Barkar Nash (Page 1,107)

The Election Commission (EC) has agreed to allow 94 Thais evacuated from Sudan to cast their ballots for the upcoming election in Thailand.

Advanced voting for Thai citizens in Sudan was to be held at the Royal Thai Honorary Consulate from Friday to yesterday in the capital Khartoum, amid the civil war. However, given the situation, the Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, announced voting would be cancelled.

The EC yesterday invoked Section 6, 102 and 105 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House to cancel advanced voting in Khartoum, a source said.

The list of eligible voters was then revised to allow 94 Thai evacuees to cast their ballots in their respective constituencies at home.

EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong said on Friday that ballots from advanced voting in Prague in the Czech Republic, Kathmandu in Nepal and Los Angeles in the United States would arrive in Thailand this week.

Advance voting overseas is taking place until May 5.

All ballots must be sent to the kingdom before May 9, but the deadline could be extended to May 12 for some countries.

To ensure they all arrive in the country on time, an Open Vehicle Monitoring System is being used to track them.

There are 13 countries where diplomatic officials must transfer the ballots manually, as there are no direct flights between those places and Thailand to ensure passage by that means, Mr Ittiporn said.

Voters in the country who initially registered for advanced voting can cast their ballots on Sunday.

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Police are following a money trail left by Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, a suspected serial killer, after a review of bank accounts revealed as many as 20 people died after transferring large sums to her over the past two years.

A police source yesterday said investigators were widening the probe into the mysterious deaths of 13 people linked to Ms Sararat.

A few days ago, investigators obtained evidence suggesting the number of deaths may actually be higher than that reported, the source said.

A review of Ms Sararat’s bank accounts from 2021 showed many people had transferred money to her, with amounts ranging from 10,000 to hundreds of thousands of baht, the source said.

The 13 people who died of mysterious deaths were among 18 to 20 people who died after transfers were made. Police are now looking into the causes of death of the other five to seven people, the source said.

Police have obtained evidence that could implicate Ms Sararat in the one murder she is already charged with, said Pol Col Anek Taosupap, the deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD).

Ms Sararat, 36, the ex-wife of a senior police officer in Ratchaburi, was arrested on Tuesday at the government complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok on a warrant issued by the Criminal Court. Her arrest followed a complaint filed by the family of the late Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong, 32, of Kanchanaburi.

Siriporn collapsed and died on the bank of 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. Investigators came to believe that Ms Sararat might have mixed cyanide in Siriporn’s food, causing her death. She allegedly also stole the victim’s valuables.

CSD investigators called Raphee Chamnarnrue, who took the victim’s family to file a police complaint, to give a statement as a witness yesterday as they wanted further details, said Pol Col Anek.

Investigators are planning to question a nurse who works at Taksin Hospital, a close friend of Ms Sararat and member of the same pyramid scheme, he said, identifying the friend as a woman named “Nok”.

Ms Sararat, who is four months pregnant, is being held at the Central Women’s Correctional Institute. Police investigators have fanned out across Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Phetchaburi provinces in search of more clues.

The number of suspected deaths rose to 13 on Friday with the naming of Sawittree “Nim” Budsrirak, 41, who died in 2020 in Mukdahan. But Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, deputy national police chief, on Friday said the number had reached 14.

Meanwhile, traces of cyanide were found in the Honda Civic Ms Sararat and her ex-husband used to drive, as well as the Toyota Vios she was driving the day Siriporn died, said Weerachai Phutdhawong, associate professor of chemistry at Kasetsart University.

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Trang: The United Thai Nation( UTN ) Party’s No. 1 candidate for prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, asked voters in this southern province on Saturday to support the UTN so he can accomplish more for the nation.

Former prime minister Chuan Leekpai, who is also a Democrat, was born in Trang, which is regarded as the fastness of the Democratic Party.

During his first campaign start in the Kantang area, Gen Prayut stated that the number of House votes the UTN wins in May 14 will determine his political future.

He claimed that he never stopped making plans for the nation. He must keep the championship, and the UTN needs more MPs, in order to complete what he has already begun.

