Thailand Live Monday 26 May 2014

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The Seismology Office of Thailand Meteorology Department reported a 3.9 magnitude quake in Mae Lao district of Chiang Rai province at 01.55 a.m. Monday. The guake was slightly felt by residents in Chiang Rai. /ThaiPBS

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Gen Prayuth to receive royal command
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 26 -- Thailand's Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha is scheduled to receive a royal command appointing him leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) today, according to Lt-Gen Panuwat Nakwong, assistant chief of staff for civil affairs.

Gen Panuwat said the ceremony would be held at Army Headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue at 10.49am.

After the ceremony, Gen Prayuth will speak on national television outlining the issues including the proclamation of the appointment of a new government, an interim constitution and the setting up of a national legislative council and political reform body, he said.

Gen Prayuth on Thursday declared a coup, saying it was aimed at stopping further loss of life and preventing the conflict in the country from further escalating.

In a related development, the Bank for Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) today will begin paying farmers waiting for money under the rice pledging scheme.

The BAAC has set aside Bt40 billion for the initial payment while another Bt50 billion would be acquired through loans from other financial institutions as soon as possible.

The payment came after the NCPO announcement that the payments are its priority to ease the hardship of farmers. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-26

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RT @WilwithoneL: Waiting for Suthep... http://t.co/qrIPYuEEe9

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Schools in Bangkok reopen after 3-day closure

BANGKOK, 26 May 2014 (NNT) – Schools in the capital have now reopened after a 3-day closure following the military seizure of power on Thursday.

The atmosphere around Bangkok was reportedly bustling this morning as schools resume classes today. At Surasakmontree School on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, students were seen being dropped off by their parents while some traveled to the school by public buses as usual.

Traffic jams were not too heavy this morning, thanks to the traffic police who were actively working to facilitate commuters.

At two other schools in Ratchathewi area -- Santiratwitthayalai School and Sri Ayudhya School --students seemed excited to see their friends. They were greeted by their teachers when they arrived at the front gate.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) last week ordered all schools in Bangkok to suspend classes from May 23-25 due to the political uncertainty in the capital after the military staged a coup and seized power from the government that was led by acting PM Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan.


-- NNT 2014-05-26

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RT @tulsathit: Gen Prayuth is ready to meet media for the first time since the coup. via @WassanaNanuam

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Prayuth to hold press conference at Army headquarters at 11 am

BANGKOK: -- Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the head of the National Council for Peace and Order, will hold a press conference at the Army headquarters on Rajdamnoen Road at 11 am.

He will hold a press conference at the Kittikhachorn Auditorium after he received a royal command appointing him as the NCPO chief.


-- The Nation 2014-05-26

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Mom leaves toddler to drown in motel's bathtub while hanging with lover
By Coconuts Bangkok




BANGKOK: -- A two-year-old girl was left to drown in a bathtub in a motel room in Samutprakarn province Saturday morning where her mother had spent the night with a man.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729213-mom-leaves-toddler-to-drown-in-motels-bathtub-while-hanging-with-lover-thailand/

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RT @Ryn_writes: Waiting for Gen Prayuth's presser at Kitikajon Hall Army Club. http://t.co/Qzblm7JhnW

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BAAC begins Bt40 bln payout to farmers awaiting rice pledging scheme money; set to pay total Bt92.4 bln by June 30 /MCOT

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Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha receives royal endorsement appointing him chief of National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) /MCOT

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RT @Tulip_Oum: 11:05AM Army chief has arrived army club in white uniform.-@Thana_NOW26: http://t.co/gb4rnH9ngO

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New fault line discovered in Nan Province

NAN, 26 May 2014 (NNT) - The Department of Mineral Resources has dispatched officials to investigate a new fault line in Nan Province.

The Seismological Bureau yesterday reported another aftershock measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale with its epicenter in Phan District, Chiang Rai. The report also said that two recent quakes in Nan led to the Bureau’s discovery of a new fault line in the province. Officials have been sent to investigate the fault line.

Meanwhile, Chiang Rai’s Ecclesiastical Provincial Governor, Venerable Phra Kru Pipat Rattanapong and representatives from the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University yesterday presented construction materials donated to quake-hit temples in Mae Suai, Mae Lao and Phan Districts, Chiang Rai Province.

Residents of Mae Mon Village in Huaychomphu Sub-district have built temporary classrooms for Mae Mon Wittaya School in Muang District. According to the school headmaster, all of the school’s buildings are deemed structural unsound following the quake. The buildings are now too dangerous to be put to use and subjected to be pulled down. The school has requested a budget of 3.4 million baht from the Education Ministry for the reconstruction and is waiting for an official reply.


-- NNT 2014-05-26

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Yingluck released



BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has released former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra last night after she was detained one day after the coup last Thursday.

She was freed from the First Infantry Division of the Royal Guards in Bangkok on order of NCPO head Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Several other people detained at the same place were also released. Their names were not disclosed but her sister Yaowapa Wongsawat and ex-Premier Somchai Wongsawat were also detained at the same safehouse inside the army barracks.

