Army chief warns anti-corruption crusader over media visit to border casino

[webfact]

Army chief warns anti-corruption crusader over media visit to border casino 
By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Army chief General Chalermchai Sitthisart warned anti-corruption activist Veera Somkwamkid that he risked causing unrest if he went ahead with his plan on Wednesday to take media to the site of a controversial new casino alleged to straddle the Thai-Cambodia border.

 

Chalermchai said locals made a living at the casino and Veera’s visit could make them feel uncomfortable and lead to a confrontation.

 

In 2009, Veera led a group to try and prove the area overlapped between Thailand and Cambodia near Phrea Vihear, leading to a skirmish between his group and the locals, the Army chief said.

 

He wants Veera to think twice about the trip and not use it for personal gain, as the boundary issue was sensitive.

 

He said Veera should proceed with the case using legal means.

 

On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said he would not be responsible if anything unfortunate happened to Veera.

 

Prawit said it was a personal decision for Veera to arrange the media inspection and if any unfortunate incident happened to him, including being arrested by Cambodian authorities, he must take care of himself.

 

The opening of the new casino came under the spotlight after Veera claimed in Facebook posts that it was located in the overlapping border area between Thailand and Cambodia, as well as possibly being located in Ta Phraya National Park, which forms part of a World Heritage site.

 

Veera questioned why the military government had allowed this to happen, and suspected that a post he made on the issue had led to a warrant being issued for his arrest over a week ago for violation of the Computer Crime Act.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30310548

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-03-28

[baboon]

The army showing themselves for what they really are once again. And still we will shortly hear from a handful on here what a great job they are doing, despite the seemingly weekly scandals...

[robblok]

If its proven to be in Thailand and in a nature park then its a gross disgrace and someone has been taking backhanders. The casino should then be demolished (fat chance). 

 

But wonder if he is really right, he must have some serious proof to back this up. Not saying its not true.. but would like to know what evidence he has. 

[mick220675]

The man is no friend of Thailand, living on the border we have had to much of of these idiots trying to stir up trouble between Thailand and Cambodia. The last time it kicked of the shelling was bad, two houses in our village were hit and we had to be evacuated.

 

If he turns up on Wednesday and try's to cross the border to the casino I hope the Cambodians take him away. If he try's to cause trouble on the Thai side the army will take him away, I went today and there must have been  100 solders at the crossing. 

 

Veera is trying to say the border is in the wrong place and the casino is in Thailand, I am no fan of the military government but they know the last thing Thailand/Cambodia needs is a nationalistic nutter causing trouble.

 

If the casino is in Thailand then so is Phrea Vihea, and we all know what the UN said about that.

[baboon]

7 minutes ago, robblok said:

If its proven to be in Thailand and in a nature park then its a gross disgrace and someone has been taking backhanders. The casino should then be demolished (fat chance). 

 

But wonder if he is really right, he must have some serious proof to back this up. Not saying its not true.. but would like to know what evidence he has. 

Well he surely must be on to something, given the army's 'gentle advice', which may shortly become gentle advice without the 'gentle' part. Let's see what happens...

[baboon]

4 minutes ago, mick220675 said:

 

Veera is trying to say the border is in the wrong place and the casino is in Thailand, I am no fan of the military government but they know the last thing Thailand/Cambodia needs is a nationalistic nutter causing trouble.

They didn't seem to mind in 2014, or in 2008 at the hight of the terretorial dispute...

[chainarong]

When U see 2 faced military going on about something U know they're up to old tricks, how can they raid old peoples home instead and arrest for gambling just playing cards and U have a Casino half located in Thailand ,.................................

[Wilsonandson]

I saw Veera playing the roulette wheel only last week. He lost all his money on black and got escorted out of the casino screaming "I'll ruin you, I'll ruin you all"

[geriatrickid]

Exciting news. This chap was  called a patriot   previously, and  those who hated the former PM Yingluck lauded him as a hero of the nation.

Now, he recycles his old strategy and the people who praised him, criticize him.

 

Confusing.

[robblok]

1 hour ago, baboon said:

Well he surely must be on to something, given the army's 'gentle advice', which may shortly become gentle advice without the 'gentle' part. Let's see what happens...

Yes lets wait and see.. I am curious.. to see what will happen... would be nice if he could outsmart the junta. 

[mick220675]

 

29 minutes ago, baboon said:

They didn't seem to mind in 2014, or in 2008 at the hight of the terretorial dispute...

In 2008 and 2014 the border dispute was a good way of deflecting attention away from the country's problems. Now the military have total control of the country any problems are there problems.

 

The casino is not in Thailand, it is in Cambodia. The problem with the casino was its access road passes through a national park, the army have tarmacked the road at the same time as pulling down resorts in national parks. Every body knows the army/government are doing very well out of running the country as have previous politicians. But a casino is no reason to try and bring down a government, as hated as they may be.

