Thailand Live Wednesday 28 May 2014

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BTS, subway, Air Port Rail Link to provide services until 11 pm

BANGKOK: -- The BTS skytrain, MRT subway and Air Port Rail Link have announced that their services will run from 6 am to 11 pm, starting from today until further notice.

They extend service times from 9 pm after the National Council for Peace and Order reduced curfew time from 10 pm to 4 am to from midnight to 4 am.


-- The Nation 2014-05-28

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Mass police transfer in new purge at Royal Thai Police force



BANGKOK: -- Sixteen senior police officers in redshirt infested provinces of Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Khon Khaen, Udon Thani, and Bangkok were transferred Tuesday to inactive posts at the Royal Thai Police head office.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729713-mass-police-transfer-in-new-purge-at-royal-thai-police-force/

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Thai stock index opens on Wednesday at 1,402.21, gains 9.48 points /MCOT

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Bangkok's rapid transit trains change their schedules in line with new curfew hours

BANGKOK, 28 May 2014 (NNT) - Bangkok’s BTS sky train and the MRT underground train have revised their train schedules following the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s new curfew hours from midnight to 4AM.

Starting today (May 28), the BTS sky train’s operating hours will be from 6AM until 9PM for every station.

The MRT underground train will also operate on a similar schedule, but its last train service at the Bang Sue and Hua Lamphong stations will be available at 9:04PM and 9:39PM respectively.

The Airport Rail Link (ARL) train also has the same opening hour at 6AM, but its last train will run until 11PM daily.


-- NNT 2014-05-28

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Rainstorm ravages homes in Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI, 28 May 2014 (NNT) - A rainstorm has damaged several homes and a school at the Huay San Pha Bong Village in Chiang Rai Province, which was also hit by an earthquake on May 5th.

Volatile weather conditions have produced a summer storm that caused damage to several areas in the province, especially Huay San Pha Bong Village in Mada Subdistrict. The summer storm came by with gusty winds and a rainstorm that uprooted a number of large trees, which fell on several roofs of residential buildings and a school within the area.

Elsewhere in Pasak Subdistrict, Chiang Saen District, another rainstorm hammered the area and caused several buildings to collapse. A CCTV camera has recorded the incident that took place. Fortunately, nobody was hurt.


-- NNT 2014-05-28

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NACC to inquire 4 witnesses linked in the rice pledging program

BANGKOK, 28 May 2014 (NNT) - The National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) is to inquire four additional witnesses in the rice pledging scheme and also probe the assets and liabilities of political position holders responsible for the scheme.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729716-nacc-to-inquire-4-witnesses-linked-in-the-rice-pledging-program/

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Bus crash injures 30



KORAT: -- More than 30 passengers were injured, 10 seriously, in a bus crash on the Friendship highway in Prathai district of Nakhon Ratchasima Wednesday morning.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729719-korat-bus-crash-injures-30-10-seriously/

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RKK is behind the recent Pattani bombing incident

PATTANI, 28 May 2014 (NNT) - Pattani police believed RKK separatists were behind the recent attack in the province as they wanted to stir chaos in the area to sabotage the local economy and to terrorize the residents.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729723-rkk-is-behind-the-recent-pattani-bombing-incident/

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Chumphon plans to build giant stadium to welcome AEC

CHUMPHON 28 May 2014 (NNT) — Chomphon Province is planning to build a giant national stadium to hold sporting events in the province and to prepare for the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015.

Deputy governor of Chumphon Chartchai Uthaiphan presided over the meeting on the construction of a national stadium in the province yesterday.

Reports have indicated that the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has also given the green light for the province to host the 33rd national youth sports in Ranong.

Moreover, the SAT has proposed a construction site for the new stadium in accordance with Chumphon’s governor’s project. The stadium will include a variety of facilities to help develop local athletes’ skills and promote Thailand’s sports competitiveness.

According to an initial real estate survey, the new stadium is to be constructed on a 100-150 rai piece of land. However, the exact location has not been disclosed but will be announced later.


-- NNT 2014-05-28

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Locals in Prajuab Kirikhan show support for army officials

PRAJUAB KIRIKHAN 28 May 2014 (NNT) — Locals in Prajuab Kirikhan province have shown support for the army as they have begun to receive their long-delayed payments under the rice pledging program.

