Thailand Live Friday 30 May 2014

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Four roads to Victory Monument to be closed at 4pm to stem protest

BANGKOK: -- Traffic police announced Friday that four main roads leading to the Victory Monument will be closed to traffic from 4 pm to prevent people from joining the anti-coup protest.

The Traffic Police Division announced that Din Daeng, Phayathai, Rajvithi and Phaholyothin roads will be closed from 4 pm until the rally ends or until officials have controlled the situation.

Din Daeng Road is closed from the Din Daeng intersection to the Victory Monument. Phayathai Road is closed from the Phayathai intersection to the Victory Monument. Rajvithi Road is closed from the Tuek Chai intersection and Phaholyothin Road is closed from the Saphan Kwai intersection to the Victory Monument.


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

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RT @tukky_nt: 3.18pm: Soldiers are seen at Victory Monument: http://t.co/YN68x6HbT3 #coup2014

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Suvarnabhumi Airport to hold an exhibition in security at work

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) - Suvarnabhumi Airport has cooperated with airline entrepreneurs to hold an informative exhibition on security work in an airport, at the beginning of June 2014.

Mrs. Raweewan Netarakavesana, Suvarnabhumi Airport Director, Airports of Thailand Plc. (AOT), announced that from June 3rd-5th 2014, Suvarnabhumi Airport will hold the airport security exhibition in the main terminal building, gates 3 and 4, on the 1st floor. Assembled with the cooperation of 16 agencies that work in the airport, the exhibition details working security measures as well as sanitation. Personnel at the exhibition will also offer health examinations, and have safety products for sale. The airport security exhibition in June, will be held from 9 A.M. to 3.30 P.M. at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The exhibition will be held yearly in order to be prepared for emergency situations, and to follow current official policies on security administration, sanitation, and the environment.

-- NNT 2014-05-30

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Storm and earthquake bring down Buddhist statue in Chiang Rai

CHIANG RAI, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – A principal Buddhist statue has collapsed in the northern province of Chiang Mai, after several minor statues around the temple endured the recent earthquake and a major rainstorm on Thursday night.

The abbot of Wat Mae Saruayluang said the statue had collapsed by a thunderstorm at 7:35PM on Thursday night. No injuries have been reported.

The statue has been under construction for 3 years and was nearing completion when the storms ravaged the province.

The Chiangsaen-style statue had already sustained damage during the 6.5-magnitude earthquake in early May. Following a series of aftershocks and heavy rains, the statue eventually collapsed. The total damage is estimated to cost around 5 million baht.

Many temples in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and nearby provinces sustained damage during the aftershocks including Wat Rong Khun, or the famous ornate white Buddhist temple.

-- NNT 2014-05-30

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Thaksin in shopping trip in Japan

BANGKOK: -- Fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is currently in Japan, informed sources told Kyodo news online.

Thaksin entered Japan at the beginning of the week on a private visit for shopping and other personal reasons, and was planning to remain in the country several days, they said.

Pictures apparently taken by a Thai national have been posted on the Internet showing Thaskin walking in Tokyo with a woman.

Thaksin posted on Twitter recently that he felt sad about the latest military coup in Thailand.

He was ousted in a 2006 coup and fled Thailand to avoid a two-year jail term from a corruption conviction. He is the elder brother of deposed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who was unseated by a Constitutional Court ruling earlier this month.


-- The Nation 2014-05-30

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Illegal cooking gas operations busted by Army rangers

TAK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) - Military rangers have caught up on a smuggling gang who were found to be transporting 50 canisters of illegal cooking gas into Myanmar.

Lieutenant Colonel Somsak Jeenlakroi, the Chief of Staff of the 35th Infantry Regiment at Tak Province, has said that a group of Army rangers were on patrol at the Thai-Burmese border to monitor security around the area.

As they were on patrol, the rangers found a pick-up truck carrying several canisters of illegal cooking gas. The gang members were seen unloading the canisters and rolling them the ground before loading them on a ship that was docked on the banks of the Mei River.

When the rangers arrived, the suspects immediately fled the scene and drove drive their pick-up away. Nonetheless, the rangers have managed to confiscate at least 50 canisters of illegal cooking gas, which would be collected as evidence for the case.


-- NNT 2014-05-30

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SET index closed 1,415.73, up 7.22; Bt/USD32.68; GBP54.61; AUD30.24; EUR44.37; CAD30.02; HKD4.20; SGD25.92; JPY32.00

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NCPO asserts former Pheu Thai MP Karun released two days ago; authorities gathering clues linking unrest, protests & speeding up crackdown on arms /Bangkok Post

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Pheu Thai Politicians Deny 'Gambling Brawl' During Detention

By Khaosod Eng.

