste offences]; second, suspects of lese majeste charges who claim they are being used as political tools to sabotage political enemies should be given rights to defend themselves.

In what perspectives should we look at the monarchy?

First we have to look at the cultural dimension. The monarchy is an institution that has become [part of] the country's culture. For instance, while everyone is crazy about getting expensive imported dogs, the King brought Thong Daeng into the public [eye] and said this is a street dog. This is a cultural balance, through his good deeds and action as an example to counter an extravagant lifestyle. Looking at the political dimension, since the monarch and his family have to strictly observed 10 virtues or Dharma of the King, the monarchy then provides a political balance. Certainly, if you look at the monarchy as human, they can have some shortfalls when they cross the line, they could give criticism, but critics must treat them as a political institution that observes Dharma.

In terms of legal aspects, how do you see the Nitirat proposal?

I do not agree with the content of the proposed law, especially to remove Section 112 from national security laws. Since Thai people feel that they can die to protect this institution and they feel this institution must be protected to safeguard the state's stability. Why should this law be removed from the national security law?

If the law continues to be in the security section, the penalty must be harsh and it will continue to be used as a political tool?

The point is not the law itself but the law enforcers. Sulak (Sivaraksa) was accused of several lese majeste charges, [but] prosecutors did not take up the cases because they believed he had not committed an offence. If law enforcers want to use the law as political tools they can do it anyway. But if the penalty is too harsh, it should be reduced.

Since the monarchy institution is at the centre of people's thinking across the country, reducing the penalty may go against the concept of protecting the institution.

It should be OK, convicts should receive penalties in accordance with how serious an offence they commit. Critics can make comments against the monarchy for public interest for instance, against the police practice of blocking traffic.

Actually the King has instructed that if they do not have official duties to carry out, [there is] no need to block roads or [they should] block only one side and for not more than five minutes. But police have kept his instructions secret because they see that they would have more difficult jobs [to do].

Reducing the penalty [for lese majeste] would lead to more insults of the monarchy, wouldn't it?

The monarchy survives because people love the institution not fear the institution. For instance, a tree, you want it to grow, you have to nurture it by giving it fertiliser and killing weeds and insects that are like parasites on the tree. You have to kill them so that the tree can flourish, even though it affects the institution.

That means banning criticism against the institution is rather destructive.

Gossiping is part of Thai society, because we do not dare to criticise to the face but [do it] behind the back of people. If you publicly criticise your boss or your lecturers, so they improve themselves and this will be constructive criticism. The Nitirat group should be praised for their courage to speak out in a straight-forward manner. However, the way they criticise is not right because they do so in a challenging manner which is against Thai ways.

The King made his statement in 2003 over the law that states the King can do no wrong, saying that criticism against the king is permitted. King Rama VI also rewarded a navy official who criticised him for buying a big ship when the country's financial situation was in a dire state. He said the official spoke not for his own interest but for public interest.

Anyone who criticises the King like that, the military will come out in defence [of the monarch].

The military has been part of the monarchy institution since 1932. They swore [allegiance] to the monarchy, not to the constitution. It is natural that they feel the monarchy must not be touched. They feel it is their duty to protect, but how to protect the institution is up to their intelligence.

It looks like Section 112 will not get to be amended. How should other justice procedures be changed to prevent use of the monarchy institution in politics?

We have to get people in the justice system to understand the institution - not understand it as merely a picture on the altar to worship. The Justice Ministry has already set up a screening committee to screen all lese majeste cases but police may not forward cases to the committee, unless the Justice Ministry knows about some cases and gives a recommendation [to do this]. The case of Khun Amphon [Tangnoppakul] or Akong, nobody submitted his case to the committee.

I believe the problem is not about the content of the law but the culture or how we treat or interact with the monarchy. People are in fear of authorities who use the monarchy to threaten them.

Another proposal that has meet with public opposition is [the call] to have the monarch swear before being enthroned to prevent the problem of the constitution being changed.

Since his accession to the throne, the King declared that: "I will rule the land righteously for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people". By the word "righteously", the King referred to principles and virtues which include the Constitution. The Nitirat group wants the King to protect the Constitution but sometimes he is not in a position to stop or prevent incidents, so he must let them go. Politics cannot be tied to a piece of paper. Power cannot be tied to a contract.

The best way to prevent coups is to have people oppose coups. The [monarchy] institution cannot stop or prevent coups.

Constitutions before the 1991 coup stipulated that appointment of the King must be approved by Parliament but no Constitution after that had this regulation - they only stated that Parliament be notified when a King is appointed. Why does not the Nitirat group propose this change? If we do not change this, the link between the monarchy and the people will be weakened. This is more important than swearing [an oath].

How do you view the move to single out protection of the monarch by only protecting the King but not protecting the Queen and his family and his representatives?