Locals in Prajuab Kirikhan have reportedly been showing support to the army, thanking them for expediting the rice pledging scheme payments and helping other farmers nationwide. People in the province have also gathered together to show their appreciation, giving red roses as a gesture of gratitude to army personnel.

According to Ms. Tatsanee Suwannatat, a representative for the local farmers, she would like to thank the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) for disbursing the payments to farmers under the rice pledging program.

To date, 2,5424 farmers have been paid a combined total of 218 million baht from the state budget. Only 609 farmers remain unpaid, which accounts for 41 million baht altogether. The army officials have confirmed that all farmers in the province will be paid by May 31, 2014.


-- NNT 2014-05-28

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Police to clamp down on Lese Majeste offenders

BANGKOK 28 May 2014 (NNT) — The National Police Office has publicly announced that it will be clamping down on Lese Majeste offenders and those who denounce the Thai monarchy.

The National Police Office yesterday announced that it would monitor all media in order to keep a watchful eye on and apprehend any and all Lese Majeste offenders. Pol.Gen. Wacharapol Prasarnratchakit, the acting police chief, has ordered a strict clampdown on those who defame or denounce the Thai monarchy.

All existing cases have been ordered to be immediately tried in order to put the culprits behind bars. Moreover, police have asked citizens to assist in reporting such cases in order for them to immediately bring offenders to face the music.

Local and national media that support the defamation of the monarchy will immediately be shut down and punished to the full extent of law, said the acting police chief, adding that any and all instances of Lese Majeste are to be reported to the authorities as soon as possible.


-- NNT 2014-05-28

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New type of ATM skimmer found in Phuket
Suthicha Sirirat


The device fits over the existing card slot.

PHUKET: -- Police have warned ATM users to be on the lookout for a new type of skimming device discovered this week in Patong.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729729-new-type-of-atm-skimmer-found-in-phuket/

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Explosion at Khok Pho Hospital parking lot in Pattani causes fire; 7 injured, including 2 defence volunteers /MCOT

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Troops tear down redshirt radio station antenna of Kotee



BANGKOK: -- The "Red Guard" community radio station run by fugitive hardcore redshirt leader Kotee in Pathum Thani was permanently shut down when its antenna was dissembled and thrown to the ground.

The raid at the Red Guard community radio station in Lam Luka district which is located inside the home-office of Kotee, or Wutthipong Kochathammakun, came as he is still on the run after refusing to report to the military junta.

He is facing lese majeste charge.

Heavily armed soldiers searched his home-office in Lam Luka yesterday in the bid to take him.
He was not in.

Accompanying by officials of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), soldiers encountered a number of redshirt people guarding the station.

But after they were explained of the junta’s order to shut down they did not resist the search.

The search produced nothing illegal.

NBTC technicians then climbed up the almost 100-metre high antenna to dissemble its top part and thrown it to the ground to prevent the radio to resume the broadcast permanently.

The community radio was accused of going on the air without permission. It continued to broadcast despite order to stop by the military junta after the coup.

It broadcast on 105.65 MHz frequency.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/troops-tear-redshirt-radio-station-antenna-kotee/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-28

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Eight people were injured and more than 30 motorcycles damaged when a homemade bomb planted at the car park area of Khok Pho district hospital in Pattani exploded. The powerful explosion happened at about 9.30 a.m. Wednesday.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/43446/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-28

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Five Thai monks charged over sexual abuse of minors: police

BANGKOK, May 28, 2014 (AFP) - Thai police on Wednesday said they had charged five defrocked Buddhist abbots with sexually abusing eight boys at monasteries around the northern city of Chiang Mai.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729742-five-thai-monks-charged-over-sexual-abuse-of-minors-police/

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Nightlife back on track after curfew reduced

KHON KAEN, 28 May 2014 (NNT) –Thailand's club owners, entertainment entrepreneurs and restaurant owners in large cities, have expressed relief after the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) announced the new curfew duration, is from midnight to 4 A.M.

The original curfew introduced by the NCPO was from 10 P.M. to 5 A.M. . The curfew now operates from midnight or 00.01 to 4 A.M.. as of today, Wednesday 28th May.

