Thailand Live Saturday 7th Jun 2014

[Lite Beer]

MILITARY JUNTA
Junta chief woos Chinese
The Nation

National Council for Peace and Order chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, second right, meets with a Chinese business delegation that paid him a courtesy call at the Army headquarters yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- Gen Prayuth calls on visiting businessmen to encourage investors and tourists to return; promises new govt in 3 months

Junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday called on Chinese businessmen to help create a good understanding of the situation in post-coup Thailand in order to retain investments and tourists from China.

The chief of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) also said an interim government could be set up in three months in the third phase of its roadmap for national reconciliation.

Prayuth, who is also the Army chief, had said earlier that an interim civil administration could be created before the start of the next fiscal year on October 1.

The general met the group of visiting Chinese businessmen at the Royal Thai Army headquarters yesterday.

"Thailand will be China's strategic partner in all levels of cooperation for a long time," the junta chief was quoted as saying by NCPO spokeswoman Pattamaporn Rattanadilok na Phuket.

Though neighbouring countries such as China, Vietnam, Myanmar and Malaysia have voiced their understanding of the coup, several countries in the West, like the United States and Australia, have chosen to reduce their ties with the Kingdom.

At the meeting, Prayuth also asked the visiting businessmen - led by Thai Chamber of Commerce vice chairman Vichai Assarassakorn - for confidence in the country in terms of trade and investing in a corruption-free market.

The Chinese businessmen included representatives from several private sectors on the mainland including industry, banking, information and technology, home appliance, auto, fertiliser, mining and water-resource management.

Pattamaporn said the Chinese private sector wanted to affirm its intention of doing business in Thailand on all aspects as well as to strengthen ties between the two countries. He said Prayuth called on the Chinese visitors to have faith in Thailand as it would most certainly return to its old strength. He also called on them to help other investors understand the situation in Thailand and invite their countrymen to visit and invest in the Kingdom.

"The NCPO is considering lifting curfew in some more areas as soon as possible," the general said.

Pattamaporn went on to say that the NCPO chief also explained that it was necessary for the military to take charge of the country so the limitations of some regulations can be unlocked and laws put in place to help the country move

forward.

"From now on, there will be transparency, fairness and auditability with no corruption for investments in Thailand. It will focus on public interest," Pattamaporn quoted Prayuth as saying.

He added that Prayuth was also concerned about the impact construction projects might have on people, hence public participation will be introduced in all projects right from the start.

Since the military took over last month, it has frozen the price of fuel for at least 30 days, as well as the price of meals in food courts and basic necessities for six months to help mitigate the burden on people.

Furthermore, Surasak Kanchanarat, another deputy permanent secretary of the Defence Ministry who is also the acting permanent secretary, will go on a three-day visit to China next Wednesday to forge military cooperation between the two nations.

The junta chief has considered lifting the curfew in other tourist destinations such as Hua Hin, Cha-am, Hat Yai and Krabi, NCPO secretary General Udomdej Sitabutr said.

Separately, a source revealed that General Prayuth was not basking in the glory of his new position, but was committed to putting the Kingdom on the path of reform after setting up an interim government.

-- The Nation 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

MARTIAL COURT
Chaturon gets bail; told to shut up
The Nation

Chaturon Chaisang and his wife embrace each other after he is released on bail yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- Military court warns ex-minister voicing views may result in jail term

A military court yesterday granted bail to former education minister Chaturon Chaisang on condition that he take no part in political gatherings or travel overseas without permission.

A bond of Bt400,000 for bail was deposited by his wife Chiraporn, the former minister's lawyer Narinpong Chinapak said.

Chaturon was arrested on May 27 after he defied a summons from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and decided to hold a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand. He also faces charges of instigating unrest.

Under martial law, the military is authorised to detain anybody who fails to comply with its orders for 12 days, and this 12-day period can be extended seven times before the detainee is prosecuted.

The first 12 days of Chaturon's detention would have ended tomorrow, and though the junta sought to hold him for another 12 days, the court decided to release him on bail.

Other than the cash deposit, the court set many conditions for Chaturon to comply with while on temporary release. The prohibition includes not leaving the country without permission, not participating in political gatherings or expressing political views that can be deemed provocative, either orally or in writing.

