A Briton being sought for the murder of his Thai girlfriend

Kanchanaburi provincial court has issued a warrant for the arrest of a Briton suspected of murdering his Thai girlfriend and stuffing her body in a red luggage which was later dumped into the Mae Klong river in Kanchanaburi province.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....hai-girlfriend/

Move Over Thailand, the Philippines is Southeast Asia's Strong Man

With a greater focus on manufacturing, a young population and a president committed to stable growth, the Philippines is pulling ahead

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....ias-strong-man/

Thai officials prosecuted for human trafficking

Bangkok, Thailand | AFP

BANGKOK: -- More than a dozen Thai government officials -- including senior policemen and a navy officer -- are being prosecuted for human trafficking, junta officials said Friday, as they vowed "zero tolerance" of the trade.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa....an-trafficking/

Pongpat, Kowit get six years each, face more charges
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- FORMER Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) chief Pol Lt-General Pongpat Chayaphan and a former deputy were each handed a six-year prison term yesterday over three offences linked to racketeering.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796332-pongpat-kowit-get-six-years-each-face-more-charges/

Junta vows crackdown on provocateurs
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- NCPO threatens 'decisive measures' after three violations if they don't 'adjust their attitudes'

THE JUNTA has threatened to take "decisive measures" against political provocateurs who fail to "adjust their attitudes" even after being summoned and reporting to the authorities three times.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday pledged to take legal action against people who threaten to use violence to protest against the government and state officials.

The premier referred to politicians who said they would stage rallies and violence against the government to stop reconciliation, and would create violence like that seen in the South.

"It is dangerous [to say that] because it is like a kind of terrorism," he said during his weekly television programme.

The government did not want to suppress their freedom, but such remarks would affect safety, he added.

From now on, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) will closely monitor every movement of the suspected provocateurs - be it underground, on the ground, and online - that is aimed at destabilising social order, an NCPO source said.

According to the NCPO, the authority will not allow more than three violations. The so-called "attitude readjustment" would be applied in the very first place. If such a practice persists, the NCPO would then apply stricter measures, the source said.

"The NCPO already has a record of those who post [online] comments" that may threaten the existing order, according to the source. "A rapid task-force will be sent to invite the persons involved and in a very relaxing manner we'll establish a common understanding," said the source.

Meanwhile, more critics of the military-led government would be invited to appear before the junta if they failed to understand the current political situation, Deputy Defence Minister and Army chief General Udomdej Sitabutr said yesterday.

"If they still offer opinions or act in a way to create chaos, or don't understand [what we are doing], we need to invite them," he said. Udomdej insisted that the summons were simply invitations to the individuals concerned with a view to asking for their cooperation.

More critics were summoned yesterday for talks with senior Army officers, with military authorities saying that this was designed to change their negative attitudes regarding the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which seized power in May last year.

At least five people - four former ministers, a red-shirt leader and ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra's lawyer - were ordered to report over the past week.

Nuttawut Saikuar, a key leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, which sided with the previous government that was toppled in the military takeover, was called in for talks with a representative of the NCPO.

Nuttawut surrendered to the military at First Army Region headquarters in Bangkok at 9am yesterday. He was released after about an hour and returned home.

The former deputy commerce minister said after that he had had a frank discussion with NCPO representatives and that there were "neither threats nor a stern attitude" from the military officers.

He said they had exchanged views and reached a conclusion to cooperate in order to "avoid confrontation and chaos" in the country.

Insisting that he would "remain unchanged", Nuttawut said he would take responsibility for whatever he did in the future and that he had told the officers during the talks that he had "no intention to obstruct or oppose" the government and what he had said was just his own opinion.

An NCPO representative later picked up former energy minister Pichai Naripthaphan at his home in central Bangkok for a similar purpose. Pichai had earlier criticised the government's policy on energy, saying it would be without effect if the government scrapped its plan to open bidding for a new round of petroleum concessions.

He told journalists before boarding a bus and heading for yesterday's talks that he was prepared to explain his position to the NCPO - and even to the prime minister - on every subject, not only regarding energy.

Earlier this week, NCPO officials summoned former education minister Chaturon Chaisang and ex-deputy prime minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul for similar talks.

Meanwhile, former Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema has been summoned to appear before the NCPO next Monday.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Junta-vows-crackdown-on-provocateurs-30253073.html

-- The Nation 2015-01-31

CONSTITUTION WATCH
Transfers to be free from politics
Kris Bhromsuthi
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Panel to decide on moves, dismissals from top public posts based on 'merit system'

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796333-transfers-to-be-free-from-politics/

Human rights in Thailand in 'free fall',
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- HRW says in its annual world report

HUMAN rights in Thailand are in "free fall" with the government of General Prayut Chan-o-cha severely repressing fundamental rights and freedoms since the coup last May, the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in its annual World Report 2015.

