Thailand Live Friday 30 May 2014

[webfact]

'Kalamare' resigns from popular talk show after making breastfeeding jokes
By Coconuts Bangkok


The hosts of Puying Teung Puying. From the right: Kalamare, Nina, Kai, Pui/ Photo: Todayza

BANGKOK: -- One of the most recognized group of female TV hosts is breaking up.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730255-kalamare-resigns-from-popular-talk-show-after-making-breastfeeding-jokes/

[webfact]

Vegetable prices reported to decrease

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – The Ministry of Commerce has reported that many vegetable prices have decreased, while the pork prices still remain stable.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730258-vegetable-prices-in-thailand-reported-to-decrease/

[webfact]

Roadside bomb ambush against troops patrolling Ban Khlong Chang Road in Pattani's Khok Pho district; no report of injuries /MCOT

[webfact]

Water supply not be disrupted by delayed onset of rainy season

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – The Department of Royal Irrigation made known that the onset of the rainy season is expected to be delayed this year, while assuring the public that there is a sufficient amount of water supply in store.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730262-water-supply-not-be-disrupted-by-delayed-onset-of-rainy-season-thailand/

[webfact]

Why was Asia left out of the Obama doctrine?
Jeremy Au Yong
The Straits Times

(ANN) US President Barack Obama spent more than an hour outlining his vision for American foreign policy before the graduating class at the Westpoint Military Academy. When he finished, one question puzzled observers: Where did Asia fit in this new vision?

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730264-why-was-asia-left-out-of-the-obama-doctrine/

[webfact]

NCPO opens reconciliation centres at four Army Area Commands nationwide to foster unity; operated by Internal Security Operations Command /MCOT

[webfact]

A chartered bus taking students and teachers from Bangkok for a visit to Doi Saket in Chiang Mai overturned injuring 46 of them.

The bus developed braking failure while it was running downhill and overturned in Doi Saket.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/43807/


-- Thai PBS 2014-05-30

[webfact]

Southern rail service restored in Narathiwat
By Digital Content



NARATHIWAT, May 30 -- Thailand's southern line railway station at Su-ngai Kolok in Narathiwat province resumed operations earlier today, after a temporary halt since May 14, due to bombings that damaged tracks in two locations.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730270-southern-rail-service-restored-in-narathiwat/

[webfact]

RT @tulsathit: UDD leader Suporn Attawong tells Ya Mo statue he'll quit politics forever. RT @SpringNews_TV: http://t.co/14e50FvN1x http://t.co/Euvha6Mm0c

[webfact]

Lots of teak confiscated in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, 30 May 2014 (NNT) - Soldiers confiscated a huge lot of 41 teak logs and 2,000 - 3,000 processed teak planks kept on a piece of land belonging to a former Chiang Mai MP, at the Chiang Mai Green Valley housing estate in Mae Rim District.

The patrol team said that some of the logs were stamped with the sign of approval by the Forestry Department with visible identification number of the authorized official.

The provincial Forest Resource Management Office stated that it would investigate the origin of the logs, their owner, and also look into the identity of the official who authorized the transfer of the logs.

During the soldiers’ inspection, a construction contractor stepped in, claiming that he had legal document which showed he had bought the logs and planks from locals in Tak Province for 1.5 million baht and that they would be used for constructing his house.


-- NNT 2014-05-30

[webfact]

MRTA set to launch test run of Purple Line by late next year



BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) - The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is pushing for a test run of its new Purple Line in December 2015, or one year ahead of schedule.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730276-mrta-set-to-launch-test-run-of-purple-line-by-late-next-year/

[webfact]

NBTC warns sim cards of 1800 MHz mobile users will go offline on September 15

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – The National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) warned on Tuesday that mobile phone users who are using the 1800 MHz band who do not switch from the frequency before September 15 will definitely not be able to make calls afterwards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730299-nbtc-warns-sim-cards-of-1800-mhz-mobile-users-will-go-offline-on-september-15/

[webfact]

Maha Sarakham holds sports “Challenge Day”

MAHA SARAKHAM 30 May 2014 (NNT) — Maha Sarakham has held a province-wide “Challenge Day”, also known as a sports day in order to promote exercise among local residents.

