Thailand Live Saturday 5 Jul 2014

[Lite Beer]

Junta did right thing: Myanmar chief
The Nation

Myanmar Army commander-in-chief General Min Aung Hlaing, right, greets Supreme Commander General Tanasak Patimapragorn during his official visit to Thailand at the Supreme Command yesterday.

BANGKOK: -- Gen Min Aung Hlaing meets Prayuth, Prem; voices his support for NCPO

Myanmar's Commander-in-Chief General Min Aung Hlaing yesterday praised Thailand's ruling junta, saying it was right to seize power to protect national security and people's safety.

During a meeting in Bangkok with Supreme Commander General Tanasak Patimapragorn, a deputy leader of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), Min Aung Hlaing said the Tatmadaw - Myanmar's armed forces - had had a similar experience to Thailand, only worse, in 1988.

He was referring to the uprising against the military dictatorship of General Ne Win, which ended in a bloody military crackdown and a coup to take control of the country.

Myanmar's junta - known initially as the State Law and Order Restoration Council and then the State Peace and Development Council - ruled the country until 2010 when a poll brought a quasi-military administration to power.

The Tatmadaw is now at crossroads as it decides whether to withdraw from politics and allow an elected civilian government run the country.

Myanmar is considering calls to change its constitution and whether to reduce the military's power to veto legislative rulings in the new parliament in Nay Pyi Taw.

Thailand's three-stage roadmap, which includes reforms and drafting a new charter - and Min Aung Hlaing said the NCPO could succeed in running the country.

He also thanked his counterpart for technical assistance and advice on the sufficiency economy philosophy for farmers, saying it would benefit Myanmar's development.

In a separate meeting with junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, Min Aung Hlaing voiced his support for the NCPO solving Thailand's problems. Myanmar understood the situation, said spokesman Colonel Werachon Sukhondhapatipak.

Prayuth explained the situation to him and the junta's foreign policy toward neighbouring nations. Thailand and Myanmar have good ties, resulting in a peaceful border, Werachon said.

Tanasak, meanwhile, said the Thai and Myanmar armed forces had unity and good cooperation. He said Thailand was ready to provide more cooperation in many areas, such as border affairs and military education. The two armies would cooperate for the sake of security, economic development and preparedness for full implementation of the Asean Economic Community next year.

Later, Min Aung Hlaing lunched with Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda, who reportedly regards the Myanmar commander like a son. Prem had close ties with Min Aung Hlaing's father when Prem was the Thai Army commander in the late 1970s.

Min Aung Hlaing, who asked Prem to adopt him when they first met in 2012, meets with Prem whenever he is in Thailand. Prem yesterday gave him gifts that included a portrait of HM the King with Privy Council members.

The Thai political spotlight shone on Min Aung Hlaing last year when he was mentioned in a controversial leaked phone conversation by two unknown men that he had a close connection to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. The pair discussed how Thaksin believed that Min Aung Hlaing was a powerful figure in Myanmar and could pave the way for Thai investment in the country, notably the Dawei economic zone.

A source said Min Aung Hlaing's latest visit was not only to cement ties with the Thai military, but to disassociate himself with powerbrokers in the ousted government.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Junta-did-right-thing-Myanmar-chief-30237813.html

-- The Nation 2014-07-05

[Lite Beer]

NCPO will 'help interim govt until its job is done'
The Nation

About 100 debtors who owe money to loan sharks greet Royal Thai Air Force chief ACM Prajin Juntong, centre, who is a deputy chief in charge of the economy for the National Council for Peace and Order. The debtors went to meet him yesterday

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740080-ncpo-will-help-interim-govt-until-its-job-is-done/

[Lite Beer]

No hidden messages in 4th of July party
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation

US Ambassador Kristie Kenney shakes hands with former education minister Chaturon Chaisang as she greets guests to a US Independence Day celebration party at a Bangkok hotel on Thursday evening.

BANGKOK: -- Snubbing junta leaders seen as a clear political message from Washington

Diplomatic receptions are usually very boring for journalists, but the 4th of July celebration on Thursday night held by the United States Embassy in Bangkok was quite different.

In a way, the list of invitees at the celebration could be interpreted by some as clear communication between Washington and the Thai ruling junta.

