Thailand Live Monday 26 May 2014

[webfact]

Proposed ceiling of Bt2.6 trillion for 2015 budget
WICHIT CHAITRONG
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE BUDGET BUREAU will tomorrow propose a ceiling of Bt2.6 trillion for the fiscal 2015 budget to the National Council for Peace and Order.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729131-proposed-ceiling-of-bt26-trillion-for-2015-budget/

[webfact]

Security offences to be tried in military courts
Panya Thiosangwan,
Kornchanok Raksaseri


Streets are deserted at Victory Monument in Bangkok during the 10pm-5am curfew.

Prayuth to get royal command today to head the NCPO; prominent businessmen, academics get summons

BANGKOK: -- In a stern move to tighten security, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday said that any offence against the monarchy and national security would face prosecution in military courts.

The offences are those cited in Articles 107-112 of the constitution and include lese majeste.

Articles 113-118 cite other security offences, including talk of secession and insurrection.

Any violation of the NCPO's orders would also be tried in military courts.

NCPO order No 37 exempts offences committed in areas where the Internal Security Act and the emergency decree are in effect from being tried in military courts. In such cases, the offences would go through the normal judicial process.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha will be given a royal command, appointing him as the head of the NCPO, and a ceremony will be held at 10.49am today at the Royal Thai Army headquarters on Rajdamnoen Road. A press conference will be held later to announce the NCPO's roadmap and the likely set-up of a national legislative assembly to push ahead with a new constitution and a national council for reforms.

The NCPO last night summoned more than 30 prominent individuals, including businessmen Land & Houses president Anant Asavabhokin, ItalianThai Development president Premchai Karnasuta, and Sansiri president Srettha Thavisin.

Academics allied with the anti-Thaksin protesters, including Suraphol Nitikraipot, the former rector of Thammasat University, and critic Thirayuth Boonmee, as well as the Banjerd Singkaneti, the dean of the Faculty of Law at the National Institute of Development Administration, were also summoned.

The NCPO said it would take legal action against Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer Robert Amsterdam over his interview to the foreign press, in which he said some states had offered to Thaksin to host a government in exile, Army deputy spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari said. The content of the interview was deemed as disturbing the peace in Thailand, so the NCPO would ask the Foreign Ministry to cut the lawyer's communication channels, he said.

Meanwhile, key community figures summoned for talks by the coup-makers have not been tortured and will not be detained more than seven days, NCPO spokesman Col Winthai said. However, the period of detention would depend on the degree of importance of the individuals and the information they had to give, he added. Winthai said the NCPO had summoned leading individuals from all sides of the political spectrum to inform them about the current situation.

Many of the summoned figures were detained but the military said they were being treated well and would be released in a few days when the situation had calmed down.

"They are not chained or tortured. We treat all of them with honour," Winthai said. "We have informed them of the need for cooperation to help solve the country's problems."

Winthai said many of the summoned persons had been released and some were freed on the first day. He said if detainees were wanted on arrest warrants, they would be handed over to police for further prosecution, which would begin tomorrow.

Regarding summoning the Shinawatras, Winthai said that the name of Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, the ex-wife of Thaksin, was on an unofficial list. The spokesman said he still did not have information as to when former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra would be released, and he did not know whether NCPO chief General Prayuth would hold talks with Thaksin.

Thaksin yesterday wrote on his Twitter microblogging page that the NCPO must return happiness to Thais.

He said he was sad that another coup had happened in the Kingdom and added that conflicts in the country stemmed from divisiveness and the lack of fair rules.

On Saturday night, troops escorted Panthongtae Shinawatra, the son of Thaksin, to his Bangkok residence, Winthai said.

The NCPO spokesman said Panthongtae was staying in Chiang Mai when he was summoned for talks with officials "to set aright his understanding". Later he was taken to his Bangkok residence "in line with his wishes".

People who reported to the NCPO at the Army's auditorium in the Thewes area yesterday morning were transported to an unidentified military camp around 3pm.

