Thailand Live Sunday 01 Jun 2014

[Lite Beer]

Reconciliation event gets cool response
Cattleya Chan,
Chanon Wongsatayanont
The Sunday Nation

A military band performs with a group of local residents at an event organised by the Army in Pathum Thani yesterday in an effort to encourage conflicting political groups to reach reconciliation.

BANGKOK: -- There has been a mixed response to the junta's first reconciliation event, held at an area in Pathum Thani known for having a radio station that supports the ousted government.

The radio station was set up by Koh Tee, a hard-line red shirt, and is no longer operating after its broadcasting equipment was seized last week in a raid by police and soldiers.

National reconciliation is the first step of the three-step roadmap that will culminate with elections.

The roadmap was laid out on Friday by Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who heads the National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO).

The Army hosted the Pathum Thani meeting at Piyanon village so that people from all sides could attend and try to reach an understanding.

"When everyone has a common understanding, reconciliation can begin," said Lieutenant Pitchaya Boonserm, who was one of the soldiers present at the event.

Running from 9.30am till noon, the event was open to everyone, and Army officials provided a free barber service, health checks, desserts, drinks and even staged a concert. There was also an exhibition listing the dates and achievements of His Majesty the King.

The atmosphere was similar to a lively carnival which, according to the Army, about 1,500 people attended. Some observed things from a distance.

Getsuda Gosalavanid, 43, a former People's Democratic Reform Council (PDRC) supporter, said she was happy the Army hosted the event because it gave her a place to express her political views. Prior to this, she feared showing support for the Army and the coup.

A resident of the area, she said none of the red-shirt supporters she knew joined the event. "They were watching from the sidelines - they aren't causing trouble, they just sit at home," she said.

Many attendees wore Army-striped or black shirts with Thai flags like PDRC members wore. A few brought water or handkerchiefs to give to soldiers.

One man said that he was not satisfied with the Army. He said he wanted elections and democratic rule, and that the reconciliation event would not change his mind. Another was unhappy as he usually set up his stall at the site.

-- The Nation 2014-06-01

[Lite Beer]

Tight security in capital to block protests
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- Eight key Bangkok locations closed after elusive red-shirt activist plans anti-coup rally at Ratchaprasong

Thousands of police and troops will be deployed today to prevent protests at eight locations around Bangkok and the Ratchaprasong intersection and the shopping district will be closed, a senior police officer said yesterday.

The eight spots are the Ratchaprasong intersection, King Taksin Monument, the Thepharak intersection, Victory Monument, Democracy Monument, Laksi Monument, Central Bang Na, and Seacon Square on Srinakharin Road.

Thirty-eight companies of troops and police will guard the eight spots and rapid deployment units will be on standby, Deputy Police Commissioner-General Pol Colonel Somyos Pumphanmuang said.

Traffic on the four roads leading to Victory Monument will be also closed from 4pm until the rally there ends, the Traffic Police Bureau announced.

The Ratchaprasong intersection, where several major shopping malls and hotels are located, are the centre of the operations against protesters today because Sombat Boongnarmanong, an elusive red-shirt activist, announced he would hold a rally in front of a shopping mall at the intersection.

Sombat has been summoned by the National Council for Peace and Order but he has ignored the order.

Sombat, a supporter of the deposed government, said on his Facebook webpage that he would later announce details of masquerade parties to be held at several major shopping malls and public parks around Bangkok to "celebrate the coup".

Somyos said police will block roads from the Chalermpao intersection, the Phloenchit intersection, the intersection in front of Big C Rajdamri and the intersection in front of AUA Rajdamri at 9am today to prevent protesters from approaching the Ratchaprasong intersection. The roads will be blocked until the officials can control the situation or the rally ends.

He said the people who want to pass through the road checkpoints will have to tell police the reason why they need to enter the zone.

Hotels located in the blocked zone would have to send staff to man the checkpoints to facilitate the arrivals of guests, Somyos said. He said the Skywalk passing through the intersection would also be closed from 9am until police could control the situation.

