Barkar Nash (Page 944)

The Pheu Thai Party will hold a meeting with its partners next week to discuss the future of the eight-party coalition and notify other parties outside the bloc and opposing senators about the outcome of the discussions.

Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai yesterday said his party will coordinate with its seven allies to set a date and time for the meeting ahead of a vote in parliament scheduled for Friday.

Mr Phumtham said other parties outside the coalition, including Bhumjaithai, Chartthaipattana, the pro-military Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, and senators Pheu Thai spoke to this week strongly opposed any move to amend Section 112. They would not support Pheu Thai if the Move Forward Party could potentially be in a ruling government coalition, he said.

“We will ask the [coalition] meeting what to do next,” Mr Phumtham said. “How will other coalition parties, particularly the MFP, help find a way [to form a government]? We want the MFP to make a decision on this issue.”

Pheu Thai is likely to nominate its own candidate after MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat lost in his second attempt to become PM on July 19. The second attempt for a vote failed because a majority of MPs and senators said the renomination of Mr Pita was the same motion which failed in the first vote, which was not allowed by Article 41 of the House regulations.

Parliament president Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has announced a second vote for the next PM will take place this Friday. However, it may be held back, depending on whether the Constitutional Court accepts a petition challenging the renomination rejection of Mr Pita on Thursday.

If the court does not accept the petition, parliament will hold a vote for the prime minister the following day. If it does accept, a parliamentary vote will not take place until the court issues its ruling, possibly a week later.

Thida Thavornseth, a political activist and former chair of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), whose supporters are known as the “red shirts,” posted on Facebook to warn Pheu Thai against setting up a new government with the PPRP and UTN.

She said the red-shirt group was established after the coup in 2006 to fight against dictatorships. Red shirts stand firmly on the side of democracy, and while Pheu Thai is a democratic party, the activists also support the MFP’s democratic policies, she said.

If Pheu Thai chooses to switch sides and have the PPRP and UTN as coalition partners, the UDD will say goodbye to Pheu Thai and turn its disappointment into action, she warned.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is concerned about rallies organised by Move Forward Party (MFP) supporters protesting against the Senate, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana says.

Gen Prayut expressed concern about the rallies out of fear they could drag the country back into conflict between different political groups, Mr Thanakorn said yesterday.

Mr Thanakorn, deputy leader of the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party, said he would like the MFP to remind its supporters to abide by the law.

Supporters of the election-winning MFP are unhappy with most junta-appointed senators who did not vote for the party’s prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat.

Mr Thanakorn reiterated the UTN would not vote for any prime ministerial candidate from any party as long as the MFP is a coalition partner, mainly because of the MFP’s stance on amending Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law.

When asked whether Pheu Thai had approached the UTN to form a government, Mr Thanakorn said he was unaware as the party leader and secretary-general handle such matters.

The UTN deputy leader expressed confidence his party and Pheu Thai could work together because now is the time for all sides to join hands to help the country move forward.

“I don’t see any problem for the two parties to work together as long as we adhere mainly to the country’s interests,” he said.

Mr Thanakorn said a new prime minister would be selected soon after further negotiations.

The Department of Corrections (DoC) has given its assurance that the safety of the ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is its priority when he is imprisoned after his return to Thailand, as announced, on Aug 10.

Ayuth: Denies ACs for VIP inmates

DoC director-general Ayuth Sintoppant made the remark yesterday in response to a comment by caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and acting Justice Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam on Thursday that upon Thaksin’s return, he will go to court to receive an imprisonment order for his three cases, resulting in a combined jail term of 10 years.

Mr Ayuth said the department will ensure the safety of Thaksin and will isolate him from other inmates.

Mr Ayuth said there are a huge number of inmates in prison, so the DoC is concerned about Thaksin’s safety if he stays with other inmates.

The DoC is also considering posting officials, especially for him or a private cell, to prevent possible harm, he said.

The DoC has not yet officially announced the name of the prison in which Thaksin will serve his time.

Thaksin, at the age of 74, is considered a member of the “608” vulnerable group. The 60 figure indicates an age of seniors while eight means people with seven underlying conditions such as diabetes, cancers and cardiovascular diseases, plus another group of pregnant women.

Mr Ayuth said before being imprisoned, Thaksin will be quarantined for Covid-19 observation for 10 days, and there are special quarantine rooms for elderly inmates.

In prison, he will be treated as an elderly inmate, he said, adding the DoC has programmes and activities for the elderly such as reading books or teaching.

He said the DoC will also prepare a visiting facility as it expects many visitors, including his family, his supporters and representatives of local and international organisations. The DoC has not yet decided if a visit is possible on his first day in prison, he said.

Mr Ayuth also denied a rumour that there are air-conditioned rooms for VIP inmates. He said cells do not have air-conditioning, only electric fans.

