Thailand Live Tuesday 27 May 2014

[Lite Beer]

Army continues purging hardcore redshirts

BANGKOK: -- Soldiers from the Third Army Region searched the Varorot Grand Palace hotel in Chiang Mai and seized a number of ammunition and explosives Tuesday.

It was the third time in less than a week after the military coup that soldiers searched the hotel which belongs to a hardcore redshirt leader Petcharawat Wattanapongsirikul.

He is the leader of the redshirt “Rak Chiang Mai 51 Group.

The hotel is also used as the location of the group’s community radio broadcasting on 92.50 MHz frequency.

Seized items from the hotel included computer notebooks, provocative documents, a number of cartridges, and equipment used in making ” ping pong” bombs.
He still did not report to the military junta.

Meanwhile about 50 soldiers from the Fourth Infantry Regiment and border police also searched a mansion of a tycoon Danupol Tanapipatchai who is an aide to the former interior minister Charupong Ruangsuwan in Mae Sot district of Tak Monday night but nothing illegal was found.
The tycoon was not in.

Charupong still defies order to report.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/army-continues-purging-hardcore-redshirts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=army-continues-purging-hardcore-redshirts

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-27

[Lite Beer]

RT@georgehenton: Packed out FCCT speech by Chaturon Chaisaeng denouncing Coup - concern he may be arrested here #thaicoup pic.twitter.com/EKlXx2XJqn

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Taylor Swift's concert cancelled
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- The long-awaited Taylor Swift's concert in Bangkok has been cancelled, BEC-TERO announced Tuesday, citing the current political situation.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729511-taylor-swifts-bangkok-concert-cancelled/

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Redshirt district landmark repainted in white



BANGKOK: -- The country's only "Redshirt District" landmark in June district of Phayao province was repainted to white under order of the National Council of Peace and Order.

The assistant district officer of June district of Phayao province Wasant Khuenkaeo this morning led all heads of local government agencies to repaint the district landmark from red to white leaving only the emblem of the constitution on the bowl in the middle in its original gold colour.

He said it was the order from the NCPO to repaint the district landmark to white.

Instead of the exact name of “June” district, the redshirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship unilaterally gave the name of the district to “Sua Daeng” (red shirt) district and paint the landmark to red.

Earlier last year the Democrat Party has urged the Interior Ministry to remove the landmark after about 500 local people complained that they were unhappy with the red shirt people for bringing in the concrete landmark to locate at the place to tell visitors and people this is Redshirt district instead of June district.

The landmark reads “Sua Daeng” district.

But no action was taken by the ministry, while the redshirts argued it was just a symbolic landmark which has nothing to do with secession.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/redshirt-district-landmark-repainted-white/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-27

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No money to fix caved-in road in Koh Kaew, say officials
Phuket Gazette


The damaged lane has been unusable for months, and recently cleaved off completely from the main road. Photo: Saran Mitrarat

PHUKET: -- A section of a busy road in Koh Kaew has collapsed, but despite a circle of finger-pointing by local officials, no repairs are likely until next year, due to lack of funds.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729515-no-money-to-fix-caved-in-road-in-koh-kaew-say-officials/

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BMTA sets up call center

BANGKOK, 27 May 2014 (NNT) – The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has established a call center to inform the public about adjusted transportation routes following the declaration of martial law.

The BMTA has set up a Travel Facilitation Center to make it easier for passengers using transport services by launching a call center 1348 to provide information of the adjusted routes. However, the BMTA will gradually update information, as well as set up patrol officers to accommodate all passengers affected by the political unrest.


-- NNT 2014-05-27

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Suthep visits bomb victim at Phra Mongkut Klao Hospital

BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, Tuesday visited a PDRC supporter who was injured in a bomb attack against a PDRC rally.

Suthep and Puttipong Punnakan, a PDRC leader, visited Pornsri Yodphet at the Phra Mongkut Klao hospital at 11 am.

A bomb fragment hit Pornsri's face, damaging her eye and dissolving part of face.

Doctors had to perform an operation to fix the dissolved face and eye bones.

Suthep said the PDRC shouldered all the medical cost of Pornsri and would take care of her family and post for schooling cost of her children.

Suthep sai he would not make any comment on politics for now.