The BTS Skytrain would not stop at Chidlom, Phloenchit and Rajdamri stations, which will be closed today. To avoid the protest, Amarin Plaza, Gaysorn Plaza and Erawan malls will be closed today but would open as normal tomorrow, according to the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) statement.

RSTA members would also beef up security at their tall buildings by prohibiting anyone from entering the rooftop around the clock. For customers' convenience, RSTA also said that Zen and CentralWorld, also located in the blocked zone, would open from 2pm-10pm, while "The Platinum Fashion Mall" would open as usual from 8am to 8pm. RSTA would give updates on any changes via www.facebook.com/heartofbangkok and Instagram: Ratchaprasong.

Nearby malls - Central Chidlom, Central Embassy, Siam Paragon, Siam Centre and Siam Discovery - will reportedly open as usual from 10am to 10pm. It was also reported that traffic around Victory Monument would close from 4pm.

-- The Nation 2014-06-01

[Lite Beer]

Focus on state enterprise boards
Erich Parpart,
Somluck Srimalee
The Sunday Nation

Workers from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration clean up the Government House compound yesterday. Government House was reopened on Thursday, more than five months after it was forced to close in early December due to the presence of a large number of protesters

BANGKOK: -- Appointing new board members and reviving delayed projects on agenda

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730742-focus-on-state-enterprise-boards/

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Weapons found in North
The Sunday Nation

War weapons were discovered in an abandoned hotel in Chiang Rai's Phan district, Chiang Rai Army Area commander said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730645-weapons-found-at-deserted-chiang-rai-hotel-army-says/page-3#entry7912523

[Lite Beer]

US unimpressed by year-long road map to elections

Washington: -- The United States has dismissed a plan laid out by Thailand's military chief to delay elections for more than a year to allow time for political reforms.

"We know that they have announced a, quote, 'road map toward democracy', but with scant details included," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said yesterday.

She insisted that Washington believed the best path forward was "to set a timeline for early elections and to facilitate an inclusive and transparent electoral process".

In his first televised national address after announcing the takeover 10 days ago, junta chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said the military regime planned to work towards returning to democracy in around 15 months.

The general said a first phase of around three months would focus on "reconciliation" in the ferociously divided nation.

A Cabinet and new draft constitution would then be put in place to enact reforms during a second year-long phase.

Only after this could elections be held, he said.

But Psaki said the 15-month timeline was too long, although she would not propose an alternative.

"We don't want anything to end in chaos, but we think setting a timeline for early elections is something that is not just possible, but is what the appropriate step is," she insisted.

"There's no reason that they can't be held in the short term."

After months of political upheaval, the Thai military seized power on May 22 and has rounded up scores of political figures, activists and academics. Many of them have since been released.

Meanwhile, Australia is reducing its interaction with the Thai military, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said yesterday, adding three planned activities had been postponed due to the coup.

"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.

-- The Nation 2014-06-01

[Lite Beer]

Nation reporter freed
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Nation's senior reporter Pravit Rojanaphruk was released yesterday afternoon, after seven days in military detention.

Pravit, who was freed at about 3pm, reported later that he was safe and sound.

He said he was "treated well" while under military custody.

Last Sunday morning, the journalist reported to the National Council for Peace and Order after being summoned last Saturday night. He was among the more than 250 people summoned by the junta following the May 22 power seizure.

-- The Nation 2014-06-01

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Yala grocery store burnt out after bombs detonated
The Sunday Nation

YALA: -- An explosion occurred at a wholesale grocery shop in Yala's Yaha district yesterday morning, causing a fire that did an estimated Bt10 million worth of damage.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730597-muslim-insurgents-bomb-civilian-target/page-3?p=7912538#entry7912538

[Lite Beer]

Wife of papers boss shot dead
The Sunday Nation

SONGHLA: -- The wife of Chaiyong Maneerungsakul, the Southern Newspapers Association of Thailand president, was fatally shot by an unknown gunman who lured the couple to inspect a damaged rubber plantation.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730743-wife-of-papers-boss-shot-dead/

[Lite Beer]

Highly addictive 'yaba'
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) yesterday warned people of a new type of 'yaba' is laced with dimethyl-amphetamine - which could get a person addicted to it after taking only two pills.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730744-warning-of-highly-addictive-yaba/

[Lite Beer]

Warning against wearing military-style dress
The Sunday Nation


Security officers keep a close watch around Victory Monument to prevent anti-coup protests yesterday. Unlike late last week, roads in the area were not closed.

