Thailand Live Monday 16 Jun 2014

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Bureaucratic reform kicks off in southern border region

BANGKOK, 16 June 2014 (NNT) - The Prime Minister's Office is urgently implementing the policy to reform the bureaucratic system nationwide, starting from the five southern border provinces.

Acting Permanent Secretary for the PM's Office M.L.Panadda Diskul said the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) had tasked the PM's Office with reforming the bureaucratic system which played an important role in creating reconciliation in the country. The reform focused on good governance, transparency and accountability, the Deputy Permanent Secretary said.

Work directions and regulations in the bureaucratic system would be adjusted for better speed and the general public would be allowed to evaluate the performance of civil servants in each stage of their work, M.L.Panadda added.

Inspectors were assigned to travel to the five southern border provinces to meet with the locals and civil servants, especially teachers and adolescents. They will develop guidelines for peace together with support from the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC).


-- NNT 2014-06-16

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UPDATE:

122,000 Cambodians flee from Thailand
The Nation
Agence France-Presse



Unregistered workers feared crackdown by military, officials say

BANGKOK: -- MORE THAN 120,000 Cambodians have fled Thailand to return home in the past week, fearing a crackdown on migrant workers after last month's military takeover, an official said yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734506-cambodian-labour-exodus-from-thailand-continues-today/page-6?p=7977804#entry7977804

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Isaan villages face threat of e-waste
Wisit Pipatthanapongchai
The Nation

Specialist warns Kalasin and Buri Ram villages facing same fate as China's Guiyu

BANGKOK: -- Two villages in Isaan are following in the footsteps of Guiyu, a Chinese town believed to have the largest electronic waste (e-waste) on earth, an expert warned yesterday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734717-isaan-villages-face-threat-of-e-waste/

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Cops who killed Akeyuth caught on CCTV: lawyer
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation


Akeyuth

MP wants case to be reopened, but 'hard disk with film of 4 police missing'

BANGKOK: -- A lawyer for the family of slain billionaire Akeyuth Anchanbutr says a missing hard disk of surveillance camera footage has crucial images of four senior police suspected of kidnapping and killing him.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734718-cops-who-killed-akeyuth-caught-on-cctv-lawyer/

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Jobless MPs seek new ways for meaningful lives
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan,
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The military's seizure of power has left politicians with long breaks from Parliament House - allowing many to take advantage of the comparative peace and lead active lives.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734720-jobless-thai-mps-seek-new-ways-for-meaningful-lives/

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Huge crowds line up for free seats to 'King Naresuan 5'
The Nation


A Thai soldier directs Thai people as they push their way into a cinema as the ruling military junta offered free entry into cinemas for the movie screening of the Thai film The Legend of King Naresuan 5 in Bangkok, Thailand, 15 June 2014. The free movie

BANGKOK: -- People flocked in their thousands to cinemas nationwide to watch "The Legend of King Naresuan 5" for free yesterday - but there were not enough seats and many people were disappointed.

Some cinemas volunteered to add more seats, and possibly even more sessions, to meet the overwhelming demand. Security from police and the Army was strong - but there were no reports of anti-coup threats to interrupt the sessions.

Responding to the private sector's reported offer of an additional free session, National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) spokesman Colonel Winthai Suvaree said it might be arranged, in which case a date and time would be announced. He said any free show would result from the private sector's kindness and the NCPO had not coerced any theatres to make the offer.

Initially, 30,000 free tickets were reserved for the 11am showing of the patriotic movie at 160 theatres nationwide - as part of the NCPO's operation to "return happiness to Thai people". But many theatres could not provide enough tickets to cope with the number of patrons who flocked for free admission. People reportedly started making lines at 6am to get tickets, and a few theatres reported disturbances when the free passes ran out.

The ticket shortage prompted Major Ratchayothin cinema in Bangkok to add more seats - 230 for the 11am show and an additional 720 for the 11.30am screening. The theatre also sold tickets at Bt120 for those who missed out on free tickets.

Siam Paragon theatre, which had 243 free seats available, opened another viewing room to cater for 243 more - but some disgruntled people still missed out on free seats and were calmed down by Army officers. Siam Paragon reduced the price from Bt220 to Bt130 for all movies in the morning, in a bid to solve the problem.

Plain-clothes police monitored for possible anti-coup protests at cinemas, believing they might tear up free tickets as a stunt against the coup. But Deputy Metropolitan Police chief Pol Maj General Amnuay Nimmano said police would not arrest them - only take photos for legal action later.