-- The Nation 2014-05-27

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Clashes over control of Donetsk airport left at least 30 pro-Russian separatists dead, rebels say /BBC

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Ex-PM Banharn, other figures meet NCPO
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 27--- Former prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa and other individuals, including flamboyant politician Chuwit Kamolvisit, summoned by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) have appeared up at the Royal Thai Army auditorium in the Thewes area today.

The figures, who reported to the NCPO mainly in the late morning, included Chartthaipattana Party chief advisor Banharn Silpa-archa, Rak Thailand Party leader Chuwit Kamolvisit and chairman of the independent National Rule of Law Commission (NRLC) Ukrit Mongkolnavin.

The trio are among the 16 figures ordered by the NCPO last night to report to the authorities from 10am until noon today.

Other persons included Phadung Limcharoenrat, former secretary to the then interior minister, People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leader Witthaya Kaewparadai and former Democrat MP Rangsima Rodrassami.

Meanwhile, ex-Pheu Thai MP Thitima Chaisaeng also reported to the NCPO after being ordered on May 24.

Ms Thitima is a younger sister of former education minister and Pheu Thai key member Chaturon, who was summoned earlier by the NCPO and has not yet reported to the authorities.

The NCPO announced last night that persons who did not show up at the Army auditorium between 10am to midday will face a maximum two years in jail or be fined Bt40,000, or both, as well as being prohibited from doing financial and banking transactions. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-27

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7 private organisations discuss national economic reform
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 27 -- Seven business organisations today discussed national economic reform plans that will be proposed to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) for consideration.

Participants in the discussion included Isara Vongkusolkit, chairman of the Board of Trade of Thailand, Supan Mongkolsuthee, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, Stock Exchange of Thailand president Charamporn Jotikasthria, Tourism Council of Thailand president Piyaman Tejapaibul, and Paiboon Nalinthrangkurn, chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations.

Mr Supan said there were six ways to strengthen Thai economy and society in a sustainable manner.

He referred to the reform of investment frameworks in government and private sectors, the improvement of education and innovation, solutions to social problems and inequality, good governance and corruption suppression, the improvement of government regulations and the introduction of new economic structures.

He said the private sector was ready to support restoring confidence and economic reform to change the nation.

Mrs Piyaman said tourism was continuing and the number of visitors to Thailand should increase slightly from 26.7 million last year to 26.8 million this year.

Representatives of the seven private organisations will work out details of their economic reform plans and will meet again next week. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-27

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Weapons confiscation continues after coup
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, May 27 -- After the military took over power in Thailand six days ago, officers have continued operations searching for and confiscating weapons which they said belonged to political protesters.

In the latest raid, officers had found more weapons and ammunition at the site.

A task force of some 30 police and army officers raided a 40-rai longan farm in Muang Jee subdistrict of Lamphun's provincial seat, after learning that political protesters have been practicing using weapons there.

During the seizure, five men suspects fled into the nearby woods.

The authorities confiscated three motorcycles, guns, ammunition, along with bulletproof vests, as well as equipment used in political protests. The seized evidence was taken for further investigation. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-27

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Former education minister Chaturon Chaisaeng said at Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand he will surrender to the National Council for Peace and Order. /Bangkok Post

CORRECTION - Bangkok Post

Correction: Former education minister Chaturon Chaisaeng said at Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand he is prepared to be arrested, but will not surrender. /Bangkok Post

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TAT pleads with NCPO to adjust curfew laws

BANGKOK, 27 May 2014 (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s Governor, has asked the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to lift the curfew on tourist attractions that operate at night.

Governor Thawatchai Aranyik announced that the TAT would consult with the Ministry of Sports and Tourism to request the NCPO reduce the hours of curfew so that tourists can still enjoy their nightlife. The TAT remained confident that their request would not impair the nation’s security.

Meanwhile, the TAT will be hosting the Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) from June 4-6, which is a major tourism event featuring several exhibitions. The TAT would also then inform foreign business owners, of Thailand’s current political situation in the hope of easing their concerns.