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order yesterday warned the public against wearing military-like or military-style uniforms after rumours spread that a group of men in military uniform had robbed farmers of their utensils in the northeastern region.

NCPO spokesman Winthai Suvari said the reports about military men being involved in robbery were just rumours. The NCPO had not received any such reports from the Second Army region.

He said the public could differentiate between genuine and fake military officials by noticing their rank emblems on the uniform, whether they possessed official verification documents and whether they used state vehicles with official signs.

Meanwhile, Winthai warned that the NCPO would apply strict laws against anti-coup protesters who staged street rallies while people who spread their anti-coup message on line will be summoned to make their attitude more positive towards the NCPO, which is seeking to restore peace and order in the country. Phya Thai Police Station has issued 14 arrest warrants for a group of anti-coup suspects and one was arrested on Friday, he said.

Winthai said the NCPO would apply the same measures it has used against protesters who are planning a major rally today.

Deputy national police chief Pol General Somyos Pumphanmuang said a combined 30 companies of military and police force would be deployed to keep peace and order at eight spots around Bangkok where anti-coup protesters are reported to be planning their rally. They include Ratchaprasong, King Taksin monument, Theparak intersection, Victory Monument, Democracy Monument, Laksi monument, Central Bang Na and Seacon Square.

To thwart anti-coup protests at Ratchaprasong, police will block roads from the Chalermpao intersection, the Phloenchit intersection, the intersection in front of Big C Rajdamri and the intersection in front of AUA Rajdamri from 9am to prevent protesters from approaching the Ratchaprasong intersection.

-- The Nation 2014-06-01

[Lite Beer]

'Terror' suspects face military court
The Sunday Nation

KHON KAEN: -- Twenty-two suspects arrested while allegedly planning an attack were yesterday brought from Khon Kaen Police Station to the 23rd Military Circle Command to be tried in a military court, Sri Patcharin camp, in Khon Kaen.

The suspects were arrested on May 23 at an apartment in Khon Kaen while allegedly planning a "terror" attack in the province. The 21 men and one woman were charged with violating martial law, possession heavy arms and terrorism.

The suspects had reportedly confessed to planning an attack on the orders of red-shirt leaders. Six additional suspects were arrested after police interrogated the 22 suspects, who also were to take part in the planned attack.

The six suspects are in custody and being investigated by military officials from the 8th Infantry Division. Police will take over the investigation after the seven-day detention period under martial law is completed.

Police can detain the suspects for a maximum of 48 days for investigation and must request the court's permission to detain them after every 12 days. As they were charged with security offences, they will also be tried in military court.

-- The Nation 2014-06-01

[Lite Beer]

'Red' villages ordered to lower their flags
Seksanti Kanlayanawisut
The Sunday Nation

BANGKOK: -- A National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) campaign to reconcile people with opposing political stances is underway.

The first of these endeavours, "Lowering Red Flags", is targeting stronghold areas for the Pheu Thai Party.

Under the campaign, national flags will be raised symbolically in place of red flags or flags of other political colours and will be followed by dialogue between opposing sides, said a source with the Army's Udon Thani-based Suranaree Force, which is running a local campaign.

Leaders of all opposing sides have been called to meetings in the Northeast so they can air their basic requests before a regional reconciliation centre is set up.

The reconcilatory measures will be carried out jointly by civilian authorities, the police and military through local forums at village, tambon and district levels.

