Barkar Nash – Page 1027

Aem Cyanide case nearly ready for prosecutors

On: June 2, 2023

Surachate confident of evidence against accused serial killer

Forensic officers examine a car belonging to Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, who is accused of killing a woman with cyanide in Ratchaburi, for possible evidence shortly after her arrest on April 25. (Photo supplied/Wassayos Ngamkham)

Police are preparing to wrap up their investigation into suspected serial killer Sararat “Aem Cyanide” Rangsiwuthaporn and submit their report to prosecutors next week.

Investigators had found evidence to implicate Ms Sararat in the cyanide poisonings, deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn said on Friday. They had examined purchase records for more than 700 bottles of cyanide and found that “Aem Cyanide” had purchased one bottle.

A total of 11 deaths took place not long after the deadly chemical was in her hands, Pol Gen Surachate said at the Royal Thai Police Office.

“Now, Aem’s story is completely over because we found that she was the one who ordered the cyanide. Everything is connected,” he said.

Ms Sararat, 36, was arrested on April 25 at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex in Bangkok. She was four months pregnant at the time. Her arrest followed a complaint filed by the mother and sister of Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong, 32, of Kanchanaburi.

Siriporn collapsed and died beside the Mae Klong River in Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi, where she had gone with Ms Sararat to release fish for merit-making on April 14. Cyanide was found in her body.

The list of her alleged victims has continued to grow. All told, she faces 14 charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder.

Pol Gen Surachate said he believed a serious gambling addiction could have been a factor that pushed Ms Sararat to murder 14 people using cyanide.

An analysis of the 78 million baht that had passed through bank accounts held by the accused suggested she had a bad gambling habit, the deputy chief said on May 19.

On Saturday, the investigation team will start collating all the details in its report. It will then coordinate with the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) to submit the report into 15 cases against Ms Sararat next week, said Pol Gen Surachate.

After that, investigators will turn their attention to cases against factories and those who purchased cyanide from them. They are also looking into whether officials at the Department of Industrial Works, which regulates the factories, were complicit.

Other charges of violating the Consumer Protection Act are also possible, he added.

“I assure that the investigation report will be concluded next week,” he said. “The investigative report is now almost 100% complete. I will coordinate with the director-general of the OAG to hold a joint meeting and submit the report.”

According to Pol Gen Surachate, Sararat purchased cyanide online two years ago, based on evidence of money transfers for the purchase. Both the buyer and the company that sold the chemical would face charges.

He brushed off a threat by the suspect’s lawyer to file a defamation complaint against him, saying he and his team handled their task in a straightforward manner and never slandered anyone.

The lawyer, Thannicha Aeksuwannawat, made the threat last week after reporting to police to answer charges of assisting her client in destroying or concealing evidence of a crime.

She denied all the charges and said she would file defamation suits against certain police officers and media outlets.

National park employee charged for alleged assault, attempted rape

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 2, 2023

In: South-East Asia

A Lithuanian woman, 27, takes police to a forested area near a garbage dump in Si Sawat district of Kanchanaburi where a national park employee tried to rape her, but she managed to flee. (Photo: Piyarat Chongcharoen)

KANCHANABURI: A national park employee has been detained and charged after he allegedly assaulted a Lithuanian woman and attempted to rape her near a garbage dump in Si Sawat district.

Pramote Khongkham, 24, an employee hired on a temporary contract by the Erawan National Park in tambon Kradan, reported to police at Si Sawat station on Thursday to acknowledge the indecent assault charge, said Pol Maj Pakornkiart Shinathet, the station’s investigation chief.

On Friday, the national park on Friday terminated Mr Pramote from employment and urged the police pursue severe measures against him.

On Thursday afternoon, Evilija Grabauskaitem 27, accompanied by tourist police and an interpreter, filed a complaint with police. The tourist, who had bruises on her body, accused the man of assaulting her. She provided video footage and photos of the incident to the officers and guided hem to the location where the assault occurred, said Pol Maj Pakornkiart.

Police coordinated with Erawan National Park chief Prawat Phuangthong to gather details about Mr Pramote. The suspect later turned himself in to police on Thursday evening.

Pramote Khongkham, 24, an employee hired on a temporary contract by the Erawan Nationa Park in Kanchanaburi’s Si Sawat district reports to police to face charges. (Photo: Piyarat Chongcharoen)

During questioning, he told police that he had noticed the woman near the national park’s signpost as he was riding a motorcycle to buy candles from a nearby shop. Upon his return, he encountered her in the same area and honked his bike’s horn as a friendly gesture. The woman subsequently followed him on her motorcycle.