-- NNT 2014-05-27

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More rains expected across Thailand during the next 2-3 days

BANGKOK, 27 May 2014 (NNT) - More heavy rains are expected in many parts of Thailand amid sweltering summer heat.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729541-more-rains-expected-across-thailand-during-the-next-2-3-days/

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Over 400 Chonburi people express gratitude to the military

CHONBURI, 27 May 2014 (NNT) – Col. Prateung Kaewtui, a representative of the 14th military circle has welcomed Chonburi people who visited the Nawamindhachini Army base. Local people agree that military intervention is the right way to end the political crisis, hence, they have given roses to the troops and offered drinks to show their gratitude to the army. The atmosphere is filled with smiles.

Since the National Council for Peace and Order declared a coup d’etat, people have provided it with full cooperation and have continued to live a normal life without any problems. Moreover, they are willing to comply with the NCPO policies in order to unite the nation.


-- NNT 2014-05-27

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Child malnutrition rate remains high in Thailand
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, May 27 -- The rate of child malnutrition in Thailand has increased, between 2006 and 2012, according to a survey on the situation of children and women in Thailand.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729549-child-malnutrition-rate-remains-high-in-thailand/

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Focus

'Let us vote': Thai protesters defy junta and labels
by Aidan JONES

BANGKOK, May 27, 2014 (AFP) - From teachers and tour guides to financial consultants, a small band of anti-coup protesters from a spectrum of Thailand's divided society is taking to the streets to defy the kingdom's new junta.

Their message to the military rulers -- return power to the people.

Brought together by social media, they appear to be a leaderless motley crew who began massing within 24 hours of the seizure of power by army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha on May 22.

While some are avowed "Red Shirt" supporters of recently ousted premier Yingluck Shinawatra, others reject labels that they are die-hard supporters of the toppled government.

Meem, a 27-year-old financial consultant, said he was unhappy with some elements of Yingluck's administration but stood by his right to vote.

"This is about right and wrong -- not about Thaksin," he said at a tense protest in central Bangkok, referring to Yingluck's elder brother, a tycoon-turned-populist politician whose overthrow as premier by the military in 2006 ignited the kingdom's long-running crisis.

"We sell the country as a democracy but in the end it's run by the army," he added. "It seems like Myanmar 20 years ago."

His views reflect a burgeoning angst among a slice of broadly young, educated middle-class Bangkok residents who want to exercise their right to vote and hope to see an end to the bitter split in Thai society.

That divide broadly pits the Bangkok-based establishment and royalist southerners against the Shinawatra family and its supporters, mostly in the north and northeast of the country.

- 'Totally unjust' -

The numbers of protesters peaked at around 1,000 on Sunday when a Red Shirt leader wanted by the army was due to make an appearance at a fast-food restaurant in central Bangkok.

But in the main they have been a small but vehement collection of around 100-200 people who have gathered at the city's Victory Monument or in the retail district through Facebook or other social networks.

"I am scared of course, but I have to be here," said 59-year-old teacher Yim. "This coup is totally unjust."

At another rally on Saturday, a tour guide giving his name only as Piti said he had to come to witness the army response to the protest as strict media curbs had cut his ability to follow events.

"I'm not 'Red' or 'Yellow'," he said referring to the colours of Thailand's rival political factions. "I just want peace, democracy and freedom."

The daily rallies have become a cat-and-mouse game between protesters and the army, posing a direct challenge to the tough-talking junta, which has warned it will not brook any dissent.

The regime is monitoring social media, has cordoned off roads to stop protesters massing and coralled those brave enough to attend rallies with troops armed with riot shields and weapons.

It has not -- so far -- used force to end the rallies.

Army loudspeakers on Monday warned people they were breaking the law and tried to incite onlookers to take their own action to clear the road of protesters.

Soldiers have also extensively photographed and filmed the crowd.

Nine protesters have been arrested in Bangkok and have been taken into police custody, according to the authorities.

At least 10 others were arrested over the weekend in northern Chiang Mai.

The army chief has threatened a wider crackdown and even warned that the families of protesters were vulnerable.

Despite the risks, one 33-year-old office worker said she felt compelled to join a rally on Monday afternoon.

"The big picture is we're scared of where this country is going... you can't fix a problem with another problem -- a coup is not neutral," she said, asking not to be named.

Her friend said she feared losing her job if her pro-coup boss saw her at the rally.