"Military rule has sent human rights in Thailand into a free fall, with no sign that the promised democratic transition will happen any time soon," Brad Adams, HRW's Asia director, said. "The junta is using draconian martial law powers to prosecute dissenters, ban political activity, and censor the media."

Unlike previous years, the report for the first time was not released at a press conference in Bangkok.

Sunai Phasuk, a senior Thai researcher at HRW, told The Nation the decision not to hold a press conference detailing the human rights situation in Thailand was due to the current environment under martial law.

"If we want to hold a press conference we must ask for permission from the National Council for Peace and Order [NCPO] first. We don't want to set a precedent," Sunai said.

"In the end they wouldn't give a permit, anyhow, and it would be tantamount to recognising their authority."

Sunai said the report was available on the Internet, with a Thai-language version available late yesterday.

He said the fact that a media report organised by the Thai Journalists Association in conjunction with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation had had its scheduled release yesterday cancelled indefinitely by the NCPO was further proof of the restrictions now in place.

The HRW report criticised Prayut and the NCPO for functioning without accountability and enjoying impunity for "abusive acts".

"The junta has largely banned political activity, has carried out hundreds of arbitrary arrests and detentions, and has disregarded serious allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees," it said.

It also cited the NCPO's order to the media, social media and general public not criticise the junta as another example of rights being repressed.

"The NCPO ordered the print media not to publicise commentaries critical of the military. TV and radio programmes were instructed not to invite guests who might comment negatively on the situation in Thailand," the report stated.

"The junta has blocked more than 200 websites - including the Thailand page on the Human Rights Watch website - as threats to national security."

The report said there had been 14 new cases of lese majeste under the NCPO, adding that many of those charged were routinely denied bail and often jailed for many months while awaiting trial in the military court.

It also said the military and police had operated with impunity in the deep South.

"To date, not a single member of the security forces has been criminally prosecuted for serious rights abuses in Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala provinces. Separatists insurgents point to government abuses to recruit new members and justify their campaign of terror targeting officials and civilians, which has claimed more than 6,000 lives over the past 10 years."

The Thai authorities had also imposed tighter restrictions on all refugee camps near the Myanmar border and intensified scrutiny of unregistered camp residents. These unregistered residents make up about 40 per cent of camp populations which "successive Thai governments have effectively blocked from being considered for refugee status, sparking fears in the camp of possible mass expulsions".

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Human-rights-in-Thailand-in-free-fall-30253068.html

-- The Nation 2015-01-31

Efficiency rating down
The Nation

Thai bureaucracy's performance worse despite more staff

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796334-efficiency-rating-down/

DNA check on convicted rapist
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- A DNA check on a man previously convicted of rape - and suspected of serial assaults on elderly women in Nakhon Pathom and neighbouring provinces - is underway, with results likely to be known today, Royal Thai Police spokesman Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri said yesterday.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796335-dna-check-on-convicted-rapist/

Govt officials banned from using work computers after case of lese majeste
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE DEPARTMENT of Provincial Administration has decided to impose stricter controls on computer usage in its offices after one of its officials in Sa Kaew province allegedly posted a comment that was deemed as violating the lese majeste law.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796336-govt-officials-banned-from-using-work-computers-after-case-of-lese-majeste/

MCOT suffered no damage: Sorrayuth
Kesinee Taengkhiao
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- WELL-KNOWN television news host Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda vowed to prove his innocence yesterday after he was indicted in the Criminal Court over an MCOT complaint of embezzlement and bribery.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796337-mcot-suffered-no-damage-sorrayuth/

Prayut seeks time to make Kingdom stronger, rejects outside assistance
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has asked for time to make Thailand stronger, while defending his government's decision to maintain martial law.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796338-prayut-seeks-time-to-make-kingdom-stronger-rejects-outside-assistance/

Junta urged to listen, 'walk with citizens'
The Nation

THE head of the Political Development Council (PDC) suggested yesterday that holding a referendum and listening to people's voices would determine the success of the new charter and reform.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796339-junta-urged-to-listen-walk-with-citizens/

3-nation forum urged to boost rubber prices
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told Malaysia yesterday that a tripartite meeting should be held as soon as possible between Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia to find urgent ways to tackle the falling price of rubber.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796340-3-nation-forum-urged-to-boost-rubber-prices/

Teachers voice concern over Thailand drone ban

After the recent news that drones fitted with cameras will be banned in Thailand, science teachers in the country have expressed concern over the Transport Ministry’s new policy which will severely limit the use of drones, including drone operation in schools’ curriculums.