This year's event was held at the Mahavichanukol School soccer field. It was presided over by Maha Sarakham governor Noppawachara Singhsakda, with over 500 participants of all ages joining the exercise routine.

The “Challenge Day” event, which is held on the last Wednesday of every month of May, aims to promote exercising among locals as well as a chance for them to build a close-knitted community. Everyone is invited to take part in the mass exercise. Those who joined included the elderly, the youth, the handicapped, and even Buddhist monks.

“Challenge Day” is a concept taken from Canada in 1983, the objective of which is to promote exercise among locals and build a closer community.


-- NNT 2014-05-30

[webfact]

Irrigation department releases water as planned though rainy season comes late

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) - The Royal Irrigation Department has confirmed the release of water for agriculture and daily consumption from major dams nationwide will go as planned though the rainy season is coming late.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730304-thai-irrigation-dept-releases-water-as-planned-though-rainy-season-comes-late/

[webfact]

Iranian, American teenagers electrocuted at swimming pool of Bangkok condominium

BANGKOK: -- A 16-year-old Iranian and his 16-year-old American friend were electrocuted by leaked current from a lamp pole beside a swimming pool of a Bangkok condominium late Thursday night, police said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730306-iranian-american-teenagers-electrocuted-at-swimming-pool-of-bangkok-condominium/

[webfact]

Suspected illegal logging leads to timber confiscation
By Digital Content



CHIANG MAI, May 30 -- Thai military and forestry officials are continuing to inspect and confiscate more logs from the home of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's sister in Thai northern Chiang Mai province, well into the second day.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730319-suspected-illegal-logging-leads-to-timber-confiscation-from-the-home-of-a-thaksin-sister/

[webfact]

Belgian man arrested for rallying at Victory Monument

BANGKOK: -- The Belgian man who was captured by troops at the Victory Monument for holding a T-shirt at the Victory Monument in a protest against coup has been released.

He was released late Thursday night.

He was arrested while holding a T-shirt with the words "Peace Please" printed on it.


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

[webfact]

Army denies rumors of soldiers raiding houses in Nong Bua Lamphu

NONG BUA LAMPHU, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – The Army base in the northeastern province of Nong Bua Lamphu has denied rumors that soldiers were ordered to search houses and confiscate valuable assets from house owners.

Master Sergeant First Class Kritpol Chaimuang from the 8th Infantry Regiment in Khon Kaen Province was called into Radio Thailand at the Nong Bua Lamphu branch to explain about the situation.

In recent days, rumors have been circulating around in Nong Bua Lamphu that many villages were thoroughly searched by soldiers boarding pickup trucks, who were sent to look for war weapons. A large number of agricultural tools such as chainsaws and lawnmowers were raided after many searches. The rumors have caused widespread panic among local residents.

Mr. Kritpol has denied the rumor and said in an actual military search, the troops would be accompanied by local village leaders and reporters. He also said that the rumors were spread to instigate hatred for the Army.


-- NNT 2014-05-30

[webfact]

Civil Servants give thanks to soldiers for handling rice payments to farmers

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) - Civil servants from the Cooperatives Promotion Department stationed in various provinces have given a number of consumer items to soldiers as a way of thanking them for helping farmers receive their payments in the rice mortgage scheme.

This group of civil servants later headed to the 1st Army Area where they were welcomed by Colonel Sonthichai Thanusingh, the Deputy Chief-of-Staff for the division.

Together, they gave a number of items such as rice, bananas, rambutan, socks, and other common day-to-day items for soldiers to assist them in performing their duties.

Colonel Sonthichai then gave his thanks to the leader of the group and encouraged people from all sides to help solve the country’s problems.