A Khon Kaen restaurant owner said his restaurant was affected by the first curfew announcement which meant a reduction in income; however, the impact was not too great as customers adjusted their ordering times to allow for the curfew.

He added that it was great that the NCPO had announced the reduced hours of curfew as people can have more time to relax at the end of the working day.

-- NNT 2014-05-28

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Hun Sen ends exile govt talk



PHNOM PENH: -- Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Tuesday his government will work with the Thai junta that came to power in a coup last week, and quashed speculation that the ousted Shinawatra clan may be allowed to set up a government in exile in Cambodia.

In a speech to about 3,000 university graduates from the Royal University of Phnom Penh at the Koh Pich Exhibition Center, Hun Sen said Cambodia’s constitution and its membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations prevented it from interfering in the “internal affairs” of countries in the region.

“Cambodia has considered the situation in Thailand, which is the internal affairs of Thailand, and Cambodia will not interfere with its internal affairs,” he said. “Now, a military government has been approved by the Thai king, and I hope that former prime ministers Thaksin and Yingluck [shinawatra] … will understand Cambodia’s stance.”

Hun Sen’s remarks came days after a statement from Thaksin’s lawyer, Robert Amsterdam, saying that “a number of foreign governments have already expressed their willingness to host such a government in exile under internationally established rules and practice”, prompting speculation that Cambodia had been approached.

The Cambodian prime minister said that despite his close personal relationship with Thaksin, to host such a government in exile would be unconstitutional.

“I’d like to stress that Cambodia is not the location for any country or group, even Thaksin’s group, to form a government in exile,” he said. “Cambodia’s constitution does not permit any foreigners to use its territory as a base to create armed forces to attack the government of another country.”

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/hun-sen-ends-exile-govt-talk/

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-28

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SOUTH CRISIS
Pattani bomb blast injures 7

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729749-pattani-bomb-blast-injures-7/

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New curfew expected to better accommodate Muslims’ religious practices

BANGKOK, 28 May 2014 (NNT) - The Army Region 4 made known that the decision to push back the curfew to midnight will better accommodate southern residents’ religious practices.

Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command spokesperson Colonel Pramot Phrom-in reiterated the army’s stance that the coup has been declared to restore peace and order in the country. He confirmed that the curfew implemented since last Friday has not disrupted the Thai Muslim community’s practices in the South.

The army yesterday imposed a new curfew from midnight to 4AM. The spokesperson said the new curfew is expected to facilitate local conducts of religious duties. He also denied reports that army personnel have prevented young Muslims from studying their Quran, saying the news is baseless.

He further added that a series of bombings in the South in the past week were not related to the declaration of the coup and martial law.

The army expected that the new curfew will boost tourism in popular destinations in the region such as Songkhla.


-- NNT 2014-05-28

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Son seeks release of detained parents

BANGKOK: -- The son of detained leaders of United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) Tida Tavornseth and Weng Tochirakarn sought release of his parents after having been detained for a week.

Dr Slaktham Tochirakarn and UDD lawyer Winyat Chartmontri came to the Army Headquarters on Ratchadamnoen with a petition seeking explanation on his parents’ whereabout and their release.

An Army officer came out to receive his petition to forward to the National Council for Peace and Order.

Dr Slaktham told reporters that since hi parents were detained solo after the coup, no information was given by the junta about where they were detained.

He said he wanted to visit them and handle them some daily necessities for use. Besides he wanted to know their conditions if they were still well and not mal treated in detention.

He would like the junta to allow visits.

His lawyer also said under the existing martial law, suspects are allowed to be detained no more than 7 days.

As Wednesday is the last day for lawful detention, the lawyer said he would like the junta to regard humanitarian ground and allow visits or free them.

(photo : twitter @duangtip_TPBS)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/son-seeks-release-detained-parents/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-28

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Red Shirt leaders released
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 28 -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) released some leaders of the red shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) after seven days in detention.

Kwanchai Sarakham, UDD leader in Udon Thani province, showed up in a wheelchair together with another UDD leader Nisit Sinthuphrai and former commerce minister Chaiya Sasomsap.

