Activists make case for weed

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Members of Thailand's Cannabis Future Network sets up a table with a petition calling for cannabis not to be placed back on the list of narcotics drugs at an even to commemorating National Cannabis Day at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission in Bangkok on Friday. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
Members of Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network sets up a table with a petition calling for cannabis not to be placed back on the list of narcotics drugs at an even to commemorating National Cannabis Day at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission in Bangkok on Friday. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

Pro-cannabis activist groups are urging the prospective government coalition led by the Move Forward Party (MFP) not to put cannabis back on the narcotic drugs list.

The Cannabis for the People Association, led by its coordinator Ratthapon Saenrak, submitted complaints on the matter to the MFP’s office yesterday before having a discussion with the party regarding its cannabis-related policies.

According to Mr Ratthapon, the association has worked on cannabis usage for at least ten years with the aim of removing the plant from the narcotic drugs list. With that said, they thought they might have a better way to control the plant’s usage than to include it in a pact outlining their working agenda that eight alliance members signed on May 22.

The association’s members said that putting the plant back on the list without any supporting literature might have a wider effect on society than just removing it did.

They said those who engaged in the industry legally from the start might face sudden, unfair accusations later and that it could affect those who rely on cannabis for their business and livelihood.

The members fielded two core complaints, said Mr Ratthapon. One was a call for a discussion about what those who benefited from the plant should do next before any law is potentially passed criminalising the plant. The other called for a law that closes any loopholes allowing for the plant’s widespread recreational use.

MP-elect Woraphob Wiriyaroj said the party would consider a new cannabis law that balances the interests of users of a legal age while also protecting minors, adding it will engage in further discussions with the association.

Members of Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network will also submit a list of their complaints to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

An event commemorating National Cannabis Day was held at the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission in Bangkok yesterday.

It featured a table with a petition calling for cannabis not to be placed back on the list of narcotic drugs, as well as a discussion regarding plans to control the plant’s usage, led by Prasitchai Nunual, the network leader.

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12.5m more skilled staff eyed by 2027

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11 industries being targeted for upgrade

Students stop at a booth at Job Expo Thailand 2023 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre on Friday. The June 8-10 event is organised by the Department of Employment and has over 500,000 jobs up for grabs at 400 companies.  (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Students stop at a booth at Job Expo Thailand 2023 at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre on Friday. The June 8-10 event is organised by the Department of Employment and has over 500,000 jobs up for grabs at 400 companies.  (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

Thailand aims to produce around 800,000 skilled workers next year in targeted industries, including intelligent electronics, next-generation automobiles and healthcare.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon chaired a meeting of the national workers’ skill development committee at the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation on Friday to discuss incentives to develop more skilled workers.

The meeting agreed to draft a skilled worker development plan which will be executed by provincial organisations to create 12.5 million skilled workers by 2027.

Provincial governors have been assigned to draft development plans to create more skilled labour in 11 targeted industries.

Four of the 11 industries have finalised their desired number of workers: 24,500 people in next-generation automotive services, 713,432 in digital services, 357,300 in processed food, and 298,100 for Thailand’s medical hub.

Provinces will be offering students in local schools and colleges the chance to join skills training and worker development programmes based on local demand. Gen Prawit said prisoners would also be included in the training.

Skills development training at the provincial level will lessen the chances of workers wanting to migrate to cities and will also improve the lives of local people, he said.

Gen Prawit said the public and private sectors must collaborate to create more skilled labour to meet the demands of growing industries.

He added that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and the Department of Skill Development should join hands to foster new jobbers.

Meanwhile, Job Expo Thailand 2023, which started on Thursday and ends on Saturday, saw large numbers of job-seekers. It is being held at Event Halls 100-102, Bitec Bang Na, organised by the Ministry of Labour and private companies.

The expo offers job opportunities for new graduates, senior citizens and people with disabilities. With over 29,000 positions in the private sector and 81,000 offered by recruitment companies, people can seek jobs in real estate, communications, manufacturing, finance, insurance, sales, construction, health and academia.