 

Lets not forget veera is part of the hard line yellow shirts who were anti farang. The man is a nutter.

[tukkytuktuk]

I know of another Veera who used to cause Jack Duckworth unrest.

[webfact]

PM warns Veera to ‘watch out’ if he makes trip to border
By Wasamon Audjarint
The Nation

 

PM Prayut at the press briefing

 

PRIME Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha warned anti-graft activist Veera Somkwamkid yesterday to “watch out” if he insists on visiting a controversial new casino allegedly located in overlapping territory between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

“That’s not his duty so he [Veera] should watch out,” Prayut said. “[He] shouldn’t make any conflict. If he’s convicted again, I don’t know what to do.”

 

Prayut’s remarks were in response to Veera’s plan to take the media to the site.

 

The opening of the new casino came under the spotlight after Veera claimed in Facebook posts that it was located on an “overlapping” border area claimed by both countries, as well as possibly being located in Ta Phraya National Park, which forms part of a World Heritage site. 

 

The casino is close to Chong Sai Takoo border checkpoint in Buri Ram province.

 

Veera questioned why the military government allowed this to happen, and suspected that a post he made on the issue had led to a warrant being issued for his arrest over a week ago for an alleged violation of the Computer Crime Act.

 

At Prayut’s weekly press briefing, the premier said briefly that he had no knowledge about any business deal in the area, adding that the issue should be overseen by the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee. 

 

“[The area] is called an overlapping area. It has belonged to Thailand but has been claimed by the other,” he said, referring to Cambodia.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30310575

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-03-29

[webfact]

Soldiers to ‘keep order’ during activist’s visit to controversial border casino
By The Nation

 

BURI RAM: -- The Second Army Region responsible for the Northeast said on Tuesday it would send security forces to “keep order” during a visit by anti-corruption activist Veera Somkwamkid to a controversial new casino allegedly located in territory straddling the Thai and Cambodian borders.

 

Veera plans to take a group of the media to visit the site on Wednesday to prove whether or not the Cambodian casino is actually in an overlapping area.

 

He had questioned in previous Facebook posts why the military had allowed this to happen.

 

Maj-General Suthin Benjavilankul, the Region’s spokesman, said the troops would be sent to prevent the problem arising between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

Suthin said military officers from the two countries had actually jointly surveyed the territory and had the same understanding.

 

The senior officer said that, based on a Thai map with a ratio of 1:50,000, it is clear that the casino is not in Thai territory or even overlapping.

 

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also insisted on Tuesday that the casino near Burirum province is not in an overlapping area, nor in Thailand.

 

He said concerned authorities had academic proof, including maps, to prove the point.

 

Don said he hoped Veera would cancel the site visit as a similar trip to examine overlapping territory between Thailand and Cambodia near Phrea Vihear caused problems.

 

Asked whether Veera’s trip would hurt the relationship between the two countries, Don said it was a case of “wait and see”.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30310603

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-03-29

[yellowboat]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

Chalermchai said locals made a living at the casino and Veera’s visit could make them feel uncomfortable and lead to a confrontation.

If it has all been done legally, why would there be confrontation ?  The pouting general who runs the country talks about following the almost daily.  Perhaps some people are more equal than others and need not concern themselves with the law so long as the locals are happy. 

12 hours ago, webfact said:

He wants Veera to think twice about the trip and not use it for personal gain, as the boundary issue was sensitive.

It is extremely sensitive because it allows wealthy Thais to participate in gambling revenues.  It seems like it is the Thai army and elite's gain and everybody else's in Thailand loss.   

[wakeupplease]

11 hours ago, Wilsonandson said:

I saw Veera playing the roulette wheel only last week. He lost all his money on black and got escorted out of the casino screaming "I'll ruin you, I'll ruin you all"

someone needs photoshop lessons very badly

[whatawonderfulday]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

PM warns Veera to ‘watch out’ if he makes trip to border
By Wasamon Audjarint
The Nation

 

PM Prayut at the press briefing

 

PRIME Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha warned anti-graft activist Veera Somkwamkid yesterday to “watch out” if he insists on visiting a controversial new casino allegedly located in overlapping territory between Thailand and Cambodia.

 

“That’s not his duty so he [Veera] should watch out,” Prayut said. “[He] shouldn’t make any conflict. If he’s convicted again, I don’t know what to do.”

 

Prayut’s remarks were in response to Veera’s plan to take the media to the site.

 

The opening of the new casino came under the spotlight after Veera claimed in Facebook posts that it was located on an “overlapping” border area claimed by both countries, as well as possibly being located in Ta Phraya National Park, which forms part of a World Heritage site. 

 

The casino is close to Chong Sai Takoo border checkpoint in Buri Ram province.

 

Veera questioned why the military government allowed this to happen, and suspected that a post he made on the issue had led to a warrant being issued for his arrest over a week ago for an alleged violation of the Computer Crime Act.

