Barkar Nash – Page 1100

New govt may face street protests: poll

On: June 18, 2023

Royalists clad in yellow gathered outside parliament last week to pressure senators not to vote for Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat out of concern over the party’s stance on the lese majeste law. (Photo: PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL)

A new government legitimately formed under the constitution with a new prime minister acceptable to the majority of people may still face street protests after taking office, according to the result of an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

The poll was conducted on June 14-16 by telephone interviews with 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and incomes throughout the country to compile their opinions on whether the new government would face street protests by people opposed to it.

Currently, eight political parties led by the Move Forward Party (MFP) are struggling to form a government with MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister.

Asked whether they thought the new government formed under the current constitution regardless of who is prime minister would face street protests, the answers were split.

Nearly half – 49.16% – of respondents believed there would be street protests, with 26.72% of them believing the protests would be non-violent and 22.44% saying there would be violence.

On the other side, 25.42% thought there would not be any protests at all and 25.19% were uncertain. The rest, 0.23%, had no answer or were not interested.

Asked whether they would accept a new government and new prime minister from a political party they did. not vote for, a majority, 55.50%, said yes – 38.63% whole-heartedly and 16.87% with resignation.

On the other side, 22.52% said they would oppose them but would not join street protests, while 7.02% said they would also join protests.

Of the rest, 14.43% said they would stay neutral and 0.53% had no answer or were not interested.

Asked for their biggest concerns if there are street protests against the new government, with each respondent allowed to pick more than one answer, the answers varied as follows:

• 56.87% said the economy would deteriorate
• 37.18% said the protests might be violent
• 32.98% said there would be conflict among people in the country
• 29.16% feared there might be a coup
• 21.45% said the protests could lead to violations of laws and other people’s rights
• 18.63% said the protests would cause traffic congestion
• 12.21% said there may be external interference
• 3.82% said they were not worried at all
• 1.98% had no answer or were not interested

Police base attacked; one villager killed, two injured in ambush

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 18, 2023

In: South-East Asia

A police operations base in Muang district of Pattani province was attacked and a pickup was ambushed in Narathiwat province, killing one and injuring two villagers, in two separate incidents on Saturday.

In Pattani, the incident occurred at about 7am when a number of insurgents opened fire at the police operations base at Ban Khlong Maning in Muang district with various kinds of weapons.

The police manning the base returned fire and a brief exchanged of fire followed. The insurgents retreated. No casualties were reported.

The attack prompted all road checkpoints to be more vigilant by stepping up checks of vehicles.

In the other incident, earlier at about 5pm in nearly Narathiwat province, a pickup truck on which four villagers were travelling home from hunting in a forest near Ban Hulu Kunung in tambon Dusongso, Chanae district, was ambushed by a group of armed men.

A villager was killed and two others injured. The injured were later admitted to Chanae Hospital.

Noppadol Damsakul, a villager who was not hurt, reported the incident to a ranger company in tambon Dusongyo.

Police were investigating whether the ambush was related to southern insurgency.

1 killed, 2 hurt in Southern attacks

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 18, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Police were deployed to check vehicles after a police operations base in Muang district of Pattani province was attacked by a group of insurgents on Saturday night. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat)

A police operations base in Pattani province was attacked and a pickup was ambushed in Narathiwat province, killing one villager and injuring two others, in two separate incidents on Saturday.

In Pattani, a number of insurgents opened fire at the police operations base at Ban Khlong Maning in Muang district with various kinds of weapons at around 7am.

The police manning the base returned fire, and after a short time the insurgents retreated. No casualties were reported.

The attack prompted security personnel to step up checks of vehicles at road checkpoints in the area.

In neighbouring Narathiwat province, a group of armed men ambushed four villagers returning home in a pickup truck after hunting in a forest near Ban Hulu Kunung in tambon Dusongso at about 5am.

One villager was killed and two others injured. The injured were later admitted to Chanae Hospital.

Noppadol Damsakul, a villager who was not hurt, reported the incident to a ranger company in tambon Dusongyo.

Police were investigating to determine whether the ambush was related to the southern insurgency.

Talks with senators going well: MFP

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 18, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Rangsiman Rome

The Move Forward Party (MFP) has expressed confidence that senators will support its leader Pita Limjaroenrat to be the next prime minister.

MFP spokesman and party-list MP-elect Rangsiman Rome said on Saturday the party has been lobbying the senators. “Negotiations are proceeding nicely. Some senators may ask for time to make decisions, but some have already made up their minds. As far as I know, positive signs are emerging. I believe Mr Pita will become prime minister,” Mr Rangsiman said.

“It is likely that we will also be able to switch off Section 272 under the constitution,” Mr Rangsiman said. He referred to the party’s bid to remove the section which allows the 250 senators appointed by the now-defunct coup-engineer, the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), to join MPs in electing a prime minister in parliament.