They include The Nation's senior reporter Pravit Rojanaphruk, Bonanza Khaoyai Resort owner Paiwong Taechanarong, and Pheu Thai legal expert Pichit Chuen-ban. Kanchanapa Honghern, secretary to Potjaman, who was among those summoned, sent a representative to inform the NCPO that she had been receiving treatment in a hospital.


-- The Nation 2014-05-26

[webfact]

The Nation reporter taken into custody
PANYA THIOSANGWAN,
KORNCHANOK RAKSASERI
THE NATION


Soldiers keep tight security around the United States Embassy in Bangkok yesterday.

NMG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CALLS ON MILITARY JUNTA TO RESPECT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

BANGKOK: -- THE NATION'S senior reporter Pravit Rojanaphruk yesterday morning reported to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and has been moved into custody to an unidentified military base.

Nation Multimedia Group |editor-in-chief Thepchai Yong called on the military junta to respect freedom of expression and the right for people to have access to information.

"Especially in times of crisis like this, people's access to information is very important. And the media have a crucial role to play in keeping the public informed through free and independent reporting," he said.

Thepchai said he strongly supported the call by Thailand's major media organisations for the junta to repeal all the orders issued in the aftermath of the coup that were restricting media freedom.

He also urged the military |to refrain from actions that were seen as intimidating the media.

Separately, the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand issued a statement calling on the military government to respect freedom of expression and a journalist's right to work freely. It called for the release of detained journalists and the lifting of media restrictions.

On Saturday night, Pravit received a summons telling him to report at the NCPO by 10am yesterday.

Upon arriving at the Army's auditorium, he spent a few minutes giving an interview to foreign media while a few friends offered moral support.

Pravit then went inside the agency's compound with a lawyer and an officer from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, who went inside to observe and returned about an hour later but didn't speak to the media.

Neither Pravit nor his lawyer have been available for comment since then.

The journalist was among of group of people summoned to report yesterday who were transported from the compound in vans at about 3pm.

Meanwhile, the NCPO will allow free-to-air television channels, radio and satellite stations and cable operators to broadcast normally after the situation returns to normal.

But 14 satellite stations that are deemed to present clearly biased information will remain off the air unless they guarantee the broadcasts will not create public confusion or disturb peace and order.

Army deputy spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari yesterday said the NCPO had responded to calls by media organisations for the junta to allow the media to carry out its duties in accordance with their ethics and responsibilities.

Winthai said community radio stations that faced the axe because they did not possess an operating licence would not be allowed to resume broadcasts unless they got a licence from the National Broadcasting and Telecommunica-tions Commission.

The NCPO yesterday called |19 print editors to a meeting to |discuss the direction of news coverage in an "abnormal situation".

Meanwhile, US State Depart-ment deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf issued a statement saying the US is increasingly concerned about actions the military has taken just a few days after it staged a coup.

"It has dissolved the Senate, detained a number of people, |called in some academics and |journalists, and continued to |restrict the press. We again call |on the military to release those detained for political reasons, |end restrictions on the media, |and move to restore civilian rule |and democracy through elections," the statement said.


-- The Nation 2014-05-26

[webfact]

Junta says no intention to hinder businesses; says focus on growth
Erich Parpart,
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) yesterday assured key economic agencies and leading private organisations that it would allow all economic activities to continue without interruption and it would also consider measures to stimulate the country's growth.

NCPO deputy spokesman Nattawat Chancharoen said the meeting, led by Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha and Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, had ordered concerned agencies to arrange funds for paying the Bt92 billion overdue debt to farmers within a month. Farmers should start to get payment within two days. The NCPO also ordered all involved agencies to submit progress reports to the NCPO.

As an urgent measure, the NCPO will also approve budget disbursement for the 2014-15 fiscal year, which is scheduled to start in October this year.

Sources at the meeting said that other issues discussed included promoting economic growth following the upcoming Asean Economic Community, enhance cross-border trade, set up a Board of Investment committee, and discuss value-added tax and corporate tax to ensure business growth.