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd (Aerothai), the provider of air traffic control services, is gearing up for the implementation of a metroplex air traffic control plan to accommodate growing air traffic and improve efficiency and safety.

Aerothai president Nopasit Chakpitak said the plan has been drawn up in line with the Transport Ministry’s policy and forecasts regarding growth in the aviation industry.

The first phase involves restructuring the routes and airspace management of three major airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-tapao, he said.

The metroplex air traffic plan, Mr Nopasit said, will not only improve efficiency and safety in air navigation but it will also reduce fuel consumption.

He said the restructuring of routes and airspace management at the three airports will yield benefits to the country’s aviation industry, which is one of key drivers of the economy.

Mr Nopasit said the agency is also upgrading air navigation services and putting its focus on human resources development to make sure it is ready for the implementation of the air traffic plan.

Aerothai also plans to restructure routes and develop airspace management to enhance air traffic management at three international airports in the southern region, namely, Phuket airport, Krabi airport and a new one to be opened in the lower part of the region.

Chiang Mai airport and Lampang airport in the North are among the areas where Aerothai also plans to implement the metroplex air traffic plan, he said.

The Democrat Party’s acting deputy leader, Sathit Pitutecha, is considering whether to contest a by-election in Rayong’s Constituency 3 following the resignation of a Move Forward Party MP.

Nakhonchai Khunnarong, better known as “Ice Rayong,” announced his resignation on Thursday after admitting he had a criminal record which could have seen him disqualified and slapped with a charge.

Mr Sathit, a former MP for Rayong, said the party is discussing possible candidates to contest the by-election, which is yet to be announced by the Election Commission (EC), and he is considering if he should stand.

Under EC regulations, a by-election must be held within 45 days to fill a vacant seat.

In the May 14 polls, Mr Nakhonchai received 29,034 votes, followed by Phayap Phongsai of the Palang Pracharat Party who got 21,726. Democrat candidate Banyat Jetjan came third with 14,668.

According to the election office in Rayong, the by-election will be scheduled as soon as Mr Nakhon chai hands in his formal resignation and the MFP can find a candidate to defend its seat.

PATTANI: The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc)’s Region 4 Forward Command is preparing to file complaints against relevant individuals for duping children into holding pictures of dead insurgent members in the deep south with the intent to cause conflict in society during last week’s sports day parade in Panare district.

The sports day event was organised by Ban Nam Bo Tambon Administrative Organisation (TAO), Tadika Club, public and private agencies with students from 53 schools participating. In the opening parade, a group of children aged between 7 and 8 years old, donning traditional Malay outfits, held pictures of the nine dead insurgent members with a short biography in the Arabic language among photos of respected figures held by other kids.

Photos of the activity were widely criticised by the public and media as an improper act by the organisers who appeared to be honouring the separatists though the actions of the children, according to Maj Gen Pramote Prom-in, a deputy commander of the 4th Army and deputy director of Isoc’s Region 4 Forward Command.

He said an investigation from the security agency confirmed that the action was prepared by a group of Imam and religious teachers who are members of an insurgent group. They were imprisoned on Nov 28, 2014, and were later released.

“At least three of them still support the separatist group. They also teach children and youths to be against local authorities in every way possible. We will call them for questioning as part of a legal process,” he said.

Maj Gen Pramote Prom-in, deputy commander of the 4th Army and deputy director of Isoc’s Region 4 Forward Command, on Friday meets relevant agencies to find a solution and to file complaints against the wrongdoers for violating children’s rights. (Photo : Abdullah Benjakat)

Maj Gen Pramote on Friday met relevant agencies to find a solution and to file complaints against the wrongdoers for violating children’s rights.

“We will work with Pattani Provincial Police to gather evidence to press charges against the wrongdoers for using children in a way that violates the Child Protection Act,” he said.

The Isoc’s Region 4 Forward Command also ordered all agencies, including the Southern Peace Centre and the Bureau of Public Relations and Special Affairs to create mutual understanding with Tambon Administrative Organisations, community leaders, village heads and Imams in holding appropriate activities.

The guidelines for events involving children are jointly set by Isoc, Agricultural Land Reform Office and the Office of the Private Education Commission to prevent exploitation, he said.

“Creating understanding among children is the best solution to the root of the Southern conflict,” he said.

He also urged civil groups to condemn anyone who exploits children for the benefit of partisan political activity.

“Children are like white cloth and they are innocent. We should protect them not exploit them,” he noted.

The Pheu Thai Party will hold a meeting with its seven coalition partners next week to notify outcomes of recent talks between Pheu Thai and other parties outside the coalition bloc and senators, and will let the Move Forward Party (MFP) decide on the coalition’s future.

Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai said on Friday that his party will coordinate with its allied parties to set the date and time of the meeting. Pheu Thai had held talks with other parties and the Senate in an effort to seek their support for the next parliament vote for a prime minister.