The King cannot live alone. The monarchy survives from having a line of succession and having a family. For instance, King Henry XIII did not have children. Whoever wanted the throne caused a civil war. I do not understand the Nitirat group's rationale on this proposal.

What do you think caused the increase in lese majeste cases over the past five years?

I believe they are political cases or drummed-up charges. It is a struggle between the old and new power groups. The assets of these two groups account for only 20 per cent of the country's total assets. They fight by mobilising or provoking the poor to bring changes to the institutions.

They want to destroy all legitimacy and morality and faith because once the tips of these pillars are broken, the pillars will collapse. The other side of the power [struggle] has to protect the institution because they have hidden interests. That is why we have seen more lese majeste cases.

How do you foresee the fate of Section 112?

The procedures involved in this law are not professional in terms of legal aspects because they involve so much politics, power, the state, and fear that law enforcers dare not to use the law righteously. For instance, Sulak, who was accused of lese majeste and won the case in the Lower Court. Then Attorney General Kanit na Nakhon, dropped the case because he believed the case was weak. There are people like him but very few.

I believe this law will finally be amended but we need to educate the public to understand the institution with more wisdom.

The media must present the topic with balanced views and not lopsided ones and not like how the Nitirat [group] present their views, though they claim their views are purely academic.

nationlogo.jpg

-- The Nation 2012-02-05

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Danish ambassador to hit the road to raise safety awareness

Kornchanok Raksaseri

The Nation on Sunday

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BANGKOK:-- Besides his passion for motorcycles, Danish Ambassador to Thailand Mikael Hemniti Winther wants to demonstrate the importance he places on road safety.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/531118-danish-ambassador-to-hit-the-road-to-raise-safety-awareness/page__view__findpost__p__5030311

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Pheu Thai says does not seek change to Article 112

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- The Pheu Thai Party has no policy to amend Article 112 of the Criminal Code, which involves lese majeste offences, deputy party spokesman Sunisa Lerpakawat said yesterday.

According to Sunisa, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the move to amend the law governing lese majeste offences had nothing to do with the party, but the Democrat Party had tried to attribute ill intentions to it. She said Article 291 was the only part of the Constitution the party wants to amend. Pheu Thai Nonthaburi MP Udomdet Rattanasathien will today announce the party's roadmap on charter amendment.

Sunisa attacked the Opposition for seeking the Constitution Court's interpretation of two executive decrees, accusing the party of blocking the government's efforts to help flood victims.

Democrat Party spokesperson Chavanond Intarakomalsut said he would today reveal the link between the Nitirat group and the red shirts. He was referring to Pheu Thai party-list MP Chatuporn Prompan and Deputy Agriculture Minister Nattawut Saikua's abandonment of the attempt to amend Article 112.

The Nitirat group has been campaigning to amend Article 112, claiming the law is outdated and in need of an overhaul.

nationlogo.jpg

-- The Nation 2012-02-05

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Border trade zone to get push from Surapong

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said yesterday he will propose that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra approve a long-shelved plan to establish a special economic zone in Tak's Mae Ramat, Mae Sot and Phop Phra districts, to prepare for the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

Leading ministerial officials to visit the Thai-Burmese Friendship Bridge and border area in Mae Sot yesterday, Surapong said the plan, shelved since the Thaksin administration, would be useful because relations with Burma, Cambodia and Laos had improved and the premier had discussed promoting border trade with leaders of the three countries. He would also discuss the issue of Burmese workers' registration with the PM, as Thai authorities said they had registered 900,000 Burmese workers while Burmese authorities reported about two million workers being here.

nationlogo.jpg

-- The Nation 2012-02-05

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Robbery arrests

The Nation on Sunday

BANGKOK:-- Police have arrested three more suspects for the January 29 robbery at a clothing businesswoman's home in Bangkok's Sai Mai district in addition to the earlier arrest of two suspects, city police chief Pol Lt-General Winai Thongsong told a press conference yesterday.

Police arrested Watchara Lasa, 40, in Nakhon Phanom on Thursday night, he said. Watchara confessed to the crime and was given a period of detention by Min Buri Court. And two brothers - Ariya Siwa, 49 and Som-om Siwa, 19 - surrendered after arrest warrants were issued for them, he said. They claimed they were innocent and said they would only testify in court. The brothers admitted the van used in the robbery belonged to Ariya but claimed it was missing. They didn't file a police complaint, however, as they thought Ariya's subordinate took it for use running errands.

Meanwhile, a 13-year-old boy surrendered to Sai Mai police, as he allegedly aided the robbers by being a lookout at the front of the victim's housing estate. Police will bring monitors required to observe their interview of the boy tomorrow.

nationlogo.jpg

-- The Nation 2012-02-05

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Truck driver shot dead

The Nation on Sunday

PATTANI:-- The driver of a 10-wheel truck was shot dead yesterday in Pattani's Muang district, Pol Lieutenant Fahami Henpiya of Muang Pattani police station said yesterday.

