Barkar Nash – Page 1109

PM poll quest goes South

On: April 28, 2023

UTN looks to make gains from Dems

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will hit the hustings in the South today, hoping his rising popularity in the region will help his United Thai Nation (UTN) Party capture many House seats in the Democrat Party’s traditional stronghold in the May 14 election.

Witthaya Kaewparadai, a deputy UTN leader, said that Gen Prayut, a party prime ministerial candidate, is now popular among voters in the South and wants the party’s candidates to win as many House seats as possible.

Gen Prayut will head south today to Trang, Phatthalung, and Songkhla, where he will spend the night, and Satun.

Even though the UTN is a new party, this is not a drawback as Gen Prayut enjoys a large following of admirers and receives a warm welcome wherever he goes, Mr Witthaya said, adding that the party has its sights set on securing at least 20 seats in the South.

“When the party’s popularity is high, its election candidates must make the most of this and step up efforts to woo voters,” he said.

There are 60 House seats in the constituency contest up for grabs in the South, compared to 50 in the previous election in 2019. Then, the Democrats secured the most seats with 22, followed by the Palang Pracharath Party (13), the Bhumjaithai Party (8), the Prachachart Party (6), and the Action Coalition for Thailand Party (1).

All eyes will be on whether the UTN, which is riding on Gen Prayut’s popularity in the South, will be able to secure seats and establish a foothold in the region, observers said.

However, deputy Democrat leader Niphon Bunyamanee was unfazed by the UTN’s move to score big gains in the South, saying it is normal for rivals to try to beat the Democrats on their home turf.

“We are confident we can beat them back, and we will secure the most seats in the South. Voters in the South still have trust in the Democrats,” Mr Niphon said.

Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy at the King Prajadhipok’s Institute, said that the 11 provinces in the upper South would become a battleground for four major parties — the UTN, the Democrats, Bhumjaithai and the PPRP — competing for House seats.

“The UTN stands a good chance because several of its candidates defected from the PPRP, and they enjoy strong support bases in these provinces.

“The UTN is expected to secure at least 8-10 seats while the Democrats are expected to win at least 20, particularly in Surat Thani where the Democrats are likely to win all constituency seats,” said Mr Stithorn, who is now surveying political support bases in the South.

“Bhumjaithai may win 12-15 seats while the PPRP may win 2-3,” he said, adding that the Pheu Thai Party only hopes to get a seat in Phangnga, though it will face tough competition from Bhumjaithai and the Democrats.

As for the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, they are the strongholds of the Prachachart Party, which has the support of a network of local Muslim leaders, according to Srisompob Jitpiromsri, a political scientist at Prince of Songkla University’s Pattani campus.

The party is expected to win most seats up for grabs here, with Bhumjaithai, the Democrats and the PPRP vying for the rest, he said.

Cops now suspect 14 murders

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Investigators led by Pol Maj Gen Namkiat Theerarojanapong, left, commander of the Training Centre of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, and Pol Col Anek Taosupab, right, deputy commander of the Crime Suppression Division, tell the media yesterday about the progress of the investigation into a suspected serial killer. They held a meeting at the Police Club on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill

The number of reported victims of the suspected serial murderer Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn reached 14 as of yesterday, according to police.

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, leading the investigation, updated the media on findings as investigation teams covering Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Phetchaburi provided updates on the case.

Police provided details on cases that have surfaced, including that of Sawittree “Nim” Budsrirak, 41, who passed away in 2020 in Mukdahan.

According to her husband, Pol Snr Sgt Maj Nithipon Nuchid, Sawittree knew the suspect through money lending and a pyramid scheme business and had a debt with her for at least 100,000 baht.

His wife died after taking a “diet pill” that Ms Sararat allegedly sent to her; the autopsy results showed that Sawittree had a high amount of potassium in her bloodstream, said Pol Snr Sgt Maj Nithipon.

Meanwhile, forensics found traces of cyanide in two of four cars seized from the 36-year-old suspect.