It will be the last time these senators will co-elect a prime minister. After the 2019 election, they joined MPs in voting for Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to return as prime minister. The constitution stipulates the Senate serves a five-year transitional term following the 2019 election. It ends next year. “Why should Section 272 be allowed to continue to cause any further troubles? The best way is to respect the decision of voters in the May 14 election,” Mr Rangsiman said.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the eight-party prospective coalition led by the MFP, originally planned for Tuesday, has been rescheduled for Thursday instead.

MRTA station plan sparks city architecture row

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 18, 2023

In: South-East Asia

A civil group has called on the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) to relocate an entry point into the Phan Fa station of its Purple Line to preserve century-old shophouses along Phra Sumen Road.

Rosana Tositrakul, a former Bangkok senator and president of Rattanakosin Heritage Conservation Group (RHCG), said construction of the Phan Fa station’s entry and exit points would involve bringing down historic shophouses in the old area of Bangkok.

The builder plans to dismantle the old shophouses and rebuild them. However, Ms Rosana said the project threatens to devalue their architectural integrity.

She suggested the entry and exit points should be built near more modern buildings nearby. “The MRTA may have been reluctant to build the station access on land closer to the modern buildings so as to avoid a possible higher land price,” Ms Rosana said.

She said the civil group has complained to various state agencies, but has yet to hear back. “We are not opposing development in the city. We want to talk to the MRTA and let them know that city development can go hand in hand with heritage conservation,” she said.

MRTA governor Pakapong Sirikantaramas said the project is at the design stage. The MRTA chose to position the entry and exit points near seven shophouses because they are the most run-down buildings in the area. “Once the station access is built, the MRTA will reconstruct the architecture just like it did with Wat Mangkon station and Sanam Chai station,” said Mr Pakapong.

Rejecting Ms Rosana’s suggestion the entry and exit points should be aligned with two more modern buildings, he said the spot was too far away.

MFP fever grips SE Asia

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 17, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat visits Lampang on Wednesday. (Photo: Move Forward Party)

The Move Forward Party’s triumph in the general election has sparked new hope for political change in the region, as experts expect the ascendance of a MFP-led progressive government will help shift the landscape of international relations in Southeast Asia toward a more liberal democracy.

Popularity beyond border

Popular support for the MFP and its charismatic prime minister candidate Pita Limjaroenrat is not limited to Thailand but also extends to a large group of young people in neighbouring countries, notably Laos and Myanmar.

In Myanmar, the Transborder News said many Burmese people openly support the Move Forward Party and are monitoring the formation of the new government closely, as they hope to see democracy restored in Myanmar.

“The Burmese were hopeful in the Move Forward Party and Pheu Thai’s victory, as it will inspire their movement and social change in their home country,” the Twitter account @Thailand4Burma under the pseudonym “Olivia”, the Burmese doctor who launched civil disobedience movement in Myanmar, tweeted.

The MFP is also popular among Lao people, as Joseph Akaravong, an exiled Lao political activist who has sought refuge in France, said many people in Laos, especially the youth, have openly expressed their support for Mr Pita and his party on social media.

Mr Joseph said the Move Forward Party is seen as a symbol of hope for democracy. Many Lao people are frustrated with their own government and political system and are yearning for political change.

“Our country is rich with natural resources, but because of severe corruption and lack of political freedom, almost everyone excluding a few elites are poor. We cannot vote the corrupted government out, as Laos is a one-party communist state,” he said.

“When we learnt about Move Forward Party’s victory against the military-backed regime under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and that Thais will soon have a bright and handsome prime minister, it gives us hope for a similar democratic transition in our country.”

Joseph: Hope for democracy

Admitting that he himself is also a fan of the Move Forward Party, he said opened a Facebook Page called “Move Down Party” which mimicks the style and logo of the Move Forward Party to criticise the Lao government and tell it to “move down” from power.

He said the phenomenon is is still too new to stir up any substantial change to the Lao political system.

“Nevertheless, I think it is a clear indication of growing discontentment with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and demand for political change,” he added.

Just move down: The Facebook page inspired by the Move Forward Party’s policy created by Joseph Akaravong, an exiled Lao political activist.

New foreign policy

Although the popularity of the Move Forward Party among Thailand’s neighbours is unlikely to lead to a strong political movement that can challenge the political status quo in these countries, experts on international relations and Asean politics agree that changes in Thailand’s foreign policy under the new government led by the Move Forward Party will be the major turning point in regional politics.

Given the Move Forward Party’s stance on supporting human rights and democracy, one likely change in international relations will be the Thai government’s stance towards Myanmar’s military junta, which has ruled the country since the 2021 coup and has engaged in bloody civil war against many resistance groups.