Nawaporn Rod-iam, 23, said she is a finance graduate working at a private company who is looking for a new job with higher pay that will also allow her to gain more skills.

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Move Forward leader backs major 2028 expo bid

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Pita vows to deliver for Phuket

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat greets supporters in Phuket province on Friday. He delivered a speech to about 1,000 people on a football field near the Krathu district office. (Photo: Move Forward Party)
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat greets supporters in Phuket province on Friday. He delivered a speech to about 1,000 people on a football field near the Krathu district office. (Photo: Move Forward Party)

PHUKET: Prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat has vowed his government will support Phuket in hosting the Specialised Expo 2028.

Mr Pita, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), which won the most seats in the May 14 election, visited the resort island to thank MFP supporters.

The party’s spokesman Rangsiman Rome and three Phuket MPs-elect also joined Mr Pita, who gave a speech to at least 1,000 supporters at a football field in front of the Krathu District Office.

A key component of his speech was on the island’s candidature for the Specialised Expo 2028, which will be held from March 21 to June 20, 2028.

“Phuket is the pearl of the Andaman Sea and also a destination that I love. We want to thank Phuket people for the trust you gave to our party and our candidates,” Mr Pita said.

“From now on, Phuket will not be the same. I will promote Phuket to be the pearl of the world,” he said.

“We have about 10 days before judgment day on June 21 when we know which city will be selected as the host.”

Phuket is competing with the Serbian capital of Belgrade, Spain’s Barcelona, and Minnesota in the United States to host the expo.

The government has set aside a 4.18-billion-baht budget to host the event, which will be organised by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Public Health Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and related sectors.

The theme proposed by Thailand for the expo is “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”.

The authorities have pitched the island to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) panel twice.

“If Phuket is selected, it will mark the first time the country has hosted an event like the Specialised Expo. I am sure that locals will profit at least tenfold from the 4.18 billion baht that the government will invest for this expo,” said Mr Pita.

“We want you to say that your province is ready for those voters in 120 countries who are going to vote for us in Paris,” he said.

Prayut: Also backs hosting event

“We want you to say to them that Phuket is strong and Phuket is safe for people around the world.”

He said the island welcomed eight million tourists last year and 400,000 so far this year.

As prime minister, Mr Pita said, his job would be to bring back another fourfold of visitors to the island.

What he plans to do, he said, is not just have more facilities for the expo but also improve the development of every section of the island, including the economy, health and wellness and environment.

Mr Pita also promised to solve two of the island’s long-term problems — illegal narcotics and corruption.

“We will not do this just in case the island is selected to host the Specialised Expo 2028. We will do it to improve the quality of life of people,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to every eligible voter in Phuket for the MFP’s overwhelming victory, which he said the party won by getting twice as many votes as the now-dissolved Future Forward Party got from the island in the 2019 election.

“Your voice means a lot to us and the three MPs-elect. We will never let our voters be disappointed,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged people to support Phuket in hosting the international event, said deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.

“Many parties have worked hard during the past year for the event preparation,” Ms Traisuree said.

“Thai people who want to express their support can visit the website https://support.expo2028thailand.com and click vote to show the power of our country,” she said.

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of the TCEB, also said a vote from Thai citizens is also needed for the final lap of the competition to see who hosts the event.

Mr Chiruit said the expo would be a core part of Thailand’s plan to promote its health, wellness and medical tourism in Southeast Asia. The event will generate up to 50 billion baht in economic value and attract about 5 million visitors, he added.

The expo is expected to create 113,439 jobs in Phuket and will also help promote tourism in nearby provinces, he said.

Phuket has prepared a 141-rai site in Thalang district to host the Specialised Expo 2028.

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Pita vows to deliver for Phuket

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MFP leader backs major 2028 expo bid

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat greets supporters in Phuket on Friday. He delivered a speech to about 1,000 people on a football field near the Krathu district office. (Photo: Move Forward Party)
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat greets supporters in Phuket on Friday. He delivered a speech to about 1,000 people on a football field near the Krathu district office. (Photo: Move Forward Party)

PHUKET: Prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat has vowed his government will support Phuket in hosting the Specialised Expo 2028.