According to the suspect’s statement, he advised the woman not to follow him when he entered a forested area, but she seemed to misunderstand him.

During their walk together, he admitted to the police that he had initially felt an urge to rape her. However, he changed his mind after she fell down.

Mr Pramote said he then escorted her out of the forest and apologised for his actions. While admitting his fault, he claimed that he did not assault her but only pulled her hands.

According to the investigation, the suspect had parked his bike near a garbage dump before proceeding to the nearby forested area with the woman. He allegedly used force in an attempt to rape her, but she resisted and managed to escape.

The suspect is in police custody awaiting further legal action.

National park employee charged with attempted rape

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 2, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Worker at Erawan National Park sacked after Lithuanian tourist files complaint

KANCHANABURI: A national park employee has been detained and charged after he allegedly assaulted a Lithuanian woman and attempted to rape her near a garbage dump in Si Sawat district.

Pramote Khongkham, 24, an employee hired on a temporary contract by Erawan National Park in tambon Kradan, reported to police at Si Sawat station on Thursday to acknowledge the indecent assault charge, said Pol Maj Pakornkiart Shinathet, the station’s investigation chief.

On Friday, the national park on Friday terminated Mr Pramote from employment and urged the police pursue severe measures against him.

The 27-year-old victim, accompanied by tourist police and an interpreter, filed a complaint with police on Thursday. The tourist, who had bruises on her body, accused the man of assaulting her. She provided video and photos of the incident to the officers and guided them to the location where the assault occurred, said Pol Maj Pakornkiart.

Police coordinated with Erawan National Park chief Prawat Phuangthong to gather details about Mr Pramote. The suspect later turned himself in to police on Thursday evening.

Pramote Khongkham, 24, an employee hired on a temporary contract by Erawan Nationa Park in Kanchanaburi’s Si Sawat district reports to police to face charges. (Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen)

According to the suspect’s statement, he advised the woman not to follow him when he entered a forested area, but she seemed to misunderstand him.

During their walk together, he admitted to the police that he had initially felt an urge to rape her. However, he changed his mind after she fell down.

Mr Pramote said he then escorted her out of the forest and apologised for his actions. While admitting his fault, he claimed that he did not assault her but only pulled her hands.

The suspect is in police custody awaiting further legal action.

Move Forward speaker pick named mid-month

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 2, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Move Forward Party (MFP) secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon and party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun arrive at a meeting of the eight-party coalition at Prachachat Party headquarters on Tuesday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

The Move Forward Party (MFP) is expected to finalise its candidate for the House Speaker post in the middle of this month, said party secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon.

He said the party has not decided who it will nominate, but the matter should be settled in this month when the Election Commission is expected to start endorsing poll winners.

Mr Chaithawat said the MFP and Pheu Thai, who are locking horns over the post, will solve the dispute within two weeks.

Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew said his party would not discuss who it will nominate for the House Speaker post until it reaches an agreement with the MFP.

“It was agreed at the recent meeting that the issue would not affect the coalition formation. This means if we have an agreement, the coalition formation will proceed without any conflict,” Mr Cholnan said.

“We don’t want any conditions. We don’t want the issue to be settled in a free vote.”

Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party, on Thursday called on the MFP and Pheu Thai to sort out the issue instead of allowing a free vote over the selection of the House Speaker.

“A free vote will cause problems in the formation of the government. They should finalise it,” she said.

Meanwhile, acting Democrat leader Jurin Laksanawisit said on Thursday it is an incorrect understanding that the House Speaker’s role is to drive a political party’s agenda.

Mr Jurin said the House Speaker must maintain neutrality during parliament meetings.

He added that the House Speaker’s conduct is clearly governed by the constitution and parliamentary meeting rules.

BTSC says it’s ready to invest in ‘missing link’

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 1, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Yellow Line gets off the ground: A Yellow Line monorail train runs above the Chalong Rat Expressway’s Lat Phrao section on Thursday. The 30.4km monorail links Lat Phrao in Bangkok to Samrong in Samut Prakan. The one-month free service will start on Saturday. Fares are expected to range from 15 baht to 45 baht. (Photo: Pattanapong Hirunard)

The Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) is ready to invest in a 2.6-kilometre missing link to connect its Yellow Line monorail to the Green Line of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) at Ratchayothin and Lat Phrao stations.

Surapong Laoha-Unya, CEO of BTSC, on Thursday said the extension would benefit commuters.

“We are willing to invest in the project because the extension will benefit everyone. We are ready to discuss the matter with the MRTA,” said Mr Surapong.