Weerachai Phutdhawong, an associate professor in chemistry at Kasetsart University, found traces of cyanide on the right console of the black Honda Civic she used with her ex-husband. The other was found in a bronze Toyota Vios that she drove on the day that Siriporn “Koy” Khanwong, 32, one of her alleged victims, died.

Mr Weerachai also believed that Ms Sararat might have some knowledge of chemistry, citing that she ordered sodium thiosulfate, which is normally used as a cyanide antidote, for herself.

The suspect’s sister, who claims to be a pharmacist, has said she is innocent after being accused of providing or using cyanide.

It is understood that the detained suspect, Ms Sararat is pregnant. Soraya Rit-Aram, director of the Central Women Correctional Institution, said the suspect’s mental state had improved while her unborn child was in a normal state.

Ms Sararat was apprehended on Tuesday at the government office complex on Chaeng Watthana Road with a bottle of cyanide in her possession.

Her arrest followed a complaint filed by the mother and elder sister of the late Siriporn Khanwong, who died on the bank of the Mae Klong River in Ban Pong district of Ratchaburi. She went with Ms Sararat to release fish for merit-making on April 14. Cyanide was found in her bloodstream.

Legal snag short circuits subsidy plan

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

The Election Commission (EC) cannot proceed with the government’s proposed plan to allocate more than 11 billion baht to subsidise low-income earners for another four months to help with their power bills due to a legal hitch.

A source said the proposal was approved by the cabinet on Tuesday.

However, the matter must be sent to the EC for consideration, as under Section 169 of the constitution any budget allocation for emergencies approved by an outgoing cabinet after a House dissolution must be endorsed by the poll agency first.

But after reviewing the government’s proposal, the source said the EC cannot approve the proposal as the Secretariat of the Cabinet failed to inform the cabinet of the resolution that approved the allocation of around 11 billion baht in subsidies under Section 169.

So the documents have been sent back to the government. The EC has not received a complete set of documents from the Secretariat of the Cabinet yet, said the source.

Under the plan, the power subsidy would be extended for another four months from May until August.

It would only apply to households that consume less than 300 units per month.

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 would be drawn from the 2023 budget for emergency purposes to finance the plan. It is estimated that 18.36 million households would benefit.

Another measure to help people with costly power bills is a proposed reduction of 150 baht before VAT to households using no more than 500 units per month, valid for May only.

Calls grow for release of teen held for LM

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

15-year-old held in juvenile facility for 30 days ordered detained for 15 more days

A supporter holds up a “Cancel 112” sign at a gathering held in support of the 15-year-old detained on a royal defamation charge. (Photo: Thai Lawyers for Human Rights)

Thai authorities should drop charges and release a 15-year-old girl detained for alleged royal defamation, Human Rights Watch said on Friday.

Thanalop “Yok” Phalanchai was arrested on March 28, the same day that a 24-year-old man was caught spray-painting a “No 112” message on the wall of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

The number 112 refers to Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law under which more than 200 people have been charged in the past three years.

Police said they had a warrant to arrest Thanalop, who was accused of insulting the monarchy during a rally in October 2022 in front of Bangkok City Hall. She was 14 at the time. Protesters at the event were calling for the release of political detainees and for the abolition of royal defamation prosecutions.

After her arrest on March 28, the girl was detained overnight at the Samran Rat police station and appeared the next day in juvenile and family court, where she refused to recognise the proceedings, sitting with her back to the judge. She was ordered into detention at the Ban Pranee Juvenile Vocational Training Center for Girls in Nakhon Pathom.

Under the Juvenile and Family Court Procedure Act, a minor must be released from detention if the prosecutor does not file charges or request a postponement within 30 days. In Thanalop’s case, the prosecution on Thursday of this week requested that she be detained for an additional 15 days and the court agreed.

The law allows for as many as four 15-day postponements in cases where the offence carries a prison sentence of more than five years, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).

People convicted of lese-majeste can be sentenced to between 3 and 15 years in jail. Sentences for multiple offences can be compounded.

“Thai authorities should immediately release Thanalop and drop the unjust case against her for criticising the monarchy,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

“By arresting a 15-year-old girl, the Thai government is sending the spine-chilling message that even children aren’t safe from being harshly punished for expressing their opinions.”

The Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Thailand, states that the arrest, detention, or imprisonment of a child “shall be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time”, Human Rights Watch notes.

According to data from TLHR to March 31 this year, 1,898 people have been prosecuted for political participation and expression since the beginning of the Free Youth pro-democracy protests in July 2020. At least 237 are facing lese-majeste charges and 130 have been charged with sedition.

Thailand’s first air-con bus stop launched

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Solar-powered shelter at Seacon Square keeping happy commuters cool

The country’s first “Sabay Square” bus stop is located in front of Seacon Square shopping mall in Prawet district of Bangkok. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

The country’s first air-conditioned bus stop powered by solar energy has attracted many happy commuters since it was officially launched on Thursday at Seacon Square shopping centre in Prawet district of Bangkok.

The ”Sabuy Square” bus stop was jointly launched by Seacon Square, Bangkok Cool Cool Co Ltd and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) under a pilot project as a model for energy conservation and to help preserve the environment. It also helps protect public transport commuters from heat and PM2.5 fine dust particles.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt cut the ribbon to officially open the shelter on Thursday. He thanked Seacon for using the innovation for the benefit of the public.

Powered by solar power, Sabuy Square, covering 40 square metres, can accommodate 40 people waiting for buses, taxis and vans. It is equipped with free WiFi, USB charging ports, a drinking water machine, a closed-circuit television camera, an emergency alarm system or a panic bottom to alert police, and a display showing oncoming buses.

People can use the bus stop every day from 6am to 11pm, according to the Seacon Square Facebook page.

Commuters wait for public buses, vans and taxis inside the air-conditioned bus stop. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt tests the emergency alarm system inside the bus stop. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

Pita clarifies 2006 coup comments

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Move Forward leader targeted by activist Srisuwan, who wants Election Commission to investigate

Pita Limjaroenrat waves as he and Move Forward Party members leave Bangkok City Hall after taking part in the draw for party numbers on April 4. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat has come forward to defend himself after political activist Srisuwan Janya asked the Election Commission to investigate comments he made about the military and his personal experiences during the coup in 2006.

In an April 20 television interview with newsman Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda, Mr Pita said he missed his father’s funeral as he had been detained by officers after returning to the country from the US during the coup that overthrew Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006.

Mr Srisuwan said the statement was part of an attempt to defame the military and raise the party’s popularity before the May 14 election.

Mr Pita responded in a Facebook post that he never expected he would have to explain such a painful experience as the sudden loss of his father.

Mr Srisuwan also showed a video in which Mr Pita commented on the incident on a talk show hosted by Surivipa Kultangwattana in 2009.

The statements in the two interviews appeared contradictory, said Mr Srisuwan. In one, Mr Pita claimed he was a member of a working panel under Somkid Jatusripitak, Thaksin’s former economic tsar, while he told Ms Surivipa that he was studying in Boston at the time.

Mr Pita told Mr Sorrayuth that he was detained at Don Mueang airport which meant he could not attend his father’s funeral in time, while he told Ms Surivipa he was questioned by officers for four to five hours and did not miss the funeral.

Mr Srisuwan said that Panpree Phathithanukorn, the Thailand Trade Representative in the Thaksin government, recalled that at the time in question, officers just questioned and then released everyone later.

Mr Pita posted pictures of the funeral, saying he missed the first four days — he was still in Boston on the first day of the funeral. But he said he was able to attend the remaining three days, so his comments to Mr Sorayuth and Ms Surivipa were not at odds.

He also referred to a report by Channel News Asia saying that, on Sept 22, 2006 — three days after the coup — a plane returning from New York, carrying a group of officials of the Thaksin government, was forced to land at Bangkok’s military airport near Don Mueang.

He said he was among the group who were detained at the airport for five or six hours.

In any case, Mr Srisuwan maintains that if Mr Pita is found to have lied to gain votes, he would be in breach of Section 73 of the election law. Conviction could result in up to 10 years in jail and/or a fine of between 20,000 and 200,000 baht, as well as a ban from politics for at least 20 years.