If he is charged with instigating unrest in the Kingdom, he could face a sentence of up to seven years in jail, and this is in addition to a two-year prison sentence for defying the junta's order, meaning he could end up in jail for nine years.

Chaturon's legal team said they would map out a plan for the court struggle after his release.

After taking over on May 22, the military junta has summoned many people, including members of the previous Cabinet, activists, academics, red-shirt leaders and even journalists. Some of those who answered the summons were detained for a week or so, but many others are on the run.

Chaturon is the first civilian to be tried in military court, which has been empowered by the junta to try civilians.

He was seen handcuffed and in a brown prison outfit when he arrived at court at about 8.30am yesterday and was met by supporters shouting "Chaturon fight! Fight!"

Chaturon's younger brother Phutthipong told reporters that his big brother was healthy both physically and mentally, and was ready to fight for justice in a way that was democratic, peaceful and humanitarian.

-- The Nation 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

MILITARY COURT
Hide-and-seek game ends for creative activist
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prominent anti-coup activist Sombat Boonngam-anong, who was nabbed by police and soldiers in Chon Buri on Thursday night, has always been a colourful and creative figure.

When the two-month red-shirt rally was dispersed back in May 2010, after some 99 deaths on all sides, Sombat led a group of protesters to stage a "nude" protest against the emergency decree. He was arrested and detained. The decree prohibited five or more people from taking part in a political gathering.

After the May 22 coup, Sombat was summoned to report to the military two weeks ago but refused to do so. Instead, he mocked the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), saying that the people who had committed crimes - tearing up the Constitution - were members of the junta.

He challenged the military on Twitter and Facebook to catch him if they could.

Sombat, who is leader of the Red Sunday Group, then inspired and even directed anti-coup gatherings at McDonald's outlets nationwide and various other spots via Twitter and Facebook messages while he was in hiding. This led to the junta sealing off some department stores and BTS Skytrain stations in Bangkok to prevent the protesters from gathering last Sunday.

The picture of his arrest at a house in Chon Buri showed him looking rather nervous. Hours after his arrest, a pre-recorded audio message from him was released on the Internet, calling others to carry on with the "historic" fight for democracy in a peaceful manner.

"Let us believe that sovereignty rests with the people," Sombat said in his brief prepared message, in case he was captured or "disappeared".

-- The Nation 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

JUNTA
NACC seeks to check on wealth of coup makers
The Nation

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) said yesterday that members of the junta had to declare their assets in their capacity as military leaders according to law.

The 1999 National Anti-Corruption Law authorises NACC to scrutinise the assets of politicians and high-ranking officials, Witthaya Akompitak, deputy secretary-general of the NACC, said.

When asked if the Army generals who are in charge now could no longer be considered commanders, Witthaya said he did not know. He admitted that there was no specific law aimed at getting coup makers to declare their assets.

-- The Nation 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

ANTI-COUP LEADER
Capture of Sombat was 'accidental'
The Nation

Sombat

BANGKOK: -- The arrest of leading anti-coup campaigner Sombat Boonngam-anong on Thursday night was accidental and came from a joint police-military raid on a house in Chon Buri suspected of operating a website insulting the monarchy and inciting violence.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732331-capture-of-sombat-was-accidental/

[Lite Beer]

DEATH AT SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT

Suicide by THAI official after Facebook 'farewell'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A Thai Airways International employee jumped to his death from a five-storey office building in Suvarnabhumi airport on Thursday night moments after leaving an audio message and a note on Facebook.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732330-suicide-by-thai-official-after-facebook-farewell/

[Lite Beer]

CRACKDOWN ON DRUGS
Police told to get better results
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- NCPO says ONCB should focus on quality; officials warned

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732332-police-told-to-get-better-results/

[Lite Beer]

Man was killed by blows to head, forensic police say
The Nation

A large amount of debris and barbed wired was recovered from Phadung Krung Kasem canal after it was dredged yesterday as part of the post-coup campaign to clean up areas near Government House.

BANGKOK: -- An autopsy has found that a man, whose body was found underneath a bridge near Government House on Wednesday, died around a month ago and was likely to have been killed by hard blows to the head, the chief of the police Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732333-man-was-killed-by-blows-to-head-forensic-police-say/

[Lite Beer]

Quiet 'unity' breakfast in Udon Thani
The Nation

UDON THANI: -- In a post-coup campaign to reconcile people of different political colours, the authorities brought together local red-shirt leaders and members of the rival People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) in Udon Thani yesterday morning over breakfast.

