Barkar Nash (Page 1,086)

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: Fire crews were battling a blaze at a large electrical appliance store in downtown Korat city on Monday morning, with initial damage already estimated at 50 million baht. No casualties were reported.

The blaze at Tai Fa Universe store on Chom Surangyat road in Muang district started was reported to have started about 7.30am.

Nearby residents said shortly before the fire started they saw sparks coming from two large power transformers in front of a massage parlour next to Tai Fa store, starting a fire which quickly spread to the storeroom inside the shop premises.

The flames spread quickly as the storage area contained inflammable materials including cardboard boxes, plastic foam and cooking gas cylinders. Plumes of smoke soared into the sky.

About 20 fire trucks were sent to battle the fire, and began arriving as the flames were spreading to the second floor. The fire was still raging at 10.30am.

Damage was initially estimated at 50 million baht. No casualties were reported, police said.

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A construction worker was killed and four cars damaged when a slab of precast concrete fell from the under-construction Rama 3-Dao Khanong-Western Bangkok Outer Ringroad expressway on Sunday afternoon.

According to an Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) statement, that part of the expressway is being built by CTB Joint Venture, comprising China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd, Tipakorn Co Ltd and Buriram Thongchai Construction Co Ltd.

The bars holding a lifting frame snapped, causing a section of precast concrete to fall down onto Rama 2 highway, the statement said.

Exat initially reported the falling slab damaged four cars and obstructed traffic on both sides of the highway. It said the contractor was contacting the damaged parties about compensation.

However, media reports said one construction worker was also crushed, and killed, with no other details. 

Dashboard cam footage from a car in the out-bound side of Rama 2 highway, near Homepro Rama 2 in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district, showed a large concrete slab falling about 4.30pm onto the road island, crushing a worker and damaging four cars.

The driver, Puriwat Peng-ampai, 38, said he heard a noise above him and then a huge concrete slab tilted and fell down.

Another motorist, Sumeth Khirimek, 40, said he had to swerve violently to avoid being hit by the falling concrete. His vehicle suffered a cracked front windshield and a punctured tyre.

The construction of the expressway over Rama 2 highway has been associated with several previous accidents.

On the night of July 31, 2022, a five-tonne, 10-metre-long concrete beam fell off the U-turn bridge and plunged onto a car,  also damaging a pickup truck, killing two people and injuring five others.

The bridge is in front of Vibharam Hospital in Samut Sakhon’s Muang district.

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A set of dinosaur footprints, which experts say could date back 225 million years, has been discovered in Phetchabun’s Nam Nao district, according to the Department of Mineral Resources.

Staff from the Mineral Resources Office Region 1 visited the site on Saturday to examine the footprints, which were found in a dried-up creek at the Huai Hin Lat rock formation. The prints measured 10 metres wide and three metres long.

The site can be dated back to the late Triassic Period, approximately 225 million years ago.

Kamonlak Wongko, the office’s geologist, said the prints became visible as the water level in the creek receded during summer. The footprints belonged to a sauropod, a group of long-necked, herbivorous dinosaurs, she said.

Ms Kamonlak said the discovery of the sauropod prints would shed some light on the evolution of ancient animals in Thailand.

The northern province of Phetchabun is known for its landscape, which once hosted dinosaurs and other ancient species. Back in 2012, Nam Nao Conservation Group found also dinosaur footprints in Nam Nao district.

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Prime Minister and United Thai Nation (UTN) Party premier candidate Prayut Chan-o-cha on Sunday advised both politicians and voters to steer clear of any effort to reform laws relating to the monarchy.

During a campaign stop in Krabi, where Gen Prayut and the UTN Party are popular with voters, the premier urged supporters to vote for the party and its MP candidates.

He also asked those present not to back the push to abolish Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law, a call which was met with cheers from the audience. Some parties from the so-called democratic side of the spectrum have called for change.

“The law is the law, so don’t meddle with it too much, especially with regards to the ‘law above’,” he said, an apparent reference to the royal insult law.