Gen. Prayut expressed his hope that the club candidates who were standing next to him on Saturday would follow suit after the election, noting that a number of issues call for changes to the law.

Citizens were also cautioned not to be duped by Gen Prayut and UTN base members.

” Scribble it down.” The UTN employs Uncle Tu( his nick name ). There isn’t a second occasion. Voting for the UTN if you want Uncle Tu.

Don’t feel duped by any occasion that promises to back Uncle Tu for prime minister, he warned.

Gen Prayut responded that the club has a firm stance on the matter, but he would not discuss it in public when voters questioned one party’s proposal to amend the der majeste legislation and the UTN.

Our soul is the Ruam Thai Sang Chart, and the word” Chart” encompasses the nation, the church, as well as the monarchy, he declared.

He already pleaded with people to respect the military and police, whose jobs it is to defend and function. He did, however, advocate dealing with poor people in the military forces.

The UTN’s chief strategist for the southern districts, Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana, stated on Saturday that the party could anticipate a significant victory in Trang, which is regarded as the regular Democrat Party stronghold.

Following Trang, Gen Prayut traveled to Phatthalung’s Khuan Khanun on Saturday and Sunday, where he also gave a exchange speech in front of the neighborhood education.

He may visit residents in Rattaphum and Khlong Hoi Khong regions after spending the night in Songkhla’s Muang area, and he would go to a significant protest in Hat Yai area.

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The government will resubmit a proposed 11 billion baht subsidy on household electricity bills for approval by the Election Commission( EC ), according to Prime Minister Prayut Chan o cha.

The proposal was approved by the government on Tuesday, but the crown regulator rejected it last week, according to a source.

When asked when the government would resend the proposal to the EC, Gen. Prayut replied that the documents and a justification for its obvious endorsement, which he believes will soon follow, would be submitted again by Tuesday.

Any budget allocation for emergencies made by an cheerful government following a House breakdown under Chapter 169 of the organization must first be approved by the polling place.

To assist struggling households, the commission’s proposal may extend the capability subsidy for another four months, from May to August, for families that use fewer than 300 models per month.

Those who use 151 to 300 units per month may receive a decrease of 67.04 satang per machine, while those who only use 1 to 150 models may only receive this reduction.

To financing a system intended to assist 18.36 million residents, about 7.6 billion ringgit may be taken out of the 2023 budget for emergency purpose.

A proposed 150 baht reduction for families that use no more than 500 units this quarter for May hardly is another step to assist people with expensive power bills.

A new record of approximately 23.4 million residents using more than 500 units is anticipated for last month.

In order to help alleviate a 150 billion baht shortfall caused by the EC’s freezing of the fuel tariff in its calculation of energy prices, the Secretariat for the Cabinet made an urgent appeal to it, asking for permission to pay the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand( Egat ).

However, Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a previous EC person who is currently the chief strategist of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, stated that he physically thinks the power subsidy plan won’t be approved until after the May 14 vote.

The EC is convinced that approving the plan before then might become illegal.

According to Mr. Somchai, the caretaker government continues to discuss the payment handout while claiming that there is a chance the EC did approve it.

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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is adamant the government will resubmit a proposed 11-billion-baht subsidy on household electricity bills for approval by the Election Commission (EC).

Approved by the cabinet on Tuesday, the proposal was last week rejected by the poll regulator, according to a source.

Asked when the government will resubmit the proposal to the EC, Gen Prayut said the paperwork will be resubmitted by Tuesday along with a justification for its immediate approval which he believes will soon follow.

Under Section 169 of the constitution, any budget allocation for emergencies by an outgoing cabinet after a House dissolution must be endorsed by the poll agency first.

Under the cabinet’s plan, the power subsidy would be extended for another four months from May until August for households that consume less than 300 units per month, to help struggling households.

Those that consume 1-150 units a month would get a reduction of 92.04 satang per unit while those using 151-300 units would be given a reduction of 67.04 satang per unit.

About 7.6 billion baht will be drawn from the 2023 budget for emergency purposes to finance a plan hoped to help 18.36 million households.

Another measure to help people with costly power bills is a proposed reduction of 150 baht for households that use no more than 500 units this month for May only.