The government under Gen Prayut’s administration has close ties with the Myanmar junta. However, Move Forward Party leader Pita said the relationship with Myanmar’s military will need to be revised under his government.

Birds of a feather: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha meets Min Aung Hlaing, left, commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s armed forces at Government House.

As the MFP is firmly against military dictatorship, the new government will no longer compromise with the Myanmar junta, and will boost humanitarian assistance to help those affected by the armed conflict.

He also promised to work with all stakeholders on the Burma Act to provide non-lethal aid to resistance movements and help make sure the Five Point consensus (a plan to restore peace to Myanmar adopted by Asean members after the 2021 Myanmar coup) would be “really achieved”.

Anekchai Rueangrattanakorn, international relations expert with Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty, said the MFP’s proposed U-turn on policy towards Myanmar will have profound effects on cross-border relations and the economy.

In response, the junta has announced the MFP will be listed as a pro-West agent assisting terrorist groups in Myanmar, and “alerted” troops to monitor the party’s activities closely, according to the Irrawaddy News on May 22.

Mr Anekchai said the junta already sees the party’s victory as a threat to the stability of the regime.

“Move Forward’s victory could inspire young Burmese to bring back democracy and reform the military. It is light at the end of Myanmar’s tunnel and suggests the Burmese could achieve their own self-determination principle. It also causes alarm for the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) that their power may be shaken by its close friend,” he said.

Anekchai: MFP listed as pro-West

Supalak Ganjanakhundee, a visiting research fellow at Pridi Banomyong International College of Thammasat University, said Mr Pita’s administration may face an internal challenge from the Thai military, which has a long-standing relationship with the Myanmar armed forces.

“Mr Pita needs to keep in mind that Thailand’s foreign policy invovles not just the Foreign Ministry, but also the military.

Mr Pita needs to make clear that he respects democratic principles, including for those who share different stances,” Mr Supalak said.

Nevertheless, he insisted that with Move Forward Party in power, Thailand will have a prime opportunity to regain its position as a champion of human rights and liberal democratic values in Southeast Asia.

“As Thailand resumes its pro-democratic stance toward foreign relations and international politics, it will be the decisive factor that may lead to the shift in the geopolitical atmosphere of the region.

The major voice in Asean may lean more toward the pro-Western side. As such, if Thailand changes, others may feel more comfortable about speaking out in the same way, insisting Asean should have some say on the Myanmar crisis, especially on human rights violations and Myanmar democracy,” he said.

Supalak: Consider military’s role

Meanwhile, as mainland Southeast Asia is part of a regional battle of wills between the US and China, Thailand could help balance power between these superpowers in the region.

As Laos is struggling to address China’s monopoly on its economy, Thailand could help with cross-border economic investments to balance China’s power.

Move Forward fever grips SE Asia

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 17, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat visits Lampang on Wednesday. (Photo: Move Forward Party)

The Move Forward Party’s (MFP) triumph in the general election has sparked new hope for political change in the region, as experts expect the ascendance of an MFP-led progressive government will help shift the landscape of international relations in Southeast Asia toward a more liberal democracy.

Popularity beyond border

Mr Joseph said the Move Forward Party is seen as a symbol of hope for democracy. Many Lao people are frustrated with their own government and political system and are yearning for political change.

Joseph: Hope for democracy

He said the phenomenon is is still too new to stir up any substantial change to the Lao political system.

“Nevertheless, I think it is a clear indication of growing discontentment with the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and demand for political change,” he added.

Just move down: The Facebook page inspired by the Move Forward Party’s policy created by Joseph Akaravong, an exiled Lao political activist.

New foreign policy

Birds of a feather: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha meets Min Aung Hlaing, left, commander-in-chief of Myanmar’s armed forces at Government House.

Mr Anekchai said the junta already sees the party’s victory as a threat to the stability of the regime.

Anekchai: MFP listed as pro-West

“Mr Pita needs to keep in mind that Thailand’s foreign policy invovles not just the Foreign Ministry, but also the military.

Mr Pita needs to make clear that he respects democratic principles, including for those who share different stances,” Mr Supalak said.

Supalak: Consider military’s role

Meanwhile, as mainland Southeast Asia is part of a regional battle of wills between the US and China, Thailand could help balance power between these superpowers in the region.

As Laos is struggling to address China’s monopoly on its economy, Thailand could help with cross-border economic investments to balance China’s power.

Security forces cut in far South

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 17, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Anti-insurgent mission winds down

4th Region Army commander Lt Gen Santi Sakuntanak (photo: Abdullah Benjakat)

Soldiers on a special security mission will be phased out from the far South by 2027, according to the 4th Region Army.

The number of soldiers on the special mission — those deployed to counter insurgents — is being reduced every year and their number will be down to zero by 2027, said 4th Region Army commander Lt Gen Santi Sakuntanak.