Up north, 1,000 people went to Central Festival Mall in Chiang Mai for the free tickets at 8am. But when the free tickets for 240 seats ran out, some paid for admission.

In Phichit, people resorted to sitting on the floor to watch the movie after 195 free seats were handed out. Many signed their names on a waiting list in hope the NCPO would arrange new sessions.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, hundreds of people rushed to get free movie tickets but there were only 400 seats available. Some were noisy before dispersing without trouble. As many missed out because of the ticket shortage, people in Udon Thani, Buri Ram, and Ubon Ratchathani called for more free sessions of the patriotic movie.

A Major Cineplex theatre in Krabi's Muang district saw 3,000 people show up for 370 free tickets. The rest bought tickets themselves. The same situation occurred in Phuket, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, and Phatthalung.

Phatthalung resident Sumontha Suwanlukhit, 43, said she was glad the NCPO arranged such a free show because it taught people to be grateful for King Naresuan's great kindness and liberation of Siam. "This movie can also create Thai people's patriotic spirit and unity," she said.


-- The Nation 2014-06-16

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Special learning centres help
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation
Mae Hong Son


A seven-year-old hilltribe boy who suffers from paralysis and his teacher attend the opening ceremony for a learning centre for under-privileged and disabled children in Pang Mapha district in Mae Hong Son last week.

Model centre for disabled children opens in far North

BANGKOK: -- With a small population of about 250,000, Mae Hong Son province sadly has the highest rate of infants born with physical disabilities and mental disorders. As many as 1,000 children here have special needs due to these health problems.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734723-learning-centres-for-disabled-children-in-thailands-far-north/

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EDITORIAL
Of coup makers, journalists and divided Thai public
The Nation

Media freedom has taken a hit, and soul-searching starts anew

BANGKOK: -- There are few issues more slippery than "media responsibility". When the Thai media were in full swing ideologically, albeit divided into acrimonious "pro-yellow" and "pro-red" camps, the problem was how to get them to "tone down" just a bit. After the Thai military staged yet another coup last month, things returned to the "no freedom" issue. And even the issue of "no freedom" is divisive, because the media clampdown by the coup makers does not attract only criticism.

Many people said the Thai media had it coming. TV stations, especially those closely identifying themselves with the political camps, had been extremely bold to say the least. Bluesky broadcast anti-Thaksin rallies in a no-holds-barred, uncut manner. Asia Updates did not censor anyone calling Abhisit Vejjajiva and Suthep Thaugsuban "animals". Were the stations abusing media freedom? We have to use our own judgement on that, but one thing was certain: If peace was what was needed, both Bluesky and Asia Update were not helping.

The coup makers incurred the wrath of freedom advocates with a virtually absolute ban on TV immediately after the coup. The ban was relaxed after two days but hardcore stations have remained blacked out. Ever since the coup, every media organisation has faced its own problems. Some exercised "self-restraints" to the dismay of journalists not familiar with strong-handed censorship. To others, it was more than just dismay, as journalists openly challenged their employers in trying to get as much information to their audiences as possible.

On the social media, opinions have been divided. Some think the clampdown is a price to pay, as the pre-coup environment would never make Thais cool down and reflect and the acrimony was threatening to deteriorate into something worse. Others see a familiar pattern of what "absolute powers" can do. It has been a debate on the pros and cons of free but divisive information and controlled information that may or may not help restore the political peace. The media had not been accountable, the pro-clampdown side said. But they had been free, the other camp argued, and free media sooner or later would balance things out.

To a certain extent, the "freedom of expression" has gone underground. Political debate may not be as raucous as before but it is still simmering under the surface. The coup has highlighted the issue of free speeches, whether it's for better or for worse. Again, "responsibility" is being discussed and pitted against absolute freedom. Even the rumoured attempt to temporarily ban Facebook has sent online threads going up in flames.

The coup and the environment it created are posing a fresh challenge, not just on journalists but also on the public whose views on freedom and responsibility have become more complicated. This is very much different from the old days when dictatorial governments sent troops to media organisations and to chain their printing machines. This is the time when grey is the more prevalent colour than black or white, politically speaking.