A couple of PDRC members were the first to arrive at a food shop in Muang district, before they were joined by red-shirt leader Kwanchai Sarakham and his wife Aporn. On the menu was the traditional Northeastern delicacy "khai kratha" or eggs served up on a hot skillet. Though the two sides reportedly did not converse much and only exchanged words via a mediator, the four did agree to shake hands in front of the camera after eating.

The event dubbed "Morning Reconciliatory Coffee" was led by local Army and police commanders, as well as senior civilian officials. It is part of the "Udon Model" under the National Council for Peace and Order's (NCPO) "Creating Happiness, Pushing the Country Forward" campaign.

Deputy provincial governor Sutthinant Bunmee said participants at these events are not allowed to talk about the past, but encouraged instead to begin dialogues anew.

The next event is "Phook Siew" or traditional thread-tying ceremony, which will be held next Wednesday in all 20 Udon Thani districts, he said.

Meanwhile, Kwanchai said that though the breakfast was a good start, true reconciliation would take time and cooperation from all sides, while PDRC leader Danut Tantherdthit said he was waiting to see what the authorities wanted to do next as a follow-up.

Interior Ministry deputy permanent secretary Panadda Diskul, who is acting PM's Office permanent secretary, said provincial authorities that failed to prevent anti-coup gatherings would not be penalised, and that reconciliation campaigns had been received well in several provinces, including Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani, both strongholds of pro-Thaksin Shinawatra red shirts.

When asked if NCPO chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha would use Government House as his future office, as speculated by the media, Panadda said: "He told me he was not the prime minister."

-- The Nation 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

Yingluck 'out of politics now'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday popped up in a newly-launched luxury shopping complex in the heart of Bangkok, a sign that shows she has resumed life away from politics.

"She is now living a normal life, sending her son to school and going shopping," a source close to her confirmed yesterday. Yingluck was sighted at Central Embassy yesterday, and was seen a few days earlier shopping at Crystal Park.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said Yingluck had not engaged in political activity in recent weeks. The source firmly denied reports that Yingluck sent a note to Chaturon Chaisang to express moral support.

The former education minister had been behind bars for several days after defying a summons from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

Yingluck is among high-profile politicians who have reported to the NCPO.

-- The Nation 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

Junta accepts US stance

The Nation

The military has acknowledged the United States' call to restore freedom, respect the freedom of expression and release detainees, the Defence Ministry said yesterday.

The ministry's deputy permanent secretary Polawat Sirodom, who represented the military at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last week, informed those in charge about Washington's stance. Polawat also explained why the coup was necessary to the international security forum, Napat Sukchit, secretary to the Permanent Secretary Office, said.

-- The Nation 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

LIKE IT SHARE IT!

Junta has been wise not to block social networks
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation


Here are the countries that block Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

BANGKOK: -- In the age of social networks, the junta risks alienating large sections of the community if it blocks popular platforms like Facebook and Twitter out of fear over what people say.

People now have the power to instantly connect and communicate with one another around the globe. To block people from expressing an idea on social media would not be smart.

There are many social network platforms but in Thailand the most popular one is Facebook, with over 26 million users, research shows.

If the junta blocks access to Facebook, people would not only lose faith in its leader but would simply try and connect with another social network site. They can jump from one social network to another quickly across all types of devices anywhere, anytime.

In a democratic country, every person has the legal right to communicate. If there are some groups of people using the social network inappropriately to convey false information, to spread hate speech and so on, and the country's leader decides to block all Thais from accessing the social network, it would not be fair on the great bulk of users.

There are cases in many countries where the country's leader identified social networks as the enemy.

The New York Times, for example, noted that Twitter roared in Turkey after an effort to block it. The Turkish government's attempt to block the site appeared to backfire, fomenting a loud and raucous backlash, with the hashtags #TwitterisblockedinTurkey, #occupytwitter, #turkeyblockedtwitter, and #dictatorerdogan quickly trending globally.

According to Twitturk, which records the statistics of Turkey's roughly 12 million Twitter users, more than half a million tweets were posted in just 10 hours, despite the ban.