Next month is expected to see a new record of around 23.4 million households using more than 500 units.

The Secretariat of the Cabinet therefore made an urgent appeal to the EC seeking permission to pay a subsidy to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) to help ease a 150-billion-baht shortfall incurred through its freezing of the fuel tariff in its calculation of energy prices.

Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former EC member who is now chief strategist of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, however, said he personally believes the EC will not approve the energy subsidy plan until after the May 14 election.

The EC is aware that it could be a breach of the law to approve the proposal before that.

Despite the caretaker government knowing this, it continues to talk up the cash handout under the pretence that there is a chance the EC will give it a green light, according to Mr Somchai.

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Scattered thunderstorms, strong winds and some hail and lightning strikes are forecast for upper Thailand from Saturday to Monday, according to the Meteorological Department.

The weather agency on Saturday advised people to be cautious of severe weather conditions in areas affected by summer storms. The public should avoid open areas, stay away from big trees, large billboards and unsecured structures, not wear metal, and refrain from using mobile phones during a storm. Farmers are also advised to prepare and prevent damage to agricultural goods and danger to their livestock.

Hot to very hot weather will prevail across upper Thailand, with strong southerly and southeasterly winds bringing humidity from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea. A high pressure system or cold air mass from China is also expected to prevail over the upper parts of the country on Saturday.

The provinces affected are as follows:

Saturday (April 29)

North: Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Phetchabun

Northeast: Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani

Central Plains: Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri and Saraburi

East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Sa Kaeo.

Sunday (April 30)

North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit and Phetchabun

Northeast: Loei, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani

Central Plains: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Samut Songkhram, Nakhon Pathom and Greater Bangkok

East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Monday (May 1)

North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet and Phitsanulok

Central Plains: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Samut Songkhram, Nakhon Pathom and Greater Bangkok

Southeast: Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

More rain is expected in the South due to easterly and southeasterly winds prevailing over the Gulf, the southern region and the Andaman Sea. The department has warned people in the South to brace for heavy rain and flooding.

Waves in the Gulf are expected to be about a metre high and more than 2m high in areas with thundershowers. All ships are warned to proceed with caution, while small boats should remain ashore during this period.

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Police are following the money trail of Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, a suspected serial murderer, after a review of bank accounts revealed that as many as 20 people died after transferring large sums to her over the past two years.

A source close to the police said investigators were widening the probe into the mystery deaths of 13 people linked to Ms Sararat. One person survived a suspected poisoning attempt.

A few days ago, investigators obtained crucial evidence suggesting that the number of reported dead victims might be higher than currently believed.

A review of the suspect’s bank accounts from 2021 to the present showed that many people had transferred money to Ms Sararat, with amounts ranging from 10,000 to hundreds of thousands of baht.

Among those people, 18 to 20 had died after money transfers were made. The deceased included the 13 who have already been identified as possible victims, said the source. Police are now looking into the causes of death of the other five to seven people.

Police have obtained substantial evidence that could implicate Ms Sararat in the one murder with which she is already charged, said Pol Col Anek Taosupap, the deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD).

Ms Sararat, 36, the ex-wife of a senior police officer in Ratchaburi, was arrested on Tuesday at the government complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok on a warrant issued by the Criminal Court.

Her arrest followed a complaint filed by the mother and elder sister of the late Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong, 32, of Kanchanaburi. Siriporn collapsed and died on the bank of 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.

Investigators came to believe that Ms Sararat might have mixed cyanide in Siriporn’s food, causing her death. She allegedly also stole the victim’s valuables.

CSD investigators called Raphee Chamnarnrue, who took the family of the dead woman to file the police complaint, to give his statement as a witness on Saturday as they wanted further details, said Pol Col Anek.

On Sunday, investigators plan to question a nurse at Taksin Hospital who was a close friend of Ms Sararat and member of the same pyramid scheme, he said. He gave her name only as “Nok”.

Ms Sararat, who is four months pregnant, is currently being detained at the Central Women’s Correctional Institute. (Story continues below)

Police investigation teams have fanned out across Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom and Phetchaburi provinces in search of more clues in the case.

