Thailand Live Saturday 21 June 2014

[Lite Beer]

CRIME
Missing activist's wife turns to junta for help
Thanapat Kitjakosol
The Nation

Pinnapa Preuksapan visits the Royal Thai Army headquarters yesterday to call on the National Council for Peace and Order to help find her husband, a prominent Karen activist who has been missing since April.

BANGKOK: -- DNP claim that Karen felled trees dismissed; Billy's disappearance put down to video clip

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736232-missing-activists-wife-turns-to-junta-for-help/

[Lite Beer]

TRAFFICKING IN PERSON
Thailand downgraded to be among worst human trafficking centres
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Kingdom may face sanctions after downgrade; Malaysia also 'shamed'

Thailand was yesterday downgraded to the lowest level in the US State Department's annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report - a move that could trigger sanctions by the United States.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736234-thailand-downgraded-to-be-among-worst-human-trafficking-centres/

[Lite Beer]

AFTER COUP
NACC to monitor junta's projects
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Anti-corruption commission says same level of scrutiny will be applied to NCPO

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736235-nacc-to-monitor-juntas-projects/

[Lite Beer]

NATIONAL REFORM
Public input to be welcomed : Prayuth
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Public opinion will be included with the opinions of academics and political parties to help conclude national reform, the junta chief said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736236-public-input-to-be-welcomed-prayuth/

[Lite Beer]

PHEU THAI PARTY
Charupong quits as Pheu Thai leader
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Charupong Ruangsuwan has resigned as leader of the Pheu Thai Party, with effect from May 22 - the day the Pheu Thai-led government was ousted in a military coup.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736237-charupong-quits-as-pheu-thai-leader/

[Lite Beer]

Doubts over moving vans from Victory Monument
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- New controls on public transport vans in Victory Monument in Bangkok, which will see 100 van stands moved from Monday, have been criticised by van operators, passengers and the public.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736238-doubts-over-moving-vans-from-victory-monument/

[Lite Beer]

Chuwit's tip on gambling den proves correct
Phathinya Iamtan,
Supachai Petchthewee
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Police will invite Rak Prathet Thai Party leader Chuwit Kamolvisit to provide more information on gambling dens, after a tip-off he made a few years ago proved good.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736239-chuwits-tip-on-gambling-den-proves-correct/

[Lite Beer]

LIKE IT SHARE IT!
Facebook goes down for half an hour and we go mental
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- On Thursday afternoon social media users were frustrated when Facebook went down for a half an hour. But it wasn't only Thais affected - millions of Facebook users in over 10 countries were affected.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736240-facebook-goes-down-for-half-an-hour-and-we-go-mental/

[Lite Beer]

Ex-education minister rejects new charge on computer crime
The Nation

Former education minister Chaturon Chaisang receives roses from supporters as he arrives at the military court yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- Former education minister Chaturon Chaisang yesterday rejected an additional charge put against him of filing information into a computer system that could harm security.

He appeared at a court martial on a charge of resisting martial law imposed by the military junta.

Prosecutors asked the court to allow Chaturon to be held for a further 12 days as investigation and interrogation proceedings have not yet been completed.

Chaturon has been free on bail since June 6 after his initial arrest, but prosecutors want him back in custody to allow them to prepare more evidence before trial.

Prosecutors yesterday added an additional charge of computer crime against him for putting information they claim could have harmed harm security into a computer system. He could be sentenced for up to five years if proven guilty.

Chaturon told the court that he rejected the additional charge on the grounds that prosecutors applied it to him hastily and did not give him any chance to defend himself, said his lawyer Narinphong Chinapak.

The prosecutors should have given the former minister notice in advance that they wanted to press an additional charge, said the lawyer.

Chaturon was arrested on May 28 after he defied an order of the National Council for Peace and Order to report to the junta. He also faces charges of instigating unrest.

He will next appear in court on July 2.

-- The Nation 2014-06-21

[Lite Beer]

Prayuth to brief Asian ministers on roadmap
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha is expected to brief ministers from other Asian countries about his roadmap and update them on the political and economic activities after the coup, Thani Thongphakdi, ambassador and Thailand's permanent representative to the UN office in Geneva, said.

The ministers will be attending the 6th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, a five-day forum that kicks off in Bangkok tomorrow.

Prayuth, who will be presiding over the meeting, will also provide the ministers with an update on plans formulated by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to push the country forward.

"This is a good opportunity to use this platform to explain the NCPO's stance to foreign countries," Thani said.

The Thai Foreign Ministry has already been providing explanations to a number of foreign countries on why the NCPO staged its bloodless coup on May 22.