According to the non-profit Mother Jones Investigative Fund, China blocked Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube in 2009. Iran has blocked Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube on and off since they were banned in 2009 following Iran's contentious presidential election.

In Vietnam over the past couple of years, there have been widespread reports of Facebook being blocked. And in September 2013, Vietnam passed a law prohibiting citizens from posting anti-government content on the social network. Facebook did not comment.

Instead of regarding the social network as the enemy, leaders should play with the big data generated from it and moved over the network ingeniously.

They should follow the lead of the business world on how to use the social network to engage with people, deal with a crisis, and satisfy people.

It's also worth noting that by not blocking the social network, the junta could easily catch people

who post messages that break National Council for Peace and Order laws because they leave a digital footprint.


-- The Nation 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
NCPO could gain trust by declaring assets
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The military regime must head off fears that absolute power will corrupt absolutely

The National Council for Peace and Order has indicated its intention to remain in power until Thailand "achieves genuine reform". How long this might take is a matter of debate, with opinions divided along ideological lines. Meanwhile an urgent point to address is the military regime's intention to spend a lot of taxpayers' money. The farmers are at last being paid for their rice. The contentious water-management plan and the Bt2-trillion infrastructure overhaul will be "reviewed" - meaning some of the projects will likely be implemented. The junta has also involved itself in crucial energy affairs. All of these require substantial budgets.

Calls have been made for the NCPO to show transparency by having its key members declare their assets - both now and again after reform is in place and democracy returns.

It's a fair request.

The declaration of assets would do the coup makers a world of good and allay some of their critics' doubts.

First, though it wouldn't satisfy all sceptics - particularly those in the West - such a show of sincerity would do no harm. A declaration of assets could be considered essential given that the Yingluck Shinawatra administration was regularly accused of corruption. It is thus imperative that the military do everything possible to head off similar suspicions.

Sceptics refuse to believe that the junta will stay clear of graft, let alone be able to weed out corruption entirely in the government and bureaucracy. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely" is the oft-cited adage. Opportunists in the military, having removed the elected politicians from power, will be keen to take advantage of that power, it is feared, not without grounds. Examples abound at home and abroad of generals yielding to temptation.

The NCPO is off to a relatively good start in gaining public trust, but, in politics, trust wanes quickly. And the faith offered up in desperation to the generals is fragile indeed. Confidence in the top brass is shaky, as expressed in an English-language video "message" to the West circulating on the social media: "We have to support the coup, but we will keep our eyes on the generals."

For the junta leaders to declare their assets would be a mere gesture, in a way. There is more at stake when it comes to pacifying critics. Great temptation lies in wait for the generals. Amid dire economic complications and the social conditions they are shifting day by day, it would be easy to veer off the ethical path. Were they to face charges of graft exactly like those directed at elected politicians, the justification for seizing power evaporates. If a cover-up were discovered within the NCPO, it would be game over. The anti-coup naysayers would be vindicated.

The junta must be thus free of any taint of corruption. A solid start would be a show of responsibility. Were the leaders to declare their monetary and property assets and follow up with genuine efforts to establish transparency throughout the bureaucracy, all Thais would have cause to be grateful to them. The junta should do so for the good of the country and for its own benefit.

-- The Nation 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

NCPO Chief calls for joint efforts towards reconciliation and reform

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) – Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, Chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), has reiterated his wish to involve all sides in discussions to be held by the Reconciliation Center for Reforms in an effort to restore unity in the country.

On his televised program entitled “Return Happiness to the Thai People”, Gen Prayuth re-emphasized the necessity of the military takeover in Thailand. He explained that the legislative, executive and judicial powers were being sabotaged while the civil service system was being intervened by politicians. He added that civilians, meanwhile, were losing faith in independent organizations and their respect for the law was weakening.

The NCPO Chief said such problems had led to social conflicts at all levels, putting the country in doldrums. Since urgent solutions were much needed, he insisted that the military coup had to be staged in order to transform Thailand into a truly democratic nation with good governance in the future. Though admitting that martial law would need to remain in effect, he assured that the NCPO would enforce the law only as necessary and would try to bring normalcy back as soon as possible.

Speaking of the establishment of the Reconciliation Center for Reforms, Gen Prayuth expressed his wish to use the center as a venue for all factions to come together to settle their differences and exchange constructive ideas. All the information collected will be applied in the next step, which is to form a new government, a reform council as well as a legislative council.