"For example, the red shirts will speak out about what they want and the yellow shirts will do the same, and both sides will try to reconcile," the source said. "If they cannot do it, the military will intervene and will help out with their differences."

In Udon Thani, regarded as the red shirt "capital" in Isaan, signs at the "red village" at Nong Hoo Ling in Muang district, were removed by troops shortly after the military took power. The signs were removed from most villages in all 20 districts in the province. Nong Hoo Ling became the first red village back in 2002.

Around 20,000 villages, from the 74,956 nationwide, are regarded as "red" villages.

Following the coup, leaders and residents of three red communities in Chaiyaphum, another large red-shirt stronghold, agreed to lower red flags, remove "red village" signs and a photo of Thaksin Shinawatra, Pheu Thai's de-facto leader, but still hang red shirts at the front of homes.

Nong Bor, Kud Khaen and None Samor were inaugurated red villages in 2012 by former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin’s brother-in-law.

The NCPO has replaced several provincial governors with those it has greater trust in. Many were serving in red-shirt strongholds and have been transferred to inactive duty or to other provinces that are smaller in area or stature.

For example, Chiang Mai governor Wichian Phutwinyu is now the Saraburi governor while Khon Kaen governor Somsak Suwannajarit is now an inspector-general.

The first NCPO transfer order issued last week saw nine governor changes. The second order issued the next day saw 15 changes.

The transfers take effect tomorrow.

-- The Nation 2014-06-01

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Military needs to step warily along a tricky path
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Reconciliation moves would be better led by others, and some media coaching wouldn't hurt also

How the coup leaders handle the initial phase after the coup is extremely important because what they do at this juncture will affect the future of the country for an unforeseeable time.

In this respect, free and fair media coverage is essential. If they are not happy or unable to handle criticism or tough questions, which reporters generally throw out following a wishy-washy answer, perhaps they should have had a second thought before launching the coup.

If the Army strongly believes in what it is doing or what it has done, it should have the political courage to defend its action and whatever policies it plans to announce. Intimidation and silencing the press is not the answer.

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), the name this current junta has given themselves, could really use a crash course on anxiety control and media relations.

The upcoming interim government needs to understand that it will have to have a solid communicator to deliver messages and clarify misunderstandings with the international community, the local and foreign media, and so on.

It need not look for an easy way out and revert to the longstanding line: "You no understand. You are farang." If that's the case, then the Rolex salesmen on Silom Road could do the job that the NCPO is doing.

Being the head honcho of the NCPO, General Prayuth Chan-ocha needs to rise to the occasion and learn how to engage with the public and understand that the media could be his best medium for conveying his messages to the public.

Just don't hoodwink them or take them for a ride because they will never forgive you. Of course, there are journalists out there who don't mind getting a free ride. Their motto has long been "Where there is free food, there's free press."

Prayuth can appoint a spokesperson but as the head of junta, he will have to manage his own media affairs.

Talking about strategy is easy. Perhaps the most difficult part is the thinking that goes behind each of these strategies. An example of such "thinking" - or lack of it - was the idea of setting up "reform centres" that was tossed out a couple of days ago by the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc).

The "reform centres", to be set up across the country, are meant to serve as places to teach the political opponents to live with each other peacefully.

Isoc spokesman Colonel Banphot Poonpien said General Prayuth wants this reconciliation process to begin at the family level and later expand to villages, tambons, districts and provinces. And they could do it at these centres.

There is nothing wrong with the idea, however. Reconciliation is what this country needs. But the military is not exactly a fair broker; they are a stakeholder. The military is fooling itself if it thinks it has the moral authority to do this.

Reconciliation cannot come from military directives. It has to be a national effort and the military must be part of it, not the sole driver of it.