Mr Pita, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), which won the most seats in the May 14 election, visited the resort island to thank MFP supporters.

The party’s spokesman Rangsiman Rome and three Phuket MPs-elect also joined Mr Pita, who gave a speech to at least 1,000 supporters at a football field in front of the Krathu District Office.

A key component of his speech was on the island’s candidature for the Specialised Expo 2028, which will be held from March 21 to June 20, 2028.

“Phuket is the pearl of the Andaman Sea and also a destination that I love. We want to thank Phuket people for the trust you gave to our party and our candidates,” Mr Pita said.

“From now on, Phuket will not be the same. I will promote Phuket to be the pearl of the world,” he said.

“We have about 10 days before judgment day on June 21 when we know which city will be selected as the host.”

Phuket is competing with the Serbian capital of Belgrade, Spain’s Barcelona, and Minnesota in the United States to host the expo.

The government has set aside a 4.18-billion-baht budget to host the event, which will be organised by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Public Health Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and related sectors.

The theme proposed by Thailand for the expo is “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”.

The authorities have pitched the island to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) panel twice.

“If Phuket is selected, it will mark the first time the country has hosted an event like the Specialised Expo. I am sure that locals will profit at least tenfold from the 4.18 billion baht that the government will invest for this expo,” said Mr Pita.

“We want you to say that your province is ready for those voters in 120 countries who are going to vote for us in Paris,” he said.

“We want you to say to them that Phuket is strong and Phuket is safe for people around the world.”

He said the island welcomed eight million tourists last year and 400,000 so far this year.

As prime minister, Mr Pita said, his job would be to bring back another fourfold of visitors to the island.

What he plans to do, he said, is not just have more facilities for the expo but also improve the development of every section of the island, including the economy, health and wellness and environment.

Mr Pita also promised to solve two of the island’s long-term problems — illegal narcotics and corruption.

“We will not do this just in case the island is selected to host the Specialised Expo 2028. We will do it to improve the quality of life of people,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to every eligible voter in Phuket for the MFP’s overwhelming victory, which he said the party won by getting twice as many votes as the now-dissolved Future Forward Party got from the island in the 2019 election.

“Your voice means a lot to us and the three MPs-elect. We will never let our voters be disappointed,” he said.

Prayut: Also backs hosting event

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged people to support Phuket in hosting the international event, said deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.

“Many parties have worked hard during the past year for the event preparation,” Ms Traisuree said.

“Thai people who want to express their support can visit the website https://support.expo2028thailand.com and click vote to show the power of our country,” she said.

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of the TCEB, also said a vote from Thai citizens is also needed for the final lap of the competition to see who hosts the event.

Mr Chiruit said the expo would be a core part of Thailand’s plan to promote its health, wellness and medical tourism in Southeast Asia. The event will generate up to 50 billion baht in economic value and attract about 5 million visitors, he added.

The expo is expected to create 113,439 jobs in Phuket and will also help promote tourism in nearby provinces, he said.

Phuket has prepared a 141-rai site in Thalang district to host the Specialised Expo 2028.

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MFP leader backs major 2028 expo bid

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Pita vows to deliver for Phuket

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat greets supporters in Phuket on Friday. He delivered a speech to about 1,000 people on a football field near the Krathu district office. (Photo: Move Forward Party)
Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat greets supporters in Phuket on Friday. He delivered a speech to about 1,000 people on a football field near the Krathu district office. (Photo: Move Forward Party)

PHUKET: Prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat has vowed his government will support Phuket in hosting the Specialised Expo 2028.

Mr Pita, leader of the Move Forward Party (MFP), which won the most seats in the May 14 election, visited the resort island to thank MFP supporters.

The party’s spokesman Rangsiman Rome and three Phuket MPs-elect also joined Mr Pita, who gave a speech to at least 1,000 supporters at a football field in front of the Krathu District Office.