-- NNT 2014-06-06

[Lite Beer]

Installing LED lights will save energy at Suvarnabhumi airport

BANGKOK, 6 June 2014 (NNT) - PEA governor Numchai Lorwattanatrakul has notified the traveling public that an agreement between the PEA and the Airports of Thailand (AOT) is a cooperative venture to save on energy usage in Suvarnabhumi airport.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732337-installing-led-light-will-save-energy-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

[Lite Beer]

Gen Prayuth says junta respects democratic process

BANGKOK: -- The military respects democratic process but it had to stage the May 22 coup to defend democracy and to prevent the three main pillars of governance namely the executive branch, the legislature and the judiciary from collapsing, said General Prayuth Chan-ocha, head of the National Council for Peace and Order, Friday night.

The army commander in chief said that before the coup there was widespread conflict among various sectors of the Thai society namely the government and private sectors, civil society had caused a lot of problem resulting to disrespect of the law followed by the imposition of special laws.

He added that many people did not have confidence on the police and public prosecutors and the Thai society appeared to cling on the verge of a failed state.

Almost two weeks since the coup, the army chief maintained that the martial law was still necessary but this special law would be used only it was deemed necessary. However, he said that the junta had been trying to restore peace and order so that normal law would be reintroduced.

The NCPO chief said that an election could not be held so long as the conflict was not resolved.

About the rice pledging scheme, General Prayuth did not say whether the scheme should be scrapped or retained. He only said that rice prices are picking up as exports were temporarily suspended.

As for corruption in the rice pledging scheme, he said that the culprits must be dealt with in accordance with the letters of the law.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/gen-prayuth-says-junta-respects-democratic-process/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gen-prayuth-says-junta-respects-democratic-process

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-06

[Lite Beer]

AOT board chairman resigns

BANGKOK: -- Airports of Thailand today announced the resignation of its board chairman Sqn Ldr Sita Divaree and three other board directors.

Their resignation will take immediate effect Friday.

Three other board directors resigned are Wattana Chiengkul, Pol Lt-Gen Phanu Kerdlarbpol, and Pol Gen Krissana Phol-anant.

No specific reasons were given for the resignation but a board director who resigned said he wanted to pave way for change.

Sqn Ldr Sita was known to have close connection with the Shinawatra family.

The National Council for Peace and Order head Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has made clear of revamping all state enterprises’ boards of directors and replacing them with qualified people with knowledge of the fields they are assigned to.

AOT is 70% owned by the Finance Ministry. It operates six main airports — Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai and Phuket International Airport.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/aot-board-chairman-resigns/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=aot-board-chairman-resigns

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-06

[Lite Beer]

BMA containing oil spill in Chao Phraya River

BANGKOK, 7 June 2014 (NNT) – Bangkok City Hall officials worked on Friday to contain the oil spilled onto the Chao Phraya River by a capsized fishing boat in Khlong San district.

Full Story:http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732344-bma-containing-oil-spill-in-chao-phraya-river/

[Lite Beer]

US spy agency joins Twitter, sends sarcastic first tweet

Washington - It just got even easier for the CIA to "follow" people.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732346-us-spy-agency-joins-twitter-sends-sarcastic-first-tweet/

[Lite Beer]

Hundreds of military-grade weapons recently seized in Eastern Region

BANGKOK, 7 June 2014 (NNT) – Almost 300 guns and numerous arms have been seized in the 8 provinces in the Eastern Region by officials from the Provincial Police Region 2.

In addition to guns, officials seized around 10,000 rounds of ammunition, many rocket-propelled and throwing grenades, signal flares, and grenade launchers. The items were seized in accordance with National Council for Peace and Order's drive to eradicate military-grade weapons, for the purpose of boosting public safety and preventing incidents.

Police Major General Sanit Mahathawon, the acting commissioner of Region 2 Police, indicated officials will continue to suppress illegal firearms. He also noted that those still in possession of military-grade weapons may contact any police station to turn in the items.