BANGKOK — Two politicians from the former government’s ruling party have denied reports that they engaged in a drunken brawl over a card game during their recent detention in a military camp.

According to a report published on the pro-establishment Manager ASTV news website, former Pheu Thai MPs Woravat Au-apinyakul and Chuchart Harnsawat almost broke into a fist fight when one of them lost 4 million baht in a card game. The two were reportedly gambling over cards while they were being held in a military camp with other Pheu Thai politicians in Sarabrui province.

Both Mr. Woravat and Mr. Chuchart had been drinking and were intoxicated when the fight broke out, Manager ASTV reported. The story was later picked up by The Bangkok Post.

However, Mr. Woravat told Matichon today that the report was completely fabricated.

"The news is 1,000,000% false," said Mr. Woravat. "There was no fighting or gambling while we were detained in the military camp, because both of us are mature."

Mr. Woravat also claimed that being held captive together created a strong bond among the group of politicians.

"We never had any loud arguments, not a single fight. We lived like brothers," Mr. Woravat said. "Everyone who was detained in that camp is now close friends."

He added that he even helped former Minister of the Interior Mr. Chuchart, who is inflicted with diabetes, find medicine while the two were detained.

Another former Pheu Thai MP who was being detanied at the camp, Vicharn Meenchainand, said the news reported by Manager ASTV might have been caused by a misunderstanding because Mr. Chuchart "likes to talk loudly."

"Who in their right mind would pick a fight [in a military camp]? They would only laugh at us," Mr. Vicharn said. "I insist no brawl happened. And no gambling, either. We are all adults."

Over 200 people, including top politicians and activists allied to the former government, have been summoned and detained by the National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO) since it seized power from the previous government on 22 May.

Many detainees have been released in recent days because of a clause under martial that prohibits the military from detaining anyone without charges for more than seven days.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1401444358&typecate=06&section=

-- Khaosod English 2014-05-30

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Now, earphones to make female voices more pleasing while watching porn

BANGKOK: -- A company in Thailand has created a set of earphones specifically designed for people to enhance their experience while watching porn.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730443-now-earphones-to-make-female-voices-more-pleasing-while-watching-porn/

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Thaksin spotted in Tokyo with unidentified woman

The photo taken by a Tokyo-based Thai.

TOKYO: Fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is reported to be in Japan on a private visit.

An image of Thaksin Shinwatra and an unknown woman walking in Shinjuku was posted on Facebook by Suriyasai Katasila on May 27.

Thaksin arrived in Japan at the beginning of the week and was expected to stay there for several days.

Pictures apparently taken by a Thai national staying in Japan have been posted on the internet showing Thaskin walking in Tokyo in he company of a woman.

Thaksin posted on Twitter recently that he was saddened by the May 22 coup.

Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and fled Thailand to avoid a two-year jail term from a corruption conviction.

He is the elder brother of recently disqualified former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who was unseated by a Constitutional Court ruling earlier this month.

-- Phuket News 2014-05-30

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LPG price to go up on June 1

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order has decided to let the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for household use to go up by 50 satang to 23.13 baht per kilogramme effective as of June 1.

Air Chief Marshal Prachin Janthong, deputy chief of the NCPO and head of the economic advisory board, said Friday that, in the next step, the Energy Policy Board and the Energy Management Boaredd would discuss whether the prices of NGV and diesel which has been pegged at 30 baht/litre should be increased or not.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/lpg-price-go-june-1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lpg-price-go-june-1

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-30

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Current Advice Level: "High degree of caution"

Civil unrest/Political tension (a nationwide curfew applies between 2400 hrs and 0400 hrs. Authorities have advised that the curfew will not apply if travelling to or from an airport. Since the military coup there have been a number of anti-coup demonstrations in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, including in areas frequented by tourists.

The military has arrested some participants for failing to comply with orders to cease protest activity. These confrontations are potentially volatile. Australians should stay well clear of all demonstrations, political events, rallies and processions and large-scale public gatherings as they may turn violent. Individuals may be detained for publicly criticising Thailands current political situation, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the Royal Thai Army or the monarchy.

Australians travelling to Thailand should subscribe to receive regular up
dates and register their travel plans on Smartraveller). We advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall due to the possibility of civil unrest and the threat of terrorist attack, including Bangkok and Phuket.