Until this morning she was not seen where she returned to stay after the release.

General Prayuth last night also ordered the release of several detainees from the Pheu Thai Party, and the PDRC

However, those leaders who have arrest warrants issued against them, will still be placed in military custody to await trial by the Court Martial.

Yingluck, whose government was in power when the unrest began in November, was removed from office earlier this month by the country’s Constitutional Court over the appointments of top security officials.

Yingluck is the sister of Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted as premier in a military coup in 2006. Thailand has faced a power struggle since Thaksin was ousted by the military as PM in 2006.

The latest unrest began last year, when anti-government protesters embarked on a campaign to oust Yingluck’s government. They accuse Yingluck of acting as a proxy for her fugitive brother.

More than 200 people were so far summoned to appear before the National Council for Peace and Order.

Those summoned include academics and one of Yingluck’s chief opponents, “Yellow Shirt” movement leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/yingluck-released/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-26

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RT @tulsathit: Prayuth emphasises the "full powers" to rule, says curfew will continue but with leniency, and stresses focus is on keeping peace.

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RT @tulsathit: Prayuth: I call for understanding of our sincerity. We will do our best to solve problems as soon as possible. via @thapanee3miti

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Suthep, 24 other PDRC leaders released on bail

BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thaugsuban and 24 other leading members of the People's Democratic Reform Committee were released on bail at 11 am Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729219-suthep-24-other-pdrc-leaders-released-on-bail/

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Thai king appoints army chief as junta head

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729221-thai-king-appoints-army-chief-as-junta-head/

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Northern village headmen express support for NCPO

PHITSANULOK, 26 May 2014 (NNT) - Groups of village headmen in the northern region released statements expressing support for the establishment of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

17 groups of village headmen from northern provinces led by Phitsanulok’s chief of village headmen have expressed support to the NCPO’s role in reforming the country and moving it forward.

Phitsanulok’s chief of village headmen Captain Ubol Puttharak said the NCPO’s decision to maintain the same public administration system as well as to make paying back farmers in the controversial rice subsidy scheme a priority has been deeply appreciated by residents in the North

The statements expressed gratitude for the NCPO’s action and indicated that local administrative units in the region are willing to fully cooperate with the army in carrying out its missions.

The statements will be forwarded to the Army Region 3.


-- NNT 2014-05-26

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MILITARY JUNTA
Election to be held but no timeline : Gen Prayuth



BANGKOK: -- Military junta chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on Monday said the country will have national election as soon as possible but there was no timeframe, depending on the situation.

Prayuth was saying in his first press conference after recieving royal endorsement as chief of National Council for Peace and Order.

He emphasised the full powers to rule and called for the public to have understanding of the military’s sincerity. They will do their best to solve problems as soon as possible.

"I’m not here to fight but fix. But I will do anything (in order to fix)," he said, adding that please excuse me for extra-tough measures because it was necessary.

"The less you allow me to speak, the more I’ll be able to work. Please be calm and patient, like you have always been. Crisis has plagued the country for nine years now," he added.

He vowed to ease drastic measures when situation improved and curfew is still needed.

Prayuth also called the media not to amplify conflicts.

Referring to the summons of political figures, he said all summoned are not suffering, but the accommodation let them know how soldiers live.


-- The Nation 2014-05-26

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Thai army chief threatens action against anti-coup rallies

BANGKOK, May 26, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's army chief threatened Monday to "intensify law enforcement" against anti-coup protesters who have pledged to rally in Bangkok for a fourth day over the military's seizure of power.

General Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who was on Monday given royal endorsement to govern the country, said protesters found in breach of martial law could be tried in military courts, in his first press conference as de facto Thai leader.

If rallies continue "I will intensify law enforcement", he warned, adding "when the situation relaxes we can relax those measures".

Asked how long the junta would be in power he said the army would take control "until the situation is resolved" refusing to be drawn on whether he would eventually become prime minister.

As coup-maker Prayut has swept through orders including curbing media freedoms and banning political gatherings of more than five people.

Anti-coup protesters have held several seemingly spontaneous rallies in downtown Bangkok since last Friday.

They have swiftly grown in size, drawing around one thousand angry protesters on Sunday in a rally that rolled through Bangkok's commercial heart.

Demonstrators, many holding anti-coup placards, have scuffled with soldiers and several have been detained, raising fears of a wider crackdown if they continue to breach martial law.

They are due to hold another rally on Monday afternoon.

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

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Group of people shows love of army



BANGKOK, 26 May 2014 (NNT) – A group of people has presented on-duty soldiers roses in a gesture of support for the army's role.

A group of people calling themselves “Love Army” yesterday gathered at the Democracy Monument to show their support for the military, handing over flowers and food to soldiers as a token of their appreciation. They also had their pictures taken with the soldiers.

Before leaving, the group sang the Thai national anthem and other patriotic songs.

