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Thailand Live Saturday 31 May 2014

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Pre-coup cases to be sped up
The Nation

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A street vendor leaves the Victory Monument area after soldiers and police closed roads leading to the landmark for the second day yesterday in an attempt to thwart anti-coup protesters. Traffic around the monument was back to normal shortly after 6pm

BANGKOK: -- Police to focus on lese majeste, graft in rice scheme and attacks on PDRC

Police, under instruction from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), will speed up criminal cases in regard to lese majeste and attacks on protesters who rallied against the Yingluck government over the past several months, according to a senior police officer.

The cases include deaths during a red-shirt gathering at Rajamangala Stadium in November, a clash in Din Daeng during an election registration in December, and a deadly attack on a group of People's Democratic Reform Committee supporters that killed two children in Trat province, deputy national police chief General Aek Angsananont said yesterday.

War weapons seized recently by officials in Samut Sakhon may be linked to many of the incidents, notably the one in Trat province, Aek said.

Police also looked into corruption cases related to the rice-pledging scheme, which involved senior officials and rice traders, he said.

Ten cases concerning the rice scheme are under police investigation, he said, noting that police had evidence sufficient to indict people in three cases.

Police Lt-General Kokiat Wongworachart, an assistant to the national police chief, said he had been assigned to oversee cases concerning illegal possession of weapons. Initial investigation found that a lot of licences for holding weapons were transferred illegally, he said.

Meanwhile, the Courts of Justice Office has warned that any crimes not cited in the National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) restrictions, or those committed before May 25, also come under the jurisdiction of the military courts.

The office also cited the results of a meeting called by the Supreme Court, saying it was not viable to seek a legal interpretation through the Constitutional Court, because the Constitution had been abolished by the NCPO.

For crimes not cited in the NCPO's restrictions, or those committed before May 25, an exception would be made for crimes committed by minors, the office said in an undated statement.

On May 25, the NCPO announced that crimes against the monarchy, insurrection, sedition and secession, and violation of its orders were applicable for military courts.

A ruling by a military court cannot be appealed.

At 4pm yesterday, a large number of police and soldiers were deployed at Victory Monument to guard against a large planned rally by people opposed to the coup. Traffic around the roundabout was closed from 4pm to 6pm along with shops to avoid possible disruption.

Earlier, the NCPO had said that curfews should be relaxed if several conditions were favourable.

Two anti-coup protesters with a history of violating the lese majeste law have been processed for detention, after police took them to a bail hearing yesterday. They have been identified as Aphichart Phongsawas and Weerayuth Khongthanatharn.

The two were among 11 protesters arrested during a rally near the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre last Friday.

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-- The Nation 2014-05-31

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Agreement reached on Bt2.6-trillion fiscal budget for the next year; LPG price to rise
Suphannee Pootpisut
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The country's ruling junta is expected to deliver a Bt2.6-trillion fiscal 2015 budget, in which a Bt250-billion deficit has been set and Bt455 billion has been allocated for investments - including projects linked to feasibility studies.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730474-agreement-reached-on-bt26-trillion-fiscal-budget-for-the-next-year;-lpg-price-to-rise/

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UPDATE:

Thai envoy in UK linked to Thaksin ordered to return home
The Nation

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Pasan

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry has ordered Thai Ambassador to London Pasan Teparak to return to Bangkok and report to the ministry as soon as possible for the sake of propriety, ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730338-thai-ambassador-to-uk-ordered-home/page-8?p=7908386#entry7908386

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ISOC takes charge of national harmony

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Sets up centres to teach warring sides to live with each other peacefully

The Internal Security Operation Command (ISOC) has taken charge of bringing all warring factions together to dissolve their differences and bring about national reconciliation by setting up "reform centres" across the country, ISOC spokesman Banphot Poonpien said yesterday.

Banphot said the junta chief, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, wanted differences in political ideas, even among family members, to disappear.

Hence, he said, the commander wanted this reconciliation process to begin at the family level and later expand to villages, tambons, districts and provinces.

"We have to learn to respect different opinions and learn how to live together despite these differences," Banphot told reporters.

"We don't have a perfect model yet to get people to reconcile, but are holding some activities to bring different people together," he said, adding that the military had realised that each area would have a different level of readiness for change.

"We don't have a quota for each group of people who subscribe to a different colour code of political views, but we want them to understand the importance of coming together and living together," he said.

The structure and the functions of these centres have not be clarified, but initially they would be based on the four regions of ISOC, he said, adding that the matter

will be further discussed on Mon-day before the measures are introduced.