This event was also a bit different because the number of journalists present was unusually large. In fact, the number of reporters was so high, an embassy official suggested that members of the media might outnumber guests. Then again, the news-hounds were there because they wanted to see for themselves who was attending and what would be said.

Earlier, news reports suggested the embassy had chosen not to invite the five top leaders of the junta, though the media expected somebody from the National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO) to show up as an indication that bilateral ties remained normal.

Sadly, there were no such surprises. NCPO spokesman Colonel Werachon Sukhondhapatipak did show up but he clarified that he was attending in a personal capacity and that he was keeping a very low profile.

The only other senior civil servants present at the celebration were Panadda Diskul, acting permanent secretary for the PM's Office, and somebody from the Foreign Ministry.

As for ordinary folk, people with anti-coup sentiments outnumbered those who support the coup. Several members of Yingluck Shinawatra's Cabinet, including former deputy PM Kittiratt Na-Ranong, former education minister Chaturon Chaisang and former transport minister Chadchart Sittipunt, were present, as was red-shirt leader Veerakarn Musikapong.

A few NCPO supporters were also there such as yellow-shirt Somsak Kosaisuk. However, members of the Democrat Party were conspicuously absent, even though several embassy officials said invitations should have been sent out to them.

When asked why no senior military officers were present, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney said she had invited thousands of people to the party in Bangkok and hundreds more at the celebration in Chiang Mai. She went on to say that people from across Thailand, including businesses, officials, diplomats and civil society, had been invited, though she chose not to mention the military.

Yet, she insisted that "relations between Thailand and the US were long and historic".

"We expressed our thoughts on the coup, but we are also still continuing to work together on so many things that are important to Thais and Americans, such as education, the environment, culture and business. We are friends now and forever. We know it is a critical time for Thailand and we will keep working with Thailand. We hope Thais will be back as leaders of democracy.

"Thailand will return to democracy, but I hope that in the meantime the reform process is inclusive enabling all people of Thailand to participate. We call on the NCPO to stop detaining people and allow freedom of speech," Kenney told reporters.

The celebration this year was very simple, starting off with the royal anthem, a toast to His Majesty the King, the US national anthem and a toast to the US president before guests began mingling and enjoying the food, drinks and music. Notably, mini hamburgers and sandwiches were included in the menu.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/No-hidden-messages-in-4th-of-July-party-30237805.html

-- The Nation 2014-07-05

[Lite Beer]

SMUGGLING
AMLO kicks off crackdown on trade in rosewood
Piyanut Tumnukasetchai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Agency seizes Bt100 million in assets, arrests pair after five-province probe

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740081-amlo-kicks-off-crackdown-on-trade-in-rosewood/

[Lite Beer]

Bad rice and loss of stock discovered
The Nation

Officials and soldiers inspect a warehouse containing a stock of government rice in Phichit province yesterday. While the inspection confirmed the quantity reported, doubts still linger about the quality of some of the rice.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740082-bad-rice-and-loss-of-stock-discovered/

[Lite Beer]

Judges hear about the benefits of electronic monitoring devices
Budsarakham Sinlapalavan
The Nation

An official shows an electronic-monitoring device at a seminar for judges at a Bangkok hotel yesterday. This device, which is worn around an ankle, has already been introduced for juvenile offenders in some provinces.

BANGKOK: -- Electronic monitoring (EM) devices have emerged as an interesting alternative when judges consider punishments for drunk drivers, illegal road racers and other offenders.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740085-judges-hear-about-the-benefits-of-electronic-monitoring-devices/

[Lite Beer]

14 Cambodians deported, 327 detained
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Fourteen Cambodians detained at a Sa Kaew prison have been repatriated to their country after being released on Wednesday, when illegal-entry charges were dropped by police.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740088-14-cambodians-deported-327-detained/

[Lite Beer]

One injured in demolition related accident
The Nation

A two-storey wall topples over in Bangkok taking with it four poles.

BANGKOK: -- A two-storey high wall at the First Hotel in downtown Bangkok collapsed yesterday morning, toppling over two telephone poles and two power poles, as well as injuring a passerby and damaging a house nearby. The former hotel is being demolished.

Tuk tuk driver Somkiert Thepabut, 47, was taken to Ramathibodhi Hospital to be treated for head injuries sustained from one of the falling poles.