-- NNT 2014-05-30

[Lite Beer]

NCPO asserts ex-Pheu Thai MP Karun released 2 days ago; authorities gathering clues linking unrest, protests & speeding up crackdown on arms /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Hardcore Redshirt 'Rambo' Quits Politics For Life

By Khaosod Eng.

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — The hardline Redshirt activist known as 'Rambo Isaan' has vowed to quit politics "for life" following his release from six days of detention in a military camp.

"When I first became political, I came here to ask for Thao Suranaree's blessing, and I became an MP as I wished," Suphon Attawong said as he prayed to the shrine of Nakhon Ratchasima's local heroine this morning. "Today, I have decided to leave politics, so I came here again to tell her I want to quit."

Mr. Suphon is the co-founder of a grassroots Redshirt organisation, the National Volunteers for the Defence of Democracy (NVDD), which boasts over 10,000 members across the northern and northeastern provinces. The group held several combat training sessions this year to prepare members for resistance in the event of a military coup.

The military summoned Mr. Suphon a day after deposing the Redshirt-allied government in a coup d’état on 22 May.

Since seizing power, the military has detained hundreds of politicians and political activists in an attempt to diffuse the country's political turmoil. So far, all detainees have been released after seven days or less on the condition that they will not participate in any political activities or leave the country without the army’s permission.

Mr. Suphon, who was released yesterday after six days in detention, said the military treated him well.

Mr. Suphon also said he was convinced by his military handlers that "there has been a radical division in the society,” which has convinced him to cease his involvement in politics and dissolve the NVDD.

"I will resign from the Pheu Thai Party and suspend all political activities." Mr. Suphon said. "If anyone uses my name to get involved in politics, the law enforcement officials should strictly pursue legal actions against them."

Mr. Suphon also said he will disown the nickname Rambo Isaan, asking the public to refer to him as Mr. Suphon from now on. He said that he does not harbour any ill-will towards the coupmakers and hopes the head of the military junta, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, will swiftly bring peace back to the country and organise elections in a timely manner.

In April, Mr. Suphon told a Khaosod correspondent, "if a coup takes place, we will summon all NVDD members to Bangkok in order to express our support of democracy ... we are willing to lay down our lives in defence of an elected government."

Today, Mr. Suphon said that he has not spoken to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is considered to de facto leader of the Redshirt movement, for a long time.

Before leaving Thao Suranaree Shrine, Mr Suphon posed for a friendly photograph with a soldier

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1401432695&section=11&typecate=05

-- Khaosod English 2014-05-30

[Lite Beer]

RT@tulsathit: Govt lotto chief Pol Maj Gen Attakris Tharichat has quit. A former aide of Thaksin, he was named lotto chief by YL govt.

[Lite Beer]

RT@BPbreakingnews: Thaksin reported to be in Japan

[Lite Beer]

NCPO releases Karun two days ago: spokesman

BANGKOK: -- Former Pheu Thai MP Karun Hosakul's whereabouts has become mysterious after a junta spokesman said Friday that he was released from military detention two days ago but his wife still demanded him to be released.

Pimchana Hosakul, Karun's wife, filed a complaint with the National Council for Peace and Order Friday to demand it to release her husband, saying he has been detained for seven days already.

However, Col Winthai Suvari, an NCPO spokesman, said Karun was released two days ago.

"The NCPO does not know where he is now but I affirm that he has been released," Winthai told a press conference.

-- The Nation 2014-05-30

[Lite Beer]

AFTERMATH
Thai ambassador to UK ordered home

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry has issued an order to its Thai Ambassador to the United Kingdom to return to Bangkok and report to the ministry as soon as possible, the National Council for Peace and Order's spokesman said on Friday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730338-thai-ambassador-to-uk-ordered-home/

[webfact]

Reconciliation centres set up to foster unity
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, May 30 - The reconciliation centres to be established nationwide at the idea of National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha are aimed at fostering unity among all people in Thailand, according to a spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) on Friday.