Prayuth wants to see genuine reconciliation, not just some vague version, Banphot added.

'Adjusted attitudes'

"What we have to do is adjust and tune the two extreme sides and bring them closer," he said.

Asked if the idea of dissolving the different political views would work, Banphot said people, notably those in the North and Northeast, should forget about everything that happened before the May 22 coup. They have to learn to live together peacefully, he reiterated.

"I have heard that many key leaders have already adjusted their political attitudes and developed constructive ideas.

"They are also not dwelling on past conflicts," he said. "This is a good trend and later we would like to ask those leaders to help bring this positive attitude to their supporters."

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-- The Nation 2014-05-31

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NCPO urges ministry to scrap useless projects, give plots to the landless
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A member of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) met senior officials from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry yesterday and advised them either to abolish or review projects that cannot be deemed worthwhile, transparent or fruitful.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730478-ncpo-urges-ministry-to-scrap-useless-projects-give-plots-to-the-landless/

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Surin wins 2014 Peace Corps award
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Surin Pitsuwan, former foreign minister and former Asean secretary general, has been named the winner of the 2014 Harris Wofford Global Citizen Award, the Peace Corps Thailand announced recently.

Suthanya Sukphaisal, the executive and communications assistant at Peace Corps Thailand, said the National Peace Corps Association would present Surin with the award at its third annual gathering of Peace Corps Connect in Nashville, United States, on June 21.

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-- The Nation 2014-05-31

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Mystery over former MP's whereabouts
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- There is mystery surrounding the whereabouts of former Pheu Thai MP Karun Hosakul, with a junta spokesman saying yesterday that he was released from military detention two days ago but his wife still demanding his release.

Pimchana Hosakul filed a complaint with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) esterday to demand it release her husband, saying he had been detained for seven days already and should have been released.

However, NCPO spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvari, 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.

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-- The Nation 2014-05-31

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HOUSHOLDS DEBT
Rising debt likely to keep households in the red

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The National Credit Bureau has voiced concern that rising household debts may continue keeping people in the red, judging from the fact that most of the people who are repaying auto or personal loans earn less than Bt30,000 a month.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730479-rising-debt-likely-to-keep-households-in-the-red/

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NCPO to launch study into links between gambling dens, 'red' police and anti-coup rallies
The Nation

Emerging information suggests some operators of illegal horse racing gambling dens may have played an active role in Thailand's current political turmoil.

A deputy spokesman of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) alleged on Monday night that some operators of the illegal horse racing-game dens had encouraged individuals to resist security officials' operations. He said, in defiance of the martial law declaration, they had offered between Bt400 and Bt1,000 to people to join anti-coup rallies.

Soon after that announcement, some unfamiliar names appeared on the additional list of persons required to report to the NCPO.

Investigative research has revealed these names are linked to several illegal horse racing-game dens and some other suspect businesses.

Sources said all reportedly received backing from top-level police officers, whose careers appeared threatened in the wake of last week's coup.

The NCPO staged the power seizure on May 22 in a bid to end political turmoil and restore both peace and order.

The coup followed a six-months-long protest by the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), which sought to end what it called "the Thaksin regime".

Leader and PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban once complained on stage that an influential financial sponsor of attacks on PDRC demonstrators ran illegal gambling dens and served a high-level policeman. Suthep did not identify this sponsor by name. He just gave an initial, which sparked intense speculation.

The man implicated by Suthep is reportedly the owner of several illegal horse racing-game dens across the Central region. He has been summonsed.

According to several authorities, including the Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), thousands of horse racing-game machines, slot machines and other gambling-themed machines have operated illegally in the capital alone. Each machine generates an income of about Bt20,000 a month.

Sources have revealed that the NCPO has also targeted another major gambling-den owner, with dens in Bangkok and nearby provinces, for his alleged role in the political violence. His henchmen are reportedly behind several violent incidents that erupted in Bangkok in the wake of the 2010 crackdown on red-shirt demonstrators.

Also summoned to the NCPO is a famous personality in Thailand's boxing circles. While he has a non-threatening front, this man has allegedly engaged in what authorities describe as 'shady businesses' behind the scenes.

During his appearances on the PDRC stage, Suthep once accused a Nakhon Pathom-based illegal horse racing-game operator of wreaking turmoil. This rich man, who reportedly has close ties with a famous politician, has not yet received a summons from the NCPO.

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-- The Nation 2014-05-31

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Blocking social media is never a good idea

Kornchanok Raksaseri

BANGKOK: -- The Junta's online content monitoring panel has announced it will seek cooperation from social media companies to block access in Thailand to Facebook pages, Line groups and YouTube videos deemed to have inappropriate content.