 

At Prayut’s weekly press briefing, the premier said briefly that he had no knowledge about any business deal in the area, adding that the issue should be overseen by the Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Committee. 

 

“[The area] is called an overlapping area. It has belonged to Thailand but has been claimed by the other,” he said, referring to Cambodia.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/national/30310575

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-03-29

Seems like a loosely veiled threat , is that what a Statesman should really be saying ?

[ib1b4]

11 minutes ago, whatawonderfulday said:

“[The area] is called an overlapping area. It has belonged to Thailand but has been claimed by the other,” he said, referring to Cambodia.

 

So there seems to be some truth in Veera's accusations .

[TheFishman1]

Don't rock someone Money boat of a high official TIT

[jollyhangmon]

2 hours ago, whatawonderfulday said:

Seems like a loosely veiled threat , is that what a Statesman should really be saying ?

No problem nowadays with 'statesmen' - or nutters - like Erdogans or Dutertes etc.

It's utterly disgusting ... 

[Lupatria]

17 hours ago, webfact said:

Chalermchai said locals made a living at the casino and Veera’s visit could make them feel uncomfortable and lead to a confrontation

Make them feel as uncomfortable like the fact of military rule, constantly delayed elections, licensed journalists, a lousy human rights record etc. etc. ?

Edited March 29, 2017 by Lupatria

[Eric Loh]

3 hours ago, whatawonderfulday said:

Seems like a loosely veiled threat , is that what a Statesman should really be saying ?

Watch out is not loosely veiled threat. Watch out is a direct warning that harm will fall on you if you persist. The military will use you and spit you out when their work is done and even rightist former military supporter like Veera will not be spared. Ex-monk Suthep was smart to toe the line and keep shouting praises of the military. 

[spidermike007]

Chalermchai said locals made a living at the casino and Veera’s visit could make them feel uncomfortable and lead to a confrontation.

 

Yes of course. You know what happens when a very, very fine living is interrupted? Discomfort. Confrontation. We are doing very well. Why are you bringing this to peoples attention? This regime insists on crushing anyone involved in exposing corruption on any significant level. We all know who is profiting from these activities. And Little P. insists on maintaining the status quo, and not upsetting the apple cart one iota. He was installed for that very reason. To protect the elite, the powerful, the wealthy, and the connected ones. All of his anti corruption talk does not amount to a hill of beans, and his total lack of action on that front is proof of my assertion. 

[sanukjim]

17 hours ago, robblok said:

If its proven to be in Thailand and in a nature park then its a gross disgrace and someone has been taking backhanders. The casino should then be demolished (fat chance). 

 

But wonder if he is really right, he must have some serious proof to back this up. Not saying its not true.. but would like to know what evidence he has. 

Remember Veera's stupid action at Phrea Vihear that he started with no actual proof.He goes off half cocked most of the times to keep his name in the headlines and to stir up trouble. Any casino in Asia is a money maker for both the government  leaders and their upper class friends and proberly the reason that Cambodia is not claiming that it is in their territory is that their government leaders are getting their share also with out the hassle.

[webfact]

Rights activist Veera Somkwamkid halts inspection of border casino as protest surfaces

 

 

BURI RAM: -- Former yellow-shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid called off his planned inspection of the border casino near the Thai-Cambodian border today after some 100 local residents protested his visit.

 

Veera, now leader of his so-called Rights and Freedom Protection Group, posted live on his Facebook this morning that he encountered protest from over 100 villagers as he arrived at the Chong Sai Taku pass in Ban Kruad district of Buriram to collect information of the newly built casino in the Cambodian territory.

 

The casino which he earlier claimed was successfully built as some local authorities and politicians offered facilitation to the construction.

 

The casino is located within the 130-metre perimeter behind the Chong Sai Taku border pass.

 

According to Veera, the villagers did not want him to create trouble in the area reasoning that opening casino in the area has an advantage to them in the firm of jobs, money and tourism.

 

He said when he asked the villagers if they were mobilised in particular to oppose his inspection, they denied and assured they came to oppose his inspection voluntarily by themselves.

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/rights-activist-veera-somkwamkid-halts-inspection-border-casino-protest-surfaces/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2017-03-29

[Srikcir]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

I don’t know what to do.”

How about resigning in disgust as PM.

[mick220675]

Wife,s brother just came back from the border, he said there were a large number of army patrolling the market/border and when he crossed to the Cambodian side around 100 heavily armed Cambodian solders.

 

The locals that veera talked to were market traders all who hate him. There is no support hear for yellow shirt trouble causers.

 

Hopefully veera will come back and try to cross into Cambodia, then he can finish his jail term and Thailand will be rid of the scum bag.

 

[Bluespunk]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said he would not be responsible if anything unfortunate happened to Veera.

You have been warned...

[smedly]

ooops wrong thread lol

Edited March 29, 2017 by smedly

[canopus1969]

wonder how much each was paid