A key component of his speech was on the island’s candidature for the Specialised Expo 2028, which will be held from March 21 to June 20, 2028.

“Phuket is the pearl of the Andaman Sea and also a destination that I love. We want to thank Phuket people for the trust you gave to our party and our candidates,” Mr Pita said.

“From now on, Phuket will not be the same. I will promote Phuket to be the pearl of the world,” he said.

“We have about 10 days before judgment day on June 21 when we know which city will be selected as the host.”

Phuket is competing with the Serbian capital of Belgrade, Spain’s Barcelona, and Minnesota in the United States to host the expo.

The government has set aside a 4.18-billion-baht budget to host the event, which will be organised by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Public Health Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and related sectors.

The theme proposed by Thailand for the expo is “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity”.

The authorities have pitched the island to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) panel twice.

“If Phuket is selected, it will mark the first time the country has hosted an event like the Specialised Expo. I am sure that locals will profit at least tenfold from the 4.18 billion baht that the government will invest for this expo,” said Mr Pita.

“We want you to say that your province is ready for those voters in 120 countries who are going to vote for us in Paris,” he said.

Prayut: Also backs hosting event

“We want you to say to them that Phuket is strong and Phuket is safe for people around the world.”

He said the island welcomed eight million tourists last year and 400,000 so far this year.

As prime minister, Mr Pita said, his job would be to bring back another fourfold of visitors to the island.

What he plans to do, he said, is not just have more facilities for the expo but also improve the development of every section of the island, including the economy, health and wellness and environment.

Mr Pita also promised to solve two of the island’s long-term problems — illegal narcotics and corruption.

“We will not do this just in case the island is selected to host the Specialised Expo 2028. We will do it to improve the quality of life of people,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude to every eligible voter in Phuket for the MFP’s overwhelming victory, which he said the party won by getting twice as many votes as the now-dissolved Future Forward Party got from the island in the 2019 election.

“Your voice means a lot to us and the three MPs-elect. We will never let our voters be disappointed,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, current Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha urged people to support Phuket in hosting the international event, said deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul.

“Many parties have worked hard during the past year for the event preparation,” Ms Traisuree said.

“Thai people who want to express their support can visit the website https://support.expo2028thailand.com and click vote to show the power of our country,” she said.

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of the TCEB, also said a vote from Thai citizens is also needed for the final lap of the competition to see who hosts the event.

Mr Chiruit said the expo would be a core part of Thailand’s plan to promote its health, wellness and medical tourism in Southeast Asia. The event will generate up to 50 billion baht in economic value and attract about 5 million visitors, he added.

The expo is expected to create 113,439 jobs in Phuket and will also help promote tourism in nearby provinces, he said.

Phuket has prepared a 141-rai site in Thalang district to host the Specialised Expo 2028.

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EC to launch probe into poll candidacy

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Counting blessings: Election Commission (EC) chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong, second left, leads his team in a ritual and merit-making ceremony at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road on Friday, where the EC headquarters is located, to mark the body's 25th anniversary. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Counting blessings: Election Commission (EC) chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong, second left, leads his team in a ritual and merit-making ceremony at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road on Friday, where the EC headquarters is located, to mark the body’s 25th anniversary. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The Election Commission has agreed to launch an inquiry to determine if Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat has violated Section 42(3) and Section 151 of the organic law on the election of MPs by applying as a list-MP candidate despite knowing he may not have been eligible to run for a House seat, a source said.

The EC’s decision comes after the six commissioners decided unanimously not to accept complaints involving Mr Pita’s alleged shareholding offence, the source said.

The petitions were rejected on the grounds that they were lodged after the qualifications of election candidates were examined.

However, because the petitions contain certain facts and information regarding Mr Pita’s qualifications that can be further looked into, the EC has agreed to launch a probe to determine if Mr Pita violated Section 42(3) and Section 151 by applying as a list-MP candidate despite knowing he may not have been eligible to contest.