Another pole toppled in the direction of a house belonging to Ritdamrong Disakul na Ayutthaya, a grandson of Prince Damrong Rajanubhab.

Preliminary investigation suggested that the wall collapsed due to the vibration caused by the demolition.

Boy Ocean Star Co Ltd, which is overseeing the demolition, has said it will pay for the damage.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/One-injured-in-demolition-related-accident-30237792.html

-- The Nation 2014-07-05

[Lite Beer]

Cooperation with US, Australia to continue
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thailand continues to cooperate and engage with the US and Australia in military exercises despite their opposition to the May 22 power seizure, the junta's deputy spokesperson Colonel Sirichan Ngathong said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740091-cooperation-with-us-australia-to-continue/

[Lite Beer]

Red-shirt Sombat tells of his time in prison on Twitter
Kornchanok Raksaseri,
Kesinee Tangkhiao
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt activist Sombat Boonngamanong, who was granted bail this week, went on Twitter to share his experience in detention and to explain the friendships that were sparked with fellow detainees from the rival yellow-shirt camp.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740093-red-shirt-sombat-tells-of-his-time-in-prison-on-twitter/

[Lite Beer]

'Media has vital role to play in revealing impact of graft'
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The media should play a crucial role in educating the public - to make them realise the impact of corruption on people's lives, former National Anti-Corruption Commission member Klanarong Chanthick said at a seminar yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740094-media-has-vital-role-to-play-in-revealing-impact-of-graft/

[Lite Beer]

News organisations 'need a regulatory body'
Khanittha Thepphajorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- With the National Press Council of Thailand (NPCT) marking its 17th anniversary, chairman Chakkrish Permpool highlighted the need to bring the increasingly disparate media outlets in the country under the supervision of one regulatory body.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740095-news-organisations-need-a-regulatory-body/

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Post-coup diplomacy and the money trail
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- West deploring Thailand's "setback" is just half the story

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740098-post-coup-diplomacy-and-the-money-trail/

[Lite Beer]

Rolf Harris jailed for five years and nine months

Mr Justice Sweeney said Harris had taken advantage of the trust placed in him because of his celebrity status

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....nd-nine-months/

[Lite Beer]

Andy Coulson jailed for 18 months over phone hacking

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson has been jailed for 18 months for conspiracy to hack phones.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....-phone-hacking/

[Lite Beer]

No US ban of Thai products despite labour-rights issue
Petchanet Pratruangkrai
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry insists that the United States has not banned Thai products after the Kingdom was downgraded in its "Trafficking in Persons" report last month.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740110-no-us-ban-of-thai-products-despite-labour-rights-issue/

[Lite Beer]

Popular South Pattaya Discotheque raided by Police, 3 Russians arrested

PATTAYA:--In the early hours of Saturday Police raided the popular Mixx Discotheque located at the Southern end of Walking Street and arrested 5 people, 3 of them Russian Nationals, who failed presumptive drug tests.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740118-popular-south-pattaya-discotheque-raided-by-police-3-russians-arrested/

[Lite Beer]

NCPO-led Illegal Money Lending Sting in East Pattaya

PATTAYA:--Prompted by orders from the NCPO (National Council for Peace and Order) and based on bulletin number 46/2557, the Royal Thai Navy in conjunction with Nongprue Police conducted a raid on an East Pattaya house occupied by an 18 year old man accused of running a multi-million Baht illegal money lending operation.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740119-ncpo-led-illegal-money-lending-sting-in-east-pattaya/

[Lite Beer]

Myanmar, Thai military pledge to strengthen ties
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 4 -- Military cooperation between Thailand and its neighbour Myanmar will be strengthened, while Myanmar believes the roadmap of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will succeed.

The pledge on strengthening military cooperation was made by Thailand's Defence Forces chief Gen Thanasak Patimapragorn, also deputy NCPO leader, during talks with visiting Myanmar Armed Forces commander-in-chief Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing.

Gen Tanasak also told Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing that Thailand would provide welfare to Myanmar nationals now working in the kingdom in accordance with this country’s law and human rights.

On military cooperation, he pledged that cooperation would remain unchanged while both countries would help resolve security problems along the mutual border, developing their economy and cooperating before the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community, scheduled to start at the end of next year.