Special attention will be given to social media tools that could violate the lese majeste law and endanger national security.

The move is aimed at curbing content that defies the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)'s 12th, 17th, and 18th announcements. These orders stipulated that online operators must remove messages deemed as provocative, an incitement to violence, critical of military leaders, and likely to cause misunderstanding among the public or disturb peace and order. The junta's orders also made it clear that insulting the monarchy on social media was unacceptable.

The fact that the junta is seeking such cooperation, along with the outcry among Thailand's legion of Facebook users when the website briefly became unavailable on Wednesday, once again reflected the massive influence of social media on modern Thai society.

According to the magazine Positioning, 28 million Thais (41.9 per cent of population) use Facebook. Out of that number, 85 per cent are active users.

Popular activities include posting images, checking-in to display location, posting links and making status updates.

The NCPO bans the use of social media to undertake political provocation. It is among the conditions for those summoned and subsequently freed by the NCPO.

After being released on Wednesday, United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) chairman Jatuporn Prompan posted the message that he had reached home safely and thanked his supporters for their moral support.

Aside from a picture of him and other UDD leaders being released he has not posted any more messages on Facebook.

UDD secretary-general Nuttawut Saikuar was not active on Facebook. His page was updated with posts in which others tagged him. However, many supporters sent him moral support via the page.

Likewise, ex-UDD leader Thida Tavonseth's page, which had been updated daily, has remained unaltered since a picture of the released UDD leaders was posted. There have been no posts since then.

Former Pheu Thai MP Woravat Auapinyakul became active for the first time since February 13 yesterday by posting a link to a video titled "A Giant Anaconda Swallows a Small Kid".

Over the weekend, pictures of Chitpas Kridakorn and fellow members of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) reporting to the NCPO were accompanied by a note saying they had been posted by the administrator of her Facebook page. On Monday the posts no longer contained the note.

In the past few days, she has posted messages of support to Pattani residents and group photos of the PDRC leadership wearing soldier-style T-shirts celebrating PDRC leader Nataphol Teepsuwan's birthday together.

PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban's page featured content similar to that of Chitpas, including pictures of him visiting victims of political violence.

The NCPO's Facebook page has not been active since May 22, the day of the coup. It displayed a message that it was not the official page of the NCPO but was set up for people who are interested in the council.

However, on Twitter, @ArmyPR_News has been very active in updating the NCPO's activities. After one week under the military administration, much of the heated debate on social media, especially Facebook, has died down.

Nevertheless, the junta should keep in mind that a total blockage of social media would not be a popular step.

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-- The Nation 2014-05-31

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Injured soldiers file police complaints
The Nation

Ten injured soldiers yesterday filed police complaints against anti-coup protesters who assaulted them and police while they maintained law and order at Victory Monument in Bangkok on Wednesday.

Colonel Sombat Thanyawan, commander of the Army Cavalry School in Saraburi, led the soldiers in filing the complaints at Phaya Thai Police Station.

The protesters violated orders by the National Council for Peace and Order by holding the demonstration, assaulting military and police personnel and damaging government property.

Sombat reportedly told police that more than 10 soldiers were injured. Most sustained minor injuries, but one soldier was hospitalised with a serious eye injury. He warned anti-coup protesters to stop rallying so that the unrest can end.

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-- The Nation 2014-05-31

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Applicants urged to take note of new licensing process for drivers' license

BANGKOK, 30 May 2014 (NNT) – Those looking to renew or apply for their driver's license are advised to take note of the new issuing process coming into use by the Land Transport Department starting on June 2.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730481-applicants-urged-to-take-note-of-new-licensing-process-for-drivers-license/

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General Prayuth promises election in the next 15 months

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BANGKOK: -- Army Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said Fridyay night that it would take at least about 15 months before Thailand will go to the polls again to have an elected government.

In a nation-wide television address, the chief of the National Council for Peace and Order outline the three-stage roadmap which includes the first stage of national reconciliation which will take at least 2-3 months followed by reforms which include the enactment of an interim constitution, the setting of a national legislative assembly, the selection of an interim prime minister and the interim government.

The second stage will take about a year before going to the last stage which is an election which will satisfy all parties concerned, said General Prayuth.

In the 40-minute address to mark the seventh day of the coup, the NCPO head talked about the reasons and necessity for the military to stage the May 22 coup, the operations during the past week and the roadmap.

He explained that the military takeover was intended to end violence so that the country could move forward and, most importantly, the Monarchy must be protected by all Thai citizens.