Some media figures have been summoned and detained by the coup makers, who certainly have more to prove than the people they have cracked down on. After all, even pro-coup public patience will have its limits. The line between "This is a price to pay" and "This has gone too far" is very thin. As we know, the issue of "media freedom" is slippery, and it can turn against anyone, be it the advocate or the oppressor.


-- The Nation 2014-06-16

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Thai HR policy and hedging diplomacy
Kavi Chongkittavorn

BANGKOK: -- The coup has reset the country's domestic and external environment in the most radical ways with far-reaching implications. Internationally speaking, there was no ambiguity anymore. Thailand is at the bottom of the pit.

Almost all major Western friends criticized what happened as a matter of principle. A few did so with harsh words and coupling with sanctions. Other views were more measured demonstrating the level of sensitivities and understanding of Thailand's overall dynamic.

Two important issues dominating the international media - as well as their perceptions - have been the human rights conditions in Thailand and the shift of Thai foreign policy towards the major powers-the US and China.

Obviously restrictions placed on individual rights and general assembly, arbitrarily detention, media censorship have attracted world-wide scrutiny. It does not bode well with international norms and practices.

Roughly three weeks after the coup, Thailand also had to defend its human rights records in Geneva at the 26th session of UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). During the midterm assessment of the first cycle of Thailand's universal periodic reviews, UN experts and international human rights organizations have expressed serious concerns over the secret detentions due to the lack of information and access of family members of those who were detained.

Sad but true, although Thailand has made much progress to protect the human rights in implementing all the 134 out of 173 recommendations of the UNHRC that it accepted three years ago, the coup effectively trumped the year-long efforts and possible achievements .

Ironically, under the National Council for Peace and Order (NPCO), it is hoped that better coordination and cooperation from various government agencies would be more forthcoming to implement new laws and measures in protecting human rights. In addition, close monitoring from the National Commission for Human Rights and civil society groups are pivotal to improve the Thai overall human rights records.

At the close-door briefing last week to Thai diplomats from 23 countries, mainly based in Europe and North America, Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha was mindful of foreign criticism of restrictions imposed on the society and the Thai people. He revealed that a dozen or so individuals were still under detention. The rest were freed a few days after their summations. The NCPO has to come clean on this issue - the sooner the better. Otherwise, negative publicity will continue and all good works would be lost.

In the past weeks, Thailand has moved quickly to win supports and understanding from the Asean friends with assurance of commitment to the Asean Community. Beyond Asean, the Thai senior diplomats met with the members of East Asia Summit (US, Russia, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, India and New Zealand) in Yangon back to back to a series of meetings, briefing on the situation in Thailand. They expressed the willingness to work with the NCPO with some conditionality.

However, it has been Thailand's relations with the US and China in the post coup that is the most popular topics among international relations scholars and media. They have concluded readily that Beijing's sensible comments and understandings of Thai political development would certainly push Bangkok closer to its ambit. The last week's inaugural foreign visit of senior Thai defense delegation to Beijing and the warm reception was a good case in point.

Truth be told, that is not necessary the case. It is all depending on Washington's prevailing attitude and its value place on Thai-US friendship and alliance. Albeit benign neglected, it remains the cornerstone of Thai diplomacy. Indeed, Thailand has been struggling to rejuvenate the alliance but so far unsuccessfully due to political abnormity at home coupling with Washington's complacency.

It was easy to understand why the Thai military leaders were pleased with the Chinese counterparts, who gave them "face" without humiliating them in a difficult situation. In the near terms, Thai-China relations would be given a boost.

One barometer would be the fate of nearly 500 Uyghur displaced persons from Xinjiang who have been detained by Thailand since beginning of this year. Prior to the coup, Thailand firmly maintained that they would be protected under international laws with assistance from International Organization for Migration.

Over the next 15-month transitional timeframe before a scheduled election, the US policy makers need to pay extra attention on Thai domestic developments that impact on their relations. The NPCO's hostile attitude towards Washington was partly due to the American's inaccurate assessments of the ground situation. Moderate comments in the future could ameliorate the current tension.

Thailand's ties with the US and China are far more complicated than the general public have in mind. China certainly has a big advantage as the new Chinese leaders including President Xi Jingping and Premier Li Keqiang, are championing for good relations with Thailand and Asean by themselves.

For the US that is not the case. Thailand used to have lots of friends in the Congress in the past when they had common threats. Political conditions since 2000 have divided the Congress members and caused fragmented views and misperception of its 182 year-old friend. These days, there is no outstanding American lawmakers with deep knowledge of Thailand.