Coronation Day ceremonies announced for May 4

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Event to go ahead without Their Majesties, who will be in England for coronation of King Charles

Flowers decorate the front of Government House, the venue of the Samosorn Sannibat Ceremony in 2019. The grand state reception will be held on May 4 to celebrate Coronation Day. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)

The Samosorn Sannibat Ceremony, or the grand state reception, will be held on May 4 to celebrate Coronation Day, according to an announcement by the Cabinet Secretariat.

The announcement, signed on April 21 by cabinet secretary-general Natjaree Ananthasilp, also provided the timeline for all of the royal ceremonies associated with this year’s Coronation Day.

Royal attendance at this year’s ceremony will be cancelled, according to the announcement. This is because Their Majesties the King and Queen plan to attend the coronation ceremony of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6, meaning they will be absent that week as their London schedule runs from May 3-7.

“The cabinet, however, has changed its plan and will hold the Samosorn Sannibat Ceremony on May 4 at the Santi Maitri building at Government House,” said government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri.

Privy Council members, former prime ministers, the president and vice-president of a constitutional organisation, heads of government agencies, cabinet members, the governor of Bangkok, the president of the Bangkok Council, ambassadors in Thailand, heads of major public organisations and other major political figures were invited to the reception, he said.

The ceremony will be televised via the Television Pool of Thailand and Radio of Thailand on the same day, said Mr Anucha.

Two migrant labour brokers found stabbed to death

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Eight soldiers from Myanmar are thought to have killed people in Samut Prakan.

Police and forensic officers cordon off the roadside area where two men were found dead with multiple stab wounds in Sai Noi district of Nonthaburi. (Photo: Sutthiwit Chayutworakan)

In the Sai Noi neighborhood of Nonthaburi, two men were discovered dead with multiple stab wounds. Officers and criminal officers have cordoned off the area. Sutthiwit Chayutworakan( picture )

After being reported missing from a home in Samut Prakan next year, two men who were employed as brokers for an immigrant labor trafficking gang were discovered dead on Thursday in Nonthaburi with numerous stab wounds.

After being informed at around 4 p.m. on Thursday that two body, wrapped in blankets, had been dumped that, national officers went to the region near Suan Ngam town in tambon Ratniyom of the Sai Noi area.

The cells belonged to Phanphisit Sukdolphat, 24, and Mongkhol Isaman, 23, two missing Thai soldiers.

Mongkhol suffered numerous tongue wounds to his back, while Phanphisit suffered three stab wound to the neck in addition to head injuries. According to the law, their legs and hands were bound with electric wire.

Next year, the two soldiers vanished from a Samut Prakan home.

Officials had attempted to find the two soldiers after family filed missing person reports, according to Pol Col. Mongkhol Onkaew, commander of the Bang Kahew police station in Samut Prakan, on Friday. They claimed that since Mongkhol and Phanphisit vanished from a home in the Bang Phli district’s tambon Rachathewa on April 21, they had not seen them.

Blood stains were discovered on the surfaces of the house after a policeman inspection. A cheap bag inside a room contained bloody clothing and similar items.

On the night of April 21, neighbors officially reported to the law that they heard voices of people pleading for their lifetime. The house’s closed-circuit tv cameras had been harmed by the lower lines.

Police were informed by Phanphisit’s lover, Wanatpreeya Prathumthong, 23, that her partner and friend were employed by a Malay man and his Thai woman who smuggled Myanmar migrants to Thailand and Malaysia.

People who had been brought into the country illegally from Myanmar and taken to a home in Samut Prakan’s King Kaew neighborhood were the responsibility of her partner. The woman claimed that in exchange for taking care of them, he was paid 300 ringgit per head and provided them with food and water. For three or four months, the two soldiers had been employed there.

Eight soldiers from Myanmar were thought to have participated in the murders, according to the previous police investigation. According to Pol Col. Mongkhol, the mob now loaded the body into a car and drove to the location in Nonthaburi where they were dumped.