Somchart Soithong, director-general at the Internal Trade Department, said that the Army chief had ordered the Commerce Ministry to pay rice farmers their dues within a month. The funding source is not a problem any longer because the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives has already provided from its own reserves Bt40 billion, while the Finance Ministry has been ordered to find the balance Bt50 billion from financial institutions to pay dues to about 800,000 farmers.

The NCPO also encouraged the ministry to promote export growth and boost foreign investor confidence.

Bank of Thailand Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul said after his meeting with the NCPO that the council had urged all economic agencies to report on the development of the economy. He said the BOT would today announce its economic plans and details of the meeting that took place yesterday.

Twatchai Yongkittikul, secretary-general of the Thai Bankers Association, said the NCPO told heads of government and private economic institutions to deal with two issues on priority: payment to rice farmers under the pledging scheme, and the government annual budget for 2015.

He said short-term investors have most likely lowered their investment in the Kingdom, but the prospects of long-term investors is still unclear and the actual impact of the coup on the market will be visible at the end of the second quarter.

Isara Vongkusolkit, chairman at the Board of Trade, said the council had agreed to work closely with private enterprises to increase foreign investor confidence.

Supan Mongkolsuthee, president of the Federation of Thai Industries, said the NCPO had told private enterprises that it would promote economic growth and allow economic activities to go on independently.

Piyamarn Techapaibul, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand, said the tourism sector has been hit by the coup. The council had proposed exempting curfew in some tourism provinces such as Pattaya, Krabi and Phuket.


-- The Nation 2014-05-26

[webfact]

Three killed in Pattani bomb blasts
The Nation



INSURGENTS STRIKE AT 15 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS; 73 INJURED

PATTANI: -- INSURGENTS launched simultaneous bomb attacks on 15 locations in Pattani late Saturday evening, killing three people and wounding 73.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729133-three-killed-in-pattani-bomb-blasts/

[webfact]

Access to Microsoft Office 'will transform Thai education'

The Nation



SOME 8.4 million Thai students and teachers are set to benefit from Microsoft's largest cloud education partnerships to date.

BANGKOK: -- Last week, Microsoft (Thailand) signed a memorandum of understanding with Thailand's Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) to provide 8 million students and 400,000 teachers across Thailand with access to Microsoft Office 365 for Education.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729134-access-to-microsoft-office-will-transform-thai-education/

[webfact]

Retail giants preparing for AEC
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn
The Nation


A supermarket in Nakhon Ratchasima

BANGKOK: -- Major retailers including Central Group and The Mall are expanding into several high-potential locations, particularly in the border provinces and tourism cities, to cash in on next year's implementation of the Asean Economic Community, which will attract more customers.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729135-thai-retail-giants-preparing-for-aec/

[webfact]

NBTC to go ahead with spectrum auctions this year
USANEE MONGKOLPORN
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission will press ahead with its planned auction of 1,800MHz and 900MHz spectrum licences this year in the belief it will help shore up the sagging economy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729136-thailands-nbtc-to-go-ahead-with-spectrum-auctions-this-year/

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Good documentaries can make a big difference
The Nation

Digital TV needs refreshing content to avoid the mainstream trap

BANGKOK: -- Digital TV is getting closer and closer to a full-scale launch. The positives have been identified and the negatives have been spotted. On one hand, the TV industry is striving to try the untried and advertisers are getting a bit braver supporting unorthodox content.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729137-good-documentaries-can-make-a-big-difference-thai-editorial/

[webfact]

Map of violence could open a path to peace in deep South
Don Pathan
Special to The Nation


A bomb-disposal squad at work in Narithiwat in February. The authorities blame the latest wave of tit-for-tat killings in the deep South on blood feuds between local Muslim families, something strongly denied by both Muslim residents and the insurgents.