The NCPO will adopt a pro-active foreign policy, which has been the choice followed coups and numerous crisis in the past. New diplomatic initiatives could be expected. Under the current circumstance, Thailand will engage with the outside world without any condition.


-- The Nation 2014-06-16

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32 Taiwanese arrested for suspected call centre scam
The Nation

CHIANG RAI: -- Chiang Rai police arrested 32 Taiwanese yesterday suspected of working for a "call centre" scam gang.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734726-32-taiwanese-arrested-in-chiang-rai-for-suspected-call-centre-scam/

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Majority confident of political stability: survey

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Most people surveyed by Bangkok Poll are confident the country's political atmosphere will become more stable and the economy will pick up in the next six months.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734727-majority-confident-of-political-stability-thai-survey/

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All calm on politicians' social media accounts since May 22
Kornchanok Raksaseri
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Three weeks after the military coup, the social media accounts of many key political players have changed drastically. They have cooled down and are without heated political messages. Some have even become inactive.

The Democrat Party's twitter account @DemocratTH has posted links for subjects that include tourism, recipes, health tips and astrology.

Yesterday it posted a link to an article entitled "What to do if a banknote is damaged".

The last posts on Pheu Thai's Twitter account where on May 22, the day of the coup. The very last post highlighted foreign countries and international organisations' concerns over martial law, declared two days earlier.

The Anti-Yingluck Shinawatra government People's Democratic Reform Committee's Twitter and Facebook accounts are still mostly active, with new and old photos of its leaders' activities including the condition of PDRC chief Suthep Thaugsuban after he had a shoulder operation last Tuesday.

Yesterday the PDRC said some of its followers might be nostalgic, so it posted pictures.

On June 1, former premier Yingluck Shinawatra thanked her supporters via Twitter and Facebook for their moral support in this period of change. A picture of her and her son was included. That was the last message. The previous one was in mid-May.

The Twitter and Facebook accounts of Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva provide constant updates on his activities such as his visit to the South last week. On May 5 he posted a comment calling on the National Council for Peace and Order to reveal documents related to the annual budget for sake of transparency.

Former education minister Chaturon Chaisang is still active on social media despite the NPCO arresting him and charging him with violating its order against inciting unrest. He has since been released on bail.

Chaturon provides updates on daily activities and answers people's questions, to what extent he can.

Former Democrat MP and PDRC leader Satit Wongnongtaey (@satittrang1) still tweets almost every day although it is mostly small talk to his supporters.


-- The Nation 2014-06-16

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Japan's used-car giant drives into Thai market
Pichaya Changsorn
The Nation

Gulliver International, Japan's largest used-car company, has a grand vision - to do what 7-Eleven did to conquer the Thai grocery market - of modernising the entire used-car business in this country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734729-japans-largest-used-car-company-drives-into-thai-market/

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Transport, water projects biggest challenge before junta
Sasithorn Ongdee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Massive investments in transport and water management projects as well as energy-price restructuring are still the toughest tasks awaiting the junta's consideration at Thursday's meeting to point which way the country should go as part of its economic roadmap.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734730-transport-water-projects-biggest-challenge-before-junta-thailand/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Messi magic gets Argentina up and running

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734738-messi-magic-gets-argentina-up-and-running/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Klinsmann confident US can confound World Cup doubters

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734737-klinsmann-confident-us-can-confound-world-cup-doubters/

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NBTC to impose new system to register prepaid SIM cards
Usanee Mongkolporn
The Nation


file photo

BANGKOK: -- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) is expected to introduce this month a new way for telecoms to register new prepaid mobile-phone subscribers in its attempt to regulate this market and encourage new customers to register their SIM cards.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734734-thailands-nbtc-to-impose-new-system-to-register-prepaid-sim-cards/

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Ukraine crisis: Kiev faces halt to gas supply

(BBC) Gazprom has reaffirmed its Monday deadline for Ukraine to pay its debts after talks between Moscow and Kiev ended without agreement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734742-ukraine-faces-halt-to-gas-supply/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

France beat Honduras as goal-line technology makes history

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734722-france-beat-honduras-as-goal-line-technology-makes-history/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Master the Dutch? Yes we can, say Aussies

Mathew Leckie insisted Sunday that Australia have the weapons to inflict a shock win on the mighty Netherlands despite their record 5-1 humbling of reigning world champions Spain.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734733-master-the-dutch-yes-we-can-say-aussies/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Shot-shy Rooney gives Hodgson England dilemma

ODD ANDERSEN / AFP

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734731-shot-shy-rooney-gives-hodgson-england-dilemma/

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US radio star Casey Kasem dies at 82

(BBC) DJ Casey Kasem, best known for hosting US radio show American Top 40, has died at the age of 82, his daughter has said.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734747-us-radio-star-casey-kasem-dies-at-82/

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Officials continue to eradicate military-grade weapons from streets

TAK, 16 June 2014, (NNT) - A combined force of police and soldiers has confiscated several firearms in Phobphra and Maesod Districts of Tak Province.