However, he said, the UTN supports amending or even scrapping other laws which stand in the way of solving the plight of low-income people, who are the foundation of the country, he said.

“We can rebuild the house, but we shouldn’t destroy the foundation,” Gen Prayut said.

In his speech, Gen Prayut said he joined the UTN with his mind fixed on changing the country for the better, with no vested interest.

“I have performed as prime minister in the most dutiful and ethical manner during the past eight years.

“If I did everything for my personal gain, would I have lasted this long as premier?” he said, before adding people should not hate those in uniform who have turned into politicians.

Gen Prayut added he will not hesitate to punish unruly soldiers or police officers.

He urged the public people to dismiss unrealistic promises made by politicians ahead of the election.

Gen Prayut also helped UTN MP candidate Sanpetch Srisawat campaign for votes in Muang district.

He told supporters that all Thais must be strong and be ready to move forward with the UTN.

Gen Prayut said he has tried his best during his time as the country’s leader, before adding he wants to help poor people increase their income, promote social equality and fairness in front of the law.

He asked the audience to trust him and his experience.

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In the countdown to May 14 election, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) are stepping up efforts to suppress criminal activity, particularly all forms of vote buying and electoral fraud, especially in the South.

Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, a commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), has told affiliated agencies to inspect high-risk areas to prevent violent incidents before the poll.

The CIB has prepared the ground in advance by launching crackdowns to force out influential figures and gunmen for hire.

“I give importance on being neutral in politics to ensure transparency. The CIB will not ignore any officers or agencies found to have been involved with such offences,” said Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop.

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has been told to suppress gunmen in each area.

CSD commander Pol Maj Gen Montree Theskhan last Tuesday led more than 80 Hanuman task force officers to raid the bases of the so-called Cabin gang at eight spots in Trang and four spots in Phatthalung.

The CSD acted on six arrest warrants issued by Trang Provincial Court on charges including colluding in premeditated murder and firearms charges.

Of the six men sought, Sarawut Kiatnui and Suriyaporn Chantawong were employers and four others — Athisak Promauksorn, Tawatchai Wankhan, Amnard Sudjarit and Phansak Chantem — were hitmen.

A tip-off suggested the hitmen were about to threaten and eliminate certain political canvassers in the South, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said.

Pol Maj Gen Montree said police learnt of the plot after Sukawit Chantawong, 35, was shot dead in front of his house in tambon Laem Sorm in Trang’s Palian district on Feb 8.

The attack prompted Mr Sarawut, his brother-in-law, and Ms Suriyaporn, younger sister of the dead man, to hire hitmen from the Cabin gang in retribution, Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said.

Cabin gang

Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said the Cabin gang is a gathering of gunmen and young miscreants. They were based originally in Bang Hua Mon of tambon Nanod in Phatthalung’s Muang district, before relocating to Hat Samran district in Trang and parts of Satun.

The gang would accept various jobs including collecting drug money owed by buyers, and assassinations. Members have been charged with various offences such as murder and drugs.

“This police operation also gets rid of influential figures and hitmen to prevent any impact on the election,” said Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop. “Police have been deployed in each constituency in response to tip-offs about illegal activities, notably in the South.”

Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop said CIB also paid attention to areas that assassinations have previously occurred, such as one operation where the Hanuman task force caught three gunmen during a local election.

It arrested Noppadon Anthong and his associates for being involved in the murder of the Bang Som Boon tambon administrative organisation chairman in Nakhon Nayok in last April.

“Any kinds of electoral fraud including vote-buying will be watched, while the Anti-Corruption Division has also been instructed to look out for misconduct by state officials,” said Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop.

“Some groups may not be satisfied with the election results which may lead to protests. However, we hope to prevent any untoward incidents with the help of local police.”

Safety centre

Meanwhile, the RTP has set up a safety centre to watch over the election to ensure people will stay in line with law.

Pol Lt Gen Nithithorn Chintakanon, the centre spokesman, said staff will notify people to be beware of violating election laws and educate police about poll laws.