The Yellow Line links Lat Phrao in Bangkok with Samrong in Samut Prakan. There are 23 stations along the 30.4-kilometre line. The monorail has a connection to the MRTA’s Green Line at Samrong station.

The missing link would run along Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok and link to the Green Line at Ratchayothin station.

According to a source, the extension project is worth around 3-4 billion baht. Without the missing link, commuters wishing to switch from the Yellow Line to the Green Line will have to re-route their journey through the MRTA’s Blue Line, increasing travel costs for commuters.

The source said if the MRTA agrees with the BTSC’s proposal to invest in the missing link, the MRTA would also ask for compensation for lost revenues from its Blue Line.

Mr Surapong said the Yellow Line would kick off a trial service at 9am on Saturday before its full commercial launch around the beginning of next month.

Currently, the BTSC has submitted an estimated fare range based on the consumer price index (CPI) to the MRTA for approval. The rate will be 15-45 baht.

Afterwards, the MRTA will submit the proposal to the Ministry of Transport and the cabinet for further approval.

“The BTSC is ready for the trial run as the safety and facilitation of the project is now provided. The project will help mitigate traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours, on Lat Phrao Road,” he said.

The BTSC estimated that it would earn an income of around a billion baht from the launch of the Yellow Line.

GPO touts new drug to help quit smoking

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 1, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Cytisine, an alkaloid that occurs naturally in certain plants, is locally developed by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO), to help people quit smoking. (Photo: GPO)

The Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) has unveiled a locally developed cytisine — an alkaloid that occurs naturally in certain plants — that can help people quit smoking, reduce treatment costs and potentially save over 12 million baht in imported drugs.

Dr Mingkwan Suphanpong, the GPO’s director, said there are more than 9.9 million people in Thailand over the age of 15 who are classed as frequent smokers.

She was speaking on World No Tobacco Day, which fell on Wednesday.

Considering that some of these will die from smoking-related diseases like lung or oesophageal cancer, emphysema and heart disease, the health costs are significant, she said.

Thailand has five listed drugs that can be prescribed to help people kick the habit: varenicline, bupropion, nicotine replacement therapy, nortriptyline and little ironweed.

Only the last two appear on the National List of Essential Medicines, said Dr Mingkwan.

Human trials have shown the GPO’s cytisine to be safe and effective, she said.

Dr Ming- kwan added the drug is now in the process of being approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Mingkwan: Drug costs less

She added that cytisine GPO will be a regulated drug which is only available at hospitals. Dr Mingkwan said the cost of helping smokers quit will be greatly reduced if cytisine can serve as a replacement for varenicline. Moreover, the GPO version can save up to 12 million baht per year by serving as a substitute for imported medicine, she said.

The GPO plans to distribute cytisine in January. The Department of Thai Traditional and Complementary Medicine has suggested smokers try herbal medicine first to kick the habit.

Dr Thiti Sawangtham, the department’s deputy permanent secretary, said the three best herbal medicines in this regard are clove, little ironweed and lime.

The first two can be taken orally to reduce nicotine cravings while ironweed can be brewed as an after-meal tea.

Dr Thiti said Chinese traditional medicine recommends acupuncture to quit smoking. Research suggests this produces serotonin, which eases the cravings for nicotine and helps people balance their metabolism and sleep cycle. More information about the application of herbal medication is available on the department’s official Facebook page or by calling (02) 591-7007.

SMALL FIRMS EYE BOOZE LIFT

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 1, 2023

In: South-East Asia

A supporter of the Move Forward Party’s Progressive Liquor Bill gets draft beer from a keg outside parliament. (File photo)

Small breweries and local distilleries are hopeful of a bright future if the Move Forward Party forms a coalition government and pushes changes to liberalise the alcohol industry as promised.

Despite clear economic opportunities from diversifying craft beers and in the speciality spirits market, small businesses have been struggling to survive, let alone thrive, in Thailand’s heavily monopolised alcohol industry, due to harsh laws and regulations controlling production and retailing.

The party’s MP in Bangkok’s Constituency 22, and its leading liquor liberalisation campaigner, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, told the Bangkok Post that amending these laws to promote fairer competition for small enterprises and break the liquor industry monopoly will be one of the first things the party will push in parliament.

“Our first step will be to amend the ministerial regulations on liquor production, which can be done within the first week of the first parliamentary session to unlock the remaining barriers preventing small-scale distilleries from entering the business,” Mr Taopiphop said.