Meanwhile, the MFP has assured its seven coalition allies that Mr Pita, its prime ministerial candidate, will gain more support from the Senate and that it has already got at least 40 votes from senators.

A source revealed that the meeting of the prospective coalition on June 7 saw a heated debate over whether the MFP can gather enough votes from MPs and senators to install its party leader Mr Pita as the next PM.

Representatives from seven parties voiced concern that the transition team would be in vain if the MFP failed to secure 376 votes or half of the 750 seats in parliament, to support Mr Pita as the next prime minister.

MFP secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon reportedly said the MFP had been consistently approaching senators to lobby them.

Mr Chaithawat explained that, of all 250 senators, about 40 are likely to vote for Mr Pita. Moreover, some others from the business and civil sectors are open-minded and would also welcome Mr Pita as PM, he added.

“Not all military-appointed senators are content with PM Prayut Chan-o-cha. There is still a possibility the [MFP] can approach them and discuss the matter. As of now, we are certain that about 40 senators are backing us,” he said.

The source revealed that Mr Chaithawat hopes the MFP can gain 100 votes from the Senate. He said the MFP would be ready to talk to more senators, and if any coalition party can introduce more senators to them, it is welcome to do so.

However, the seven coalition parties are sceptical about the MFP’s strategy. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, a key figure from the Pheu Thai Party, reportedly said the MFP should seek support from more MPs by including new parties in the coalition.

He said the eight-coalition bloc has 312 votes, and if it adds 40 more senators, Mr Pita would still need another 24 votes.

“If we accept the truth, we need to include more MPs [in the coalition]. It is impossible to find support from the Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation parties,” Mr Suriya said.

Mr Pita responded by saying no more parties would be joining the coalition. However, the MFP has been talking to other parties that will make up the opposition in an attempt to convince them to support the MFP-led government.

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Pita to become MP before EC decides

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MFP leader’s fate hinges on iTV shares

Election Commission (EC) chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong speaks to reporters at the EC office after a religious ceremony on Friday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Election Commission (EC) chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong speaks to reporters at the EC office after a religious ceremony on Friday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The Election Commission (EC) says it will have to endorse the MP status of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat before it can consider whether to strip him of it over his alleged share-holding offence.

EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee said the petitions against Mr Pita were lodged after the qualifications of election candidates were examined, so the EC could not forward them to the Supreme Court before Election Day on May 14.

He said the EC will have to endorse Mr Pita as a list-MP as part of the election process and then consider if he is qualified to hold the post.

However, he said the EC can investigate a criminal offence against Mr Pita, saying it can consider if he has violated Section 151 by applying as a list-MP candidate despite knowing he may not have been eligible to run for the House seat.

“It’s the Office of the EC’s job to gather information and submit it to the EC to decide if he has violated Section 151 by applying to contest despite having been fully aware he probably wasn’t eligible to.

“The EC can’t consider Mr Pita’s status as an MP because he isn’t an MP yet. If he is endorsed and the EC has questions about his qualifications, it can ask the Constitutional Court to rule,” Mr Sawaeng said.

His clarification came after EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong said on Wednesday that the poll agency was considering whether to accept the complaint against Mr Pita over his alleged shareholding in a media company.

Political activist Ruang-krai Leekitwattana petitioned the poll agency on May 10, four days before election day, to investigate Mr Pita over 42,000 shares he held in iTV, an independent broadcaster founded in the 1990s.

Under the current constitution, an election candidate is barred from running for office if they own shares in a media company.

Mr Sawaeng also said people can observe a recount of votes received by MPs-elect at 47 polling stations across 16 provinces tomorrow, and the recount will be recorded as evidence.

The recount was ordered after the EC found that the total number of ballots cast for the candidates did not match the number of people who turned out to vote.

He said the recount would not affect the election results in the constituency system, but it will force a recalculation of party-list votes.