There are six key regulations that people need to be beware of as follows:

Taking ballots outside voting areas carries a potential jail term of up to five years and/or a fine of 20,000 to 100,000 baht, and could result in a ban from voting for 10 years.

Taking a photo of a ballot can bring a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of up to 20,000 baht.

Demanding or accepting money or assets for votes or to avoid voting carries a potential jail term of up to five years and/or a fine between 20,000 and 100,000 baht, and a ban from voting for 10 years.

Voters who intend to damage ballots could also be given jail time and a ban from voting for 10 years.

Damaging property under Section 358 of Criminal Code carries a jail term of up to three years and/or a fine of up to 60,000 baht.

Removing campaign posters carries a jail term of up to three years and/or a fine of up to 60,000 baht.

Pol Lt Gen Nithithorn also urged people to inform police of any illegal activities via the 191 or 1599 hotlines or Election Commission’s 1444 hotline, as well as local police.

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Paetongtarn “Ung Ing” Shinawatra, Pheu Thai’s prime ministerial candidate, on Sunday stressed the party will not form a coalition government with the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) after the election.

During a Facebook livestream, Ms Paetongtarn said Pheu Thai won’t enter into an alliance with Deputy Prime Minister and PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwon, before urging the livestream audience to vote for her party so it can form a government after May 14.

“Otherwise, we can’t beat the senators,” she said, referring to the 250 coup-appointed Senate’s role in co-electing a prime minister.

Ms Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and Pheu Thai’s chief adviser on public participation and innovation, said the party hopes to have MPs representing people in the South so it can push for policies that benefit residents.

Meanwhile, Srettha Thavisin, another Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate, brushed aside the results of recent surveys that suggested the popularity of the Move Forward Party (MFP) was on the rise.

“Pheu Thai’s poll results also show the party’s popularity is increasing. We are still confident we will win more than half of the 500 House seats.

“I am not sure if poll results will sway voters’ decision. It all depends on policies. Elections are no child’s play. It is an arena for battles among experienced people,” Mr Srettha said.

Mr Srettha said the MFP’s popularity still pales in comparison to Pheu Thai’s, which has a broad and solid support base.

“The results of surveys come partly from social media. A survey questioned only about 2,000-2,500 while there are tens of millions of eligible voters. Let’s wait and see the results of the election,” Mr Srettha said.

In addition to Ms Paetongtarn and Mr Srettha, Chaikasem Nitisiri is also a Pheu Thai candidate for the post of prime minister.

Meanwhile, Pita Limjaroenrat, MFP’s leader and prime ministerial candidate, said he is ready to become prime minister and the MFP is ready to work with parties in the current opposition bloc to form a coalition after the next poll.

“The next government must comprise parties that come from the opposition bloc — the MFP, Pheu Thai, Seri Ruam Thai and Prachachat,” he said.

“I believe that if we can form an alliance, we can win more than 300 House seats which will help prevent any political accident,” Mr Pita said, adding that if the MFP leads a new government, it will do everything in its power to change the country for the better.

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Advance voting yesterday prompted a huge turnout nationwide with people eager to exercise their democratic rights after a four-year wait.

According to the Election Commission (EC), 2,235,830 people registered for early voting nationwide yesterday ahead of the kingdom’s May 14 election.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said everything ran smoothly with only minor problems reported at polling stations, such as at Ramkhamhaeng University where some voters fainted due to the hot weather.

Water trucks were brought in to spray water to bring down the temperature in the area, he said.

Mr Chadchart added that more than 40,000 people had been expected to turn up for advance voting at Siam Paragon shopping mall and that process went smoothly due to efficient management.

He said City Hall will ensure ballot boxes are well-kept and guarded, and an online surveillance system has been installed to keep an eye on them.

A total of 52,771 people were registered for early voting at Ramkhamhaeng University, with long lines of people waiting to cast ballots under the blazing sun.

However, one voter, who asked not to be named, said there were not enough officials on duty to handle the large turnout and there had been a long wait.