At 10.20am yesterday, police rushed to an unnamed teashop in Ban Sungai Panae to find the body of truck driver Mahama Yaki, 34, with a fatal gunshot wound at the base of his right ear. Police inquiries found that the victim was chatting with his friend in front of the shop when four men on two motorcycles parked outside. One of the four men approached Mahama and shot him dead before turning the gun to Mahama's friend. He didn't pull the trigger, however, and walked back to his group and fled. Police are probing whether the killing is part of the continuous separatist violence in the region

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-- The Nation 2012-02-05

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Lamlukka Rd closed temporarily due to LPG truck accident and leakage of gas near junction with Eastern Ring Rd/TAN_Network

Huachiew Univ on Bangna Trad Rd hosts graduation ceremony today; traffic expected to be congested/TAN_Network

From 8am onwards bike rally with 1,000 participants will leave from Bangmod and use Rama II Rd to travel to Hua Hin/TAN_Network

Last day of Durakij Bundit Univ's graduation ceremony in the afternoon/TAN_Network

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ICT warns smartphone users about the distribution of foul language from popular app

BANGKOK, 5 February 2012 (NNT) - The ICT Ministry is warning users of smartphone not to distribute foul language from a popular conversation program, to avoid criminal charges.

Group Captain Anudith Nakornthap, Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), said on Saturday that smartphone users who have downloaded the Simsimi artificial intelligence conversation program must now be careful about forwarding rude words from this popular application to other uses.

The ICT Minister stressed that if the police receive a formal complaint about the use of foul languages, the people, who originated the distribution of such rude dialogues, will be at risk of facing criminal charges.

Earlier, the Ministry of Culture has come out to express worries about the popular use of Simsimi, which is said to be created by a South Korean developer for the purpose of language learning. However, it said that many app users in Thailand had gone too far.

Group Captain Anudith added that there have been more and more outcries about the unpleasant experience from Simsimi, while asking those who have been affected by this smartphone application to report to the police of the ICT call center.

According to the ICT Minister, those who are found using any computer program to verbally attack or cause damages to others could be violating the 2007 Computer Crime Act, which may result in imprisonment or fine, or both.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-02-05 footer_n.gif

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Zoological Park Org. aims to make Thai zoos the best in ASEAN

BANGKOK, 5 February 2012 (NNT) - The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand is determined to make local zoos the leader among ASEAN rivals within 2 years.

Ms. Srirat Rastapana, committee chair of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, has revealed that the vision of the country's zoo operators for 2012-2014 will focus on the improvement of Thai zoos' standards to the forefront of the Southeast Asian region.

Moreover, the Zoological Park Organization committee will try to push the country's wildlife research to reach international standards and become truly sustainable.

Ms. Srirat added that the development of all zoos will utilize modern and professional approaches aimed at enhancing efficiency.

She also stressed that the well-being of all animals under the Zoological Park Organization's care will be emphasized through the environment that is the closest to nature.

In addition, all the zoos will be promoted as a learning and creative center for the youth and a quality recreational center for the public as well.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-02-05 footer_n.gif

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THAI rushes to clarify OT pay cut after employee strike

BANGKOK, 5 February 2012 (NNT) - The national flag carrier is rushing to clarify with its employees about the company's budget control move, after a number of mechanics refused to work lately.

Thai Airways International (THAI) President Piyasvasti Amranand, on Saturday, has called for a meeting with related officers to discuss reports on employees' resentment against the overtime pay cut policy.

Mr. Montree Jumrieng, Executive Vice President of Technical Department, revealed that a number of mechanics recently refused to work overtime because THAI has implemented a spending cut policy since February 1st.

The cut has resulted in a 17% drop in employees' earnings from overtime work.

Mr. Montree said that since overtime work must be consented by both employers and employees and can never be forced, THAI cannot force anyone to work longer hours.

The flag carrier's spending cut policy was planned to be in effect for one year.

While this issue is unresolved, the mechanic team has successfully convinced some of the staff to do extra works during the hours that see heavy air traffic. Accordingly, no flight schedule has been impacted by the problem yet.

In any case, the THAI Executive Vice President said that the company will try to sort things out with the employees, who are not happy about the spending cut, in order to make sure that the negative sentiment will not spread to other departments and affect the airlines' operation.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-02-05 footer_n.gif

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Resumption of work at Ayutthaya-based industrial parks almost complete

BANGKOK, 5 February 2012 (NNT) - The Ministry of Industry has confirmed that the operation at all industrial parks in Ayutthaya province is nearly back to normal, while new flood prevention schemes are now underway to avoid the repeat of last year's flood-induced damages.