Read more: http://tech.thaivisa.com/thailand-teachers-concerned-drone-ban/3576/

EDITORIAL
Reform must cater to ordinary citizens
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- We focus on abstract political concepts while basic needs go unfulfilled

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796342-reform-must-cater-to-ordinary-citizens/

Thai Shippers Council forecasts 1.5% growth in exports this year

BANGKOK: -- The Thai National Shippers Council (TNSC) has lowered its projection of the country’s export growth in 2015 to only 1.5 per cent from the 2.5 per cent forecast earlier.
It attributed negative factors that remain shadowing the industry.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796344-thai-shippers-council-forecasts-15-growth-in-exports-this-year/

Germany to Greece: Don't mess with us over debt, austerity
NICHOLAS PAPHITIS, Associated Press
FRANK JORDANS, Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greece and its European bailout creditors were in open dispute Friday, with Germany bluntly rejecting suggestions the heavily-indebted country should be forgiven part of its rescue loans and warning against "blackmail" from Athens.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796346-germany-to-greece-dont-mess-with-us-over-debt-austerity/

Republican Mitt Romney will not run for president in '16

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Mitt Romney, after a three-week flirtation with another run for president, said definitively on Friday that he will not seek the White House in 2016.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796347-republican-mitt-romney-will-not-run-for-president-in-16/

Balloon crew makes history crossing Pacific Ocean
SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, Associated Press

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (AP) — A pair of American and Russian pilots has traveled farther and longer in a gas balloon than anyone in history, trying to eliminate any remaining debate over a century of records in long-distance ballooning.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796348-balloon-crew-makes-history-crossing-pacific-ocean/

Lawyer wants reporter to reveal details in James Brown case
JEFFREY COLLINS, Associated Press

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — A reporter covering the fight over soul singer James Brown's estate has been ordered to tell a court how she obtained a diary from James Brown's widow.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796349-lawyer-wants-reporter-to-reveal-details-in-james-brown-case/

UPDATE:

Arrest Warrant Issued For British Man In Nana Bargirl Murder
Published by Stickboy BKK

BANGKOK: -- Thai police have finally named 45-year-old Shane Kenneth Looker as the prime suspect in the murder of Nana Plaza bar girl Laxami “Pook” Manochat.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796309-a-briton-being-sought-for-the-murder-of-his-thai-girlfriend/page-2#entry9009678

Judge: Funeral home wrongly sold Lee Harvey Oswald's casket
EMILY SCHMALL, Associated Press

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — A judge says the original casket in which Lee Harvey Oswald was buried belongs to Oswald's brother, not the funeral home that auctioned it off for more than $87,000.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796360-judge-funeral-home-wrongly-sold-lee-harvey-oswalds-casket/

RT @W7VOA: #Thailand domestic media report #ThaiJunta has ordered monitoring of US diplomats in country after reported attempt to meet UDD figure.

Malaysia, Thailand strengthen military ties

BANGKOK: -- The Star Online reported that Malaysia and Thailand have agreed and exchanged views on several issues of to strengthen military ties including intelligence sharing between the two countries to ensure regional peace and stability, citing Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796369-malaysia-thailand-strengthen-military-ties/

Dead man found at Phuket port, stabbed in head
Eakkapop Thongtub

Kusondharm volunteers prepare a stretcher and body bag while two of their colleagues look at the best way to retrieve the body.

PHUKET: Police are trying to establish the identity of a dead man found floating face-up near the fishing pier at Rassada yesterday (January 30) with a knife stuck in the back of his head.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796375-dead-man-found-at-phuket-port-stabbed-in-head/

UPDATE:

Mega-corrupt top cop jailed for six years

BANGKOK: Disgraced former Central Investigation Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Pongpat Chayapan and five other policemen were sentenced to 12 years in jail yesterday (January 30) for lèse majesté and involvement in the running of casinos.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796332-pongpat-kowit-get-six-years-each-face-more-charges/?p=9010588#entry9010588

Chinese man busted for illegal tour guiding in Phuket
Saran Mitrarat

Yang, centre, with officials after his arrest.

PHUKET: A Chinese man was arrested for conducted an illegal tour at the Karon Viewpoint yesterday morning (January 30).

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796425-chinese-man-busted-for-illegal-tour-guiding-in-phuket/

RTP to take legal action against brothel owners in Udonthani Province

UDONTHANI, 31 Jan 2015, (NNT) - Police Commissioner General Somyod Phompanmuang and his special task force have raided a brothel in Udonthani Province, arresting 32 illegal Laotian escorts and a manager.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/796426-rtp-to-take-legal-action-against-brothel-owners-in-udonthani-province/

Trang speeds up plan to become sister city with Guangzhou

TRANG, 31 Jan 2015 (NNT) – Trang province is speeding up its plan to become a sister city with Guangzhou city in China.

Trang Deputy Governor Nikorn Suksai said the decision came after the Chinese consulate in Songkhla province had discussed trade and investment possibilities with related agencies and businessmen in Trang province and officially invited Thai officials to visit China.

According to Mr. Nikorn, the Trang-Guangzhou sister city project, once accomplished, is expected to benefit Trang province in many areas, particularly tourism, education, culture, trade and investment.

Guangzhou is the capital city of Guangdong province in Southern China. The city is also the hub of China’s special economic zones, which are Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Shantou.

-- NNT 2015-01-31