Both sides want to create a channel of communication to verify which attacks are insurgency-related and which are criminal

BANGKOK: -- Mapping violence in Thailand's southernmost provinces, where a decade-old wave of insurgency has claimed more than 5,000 lives, is not easy, especially when there is no identifiable group claiming responsibility for the attacks and no neutral body to verify those claims.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729138-map-of-violence-could-open-a-path-to-peace-in-thailands-deep-south/

[webfact]

American Teacher’s 2.2 Million Baht’s worth of luck thanks to Pattaya resident



PATTAYA: -- On Saturday Pattaya Police were able to reunite a missing bag of money with its owner, an American Teacher from Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729139-american-teachers-22-million-bahts-worth-of-luck-thanks-to-pattaya-resident/

[webfact]

Junta explains reasons for coup to foreign nations
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE JUNTA has explained to foreign countries why it seized power in an attempt to make the international community understand its motives.

The Foreign Ministry and military attaches were involved in the efforts, deputy Army spokesman Winthai Suvari said yesterday.

Foreign countries were informed that circumstances in Thailand and foreign countries were different.

"The military has clear evidence and strong reasons for it to stage a coup and is ready to convince foreign nations," Winthai said.

He said the military supported democracy and as such it expected other countries not to focus on individual cases.

He said acts under democratic principles by both individuals and groups in Thailand had caused loss of life and damage many times.

Many people used their freedom of expression through weapons and that reflected their support for violence. "I wonder what image foreigners would have of Thailand where such a freedom of expression leads to violence," he said.

"The use of rights under democracy in Thailand may be different from other countries. The news reports by the Thai and foreign media about the situation in Thailand are also different."

Referring to a telephone conversation between US Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Harry Harris and National Council for Peace and Order chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, Winthai said the conversation was initiated as both countries were old allies.

During the conversation, Winthai said Harris expressed concerns but as a military officer he understood the situation.

Harris hoped that the power seizure would end at the soonest possible date with the country returned to sustainable peace.

The US had earlier cancelled an ongoing military exercise with Thailand and Harris's planned visit to the country after the Army seized power in a widely condemned coup.

Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said in a statement on Saturday:

"While we have enjoyed a long and productive military-to-military relationship with Thailand, our own democratic principles and US law require us to reconsider US military assistance and engagements."

The Cooperation of Afloat Readiness and Training exercise, which involves several hundred US Marines and sailors and began last Monday, was cancelled.


-- The Nation 2014-05-26

[webfact]

Prayuth seeks public understanding over transfer of officials
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- COUP LEADER General Prayuth Chan-ocha has asked for public understanding over the transfers of three senior officials, saying they have done nothing wrong but the move was made for the "sake of suitability" in the current situation.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) on Saturday ordered the removal of national police chief General Adul Saengsingkaew, Department of Special Investigation director-general Tarit Pengdit, and Defence Ministry permanent secretary General Nipat Thonglek. They will be transferred to the PM's Office.

Army deputy spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari quoted NCPO and Army chief Prayuth as saying the transfers did not impinge on the honour of the men or their agencies.

Deputy police chief General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit has replaced Adul as acting police chief, the spokesman said.

"All will be done to create trust among members of society. And [Prayuth] would like the people to have sympathy for the transferred and refrain from showing contempt and hatred towards them because they are not regarded as having committed wrongdoings," Winthai said. "Please regard that their transfers have been made for the sake of suitability under the current situation. [Prayuth] would like all [people] to provide cooperation to those who become acting holders of the positions."

Watcharapol defended his decision to appoint eight new acting commissioners on Saturday, saying it was normal to rotate officials for suitability.

"Reshuffle and transfer are normal. No one has any flaw in performance,'' he said.

The eight new commissioners yesterday reported to Watcharapol, who was appointed to the top police post by the NCPO.

Watcharapol said he had not been given any special orders from the NCPO and still regarded Adul as his superior.

Former Bangkok police chief Lt-General Camronvit Toopkrajank, one of the eight officers transferred, was in a relaxed mood when he talked to reporters.

He said he only had four months left before retirement so he had never thought of resigning.