In Ayutthaya, a total of 41,421 people, mostly workers at industrial factories in the province, as well as residents from the North, Northeast and Bangkok, had registered to attend.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, a total of 44,195 had signed up to vote in 16 constituencies.

More than half, or 22,842, turned up for voting for the first constituency at Central Plaza shopping mall in Muang district.

In Yala, 9,021 were eligible for advance voting both from outside their constituencies and at local polling stations.

Meanwhile, in Khon Kaen, a group of villagers from Muang district filed a petition with the provincial election committee yesteday, accusing a Pheu Thai Party candidate of vote-buying.

The Ban Non Ruang residents were accompanied by Pongsak Songnok, the village headman, and a lawyer, when they submitted the petition to Vachara Seesarn, director of the office of the Khon Kaen election committee.

Photos and video clips of money being handed over to attendees of a speech by a Pheu Thai candidate at a local rally were given to Mr Vachara as evidence.

After the petition was accepted, investigators at the Khon Kaen election office immediately took the group to an investigation room for private questioning. Mr Pongsak said he travelled along to offer moral support.

EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee said the EC has received 92 complaints of election law violations, most of which had arisen in Bangkok and involved vote-buying, he said.

Mr Sawaeng said the unusually high number of people who had registered to vote in advance in Yasothon and Amnat Charoen had also raised eyebrows, and the EC is investigating the matter.

He added that ballots cast by overseas voters have already been sent in by 68 Thai consulates, while the other 26 consulates are expected to send ballot boxes in the next 3-5 days.

Mr Sawaeng also said officials at a Nonthaburi advance polling station wrote incorrect details about the constituencies and provinces of voters on parcels of used ballots.

The mistakes were found after about 100 people had cast their votes there.

After learning of the errors, election officials corrected them and there would not be any problems with the vote counts in constituencies and provinces on election day, Mr Sawaeng said.

“I confirm that the used ballots will be sent to their respective constituencies. The incident was the fault of our officials. An investigation will determine if these were honest mistakes,” he said.

Social media users expressed their frustration over the mistakes.

Many people demanded legal action against election commissioners, including their impeachment.

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A man suspected of being a member of a gang who gunned down a father in Trang province earlier this year was arrested yesterday, said Crime Suppression Sub-division 6 commander Pol Col Pongpanot Chukaew.

Akradej Numark, alias Tia Carbine, 35, was arrested by Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police at a house in tambon Na Not in Phatthalung’s Muang district under a warrant issued by the Trang Provincial Court on a charge of premeditated murder.

On Feb 8, a group of armed men shot Sukhawit Janthawong, 35, to death in front of his 8-year-old daughter in Trang’s Palian district.

A police probe found the armed men were members of a gang called “Carbine” operating in Phatthalung and Trang provinces. The gang was hired to kill Sukhawit as part of a family feud.

With evidence collected by police, the court approved requests for the arrests of the suspected gang members and the man who hired them.

A CSD crackdown was launched on April 25, in the lead-up to the May 14 election. Several suspects were arrested, with Mr Akradej apprehended yesterday.

Mr Akradej has denied the charge. He was handed over to Ban Nong Euang police station in Trang for legal proceedings.

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The Revenue Department rejects claims that it is planning to impose a 1,000-baht departure tax on departing Thais and foreign residents.

Responding to fears raised on social media, the department says it is legally obliged by the constitution to seek the public’s opinion on executive decrees scrapped by past administrations.

Winit: ‘Survey was just a formality’

Winit Wisetsuwannaphum, the department’s deputy director-general, yesterday stressed the government has no plans to reinstate the 1,000-baht departure tax for Thais and the 500-baht tax for those leaving by land or sea, which was established by executive decree back in 1983.

Although the departure tax had already been scrapped in 1991, the constitution requires the department to assess the suitability of old executive decrees. The department conducted the survey on the tax on its website www.rd.go.th from May 3 to 17, he said. Some saw it and panicked, thinking it was coming back.

By the end of next year the department will also have conducted similar surveys on laws concerning inheritance tax and petroleum income tax, Mr Winit said.

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