According to Colonel Terdsak Ngamsanong, Commander of the 4th Military Special Task Force in Maesod District of Tak Province, his unit, with the help of local police, yesterday seized M 79 grenade launchers, air rifles, homemade handguns and rounds of ammunition, after conducting a search in the 2 districts.

The officials also discovered an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of ammunition abandoned in the woods near a cemetery in Rimmei( ริมเมย )Village in the district of Mae Sod. According to them, the weapon was wrapped in a black plastic bag. Officials said the gun owner must have disposed of the assaulting rifle to avoid authorities after the National Council for Peace and Order announced its policies to get rid of military-grade weapons from the streets.

In related news, Region 2 Police have apprehended Dumrongsak “Joe” Rak-yat for human trafficking and having 11 firearms in possession.


-- NNT 2014-06-16

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Thai-Australian trade relations remain strong
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 16 -- Despite the May 22 bloodless coup in Thailand, trade relations between the kingdom and Australia remain strong, Thai Commerce Ministry adviser Ampawan Pichalai said Sunday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734762-thai-australian-trade-relations-remain-strong/

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Tourists return to Songkhal beach after lift of curfew

SONGKHLA, 16 June 2014 (NNT) -- Tourists have returned to a renowned beach in the southern province of Songkhla after curfew was lifted two days ago.

Two days after curfew has been lifted nationwide, tourists from the southernmost provinces of Thailand have flocked in doves at Chalatas beach in the renowned Samila strait over the weekend,

According to visitors, Samila is safe for them to bring their families on recreation trips. With the lift of the curfew, they can spend as much time at the beach as they want.

The stream of returning tourists has helped shore up the economy of the province, especially its tourism-related businesses. Restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops have again begun to reap benefits from the increasing number of visitors.


-- NNT 2014-06-16

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Thai stock index opens on Monday at 1,462.75, gains 6.73 points /MCOT

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Goods prices to be frozen through November
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 16 -- Goods manufacturers and retail traders have agreed to maintain prices of 205 essential goods for another six months until the end of November, aimed at lessening people’s hardships and in line with the policy of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), said Srirat Rastapana, permanent secretary for commerce.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734770-goods-prices-in-thailand-to-be-frozen-through-november/

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Roadside bomb ambush against teacher protection volunteer unit in Narathiwat's Cho Airong, no casualties reported /MCOT

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Gen Prayuth expresses satisfaction with foreign relations
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 16 -- Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), is satisfied with the information campaign launched by Thai officials as more foreign governments and businessmen gain an improved understanding of the May 22 military takeover which ousted the civilian government, according to a deputy NCPO spokesman.

Col Weerachon Sukondhapatipak, tasked with NCPO's foreign relations, said Gen Prayuth attaches great importance to making foreign countries better understand the situation in Thailand as the country will eventually continue to adhere to the democratic system.

Relevant government agencies have been ordered to explain the situation in Thailand, especially to some countries which have downgraded relations or cut aid to Thailand following the bloodless coup, said Col Weerachon.

A weekly meeting will be held from now on in which Thai military attaches will be briefed on how to explain or communicate with foreign governments to enable them to better understand the NCPO objectives, said Col Weerachon.

Military relations with the US and Australia remain strong although the two countries have disapproved Thailand's military takeover, he said.

A number of foreign diplomats, including the Indian ambassador to Thailand, will meet to confer with Gen Prayuth soon after they have understood the political situation in the kingdom, Col Weerachon added. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-06-16

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EGAT reaffirms South has sufficient power supply
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, June 16 -- The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) affirmed on Sunday that the supply of electrical power in the South was sufficient despite the temporary closure of the Chana power plant in Songkla.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/734772-egat-reaffirms-south-has-sufficient-power-supply/