-- The Nation 2014-06-01

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Due to a possible Anti-#ThaiCoup in #Bangkok this morning, police will lockdown Ratchaprasong from 9am. Please avoid pic.twitter.com/t6Nqijc1uf

[Lite Beer]

US soldier Bowe Bergdahl freed by Taliban in Afghanistan

A US soldier who has been held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nearly five years has been freed in deal that includes the release of five Afghan detainees, US officials say.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730750-us-soldier-bowe-bergdahl-freed-by-taliban-in-afghanistan/

[Lite Beer]

Pele son Edinho sentenced to 33 years in Brazil for money laundering

The son of the Brazilian football legend Pele has been sentenced to 33 years in jail for laundering money raised from drug trafficking.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730749-pele-son-edinho-sentenced-to-33-years-in-brazil-for-money-laundering/

[Lite Beer]

Qatar World Cup: '$5m payments to officials' corruption claim

Fifa is facing fresh allegations of corruption over its controversial decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730753-qatar-world-cup-5m-payments-to-officials-corruption-claim/

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 8:10am - MT @RPOBB: Troops already at Central Bangna shopping mall on Bang Na Trad pic.twitter.com/TM4u70o5X6 #ThaiCoup #Bangkok #Thailand

[Lite Beer]

RT@BTS_SkyTrain: Today(1 June) From 09.00 hrs. BTS will not stop at Phloen chit Station Chit Lom Station and Ratchadamri Station.

[Lite Beer]

RT@photogjack: Army in ratchaprasong is registering journalists and giving them light blue ribbons to wear ahead of whatever happens today. #thaicoup

[Lite Beer]

RT@tukky_nt: Traffic alert for Sunday #coup2014 pic.twitter.com/e7r1qoM0yO

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 9:10am Media at Ratchaprasong must register with the army in front of Inter-Con hotel - TR @winaithornPNC: pic.twitter.com/7L4DRPJ8LJ

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 9:40am Skywalk from Chidlom to Chalermpao via Ratcgaprasong is closed - TR @Phop_NTV: pic.twitter.com/HlpBlkLmok

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: 10am Ratchaprasong intersection is not closed completely yet - TR @Phop_NTV: pic.twitter.com/qaO7qidKlI #Bangkok

[Lite Beer]

RT@ACSBKK: Sunday, 6/1 at 9am Thai Security Forces plan to close the area of Ratchaprasong ( Central World/ Amarin Plaza) to the Watergate Bridge.

[Lite Beer]

RT@tukky_nt: “@PouYingluck thanks for moral support
m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid… pic.twitter.com/o1QsBG2hX3”

[Lite Beer]

RT@teamkorn: RT @PatricLand Yingluck on instagram "many things have changed in the past weeks. I thank you all for the supports and worrying about me"

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: MRT Phahonyothin station closed at 10am & will remain so until further notice - TR @fm91trafficpro #ThaiCoup #Bangkok

[Lite Beer]

Larger number of requests for credit reports from NCB

BANGKOK, 1 June 2014 (NNT) -- More and more Thais have asked for their credit reports from the National Credit Bureau (NCB), as commercial banks and financial institutions have become more vigilant on lending.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/730781-larger-number-of-requests-for-credit-reports-from-ncb/

[Lite Beer]

Several shopping malls in Ratchaprasong area closed on Sunday due to anti coup rally

BANGKOK, 1 June 2014 (NNT) -- Thirty-eight companies of military and police officers have been deployed to secure business area in Ratchaprasong after anti-coup groups announced they would stage rallies against the junta there on June 1.

Checkpoints have been set up on roads leading to the Ratchaprasong junction; hundreds of officers have been deployed in the area to stave off political gatherings of those opposing the coup staged by Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha on May 22. The group has called for Thais to step out and stage protest against the junta on June 1, beginning at noon

Central Group, which owns four high-end shopping malls in the area, has announced that its Central World and Zen Shopping Malls, which are located right on one corner of the junction, will be opened at two p.m. on Sunday, whereas Central Chidlom and Central Embassy, located half a kilometer away from the rally site, will be opened at 10.00 as usual.

Meanwhile, Kaysorn plaza, Amarin Plaza, and Erawan Bangkok Shopping Mall will be closed on Sunday, and will be back to cater to shoppers again on June 2.

-- NNT 2014-06-01