Spokesman Col Banpot Phunphian told a press briefing that Gen Prayuth, also army chief, had assigned ISOC to take charge of two major tasks -- creating unity and national reform -- while the permanent secretary for defence would be responsible for all tasks planned under its guidance.

Building national reconciliation has “started in several areas” and its model will become clearer after every area is prepared, Col Banpot said, adding that the process might take time due to differences in problems prevailing in each area.

He said the NCPO is asking for cooperation from everyone not to become overly concerned whether reform would eventually lead to an amnesty, or not to punish wrongdoers, as the objective of the reconciliation centre is to build unity within the legal framework.

Meanwhile, about 45 persons including several Pheu Thai Party politicians are to report to the authorities on Friday at the Army Auditorium in Bangkok’s Thewes area as the NCPO has ordered. They will have to report to officials between 10am and 3pm.

While politicians and former members of the ‘Red shirt’ movement are reporting to the authorities, Pimchana Hosakul, a former member of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Council, came to the Army Auditorium seeking clarification as to why her husband, Karun Hosakul, a former Lower House member under the Pheu Thai Party banner, had not been released.

She said Mr Karun had been detained in the evening of May 22 -- the day the military took control of the country -- and the family had not received any word from him since then.

Ms Pimchana complained that it is now more than a week that Mr Karun has been detained, and asked for mercy from the NCPO to free her husband as many people had already been released.

The soldiers on duty there asked her to submit her request directly to the Royal Thai Army Headquarters. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-05-30

[webfact]

Veerakarn urges red shirts to calm down

BANGKOK: -- Veerakarn Musigapong, former chairman of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, Friday urged red shirts to calm down following the coup.

"I would like to tell UDD members and the people, who are still making political campaigns, to calm down and be reasonable in their fights," Veerakarn said.

"They should not be emotional and should not use violence but they should adhere to reasons. After the power seizure, they should extend moral support to the NCPO [National Council for Peace and Order] because we must regard that it has good intention to return peace to the nation."


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

[webfact]

Veerakarn urges red shirts to calm down

BANGKOK: -- Veerakarn Musigapong, former chairman of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, Friday urged red shirts to calm down following the coup.

"I would like to tell UDD members and the people, who are still making political campaigns, to calm down and be reasonable in their fights," Veerakarn said.

"They should not be emotional and should not use violence but they should adhere to reasons. After the power seizure, they should extend moral support to the NCPO [National Council for Peace and Order] because we must regard that it has good intention to return peace to the nation."


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

[webfact]

AFTERMATH
Redshirt leaders visit Chaturon, Prasit at prison

BANGKOK: -- Veerakarn Musigapong on Friday led a group of redshirt leaders to visit former education minister Chaturon Chaisang and former Pheu Thai MP Prasit Chaisisa at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

Veerakarn came to the prison with former science minister Wuthipong Chaisang at 8:30 am.

Chaturon is being detained at the prison pending arraignment for violating the summons of the National Council for Peace and Order. Chaisit has been detained pending arraignment for lese majeste charges.

Veerakarn spoke to Chaturon over the internal phone in a visitor's room for about 15 minutes. He said Chaturon, who was clad in a white tshirt and shorts, was smiling. He then spoke to Chaisit in another room.

Chaturon's wife, Jiraporn, did not visit him as planned. It was understood that she had moved her visit from Thursday to Friday but was not seen at the prison.

Veerakarn told reporters that Chaturon is in good health physically and mentally and that he appeared cheerful.

-- The Nation 2014-05-30

[webfact]

Monk Busted As Operator Of Lewd Website
By Khaosod English


Panuwat Limpattaya, 32, was arrested at his temple in Ang Thong for operating a website with videos of women using the bathroom. 29 May 2014.

ANG THONG — Police have arrested a monk in Ang Thong province after he was identified as the operator of a website that posts hidden-camera footage of women using the toilet.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730348-ang-thong-monk-busted-as-operator-of-lewd-website/