The essence of the NCPO is to administer the country under the abnormal circumstances that is to use the normal administrative regulations as much as possible with the exception of outstanding or urgent matters, he said, adding that the use of expenditure budget can be examined all the time.

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-- Thai PBS 2014-05-31

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RT@panuw: Traffic to Ratchaprasong intersection will be blocked this Sunday from 9 am onwards as part of army attempt to prevent anti coup protest

RT@panuw: apparently army will set up 4 checkpoints 1. Chitlom 2. AUA 3. Big C 4. Chalermpao - Blocking all routes to Ratchprasong this Sunday 9 am

RT@panuw: This info come from Maneeya building letter to our office - commuters and driver please be warn. pic.twitter.com/qw5CJaiJ1n

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Australia reduces engagement with Thai military

SYDNEY, May 31, 2014 (AFP) - Australia is reducing its interaction with Thailand's military, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Saturday, adding three planned activities had been postponed due to the coup.

Thailand's military seized power on May 22 and on Friday ruled out elections for at least a year to allow time for political "reforms", despite international alarm.

"The Australian government continues to have grave concerns about the actions of the military in Thailand," Bishop said in a statement with Defence Minister David Johnston.

"In line with our concerns, Australia is reducing our engagement with the Thai military and will lower the level of our interaction with the Thai military leadership."

The ministers said Australia had postponed three activities planned for coming weeks in Thailand -- a military operations law training course for Thai officers, and two reconnaissance visits; including one for a counter terrorism training exercise.
"We will continue to review defence and other bilateral activities," they said.

Canberra has also put in place a mechanism to prevent the leaders of the coup from travelling to Australia.

Australia has called on the Thai military to establish a plan to return to democracy and the rule of law as soon as possible, to refrain from arbitrary detentions and release those detained for political reasons.

Following the coup, the United States cancelled an ongoing military exercise with Thailand and planned visits by officials.

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-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-05-31

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Reports: Feds eye golfer Phil Mickelson in insider trading probe

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating possible insider trading involving investor Carl Icahn and golfer Phil Mickelson, according to reports in The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730511-reports-feds-eye-golfer-phil-mickelson-in-insider-trading-probe/

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Prayuth promises election in about a year

BANGKOK: -- Chief of National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) General Prayuth Chan-ocha Friday night promised to hold a general election in about a year after national reforms are completed.

In a televised public address late night, Prayuth also said an interim government will be formed before the new 2015 fiscal year starts. The new fiscal year will start in October.

"The next urgent issue is to pass the 2015 annual Budget Bill to allow country to get going, especially the country should keep up with Asean Economics Community," Prayuth said.

He said the NCPO would not consider project based on political reasons like in the past. This will allow the NCPO to move forward to 2015 budget which should be under the responsibility of the next government before October 1.

Prayuth promised the election when he unveiled three-step roadmap, which will begin with national reconciliation followed by reform and election.

He said the first step would take a few months to launch reconciliation for reform center in the capital and entire the nation with the Internal Security Operation Command taking charge.

The reconciliation would begin from the smallest unit of the society, which is family and later expand to village, tambon, district and province. The centre would bring people who have different political ideas to come together, he said.

The reconciliation would not include changing bureaucracy structure or granting amnesty to any groups, he emphasised.

The second step is to have temporary charter to govern the country, setting up national assembly, selecting Prime Minister and cabinet members to form the government to run the country.

The reform council would be set up to carry out all necessary reform tasks. This step would take at least a year, depending on situation.

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-- The Nation 2014-05-31

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Filipinos in Thailand urged to follow security instructions

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The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to follow security instructions from Thai authorities.

The embassy also urged Filipinos to get clearance from the military if they need to travel during curfew hours and to always bring their identification documents with them.

“Members of the Filipino community in Thailand are advised to continue exercising extreme caution and vigilance for their own personal safety in view of the recent political developments,” the embassy said in a statement.

“Please follow security instructions from/ advice by the Thai authorities, including staying indoors during the curfew period, which is now from midnight to 4 a.m.,” it added.

The embassy also issued the following precautionary measures: Follow security instructions by the authorities; remain indoors for the duration of the curfew; avoid non-essential movements within Thailand; refrain from taking part in protests and other political activities; and, carry valid identification documents with you at all times.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised crisis alert level 2 in Thailand after a martial law was declared there. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), on the other hand, imposed a temporary ban on the deployment of newly hired OFWs to Thailand.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/filipinos-thailand-urged-follow-security-instructions/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=filipinos-thailand-urged-follow-security-instructions

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-- Thai PBS 2014-05-31

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