-- NNT 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Possible Anti-#ThaiCoup protests in #Bangkok on Sunday; Soldiers to be deployed at BTS stations

[Lite Beer]

Cha-am rather quiet as tourists, residents unaware curfew is lifted; Pattaya is crowded with travellers over weekend /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

More explosives dumped on roadside in Pattaya

PATTAYA:--On Friday Morning Police and Royal Thai Navy Bomb Disposal Officers were called to Soi Tanman 13 in East Pattaya to deal with a box which contained suspected explosive devices.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732362-more-explosives-dumped-on-roadside-in-pattaya/#entry7939074

[Lite Beer]

Pattaya Drug Users and Suspected Dealer arrested in South Pattaya

PATTAYA:--In the early hours of Friday Chonburi Provincial Police conducted a drug suppression operation in South Pattaya which resulted in the arrest of three people, one of them being an Icelandic National.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732361-icelandic-national-arrested-in-pattaya-drug-suppression-operation/

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: Thailand Tourism Festival 2014 this weekend at Challenger 1-3 in Muang Thong Thani. Free shuttle bus from BTS Mochit pic.twitter.com/bPIiufoe71

[Lite Beer]

RT@RichardBarrow: No more curfew in Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Cha-am, Hua Hin, Krabi & Phang Nga. However, #Bangkok & elsewhere in #Thailand still midnight-4am.

[Lite Beer]

No Thai red-shirt resistance in Cambodia, says Foreign Ministry

BANGKOK: -- Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong reiterated Thursday that a resistance to Thailand’s military junta would not be allowed to operate on Cambodian soil after a prominent Thai dissident based in the country signaled his intent to create such a body in the West, the Cambodia Daily reported.

Jakrapob Penkair, a founder of Thailand’s pro-democracy “red shirt” movement and a former spokesman for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, said at a cafe in Phnom Penh last week that an organization would be created outside of Asia to oppose the junta.

The body could foreshadow a government-in-exile, he said. In response, the Thai military junta this week threatened to “hunt down” MrJakrapob, and has since summoned him to report to it on Monday.

MrKuong denied Thursday that MrJakrapob is presently in Cambodia and repeated the government’s stance against any resistance.

“The authorities have claimed clearly that there’s no Jakrapob in Cambodia,” he said. “Up until today, he is not present in country. No one, not an individual or a person from any group or any country, has the right to create a government here in Cambodia to be against any other government,” Mr. Kuong added.

In an article published Thursday, however, Reuters claimed to have spoken with Mr. Jakrapob in a telephone interview from Phnom Penh. Calls to MrJakrapob’s phone last night went unanswered.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thai-red-shirt-resistance-cambodia-says-foreign-ministry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=thai-red-shirt-resistance-cambodia-says-foreign-ministry

-- Thai PBS 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

NCPO's economic team meets government agencies, farmers to seek assistance measures for rice growers, exploring potential rice markets /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Thai army takes the wind out of red shirts' sails
Anti-coup movement left rudderless after swift detentions of key leaders

By Tan Hui Yee Thailand Correspondent In Chiang Mai

Red shirt leader Kritsanapong Phrombuengram standing in front of the doors of a Chiang Mai hotel raided by soldiers after the coup. The doors are carved with an image of Thaksin, with the words "Thaksin fight" in Thai. -- ST PHOTO: TAN HUI YEE

CHIANG MAI: -- TIGHT surveillance and pre-emptive detentions have snuffed out mass resistance to the May 22 coup by the Thai military.

It has also left regional leaders of the country's anti-coup red shirt network reflecting on their inability to sustain their movement.

Under the weight of martial law, the uprising vowed by red shirt leaders up-country - where the movement draws most of its support - has melted away. Some leaders partly blame themselves for this.

Mr Pichit Tamool, a red shirt leader in Chiang Mai province, a stronghold of the ousted government, told The Straits Times: "It was a mistake to let our supporters rely too much on their leaders for direction. They couldn't do anything by themselves."

Source: http://www.stasiareport.com/the-big-story/asia-report/thailand/story/thai-army-takes-the-wind-out-red-shirts-sails-20140607#sthash.ihoc0qYs.gbpl

--The Straits Times 2014-06-07

[Lite Beer]

Former pop star Gary Glitter faces 8 sex charges
By Ralph Ellis, CNN

(CNN) -- Former British pop star Gary Glitter was arrested Thursday and charged with committing eight sex offenses against two teenage girls more than three decades ago.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/732398-former-pop-star-gary-glitter-faces-8-sex-charges/