However, many of them are monitoring the situation to see if the NCPO will indeed implement its roadmap and if an election will be held within 15 months as it promised.

-- The Nation 2014-06-21

[Lite Beer]

EU ministers decide to take tough measures over coup
Agence France-Presse

Brussels: -- EU foreign ministers are expected to call on Thailand's military rulers to restore democratic rule "urgently" at a meeting on Monday as the bloc takes initial punitive measures against the coup leaders, an EU diplomat said.

Last month, the European Union said there had to be "a clear timetable" for fresh elections after the military ousted the Thai government and imposed martial law. Ministers will "call on the military to restore urgently democratic government and respect human rights and freedoms," the diplomat said.

"It cannot be business as usual," he said ahead of Monday's meeting of all 28 foreign ministers in Luxembourg.

Thus, ministers are expected to agree that official visits be suspended, that a partnership and co-operation accord not be signed and that member states review military co-operation with Bangkok.

The meeting will also "signal that there is more to come" if there is no response, said the diplomat, who asked not to be named.

Last week, head of the military junta General Prayuth Chan-ocha said an interim government would be set up by September to oversee political reforms that will be followed by elections in about a year's time.

He gave few details of the process and insisted Thailand needed a strong military to help steady the country, which has been through many previous coups.

-- The Nation 2014-06-21

[Lite Beer]

Taxi operators to meet military
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The 11th Military Circle has invited taxi operators in Bangkok to a meeting next week in a bid to reform the taxi system.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736241-taxi-operators-to-meet-military/

[Lite Beer]

Panthongtae's Voice TV back on air minus some shows, but Sonthi's ASTV hangs in limbo
Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- More stations are being allowed to go back on air after the military imposed a blanket news blackout right after the May 22 coup.

However, things are not quite the same at Voice TV, at least not when it comes to political coverage.

The TV station has had to remove its popular 7am "Wake Up Thailand" political talk show, and another programme called "Diva Cafe" - known for highly politicised views - has also been lifted. Yet, Voice TV management insists the quality of its programming remains unchanged.

The television station, owned by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's son Panthongtae, was allowed to return to air on Sunday.

"It's no longer the same [Voice TV]. Its original intention and the expected content are gone," according to a TV co-host, who asked not to be named, who said she chose to decline the offer of hosting a lifestyle show instead of a political one.

"They said they wanted to do lifestyle programmes, but I only do politics. [They say they] have just stopped the programme until the severe restrictions are lifted," she said, adding that the station was probably afraid of losing its digital TV licence, which cost several hundred million baht if it airs content deemed to cause "disunity".

"Our real fans are happy that we're back on air, but our programmes won't be as hard-hitting and they will be disappointed. But what else can we do?" she said, adding that the junta will most probably remain in power for two years before it is replaced by an elected government.

Meanwhile, Voice TV's direct rival ASTV has not been allowed to go back on air yet, which has upset its founder Sondhi Limthongkul. He protested by releasing photos of himself covering his mouth, eyes and ears.

An informed source at ASTV, who also asked not to be named, said people's salaries at the station had been slashed, payments delayed and people were being advised to start "moonlighting" to cover their costs.

A well-known host from another digital TV station, which has also been affected, said the media would continue to be at the mercy of the military junta for as long as there is no Constitution to guarantee the freedom of expression.

"It's like we're at the edge of a cliff. We don't know when we will go over. We can only hope for mercy [from the junta]," the host said.

He went on to say that a good number of TV journalists backed the coup, adding that it was becoming difficult to hold proper political talk shows on television now because many academics and political commentators were hesitant to go on air and speak their minds.

He said virtually all media outlets had been exercising self-censorship and some censored reports more than what was necessary, to be on the safe side. Asked what he might want to convey to junta leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha, the host felt the junta chief would not listen.

"We should speak up when he's willing to listen. Right now, his main concern is security," he said.

-- The Nation 2014-06-21

[Lite Beer]

Junta brings back Pornthip as director of CIFS
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation

Pornthip

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has ordered the Justice Ministry to reinstate forensics expert Khunying Pornthip Rojanasunand as director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736242-junta-brings-back-pornthip-as-director-of-cifs/

[Lite Beer]

NCPO says corruption problem is urgent

BANGKOK, 20 June 2014 (NNT) – The National Council for Peace and Order has said that the corruption problem requires an urgent policy, before reiterating to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) that it must step up its investigations.

The NCPO has launched a policy for fiscal year 2015, focusing on corruption problems and says it must be dealt with in every sector.