"More people will come. We are all sick," she said. "Yes, we want a better government than (under Yingluck) but the system has to run -- don't tear it apart with a coup. We want to vote."


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-27

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Chaturon taken away by troops at FCCT

BANGKOK: -- Ousted education minister Chaturon Chaisang was Tuesday taken away by troops after he held a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in Bangkok's Chidlom area.

He did not resist when troops took him away.

He is on the list of prominent figures summoned by the National Council for Peace and Order.

"Don’t worry," Chaturon told foreign reporters when he was being taken away.


-- The Nation 2014-05-27

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Foreign tourists drop by 20 per cent following martial law imposition: permanent official

BANGKOK: -- The arrival of foreign tourists has dropped by 20 per cent following the imposition of martial law, Permanent Secretary for Sports and Tourism Suwat Sidthilaw said Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Navy chief Adm Narong Pipattanasai, Suwat said the number of foreign tourists had fallen by tens of thousands.

He said he had received complaints from tourism operators in key tourist destinations, such as Pataya and Phuket, that the curfew affected their businesses.

Narong said the operators would like the military junta to ease the curfew order.


-- The Nation 2014-05-27

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Passport office at Chaeng Wattana to resume service

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry's Consular Affairs Department will resume full services next week, including the issuance of passports.

The department suspended its operations late last year after antigovernment protesters staged mass rallies in Bangkok and a group of demonstrators occupied an area near the department on Chaeng Wattana Road.


-- The Nation 2014-05-27

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Thai junta says former PM Yingluck released and at home

BANGKOK, May 27, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's junta said Tuesday former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had been released from military detention and allowed to return home, in the first official confirmation of her whereabouts since she was detained last week.

Yingluck, who led the former Puea Thai government until she was removed by a controversial court ruling in early May, was detained on May 23 after reporting to the army.

"She (Yingluck) has been released," junta spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree said, without specifying when she was freed.

"Everyone released must sign an agreement to inform the National Council of Peace and Order about their whereabouts clearly," he said, adding that related to major movements only and she would be allowed to go "shopping".

He did not confirm if her home was being watched over by soldiers.

Yingluck was among scores of leading figures from both sides of the political divide to be detained by an army sweep after it seized power on May 22.

For days her exact location remained a mystery.

She is the younger sister of billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, who lives in self-imposed exile to avoid a corruption charge but who sits at the heart of the nation's deep political divide.

Thailand's coup leader Army Chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha has imposed sweeping curbs on the media, ordered the detention of influential political figures and warned he will not tolerate further protests by anti-coup demonstrators.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-27

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Thai army detains ex-cabinet minister at press briefing

BANGKOK, May 27, 2014 (AFP) - Thailand's army detained a fugitive former cabinet minister wanted by the ruling junta Tuesday in a dramatic swoop by soldiers at a packed Bangkok press briefing.

Chaturon Chaisang, who was education minister in a government ousted by the military last week, was marched out of the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand surrounded by dozens of journalists, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.

The veteran Thai politician was among the first batch of people summoned by the military in the hours after it took power last Thursday, but he refused to report to the authorities.

He told the packed press conference that he wanted to show his opposition to the coup -- the latest in a string of 19 actual or attempted army interventions in the kingdom's modern history.

"The coup is not a solution to problems of conflict in Thailand," he told reporters, adding that to report to the junta was "against my conscience".

Chaturon was taken into custody by about five soldiers in military fatigues and several other uniformed officers while he was talking to reporters in the central Bangkok press club.

The junta has said that those who defy its order to hand themselves in face up to two years in prison and a 40,000 baht ($1,225) fine.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-27

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Chaiyaphum invites people to the Siamese Tulip Blooming Festival

CHAIYAPHUM, 27 May 2014 (NNT) - Chaiyaphum invites people to the 2014 Siamese Tulip Blooming Festival from June 1 – August 31, 2014 at Pa Hin Ngam National Park, Thep Sathit District, and Sai Thong National Park, Nong Bua Rawe District, Chaiyaphum Province.

Tourists can enjoy exhibitions, Siamese Tulip fields and OTOP products. Visitors can also enjoy the wonder of a beautiful rock garden, a naturally shaped rock forest, that's over a million years old, with performances, and the distribution of Chaiyaphum’s famous products.