The investigation also revealed that the eight suspects belonged to a global human trafficking crew, with the Malaysian man serving as its leader. While he was in Malaysia, his Thai family, Nuanchan, worked with other brokers to bring workers there. She had already employed soldiers from Myanmar.

Police say they will start their quest of the defendants even though they believe they have already left the country.

First batch of evacuees arrive home

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Thai evacuees from Sudan arrive at Wing 6 in Bangkok's Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base on Thursday night. (Photo supplied/Wassana Nanuam)

Thai survivors from Sudan arrive at Wing 6 in Bangkok’s Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base on Thursday evening. ( Photo supplied / Wassana Nanuam )

The first shipment of 78 Thai residents from army – torn Sudan arrived at Bangkok’s Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base on Thursday evening.

The evacuees- 40 women and 38 men- were welcomed by caregiver Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayut Chan – o – cha, Defence Forces chief Gen Chalermpol Srisawat, Air Force commander ACM Alongkorn Wannarot, Foreign Affairs Minister Don Pramudwinai, Prime Minister’s secretary – public Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, and other big – ranking officials. & nbsp,

Gen Prayut thanked executives from all authorities involved in the elimination activities. The next batch of residents is expected to arrive in Thailand on Saturday.

An Airbus A340 – 500 aircraft transporting the 78 residents departed from King Abdulaziz aircraft in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and arrived at Wing 6 around 10pm. The riders included 73 academics and five leaders from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Most of the students were studying remedy, Muslim law, and faith in the African land.

There are 132 more Thais awaiting travelling up to Thailand. Of them, the second class of 66, who boarded the Air Force C – 130 from Sudan, had already arrived in Jeddah and met with Thai Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Darm Boontham, and mind of the Air Force’s removal company in Jeddah, Capt Anurak Rommarak. & nbsp,

The second class of 66 residents had come from the Port of Sudan to Jeddah by fleet, with more people actually joining them. The Air Force has carefully coordinated with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to ensure the safe elimination of all Thais.

The Airbus A340 – 500 is expected to return to transport them & nbsp, from Saudi Arabia, and there are two Air Force C – 130s available there.

Caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan – o – cha leads senior officers and officials to welcome the Thai evacuees from Sudan at Wing 6 at Bangkok’s Don Muang Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base & nbsp, on Thursday night. ( Photo supplied / Wassana Nanuam )

On Thursday, & nbsp, Syrian fighter jets pounded military posts in Khartoum while terrible fighting and looting flared in Darfur, despite the army and a foe force agreeing to enhance a peace deal.

Chinese foreman and 23 Myanmar migrants arrested for illegal work

By: Barkar Nash

On: April 28, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Unregistered migrant workers are arrested during a raid on a construction site in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan, on Thursday evening. (Photo: Sutthiwit Chayutworakan)

On Thursday night, unlicensed immigrant workers are detained as part of a raid on building in the Samut Prakan neighborhood of Bang Phli. Sutthiwit Chayutworakan, a portrait

SAMUT PRAKAN: On Thursday, 23 unauthorized Myanmar migrant workers and a Chinese soldier who was entering the country on tourist visa were detained by police in the Bang Phli district.

The tip-off that unlawful workers were employed at the location near a bridge over the Paed river prompted the immigration police to conduct the raid.

Most people tried to flee when they saw the soldiers, but 23 of them were caught. According to Pol Col Chinnawut Tangwonglert, the director of the Samut Prakan immigration work, who oversaw the activity, all of them were Myanmar citizens without perform grants.

In order to learn more about the people, the officials questioned a man who appeared to be Thai of Taiwanese origin and was in charge of overseeing building. The man, however, behaved strangely, which led the team to learn that he was a Taiwanese subject by the name of Nibg Shoshi who had come to the country on an official tourist card.

The defendant admitted to working as a construction foreman without authorization during doubting. & nbsp,

The act was brought against him along with the 23 Myanmar citizens. They would be sent back to their various nations after being turned over to the Bang Phli police station for legal action.

The 23 many illegal migrant workers and the Chinese man in the center, who works as a construction foreman improperly, are being detained by police for legal action. Sutthiwit Chayutworakan( picture )

Barkar Nash (Page 1,109)