-- The Nation 2014-05-26

[webfact]

Pledging policy blamed for drastic fall in price of rice
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE PRICE of Thai rice has plunged to the lowest level in six years, even lower than Vietnam's despite higher cost of production, due to the deposed government's pledging policy.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729141-pledging-policy-blamed-for-drastic-fall-in-price-of-thai-rice/

[webfact]

Thai move to reclaim rice crown in Hong Kong
PETCHANET PRATRUANGKRAI
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND is moving aggressively to reclaim its dominant share of the Hong Kong fragrant-rice market, after buyers there agreed to boost their orders.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729142-thai-move-to-reclaim-rice-crown-in-hong-kong/

[webfact]

British Council invites kids to showcase their English
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Primary and secondary students have been invited to take part in the "British Council English Competition 2014" for the chance to win the HRH Princess Sirindhorn Cup.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729143-british-council-invites-kids-to-showcase-their-english/

[webfact]

Little Denmark in Hua Hin celebrates 1 year



HUA HIN: -- The Danish restaurant Donjai’s Little Denmark celebrates its one year anniversary on 1 June with a free buffet for members of Danskerklubben in Hua Hin – if they buy their own beverages to go along with the food.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729145-little-denmark-in-hua-hin-celebrates-1-year/

[webfact]

One suspect arrested after three killed in shooting in Brussels

BRUSSELS, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Belgian Procuratorate confirmed Saturday evening, a few hours after the shooting in Brussels, to the press that a suspect has been arrested and another one fled.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729147-one-suspect-arrested-after-three-killed-in-shooting-in-brussels/

[webfact]

Thai army chief to receive royal nod as junta head

BANGKOK, May 26, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's coup leader will receive royal appointment on Monday as head of the military junta that overthrew the civilian government, the army said.

Army chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who seized power four days earlier and has assumed extensive powers over the Southeast Asian nation of 67 million, will formally be appointed in a ceremony in Bangkok.

The monarchy headed by the revered but ailing king, 86-year-old Bhumibol Adulyadej, commands great respect among many Thais.

His blessing has traditionally been a key step in legitimising the recurring military takeovers that have taken place in Thailand, which has now seen 19 actual or attempted coups since 1932.

"The ceremony to receive the royal command appointing General Prayut as leader of the National Council of Peace and Order will begin at around 10 am (0300 GMT) inside the Army headquarters," said army spokeswoman Sirichan Ngathong.

She indicated the king, who is yet to make a public statement on the coup, would not be present for the ceremony.

The military cabal led by Prayut dismissed the civilian government on Thursday, following seven months of mass anti-government protesters and related political violence.

More than 1,000 anti-coup demonstrators marched through Bangkok on Sunday with dozens of demonstrators facing off against lines of armed soldiers, as the junta warned of a crackdown if the protests continued.

The military has detained former premier Yingluck Shinawatra along with scores of ousted government leaders, political figures, critics and academics in a sweeping roundup since the coup, which has drawn sharp international criticism.

An army commander indicated Yingluck remained under military control.

"We are taking care of her, she is fine, she can choose to stay wherever she wants," Lieutenant General Thirachai Nakwanich, central region army commander told AFP, when asked of Yingluck's fate.

"Her living conditions are fine."

Under the junta, civil liberties have been curbed, media restrictions imposed and most of the constitution abrogated.

The junta on Saturday announced that it had placed all law-making authority in Prayut's hands.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-26

[webfact]

PDRC leaders including Suthep, Akanat, Satit, Buddhipongse, Suriyasai taken by soldiers to Attorney General for prosecution on insurrection charges /MCOT

[webfact]

Rare wood logs confiscated from resort in Mae Hong Son

MAE HONG SON, 26 May 2014, (NNT) -The Military and officials of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation have raided a resort in Mae Hong Son and confiscated logs of rosewood and praduak.

Officials found several logs of the rare wood, both processed and unprocessed, along with a number of chainsaws at Pai River Rock Resort in Pai District of Mae Hong Son Province. The resort is owned by Mr. Jaruwong Ruengsuwan, the eldest son of the former Interior Minister and Pheu Thai Party Leader Jarupong Ruengsuwan.

Aside from the logs, the joint forces also discovered explosives and weapon components, as well as several protected animals held in the compound. Officials said that the owner does not possess the necessary documentation to keep the wild animals, adding that the authorities from the Department of National Parks would place these animals under their care for the time being.