“We’re now opening dialogue to discuss other issues such as excise rate changes and loosening alcohol control rules to reach a consensus on solutions to these issues since they require the amendment of other related acts, which needs more preparation and takes more time.”

Sore points

As the co-founder of Sandport Brewery, a small craft brewery in Chatuchak district, Supapong Pruenglampoo is one entrepreneur directly affected by the restrictive rules, which he claims were written heavily in favour of the giant conglomerates and designed to put off small firms from entering the industry.

“The first obstacle every newcomer in the brewing business had to face was meeting the demanding criteria for registering a business licence,” Mr Supapong said.

The system required applicants to have at least 10 million baht of registered capital and a minimum production capacity of 100,000 litres per year to get a licence for brewpubs, while a minimum production capacity of at least 10 million litres per year was needed to qualify for a bottled beer manufacturing licence.

Despite these rules for craft brewery registration having been lifted in 2022, the criteria for distilled spirits remain the same, as they require a minimum production capacity of 30,000 litres per day to gain a licence for distilled spirit production.

“This is the first high barrier that keeps small entrepreneurs with limited resources out,” he said.

Also, he said microbreweries are taxed at the same high rate as the big beer companies at 22% of the retail price, despite the production costs of microbreweries being incomparably higher.

This forces small craft beer brewers to sell their products at a much higher price than mass-produced beers.

“Microbrewers are also regulated by strict rules under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act that prohibit us from advertising and selling our products online, and we are subjected to similar fines as the big brands of up to 500,000 baht if found violating the rules,” he said.

“So, we are happy to hear that Move Forward plans to push the liquor liberalisation policy since we want competition under fair rules.”

Thanakorn Tuamsa-ngiam, founder of Prachachon Beer (Beer People), a social network group advocating for liquor liberalisation, said the enforcement of laws is also a major problem.

“When enforcing alcohol control rules, officials often overlook the misdeeds of big companies and instead focus on prosecuting small business owners. They can interpret the law in a way to penalise small businesses and ordinary people deliberately,” he said.

“I myself am a victim of such actions, as I was prosecuted for violating the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act by advertising alcoholic beverages online, even though I only posted educational articles about craft beer on the Prachachon Beer Facebook Fanpage.”

Opportunities ahead

Despite the law discouraging small liquor enterprises, Mr Thanakorn said more people are interested in homebrewing and setting up their own businesses, which aligns with global trends in an alcohol industry which is diversifying.

“Thailand has diverse agricultural products that can be bases for developing craft beers and speciality spirits. With support from authorities, we can be a global hub for craft beer tourism, which can lift the economy and boost tourism,” he said.

“We also need technical and innovative support on brewing craft beers and distilling speciality spirits since, despite our rich biodiversity resources, we still rely on imported materials. So, we also hope to collaborate more with researchers and academics.”

Meanwhile, one booze tycoon, Piti Bhirombhakdi, a director of Boon Rawd Brewery Ltd and a fourth-generation scion of the Singha Beer corporate empire, says he also supports MFP’s bid to liberalise the liquor industry.

Although the policy is aimed at countering the dominance of the big beer companies and promoting small businesses, Mr Piti said he does not have any problem with new competitors in the market. Instead, he says this is a great opportunity for Singha Beer to evolve, diversify and adapt to the changing market landscape.

“Sure, there will be more intense competition for market share, but this is a normal thing in the free market. I also believe liquor liberalisation will bring much greater benefits to our company and the industry,” Mr Piti said.

Despite the Move Forward Party’s policy receiving support from stakeholders in the alcohol industry, some medical experts are concerned over the possible social impacts that easier access and possibly higher alcohol consumption could bring if controls are loosened.

“I agree liquor liberalisation can help boost the economy and support small local businesses, but the strict laws controlling the advertising and sale of alcohol are also important to prevent adverse impacts on public health and society from irresponsible drinking,” Dr Udomsak Saengow, director of the Research Institute for Health Sciences at Walailak University, said.

EC urged to speed up probe into MFP leader

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 1, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, thanks supporters in Samut Prakan’s Bang Sao Thong district on May 26. The MFP won a majority in the May 14 general election, bagging 151 House seats and sweeping up all eight MPs seats in Samut Prakan. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

A group of political activists calling themselves Love Democracy on Thursday petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to speed up the probe into Move Forward Party (MFP) leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s alleged ineligibility to run in the election.

“We’d like to offer the EC moral support and urge it to carefully examine and decide on the case with prudence for the sake of the country and under the democratic system with the King as head of state as soon as possible,” said Somchai Chobchai, a representative of the group.

Chinawart Jankrajang, another group representative, said he thought the EC could have worked faster on the allegation.