See the white, green and pinkish–purple Siamese Tulip fields and Sai Thong Waterfall. Pha Ham Hot view point at Sai Thong National Park is another attraction awaiting tourists with a love for the sustainable tourism of Chaiyaphum province.


Those interested can ask for more information from the Chaiyaphum Public Relations Office, Tel. 044-822502, or the Tourism Information Center, Chaiyaphum Provincial Administration Organization.


-- NNT 2014-05-27

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Little risk in Thailand business despite coup: Japan auto boss

TOKYO, May 27, 2014 (AFP) - There is little risk to investing in Thailand despite last week's military coup, the head of Japan's carmaking sector said Tuesday, as vehicle production returns to normal in the politically divided kingdom.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729557-little-risk-in-thailand-business-despite-coup-japan-auto-boss/

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SET index closed 1,392.73, up 4.44; Bt/USD32.48; GBP54.65; AUD29.95; EUR44.22; CAD29.83; HKD4.18; SGD25.75; JPY31.73

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RT @tulsathit: All of a sudden, Finance Ministry, long quiet over rice pledging scheme, has said it caused Bt500 billion loss.

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Thai university terms changed ahead of AEC

BANGKOK, 27 May 2014 (NNT) – The Association of University Presidents of Thailand has passed a resolution to adjust the terms of 27 universities starting in 2014 ahead of the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) next year. Meanwhile primary and secondary school terms are unchanged.

The new university terms are from August to December for the first term and January to May for the second term. Previously the terms were from June to October and November to May.

Meanwhile, primary and secondary schools and vocational schools still stay the same; the first term runs from May 16 to October 11 and November 1 to April 1 for the second term.

The Association sees the benefit of the change at university level being to facilitate academic personnel and students to take advantage of exchange programs among ASEAN countries, and other regions as well. In addition, grade 12 students will have more time to prepare to enroll in universities. The universities will utilize the gap before starting each new term to prepare students, for example, by improving their language skills.


-- NNT 2014-05-27

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Vietnamese woman caught with haul of 'ice' - Krabi

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729560-vietnamese-woman-caught-with-haul-of-ice-krabi/

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1st Army Area calls for unity in operations
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 27 -- The Commander of Thailand's First Army Area has called for a meeting with military and police officials, focusing on working together in the same direction, eradicating war weapons, and bringing in those whom have failed to report to the authorities as announced by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)

1st Army Area Commander Lt Gen Teerachaitra Nakwanich, chaired the meeting in his capacity as the commander of the peace keeping task force, presided over the meeting held earlier this morning, which was attended by heads of all gencies.

The meeting focused on NCPO article 22/2014 concentrrating bringing in persons whom have not reported as ordered, tracking down armed protesters that have been rallying the public, and seizing war weapons and explosives in areas under its jurisdiction.

The armed forces must also continue to maintain stricter control of the five television channels, to prevent further inciting the people into more protests. It must also ensure that the people understand the true purpose of the NCPO and carry out stricter surveillance for weapons and explosives.

The meeting this morning lasted only 10 minutes.

Commander Teerachai said the meeting was to reiterate that all operations be coordinated to ensure efficiency, as well as to urgently track down dangerous armed groups which could cause domestic instability and endanger the lives of the people. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-27

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Two reporters summoned by Army secretary, warned not to try to corner junta chief

BANGKOK: -- Army secretary Maj Gen Polphat Wannaphak Tuesday summoned two reporters to warn them not to try to corner National Council for Peace and Order Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha with questions in press conferences.

Polphat summoned Suparirk Thongchairit of Thai Rath and Wasana Nanum of Bangkok Post to meet him at the Army headquarters at 2 pm.

Polphat informed the two of message from Prayuth, saying the NCPO chief felt uneasy about the two raising questions in a way to try to corner him during the press conference on Monday.

"Prayuth asked me to tell you that he is not only the Army chief but he is also the lead of the country's administration for both executive and legislative affairs. So, when you ask questions that will be made public, please think about the questions carefully as it's not time to answer those questions yet," Polphat told the two reporters.

-- The Nation 2014-05-27