Both countries are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, who arrived in Bangkok on Thursday for a two-day official visit as a guest of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, reportedly told Gen Tanasak that he believed
what the Thai military was doing was “most appropriate” and the most important tasks for the army were to defend the country and to ensure security for the people.

After considering the NCPO’s roadmap, aimed at achieving reconciliation and national reform, Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing reportedly told Gen Tanasak that he was confident it would succeed.

He thanked Thailand for providing know-how and on giving self-sufficiency economy knowledge, initiated by His Majesty the King, to Myanmar farmers which was very useful to the country and Myanmar people.

Earlier Friday, Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by 20 person entourage, visited Privy Council President Gen Prem Tinsulanonda at his home.

Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing later called on NCPO leader/army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-07-05

[Lite Beer]

RT @191Thailand: 9:30am - RT @SiniZeR: Big fire on Ratchapurek Road, 500mt away from Phi Nimit bts station http://t.co/2M1GiA7Qdi #Bangkok

[Lite Beer]

RT @191Thailand: 9:55am - RT @martierose: Fire between bts Talat phlu & pho nimit, big triffic jam towards city http://t.co/XO1A21tVwh http://t.co/GbOVduOMoa

[Lite Beer]

RT @191Thailand: Fire started at the housing for workers at the Ideo Condo. Fire trucks cannot get near - TR @zakonsh: http://t.co/2jsZus9IVZ #Bangkok

[Lite Beer]

NCPO discusses interim charter; potential constitution

BANGKOK: The junta has given “prescriptions” for the new permanent constitution to include measures preventing populist policies that could endanger the economy, an NCPO source says.

NCPO chief Prayuth Chan-ocha chaired a meeting Thursday at army headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Avenue to examine details of the draft of the 45-section provisional charter, drawn up by a special panel from the Council of State.

Also present at the meeting were the junta’s legal advisory panel led by legal expert Visanu Krue-ngam and representatives from the Council of State, which serves as the government’s legal arm.

The draft interim charter provides for the establishment of a 200-member national legislative assembly, a 250-member national reform council and a 35-member constitution drafting committee responsible for writing a permanent charter.

The interim charter also gives the NCPO special powers over the interim government to deal with security issues, as well as to grant amnesty to members of the junta who seized power from the Yingluck administration on May 22.

The source said the NCPO had laid down “prescriptions” for the constitution drafting panel to consider and include them in the permanent charter.

Chief among them is a measure to regulate national budget spending and prevent misspending of state funds on populist policies that would jeopardise the financial system, the source said.

Another measure prescribed by the coup leaders is for the charter drafting panel to consider whether some of the existing independent organisations remain necessary and to retain only those which are, the source said.

Other measures include creating efficient mechanisms to prevent and crack down on corruption, reform the judicial system, create a merit system and promote moral values in the national administration, and establish well-defined administrative relationships between the central, regional and local government bodies, the source said.

After the meeting Mr Visanu, who is also the chief adviser to the interim charter drafting panel, said he spent 10 minutes explaining the details of the interim charter to the junta.

Mr Visanu insisted Gen Prayuth did not comment on the matter and did not ask about the scope of the NCPO’s authority under the interim constitution.

He said there should be no problem with the draft and when the final document is ready, the NCPO chief is expected to discuss it publicly.

Mr Visanu noted that the interim charter will have 45 sections, more than other previous interim charters in the past, because it contains more than 10 sections relating to the reform council. He added that it is “normal” for all interim charters to justify the legality of the actions of the coup-makers.

Junta spokesman Winthai Suvaree said on Thursday the NCPO meeting made only minor changes to the draft interim charter, although he declined to elaborate.

He said Gen Prayuth instructed the NCPO’s legal advisory panel and the interim charter drafting panel to make changes to the draft as suggested by the junta.

Col Winthai said the NCPO chief is expected to submit the draft interim charter to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement by the end of this month.

Thammasat University political scientist Somchai Phagaphasvivat welcomed the junta’s move to include measures against populist policies in the permanent constitution.

However, he said scrapping all populists policies may not be possible, and stressed that not all populist policies are “villains”.