-- NNT 2014-05-26

[webfact]

RT @tukky_nt: It has not been confirmed if Yingluck was released. #Coup2014

[webfact]

RT @ACSBKK: Bangkok airports: flights continue as scheduled. More info at AOT (Airports of Thailand) Contact Center at 1722 (24-hours)

[webfact]

Eurosceptic 'earthquake' rocks EU elections

(BBC) Eurosceptic and far-right parties have seized ground in elections to the European parliament, in what France's PM called a "political earthquake".

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729171-french-far-right-in-earthquake-win-as-eu-votes/

[webfact]

Former PM Yingluck released from military custody

BANGKOK, 26 May 2014 (NNT) - The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha ordered Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra to be permitted to leave on May 25th, after she was earlier detained at an undisclosed military camp in Bangkok.

General Prayuth has also ordered the release of several detainees from the Pheu Thai Party after the Army summoned several key leaders from both sides of the political arena when it seized power in a coup on May 22nd.

However, those leaders who have arrest warrants issued against them, will still be placed in military custody to await prosecution.


-- NNT 2014-05-26

[webfact]

Suthep released but faces insurrection charge

BANGKOK: -- People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leader Suthep Thaugsuban and two other co-leaders were released by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) this morning soon after they were detained when the Army chief staged a bloodless coup last Thursday.

But Suthep and his two colleagues Akanat Promphanand Somsakkosaisook, a former state enterprise union leader, were immediately escorted by troops to the Office of the Attorney General to face insurrection charge which were earlier filed against them by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

Suthep arrived at the office Monday morning where the PDRC lawyer Virat Kallayasiri was there to facilitate the surrender along with other leaders facing the same charge.

One of the PDRC co-leaders Thavorn Senniem was also at the office to turn himself in to the DSI officials to face charge.

Also seen at the Office of the Attorney General to turn themselves in to face charge included Bhuddipong Punagunta, Suriyasai Katasila, Jumpol Jullasai, Mrs Taya Theepsuwan.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/suthep-released-faces-insurrection-charge/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-26

[webfact]

11 PDRC leaders released by military, handed over to prosecutors
The Nation


Photo from Anchalee Paireerak's Facebook

BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thaugsuban and 10 other leaders of the People's Democratic Reform Committee were released from a military camp and handed over to the Office of the Attorney Genera early Monday.

They left the camp at 4 am and were taken to the Office of Attorney General for charging in court, according to Anchalee Paireerak, one of the released leaders.

She said the PDRC leaders were brought to the Criminal Court at 5 am for arraignment in the sedition charge.

Anchalee said the PDRC leaders were woken up at 3 am to get ready for leaving the camp.

The released leaders included PDRC spokesman Akanat Prompha, Sathit Wongnongtoey, Puttipong Punnakan and Suriyasai Katasila.


-- The Nation 2014-05-26

[webfact]

Yingluck released by Thai military junta
English.news.cn

BANGKOK, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Thai former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and a number of other people under military detention have been released, local media reported Monday.

Yingluck was allowed to return home Sunday night from an army camp in Bangkok in an order issued by the National Council for Peace and Order, Bangkok Post quoted an army source as saying.

Suthep and four other protest co-leaders were also reportedly released and reported to the attorney-general on insurrection charges.

Suthep was among a number of people detained on Thursday, the day the coup was declared, while attending a military-called seven- party talks. Yingluck, along with many other prominent figures, was detained after reporting to the junta on Friday.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-05/26/c_133361510.htm

-- Xinhua 2014-05-26

[webfact]

Bereft Phuket taxi driver gets B100k gift from hospital
Suthicha Sirirat


Mr Namporn with the cheque.

PHUKET: -- Although the autopsy on Pornthip Buddeekam, 37, has yet to be completed, Vachira Phuket Hospital – where she died during childbirth on May 2 – has made a donation to her husband to help cover funeral expenses.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729176-bereft-phuket-taxi-driver-gets-b100k-gift-from-hospital/

[webfact]

Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,396.75, falls 0.09 points /MCOT