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Kingdom set to repatriate sick elephant

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Ailing jumbo Sak Surin will be flown home on July 2.  photo by Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
Ailing jumbo Sak Surin will be flown home on July 2.  photo by Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has set aside a 19-million-baht budget to repatriate an ailing Thai elephant called Sak Surin from Sri Lanka next month, according to minister Varawut Silpa-archa.

The male elephant was one of three Thailand sent as goodwill ambassadors to the South Asian nation in 2001. According to a complaint by Rally for Animal Rights & Environment, the elephant has been mistreated for years.

Mr Varawut said the elephant would arrive at Chiang Mai airport on July 2 and be placed under quarantine for 14 days at the Chiang Mai Zoo or the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang, depending on his condition after a six-hour flight.

A medical team has been sent to Sri Lanka to familiarise the elephant with his custom transport cage, he said.

“I would like to express my appreciation for all kinds of assistance, especially the Sri Lanka government for kindly offering help to us,” he said. “Sak Surin may take time to recover, and it is best to give medical treatment in Thailand.”

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Srisuwan to appeal after dept revokes his licence

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Political activist Srisuwan Janya said he will appeal an order revoking the registration of the Association to Protect the Thai Constitution, for which he serves as the secretary-general.

He said he would carry on with his work despite the registration being revoked, adding that he faces political pressure because of the nature of the job. “I’ll carry on with my work…scrutinising politicians, political parties and state officials. I’ll intensify my work,” he said.

Srisuwan: Member quota not met

His comments came in response to a Department of Provincial Administration order dissolving the association on the grounds that it did not meet membership requirements.

According to the department, the association was registered on May 13, 2009, with three founding members and 11 prospective members.

However, the department found that three of those listed as potential members claimed they had never applied for membership in any capacity, while two more of those named admitted they had not attended a 2008 meeting held to acknowledge the formation of the association.

The department ruled that the statements constituted grounds to revoke the licence application as it did not meet the requirements stipulated in Section 81 of the Civil Code that an association must have at least 10 members.

The association can appeal the order within 15 days of being notified, and Mr Srisuwan said he will call a meeting with legal experts to look into the matter.

He insisted that he had received authorisation from all those named, but some of them, who are 70-80 years old now, could have forgotten about the 2008 meeting.

In June last year, lawyer Anantachai Chaidej, assigned by the Seri Ruam Thai Party, asked the department to dissolve the association after Mr Srisuwan accused Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt of not being transparent.

Mr Ananchai said Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, leader of the party, appointed him to lodge a complaint seeking the association’s abolition over the accusation.

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PM urges action on ‘Pattani State’ call

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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has told the National Security Council (NSC) to take action against a group of activists that called for a public referendum on whether there should be a Muslim “Pattani State” independent from Thailand.

The referendum call came in a seminar titled “Self-determination”, which introduced the “National Student Movement” or “Pelajar Bangsa” of the four southern border provinces that encouraged local residents to cast a vote for such a move at the Prince of Songkla University Pattani campus on Wednesday.

NSC secretary-general Supoj Malaniyom yesterday said that the NSC informed the premier about the matter and then ordered a fact-finding probe into the individuals concerned out of fears the call could lead to disunity. The NSC will hold a meeting next Monday to discuss the matter.

“The call for a public referendum on independence is apparently illegal and doesn’t benefit anyone,” said Mr Supoj.

“The security law must be imposed in the South in an attempt to prevent damages to properties and danger to people. Moreover, there is also the mechanism of peaceful dialogue which widens the chances of academics and representatives from many sectors participating in a discussion without activities that lead to societal disharmony.”

Meanwhile, Somchai Sawaengkan, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Rights, Freedom and Consumer Protection, urged the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) and security agencies to investigate the matter as he believed there might be a political party behind this pulling the strings.

Mr Somchai also urged the Election Commission (EC) to inspect certain politicians and elected MPs who attended the event. He claims he has a video clip of them.

“I believe that these students had no idea their move was illegal as there must have been adults behind this. We can respect freedom of expression, but a whole separatist movement will cause too much commotion,” he said.

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