--Australian Department of Foreign Affairs 2014-05-30

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Pirate-goods sellers protest being ‘exploited’ through alleged government extortion
Phuket Gazette -

Pirated-goods vendors take to the streets to denounce corrupt officials. Photo: Supplied

PHUKET: A barrage of complaints were voiced by pirate-goods sellers during a protest against allegedly being forced to pay “too much” extortion money to a variety of government officers based in Bangkok.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730449-pirate-goods-sellers-protest-being-exploited-through-alleged-government-extortion/

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Court dismisses call of Thaksin’s lawyer to be reinstated

BANGKOK:_ -- The Administrative Court today dismissed a case filed against the board of the Law Council by a lawyer of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his assistant.

The two plaintiffs, Mr Pichit Chuenban and Ms Supasri Srisawat, have demanded the court to revoke the Law Council board’s decision to erase their names from the council’s registration.

The board decided to sack the two from being lawyers after they were sentenced to six-month imprisonment by the Supreme Court for contempt of the court for their attempt to bribe the judges of a case with two million baht in cash.

The Administrative Court said that the way the duo attempted to bribe the judges was outrageous and constituted an act of defiance against the court. Also, the court said that the Law Council board’s decision was justified.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/court-dismisses-call-thaksins-lawyer-reinstated/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=court-dismisses-call-thaksins-lawyer-reinstated

-- Thai PBS 2014-05-30

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Woman arrested, charged for defying rally ban
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police Friday evening arrested a woman seen vandalising a military truck in online photos taken during an anti-coup rally in Bangkok on Wednesday. Phanmanee Choochao, 42, is an Education Ministry official.

She took part in the protest at Victory Monument on Wednesday. Phanmanee and a number of fellow protesters are seen spray painting the vehicle in online photos after it was abandoned by the troops who retreated when confronted by the protesters.

Deputy Bangkok police chief Pol Maj General Amnuay Nimmano paraded the woman at a press conference.

Phanmanee was later charged with violating the ban on political gatherings of five or more people. She was also accused of assaulting security officials and will be tried in military court.

Soldiers have earlier apprehended an activist at his home in Khon Kaen’s Kranuan district, and placed him under a military custody at a local barracks. After the raid to seize Phichit Phithak, the soldiers seized a number of documents and communications devices found at his home.

-- The Nation 2014-05-30

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RT@waanspeaking: RT @WassanaNanuam: Col. Winthai asked Thais not to dress like a soldier after some dressed in army fatigue acted inappropriately in public.

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RT@panuw: Gen Prayuth on air now on all channels in Thailand

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RT@Aim_NT: Gen Prayuth cited serious divisiveness in the country, violence, ppl's unhappiness, stagnant Budget bill passing as reasons for the coup.

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RT@Aim_NT: [The coup] was to unlock some petty restrictions so that happiness returns to the country: Gen Prayuth.

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RT@Aim_NT: The coup makers stick to the rule of law and human rights, aim at providing safety to the people, society:Gen Prayuth. Once better situation

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RT@Aim_NT: The NCPO will ease measures once the situation gets in shape. Now suppressing war weapons illegally stocked by groups of ppl: Gen Prayuth.

RT@Aim_NT: Curfew hours will be shortened according to situation: Gen Prayuth.

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RT@Aim_NT: Now people can go home after suffering situation of conflicts over the past 9 years: Gen Prayuth.

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RT@Aim_NT: Anybody who did anything (negatively) affecting society as a whole will be summoned to "calm down": Gen Prayuth. 7 days max.

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RT@Aim_NT: Ppl who use violence might be detained linger than others but 7 max: Gen Prayuth. Users of weapons must be suppressed.

RT@Aim_NT: In the first period of NCPO's work, prohibition of gathering of more than 5 days is necessary. If 1 group comes, others will come: G Prayuth

RT@Aim_NT: Controlling of the media is also necessary in this period as some media in the past provoked or worsen violence: Gen Prayuth.

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RT@Aim_NT: No end was in sight for the fights between conflicting groups in the past: Gen Prayuth.

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RT@Aim_NT: NCPO doesn't treat government official unfairly but those who were transferred were involved in abusing power as part of the fight: Prayuth.

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RT@Aim_NT: The next urgent issue is to pass the 2015 Budget Bill to allow country to get going, especially should keep up w/ Asean Community: Prayuth

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RT@Aim_NT: Don't worry.It's impossible that the NCPO will spend the budget unlimitedly. We keep on financial disciplinary and consult agencies: Prayuth

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RT@Aim_NT: Lucky that Thailand has good basic factors: Prayuth talks about attracting foreign investment.

RT@Aim_NT: The budget set and spending will be examined carefully quickly: Prayuth.