They left the Royal Thai Army auditorium. After signing their names at its gate, they left on a guarded military van.

Seven people summoned by the 25th order of the NCPO turned themselves in. They were not allowed to get off their vehicles for photographers to capture their pictures. They showed up as summoned to report to the NCPO from 10am to 11am today.

Last night the NCPO changed its curfew hours from 10pm-5am to 12am-4am.

BTS, MRT and Airport Rail Link trains then change their service hours from 6am to 11pm.

Passenger buses of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority will depart their depots from 3am and return to their depots within midnight. Night-long bus services are halted for the time being. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-28

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Prince Charles stirs controversy with warning over climate

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729756-prince-charles-stirs-controversy-with-warning-over-climate/

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MILITARY JUNTA
Chaturon not to appear today for court martial process


File photo : Jaturon is arrested on Tuesday.

BANGKOK: -- Former Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang will be the first civilian to face a court martial for allegedly defying the military junta's to report to them. If found guilty, he will face two years in jail and/or a fine of Bt40,000.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) set up after the military power seizure last week has empowered the court martial process to try civilians on cases relating to the lese majeste laws as well as security-related offences.

The NCPO had summoned Chaturon to report to them last week but he refused to comply with it. He was arrested on Tuesday after emerging from hiding to speak at a press conference at Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand.

Colonel Kittiyuth Kittiyuttayotin of the Judge Advocate General Department said today that officers holding Chaturon's case could not bring the former Education Minister to the court today. This is thought to be due to the arrest being made late Tuesday afternoon thus limiting the preparation time for the required documents.

Martial law stipulates that a suspect must stand trial within seven days, he added.

Vice Admiral Krissada Charoenpanich, chief the Military Judicial Office meanwhile said Chaturon is entitled to a lawyer like in normal criminal cases.

If he pleads guilty, there would be no testimony from witnesses and the judge could deliver the ruling.

If not, the prosecution process which would take some time, he said, but the case will be completed as soon as possible.

During the trial, the court can detain Chaturon a total of 84 days.


-- The Nation 2014-05-28

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NCPO advisor Pridiyathorn says that Thai economy has no problem; speeding up payment to farmers under rice scheme is good decision /MCOT

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French police to expel migrants from Calais camps

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/729764-french-police-to-expel-migrants-from-calais-camps/

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The Mall branches resume normal opening hours

BANGKOK: -- Shopping malls under The Mall Group will today resume their normal opening hours, following the ease of the curfew.

In a statement, The Mall Group said that all malls will open during 10am to 10pm as usual.

When the curfew was imposed during 10pm to 5am, the malls closed at 8pm.

Meanwhile, 7-Eleven convenience stores will close at midnight, from 10pm as in the past five days.


-- The Nation 2014-05-28

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RT@vaitor: Army says there is no time frame to stop the curfew, it will be extended until further notice

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Suthep visits four injured PDRC supporters at BMA Central Hospital
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary general of the People's Democratic Reform Committee, on Wednesday visited four PDRC supporters injured during an attack on the PDRC rally earlier this month.

Suthep visited them at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Central Hospital at 10am.

He was accompanied by PDRC leaders Chumpol Julasai, Puttipong Punnakan, and Witthaya Kaewparadai.

The four were injured when assailants fired grenades and opened fire against demonstrators at the Democracy Monument on May 15.

They are Somboon Thawornwong, 67, Songka Chaodan, 60, Wichit Boonroad, 30, and Boonchua Chanasak, 56.

When Suthep arrived at the hospital, hospital officials, doctors and nurses came out to welcome him and posed for photos with him.

When Suthep arrived on the 10th floor of the hospital to visit the injured, doctors and nurses gave him bouquets in a show of moral support.

After greeting the four, Suthep told reporters that the PDRC would take care of all medical expenses He added the PDRC had used up donations but PDRC leaders would use their own money to help the four.

Suthep declined to comment on the establishment of the national reconciliation centre by the National Council for Peace and Order. He said he would not make political comments for now but would focus on helping PDRC supporters injured during rallies.


-- The Nation 2014-05-28

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RT@W7VOA: #ThaiCoup: Army says 200 of 253 people summoned appeared. 124 have been released. 53 at large.