The number of suspected deaths rose to 13 on Friday with the naming of Sawittree “Nim” Budsrirak, 41, who died in 2020 in Mukdahan, said Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief.

According to her husband, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Nithipon Nuchid, Sawittree knew Ms Sararat through money lending and a pyramid scheme business and owed her at least 100,000 baht.

His wife died after taking a “diet pill” that Ms Sararat allegedly sent to her. The autopsy results showed a high amount of potassium in her bloodstream, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Raphee arrived at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters on Saturday to give his statement to CSD investigators about the death of Siriporn.

A volunteer in Kanchanaburi who has brought other cases to police attention in the past, he told reporters that he had been contacted by relatives of Siriporn as they had lingering doubts over the cause of her death.

He began looking into the case and gathering evidence that police might be able to use. There were witnesses who knew that Ms Sararat had phoned Siriporn to ask her to release fish into the Mae Klong River. He also had security video showing the two women together in a car on the day that Siriporn died.

Commenting on reports that as many as 30 people might have fallen victim to the suspect, Mr Raphee said those reports had to be double-checked. He had received information about other possible victims but after checking them he found many were not linked.

There were two cases in Nakhon Pathom in which the victims were involved in money lending and a pyramid scheme. Forensic officers had examined the bodies, he said.

He declined to elaborate on whether they had been poisoned, saying he had coordinated with their relatives to give information to Pol Gen Surachate.

Forensic investigation

Meanwhile, forensic investigations are continuing, with traces of cyanide found on the right console of the black Honda Civic Ms Sararat and her ex-husband used to drive, according to Weerachai Phutdhawong, an associate professor of chemistry at Kasetsart University. More traces were found in a bronze Toyota Vios that the suspect was driving on the day that Siriporn died.

A source close to the investigation said earlier that Ms Sararat had reportedly purchased cyanide online. Cyanide is a controlled substance used in industries and cannot be purchased at drug stores.

Questions have also arisen about the death of Ms Sararat’s boyfriend, Sutthisak “Dae” Phoonkhwan, with whom she began a relationship after divorcing her police husband last year.

Sutthisak, 35, died on March 12 this year in Udon Thani. He passed out at a petrol station in Nong Han district of the northeastern province after making merit with Ms Sararat at a local temple and having meals at a restaurant. Rescue workers rushed him to Nong Han Hospital. He was treated there and later discharged.

However, he died later the same day at a dormitory in Muang district of the northeastern province.

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SURAT THANI: Two men – an amulet expert and a pub owner – were killed and two women wounded in a gunfight at a car park of a hotel in Muang district after attending a wedding party on Friday night.

The fatal shooting occurred in the car park of Bunjongburi Hotel on Liang Muang Road in tambon Makham Tia, said a police officer at 191 radio centre of Muang police station. The incident was reported around 8.25pm.

Police, forensic officers and rescue workers rushed to the scene and found the bodies of the two men lying there. The first body was that of Panuphong  Suwannasin, 35, a popular amulet exert known as “Khunphaen Surat’’ of Surat Thani’s Tha Chang district. He had been shot in the head, body and legs.  A pistol was found near his left hand.

About two metres away, the body of 39-year-old Wirat “Jane Thonglor’’ Sudphakdee, owner of Thonglor, a popular pub in Muang district, was found. He sustained gunshot wounds to his head, body, hip and right leg. 

Fifteen spent bullets were found scattered over the area.

There were two women injured in the gunfight. They were later identified as Kansiri Suwannasin, 30, wife of the amulet expert, and Thanaithorn Luetheng, 20, of Trang province.

According to a police investigation, the four victims attended a wedding party at a building behind the hotel. Panuphong and Wirat used to be friends and later got involved in a conflict that lasted more than two years. After the wedding party, the two men went to the car park and talked for a while before the shooting erupted.

A source said Panuphong and Kansiri had been arrested in Bangkok by the Crime Suppression Division on May 15, 2021, on drug charges. The couple had been imprisoned. After serving his jail term, he ran an amulet trade online with more than 100,000 followers on his Facebook page.

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