According to one of the supporters, he showed up today to express his gratitude to soldiers who serve and protect the nation from all sorts of threats.


-- NNT 2014-05-26

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M-67 grenade found in the middle of Phayathai District

BANGKOK, 26 May 2014 (NNT) - Police were called in immediately after an M-67 grenade that was wrapped with a black tape was found in front of a bus stop on Si Ayutthaya Road in Phayathai District.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729225-bangkok-m-67-grenade-found-in-the-middle-of-phayathai-district/

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Farmers rejoice after junta head orders immediate cash payment



BANGKOK: -- Farmers nationwide rejoiced Monday after their long awaited money from rice selling are to be paid today.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729233-thai-rice-farmers-rejoice-after-junta-head-orders-immediate-cash-payment/

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Full Text of Gen. Prayuth's Royal Endorsement [unofficial Translation]
By Khaosod English


Royal gazette endorsing Gen. Prayuth as leader of the NCPO, 26 May 2014

Announcement Appointing the Head of the National Council of Peace and Ordre
King Bhumibol Adulyadej P.R.

Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha has informed His Majesty the King that there has been consistent violence in Bangkok and other areas, which threatens to escalate into serious incident or unrest, affecting the national security and lives and property of the general the public. In order to restore the aforementioned situation back to normalcy as soon as possible, and to create love and unity among the people in the nation, and to reform political and other structures, which will give fairness to all sides, the armed forces and the police, headed by Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, have seized power of the national administration on 22 May, 2014, 4:30pm onward.

Therefore, to ensure peace and order to the country and harmony of the people, His Majesty the King hereby appoints Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha as the leader of the National Council of Peace and Ordre with the authority to administer the country from here on out.

Announced on 24 May 2557 B.E. on the 69th year of the current reign.

Countersigned by Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1401083995

-- Khaosod English 2014-05-26

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Nong Khai province devastated by summer storm

NONG KHAI, 26 May 2014 (NNT) – A summer storm and a hailstorm has swept through Phra That Bung Puan Subdistrict of Muang district in Nong Khai province where over 400 homes have been severely damaged.

The storm also brought down 13 electricity poles, causing a widespread blackout and leaving 2 people injured.

On the evening of May 25th, a summer storm producing gusty winds and hailstones lasted for about 40 minutes and devastated 10 out of the 400 damaged homes.

According to locals, hailstones sizes of limes were heavily falling followed by an hour of rain and at least 3 strong whirlwinds passed by.

Authorities will be assessing the damage to provide assistance and report to the provincial office. An amount of budget will soon be allocated to those affected by the natural disaster.


-- NNT 2014-05-26

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Nakhon Ratchasima holds seminar on seed preservation

NAKHON RATCHASIMA (NNT) — Nakhon Ratchasima has held a seminar on seed preservation in accordance with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s project.

At the Nakhon Ratchasima City Hall, deputy governor Winai Vitthayakul presided over the opening ceremony of the seminar on plant seed preservation. The project was initiated by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with an aim to preserve quality plant seeds.

The seminar’s objective is to teach participants how to best preserve plant seeds for future farming, planting, research, etc. Moreover, the seminar aims to provide knowledge about the genetics of plants life and how to preserve and develop the current seeds.

The entire seminar consists of 8 activities related to the preservation of plant seeds. The event was participated by approximately 200 interested individuals and related officials.


-- NNT 2014-05-26

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Phitsanulok locals show support for army

PHITSANULOK 26 May 2014 (NNT) — Phitsanulok residents have shown support for army officials in the province after the recent coup.

Locals in Phitsanulok province have gathered to show their support for the army officials in the province. 50 people have reportedly gotten together to offer soldiers water and snacks; they also voiced their support to the troops.

The troops, along with Ms. Pongpan Chan-ocha, chairperson of the Army House Wives, responded by affirming that the army would restore peace and order as soon as possible and thanked the locals for their show of support.

According to Mr. Singh Pakketati, 63, a local of Phitsanulok, he was delighted when he heard that farmers would soon receive their long-overdue payments from the rice mortgaging scheme. He had farmed 38 rai of rice and pledged his produce more than 100,000 baht worth of rice under the program but had yet to receive his payment, he said, thanking the army for their endeavor.


-- NNT 2014-05-26

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Srettha reports to NCPO

BANGKOK: -- Srettha Thavisin, the president of Sansiri Plc, reported himself to the National Council for Peace and Order Monday.

He was among 30 prominent figures summoned in the latest order issued Sunday to meet the NCPO.

Srettha came to the Army Club at 9:40 am.


-- The Nation 2014-05-26

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News Corp to publish newspapers for 'decades and decades'

SYDNEY - The head of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. on Monday said the group will be publishing newspapers for "decades" and hit out at the "morbid mindset" of those who say print is dead.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729237-news-corp-to-publish-newspapers-for-decades-and-decades/

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Jaruzelski, Poland's last communist ruler, dead at 90

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729239-jaruzelski-polands-last-communist-ruler-dead-at-90/