By then, only soldiers in routine operations who are stationed in permanent locations will remain, he added.

In the meantime, the soldiers continue to play a vital part in reinforcing southern border security. The military will present a security management plan for the region to the new government once it takes office.

The unit was established after the insurgency flared up in January 2004 when militants overran the 4th Development Battalion at the Kromluang Narathiwat Ratchanakarin military camp in Narathiwat’s Cho Airong district, taking off with a large cache of firearms.

The theft preceded a wave of attacks and snowballed into a separatist movement seeking autonomy. State authorities have resorted to various strategies to campaign against violence, albeit without success.

Lt Gen Santi insisted the military was driven by a strong resolve to restore peace in the far South as it works to protect residents from the impacts of the unrest.

The soldiers operate on the principle of attending to the need of residents while also bringing development to local areas.

“I have full confidence that peace will return to the southern border provinces,” the commander said.

The security forces are looking into public events that could provoke people to rise up and call for separatism. Lt Gen Santi said his forces have spoken to event organisers and he was confident there will be no more such events.

At the same time, a probe continues into people who pulled the strings behind a recent university event where a mock referendum was held on separatism.

Kannavee Suebsang, secretary-general of the FAR Party, said the party has dismissed Hakim Pongtigor as party deputy secretary-general, and Yamaruddin Songsiri as party deputy spokesman, over calls at the university forum. The politicians joined the forum in Pattani in which participants were sounded out on the issue of whether an independent Muslim “Patani State” in the South should be established.

The party executives sacked the pair, in a decision signed by party leader, Pitipong Temcharoen, on June 12. The politicians were expelled on the grounds that they are unfit to hold party membership.

Mr Kannavee said that while the party respects its members’ right to free expression, it does not condone separatism — which is in violation of the constitution.

Members of Pelajar Bangsa, or the “national student movement”, which represents students from the three southernmost provinces, stirred controversy on June 7 when they simulated a public referendum on the separation of the deep South from the rest of the country during a seminar held at Prince of Songkla University’s Pattani campus.

Govt to promote new silk products for export

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 17, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Thailand is planning to promote premium silk products to target young buyers in Japan, South Korea and Italy, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Saturday.

He said the aim of the Thailand Textile Institute’s Premium Thai Silk project is to introduce newly designed silk products to export markets. He said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is confident the quality of Thai silk fabrics will boost the country’s soft power standing in the textile market.

Since the government began promoting Thai silk with new designs among domestic buyers in 2019, there have been 112 new Ikat silk and over 108 new products, including clothes, bags, shoes and accessories, he said.

The products brought 6.6 million baht to 1,618 silk entrepreneurs in the Northeast, Mr Anucha said, with some eyed for the export market.

3,600 flee Kayah state in Myanmar

By: Barkar Nash

On: June 17, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Refugees in Mae Hong Son escape violent clashes

MAE HONG SON: Since June 13, over 3,600 people from Kayah state in Myanmar have sought refuge across the border in the province of Mae Hong Son following clashes that occurred in Mese township, located opposite Mae Hong Son’s Ban Sao Hin in Mae Sariang district.

The clashes were between the Myanmar military and the combined forces of Karenni Army, the People’s Defence Forces and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force. Rebel forces had attacked the Mae Jae police station and three military bases in the state, and the military responded by deploying a fighter jet.

The clash led to a flood of refugees entering Thailand’s Mae Hong Son, said provincial governor Chettha Mosikkharat on Saturday.

According to a fourth announcement by the Provincial Border Operation Centre on Friday, the clash was ongoing. So far, 3,669 refugees have fled to two temporary shelters in Ban Sao Hin in Mae Sariang district and Khun Yuam district’s tambon Mae Khee, it said.

It added that as of now, 3,076 refugees are in Ban Sao Hin, with one death reported due to an illness, while 594 are stationed in Ban Pha Khe in tambon Mae Khee.

The operation centre will cooperate with other agencies to rescue the refugees according to humanitarian principles. The kingdom is neither involved in nor supporting any clashing sides, the announcement said.

Meanwhile, Mae Sariang’s district chief asked for donations of necessary items, especially food, for refugees via the Red Cross Organisation.

According to Surachate Phuinoi, those from Myanmar who took refuge in the shelter in Ban Sao Hin are of all ages. Some of them are pregnant, unwell, or even have a disability to the point that they are unable to take care of themselves.

Compounding the situation, the number of refugees seeking shelter is steadily increasing, overwhelming the capacity of the shelter to accommodate and adequately provide for all individuals.

Members of the public who are interested to give donations can call the provincial sub-district Red Cross at 063-903-2081 for more details, said Mr Surachate.

Barkar Nash (Page 1,100)

Popularity beyond border

New foreign policy