Mr. Prayoon Tingthong from Ayutthaya's Industrial Office, said that the operation at all 5 industrial parks in the province, including Hitech Industrial Park, Bangpa-In Industrial Estate, Saharat Nakorn Industrial Estate, Factory Land Industrial Estate and Rojana Industrial Park, is nearing the 100% level now.

Among the five, which were submerged in the worst flood crisis in decades last year, Hitech and Factory Land are the two that see their production resumed the most.

For Rojana Industrial Park, Mr. Prayoon said almost 40 factories are now opened again, while nearly 20 have resumed work at Bangpa-In Industrial Estate. For Saharat Nakorn, more than 10 plants have been back to work.

And while the resumption of operation at these industrial parks is proceeding, each of them is simultaneously constructing new earthen dykes to prevent future flooding. All works are expected to complete by August.

In any case, Mr. Prayoon said that many are wishing that the government would come up with an effective water management plan to help divert flood water to other areas before it hits Ayutthaya again in the future.

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-- NNT 2012-02-05 footer_n.gif

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Dusit Poll: 78.03% finds Chuvit's unveiling of gambling den info as useful;77.04% feels it'll force police to step up/TAN_Network

ABAC Poll: 60.8% of respondents gives PM chance to continue work;amendment to lese majeste law,high goods prices make them less happy/TAN_Network

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Two defence volunteers gunned down in Yala

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YALA, Feb 5 - Two defence volunteers were shot dead on Sunday morning in the southern border province of Yala while travelling to escort monks during morning alms rounds.

An unknown number of concealed attackers ambushed them from the roadside.

Supat Inthanok and Ronnachit Praiduang were each shot in the head in the provincial seat while they were riding a motorcycle to the Weruwan temple. They later died from these severe wounds.

The police collected spent bullet casings from an M-16 assault rifle and a 9 mm pistol at the scene as evidence. The gunmen also took two AK-47 assault rifles of the two defence volunteers before fleeing. Tripod spikes were strewn on a road to prevent officials from pursuing them. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2012-02-05

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Police Chief assure tourists of safety

BANGKOK, 5 February 2012 (NNT) - The National Police Chief has made a security inspection in tourist-populated spots in Bangkok to ascertain the safety and well-being of foreign tourists.

National police chief Pol-Gen Priewpan Damapong traveled to Khao San road and nearby Soi Rambutri to evaluate overall security measures that have been in place and to boost confidence among foreigners staying in the areas.

Pol Gen Priewpan had a chance to talk with the tourists, many of whom were confident in the safety measures provided by Thai security agencies.

The National Police Commissioner General further made an inspection of police checkpoints in Thonglor area on Sukhumvit Road. He instructed police officers to be more stringent on weapons and drugs scrutiny and closely monitor suspicious individuals and vehicles.

The police were also ordered to make sure that entertainment venues strictly open and close on time and refrain from narcotics involvement.

During the inspection in those areas, none of irregular activities or conducts were found.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-02-05 footer_n.gif

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ABAC Poll: Thais becoming less happy

BANGKOK, 5 February 2012 (NNT) - The Gross Domestic Happiness (GDH) index has been reduced continuously since July last year implying that Thais are becoming less happy, according to the ABAC poll.

The results of the survey on the GDH for Thai people this month showed that GDH index has been on a decline since July last year. The score has been continuously reduced from 7.55 in the beginning of July 2011 to 6.66 in January 2012 from the total score of 10.

The gross domestic happiness scores on politics and economy stand at 4.27 and 4.39 respectively. The poll said reasons behind Thais becoming less politically and financially happy were a conflict over an attempt to amend Article 112 and a higher cost of living.

According to the poll, positive factors for the GDH figures were loyalty to the Monarchy (9.29), followed by healthy family relationship (8.14), mental health (7.93) and physical health (7.9).

The poll was conducted among Thai people aged over 18 in 17 provinces during January 23 – February 4, 2012.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-02-05 footer_n.gif

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Transport Ministry to promptly find debt relief solution for BMTA

BANGKOK, 5 February 2012 (NNT) - Deputy Transport Minister Chatchart Sithipan will urgently have a discussion with the director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to lower total accumulated debt worth 60 billion baht borne by the city bus company.

Mr. Chatchart has recently been tasked by Transport Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan with overseeing the BMTA. He is planning to confer with BMTA Director Opart Phetmunee in an attempt to find means to decrease the BMTA’s accumulated deficit which currently stands at 60 billion baht.

The Deputy Transport Minister stated that major income of the BMTA lies in the bus services thus service improvement must initially be put in place to increase the number of passengers.

He said, moreover, that replacing old diesel buses with new NGV ones should also help reduce the BMTA’s operating cost.

nntlogo.jpg

-- NNT 2012-02-05 footer_n.gif

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