-- NNT 2014-06-21

[Lite Beer]

S African caught in Phuket with 72 skimmed ATM cards

Suthicha Sirirat

Flanked by Maj Gen Krajang Suwannarat (left) and Phuket Deputy Police Commander Col Arun Kaewwatee, Ngcobo meets the press today.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736243-s-african-caught-in-phuket-with-72-skimmed-atm-cards/

[Lite Beer]

RT @ChadapornLin: BMA hosts Vans Go Skateboard Day 2014 with skateboard parade from Benjasiri Park down Sukhumvit to Thonglor and Petchburi from 11am

[Lite Beer]

Three tourists injured in boat fire

BANGKOK: -- A fire broke out on a large tourist boat at the pier of the Riverside Hotel at 6:15 am Saturday, injuring three tourists.

The injured tourists were rushed to the Yanhee Hospital.

Police said a cooking gas tank exploded and caused fire at the rear part of the boat.

-- The Nation 2014-06-21

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Costa Rica shock Italy

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736244-costa-rica-shock-italy/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

France thrash Swiss 5-2 to close on second round

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736245-france-thrash-swiss-5-2-to-close-on-second-round/

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Naive England can have no complaints, says Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand believes "naive" England can have no complaints about their embarrassing early exit from the World Cup.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736250-naive-england-can-have-no-complaints-says-ferdinand/

[Lite Beer]

Tracking Syria fighters now main task for MI5

Tracking British jihadists fighting in Syria is now the top priority for MI5, the BBC has learned.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736279-tracking-syria-fighters-now-main-task-for-mi5/

[Lite Beer]

Former miss universe, star dogs, cats join charity fair

BANGKOK: -- Former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova and star cats and dogs will join a charity fair held by Family Mart and Soi Dog Foundation at the Bangkok Fashion Outlet on Silom Road on July 1.

The celebrity pets to participate in the fair include Gluta the cat, Johnny the cat, and Matche the cat.

Glebova, who is the ambassador for Soi Dog Foundation, will join Nathaporn Temirak, alias Taew, of Channel 3 to join the fair.

Participants can post for photos with celebrities at the Insta Printa booth.

Visitors can also seek advice from veterinarians.

Proceeds of the fair will go for activities to help street cats and dogs by the Soi Dog Foundation.

-- The Nation 2014-06-21

[Lite Beer]

US eases travel alert for Thailand after NCPO lift curfew, reminds Americans "to be alert to the current political & security environment.'' /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

Daughter of Village Chief and former MP involved in East Pattaya firearms incident

PATTAYA:--The 18 year old daughter of a Village Chief from Kanchanaburi Province who formally served as a Democratic Party Member of Parliament, was arrested along with her 19 year old Boyfriend on Friday afternoon as they attempted to sell a firearm which had been stolen from her Father.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736283-daughter-of-village-chief-and-former-mp-involved-in-east-pattaya-firearms-incident/

[Lite Beer]

Rival Pattaya School Gangs in Knife fight

PATTAYA:--On Friday afternoon after school had finished for the day two rival gangs of students from two Pattaya Schools met and prepared for a fight which saw a number of them armed with pieces of wood and knives.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736285-rival-pattaya-school-gangs-in-knife-fight/

[Lite Beer]

100,000 Baht South Pattaya Gambling Event broken-up by Banglamung Sheriff

PATTAYA:--The District Sheriff and District Chief conducted an undercover operation at a house in South Pattaya in the early hours of Saturday which saw a 100,000 Baht gambling event shut-down and 7 people arrested.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736290-100000-baht-south-pattaya-gambling-event-broken-up-by-banglamung-sheriff/

[Lite Beer]

Malaysia MH370 jet hunt will move south, Australia says

The next phase of the hunt for missing Malaysian jet MH370 will move hundreds of miles south, officials have said.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/736296-malaysia-mh370-jet-hunt-will-move-south-australia-says/

[Lite Beer]

RT @Aim_NT: MFA permanent secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow at press conference reacting to US downgrade of Thailand in TIP report: disappointed, disagree

RT @Aim_NT: Thailand has done a lot taking tackling human trafficking national agenda: Sihasak.

RT @Aim_NT: Over 400 cases have been taken to legal action, US counterpart already acknowledged the progress all along: Sihasak.

RT @Aim_NT: It's not so right that 1 country will be the only party to evaluate other countries on human trafficking using its own standard: Sihasak.

RT @Aim_NT: Thailand agrees to take action against human traficking as it wants toprotect human rights, not to please any particular country: Sihasak.

[Lite Beer]

RT @Aim_NT: NCPO dep chief Gen Tanasak vowed to continue, intensify prevention, suppression of human trafficking: Sihasak.