But he said his group would respect the EC’s final decision on Mr Pita’s alleged ineligibility linked with his holding of shares in the media company iTV Plc, believed to be prohibited under the constitution.

Mr Chinawart insisted he has no political bias, saying if Mr Pita is cleared, he will be more than happy to see the MFP leader front the new coalition government.

But if Mr Pita is proven guilty as accused, Mr Chinawart said he thinks all sides should accept that outcome and live with it.

When asked about the possibility of MFP supporters taking to the streets if Mr Pita is disqualified as an MP, Mr Chinawart said they should respect the EC’s decision.

“But taking to the streets or not is for them [MFP’s supporters] to decide. As for me, I’m done with political conflicts which have cost the country lots of opportunities,” he said. “If they take to the streets again, the country’s situation will become even worse. I, therefore, would like everyone to also think about this and accept the truth in the event Mr Pita is found guilty.”

Meanwhile, Arnon Nampa, a leader of the Ratsadorn protest group, posted on his Facebook page his intention to lead street protests if Mr Pita is found guilty and disqualified. He insisted political gatherings are a basic right allowed under the constitution.

He said the government wouldn’t be able to contain massive protests this time as demonstrators know what they will have to do even when their protest leaders are detained.

He was responding to reports about a call by a senator for the formation of a so-called national government which was accompanied by opinions from some analysts that Mr Pita might not survive the shareholding case.

MFP urged to end graft in logistics

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 1, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Lorry operators called on the Move Forward Party (MFP) to stamp out bribery in the transport sector on Thursday, saying the practice has been around for about two decades.

Land Transport Federation of Thailand (LTFT) chairman, Apichart Prairungruang, on Thursday led 30 representatives from logistics companies in submitting a petition to MFP MP-elect Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, calling on the party to act swiftly to end the racket.

According to Mr Apichart, kickbacks to highway police add to their operating costs. He said LTFT members have tried to raise the issue in the past, but they were met with intimidation instead.

Out of the 1.5 million lorry operators registered with the Department of Land Transport (DLT), the LTFT estimated around 200,000 regularly pay bribes so their trucks can carry loads beyond the legal limit, he continued, though he insisted none of the LTFT’s 400,000 members engage in such a practice.

He said the bribes range from 3,000-15,000 baht, depending on the load amount an operator wishes to put on a truck. He added those who have paid for a “premium” package can carry anything without a weight limit.

“In the past, there were four to five stickers. Now there are 40-50 stickers,” he said.

Mr Apichart said the MFP’s campaign against the bribes had given the federation hope that the issue would be dealt with seriously.

Shortly after the MFP raised the issue, the Royal Thai Police transferred Pol Maj Gen Ekkaraj Limsangkat, commander of the Highway Police Division, to an inactive post at the Operations Centre of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).

However, Mr Apichart said it would take more than that to stamp out the practice, as it is a deep-rooted problem.

Mr Wiroj said the public’s attention is currently on the highway police, but local traffic police are also involved in the racket.

He said the party would gather more information and submit the findings to the Office of the Inspector-General of the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the police’s anti-corruption division.

Earlier, Mr Wiroj claimed that overloaded trucks with special stickers on their windscreens are not required to stop at weighing stations. The stickers indicate a bribe has been paid.

BMA probes public works ‘extortion’

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 1, 2023

In: South-East Asia

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is looking into a claim that a public works official extorted 300,000 baht from a contractor, a source said.

The source said the issue was raised by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt at a meeting of executives from the BMA’s 50 district offices on Thursday.

During the meeting, he referred to complaints about a lack of transparency among BMA officials as he stressed the need for all district office directors to take a proactive approach in dealing with the problem, the source said.

Mr Chadchart said he had received a complaint about a public works official demanding a kickback of 300,000 baht from a contractor who applied for a construction licence, the source said. The source added that the contractor was a friend of Mr Chadchart.

“I know the identity of the official. There is also a photo taken as evidence, and it was sent to relevant officials to investigate.

“The issue must be dealt with decisively. The district office director [who is the official’s superior] cannot dodge responsibility and must take action,” the source quoted Mr Chadchart as saying.

There are still several cases involving BMA officials extorting money from contractors applying for licences in other districts that need to be dealt with, the governor was quoted as saying.

The source added that the official works at the Pathumwan district office and demanded a kickback of 300,000-350,000 baht from the contractor.

The contractor refused to pay, insisting that he had followed procedures properly and brought the matter to the attention of the Bangkok governor, the source said.

Barkar Nash (Page 1,027)