Mr Somchai suggested policies designed to appeal to the public be adjusted to boost competitiveness and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

Populist policies that are not damaging to the country’s financial discipline must be implemented transparently, and spending on the policies must come under effective scrutiny, he added.

Thailand Development Research Institute president Somkiat Tangkitvanich said it is necessary to put money which had been set aside for the ousted government’s projects, which required spending outside the state budget, back into normal budget procedures.

However, he said the NCPO should not prevent populist policies from inclusion in the permanent constitution.

Mr Somkiat said it should be left to political parties to present such policies to members of the public and the public should be allowed to decide which policy suits them.

Meanwhile, US ambassador Kristie Kenney on Thursday stressed the need for the junta to return the country to electoral democracy, with an inclusive reform process.

Speaking on the eve of US Independence Day celebrations, she said the NCPO should also stop detaining people so all Thais could be free to participate in the reform process.

-- Phuket News 2014-07-05

[Lite Beer]

UPDATE:

Major Rosewood smuggling gang busted

BANGKOK: -- Rosewood smuggling network in five northeastern provinces was simultaneously cracked Friday by combined force of police, soldiers, forestry and anti-money laundering officials with the seizure of a gang’s assets worth more than 100 million baht confiscated.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740081-amlo-kicks-off-crackdown-on-trade-in-rosewood/#entry8058857

[Lite Beer]

Phuket burns 500-million baht of pirated goods

PHUKET: -- Thailand yesterday destroyed almost 500 million baht of pirated goods in the South to emphasise the country's determination to rid of all copied items and commitment to tackle copyright violation seriously.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740161-phuket-burns-500-million-baht-of-pirated-goods/

[Lite Beer]

Qatar wants to boost trade with Thailand
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 5 -- Oil-rich Qatar was prepared to help Thailand with energy and also wanted to boost trade and investment cooperation with this country, according to Air Force spokesman Air Marshal Monthon Satchukorn, who is also advisor to the economic chief of the National Council for Peace and Order NCPO).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740165-qatar-wants-to-boost-trade-with-thailand/

[Lite Beer]

PDRC leader Suthep makes merit to mark 65th birthday at Wat Chonprathan; Abhisit sends him blessings, basket of flowers /MCOT

[Lite Beer]

RT @RichardBarrow: Large crowd here at Bangkok Comic Con. Lots of popular superheroes & villains http://t.co/HoIjoYXig3

[Lite Beer]

Gen Prayuth asks media to act more responsibly
By Digital Content

BANGKOK, July 5 -- Leader of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha has asked the media to be more responsible in their reports, stressing that he did not want to see any more conflicts and misunderstandings like what happened before the May 22 military takeover.

Speaking during his weekly TV address late Friday, Gen Prayuth said it has to be noticed that the situation in Thailand is still “unusual” even now and, therefore, it was necessary for the media to help in presenting their reports which would “not add more divisiveness” and this included speculative reports which are not yet proven accurate.

Gen Prayuth said society and people were confused and hated each other before the military takeover of the country, as each side believed in reports which they obtained.

The situation then went as far as posting of criticising articles in social media while pornography and books considered as lese majeste were illegally sold in several areas.

The NCPO as well as journalist associations, reporters, editors, owners of publishing houses and concerned authorities must cooperate with each other, he said.

"In a world with fewer borders, news and information can spread rapidly. When incorrect or inappropriate information and hate speeches are used, this could elicit condemnation of Thailand in the eyes of foreigners. It may also have domestic impact in which conflicts are never-ending. This can negatively affect the minds of our youth – the future of the country," he said.

Gen Prayuth has also urged all those involved with the media, including the press, publishing houses and editors, to set standards and develop measures to control contents of the media that each of them were responsible for as well as to help in provide correct and factual information to the public.

"Should any media continue to provide false information or information that is damaging to the country, then you will have to be accountable for the journalists under your responsibility," said Gen Prayuth.

The army chief also stressed that the NCPO has no intention of using its power to restrict rights or freedoms of the media. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2014-07-05

[Lite Beer]

Phuket: Three-metre python interrupts football match

PHUKET: A family got the scare of their lives when a three-metre-long python showed up at the front door of their home while watching the Brazil-Colombia football match at 3am this morning (July 5).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/740227-phuket-three-metre-python-interrupts-football-match/