Mr Phumtham said the other parties and the senators involved in the talks had a common response that they strongly opposed any move to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law, and they would not give support to Pheu Thai if the MFP remains in a coalition government.

“We will report to a meeting of the eight-party coalition of what we heard from the talks. We will ask the meeting what to do next. How will the other coalition parties, particularly the MFP, help find a way out for use.  We want the MFP to make a decision in this issue,” said the Pheu Thai deputy leader.

Mr Phumtham’s move came after after Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha was preparing an agenda for a parliament session on Aug 4 for a vote for prime minister. However, the parliamentary vote would be held or not depend on whether the Constitutional Court would accept a petition related to the previous rejected renomination for prime minister of MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat.

If the court does not accept the petition, parliament could hold a vote for prime minister the following day, said Mr Wan, If it accepts the petition, a parliamentary vote would not take place until the court issues its ruling, possibly a week later.

The MFP won 151 House seats in the May 14 general election. It teamed up with Pheu Thai, which came second with 141 House seats, and six other parties to attempt the formation of the next government. Their coalition had 312 of the 500 House seats.

But Move Forward failed to win a majority vote from the elected House and the military-appointed Senate for the premiership of its sole prime ministerial candidate and leader Pita. 

MFP recently decided to let Pheu Thai nominate its prime ministerial candidate and take the lead in forming the next government.

Last Saturday, Pheu Thai led by its leader Cholnan Srikaew met three parties — Bhumjaithai, Chartpattanakla and United Thai Nation — at Pheu Thai headquarters to seek their support. However, they set conditions that they would not support Pheu Thai if the MFP remained in the eight-party bloc.

The Pheu Thai Party will hold a meeting with its seven coalition partners next week to notify outcomes of recent talks between Pheu Thai and other parties outside the coalition bloc and senators, and will let the Move Forward Party (MFP) decide on the coalition’s future.

Pheu Thai deputy leader Phumtham Wechayachai said on Friday that his party will coordinate with its allied parties to set the date and time of the meeting. Pheu Thai had held talks with other parties and the Senate in an effort to seek their support for the next parliament vote for a prime minister.

Mr Phumtham said the other parties and the senators involved in the talks had a common response that they strongly opposed any move to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law, and they would not give support to Pheu Thai if the MFP remains in a coalition government.

“We will report to a meeting of the eight-party coalition of what we heard from the talks. We will ask the meeting what to do next. How will the other coalition parties, particularly the MFP, help find a way out for use.  We want the MFP to make a decision in this issue,” said the Pheu Thai deputy leader.

Mr Phumtham’s move came after after Parliament President Wan Muhamad Noor Matha was preparing an agenda for a parliament session on Aug 4 for a vote for prime minister. However, the parliamentary vote would be held or not depend on whether the Constitutional Court would accept a petition related to the previous rejected renomination for prime minister of MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat.

If the court does not accept the petition, parliament could hold a vote for prime minister the following day, said Mr Wan, If it accepts the petition, a parliamentary vote would not take place until the court issues its ruling, possibly a week later.

The MFP won 151 House seats in the May 14 general election. It teamed up with Pheu Thai, which came second with 141 House seats, and six other parties to attempt the formation of the next government. Their coalition had 312 of the 500 House seats.

But Move Forward failed to win a majority vote from the elected House and the military-appointed Senate for the premiership of its sole prime ministerial candidate and leader Pita. 

MFP recently decided to let Pheu Thai nominate its prime ministerial candidate and take the lead in forming the next government.

Last Saturday, Pheu Thai led by its leader Cholnan Srikaew met three parties — Bhumjaithai, Chartpattanakla and United Thai Nation — at Pheu Thai headquarters to seek their support. However, they set conditions that they would not support Pheu Thai if the MFP remained in the eight-party bloc.

TRAT: Thousands of tourists, along with their vehicles, embarked on ferries to Ko Kut and Ko Chang off this eastern province for a six-day long holiday on Friday.

At the Laem Sok boat pier in tambon Ao Yai in Muang district, tourists boarded five ferries departing to the islands one after another between 10.30am and 1pm.

Officials from the Marine Department and the navy’s Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Centre were present at the peir to ensure safety.

Atthapol Klinthap, manager of a ferry company, said about 1,500 tourists were expected to arrive at Ko Kut on Friday. The number of tourists visiting the island during the six days would be around 4,000, he added.

Rewat Phoriang, director of the Zone 6 Marine Office, said a safety command centre has been set up and manned by officials around the clock to monitor the weather and dispach rescue teams on being alerted of boat accidents.

Tourists heading for Ko Chang, the other destination island of Trat, boarded the ferries at the Ao Thammachart pier in tambon Khlong Yai of Muang district. Five ferries were moored on standby at the pier, and the first ferry left at 5am.

Kittisak Rapinwong, the skipper of one of the ferryies said he expected some 5,000 tourists, along with about 2,000 cars, to visit Ko Chang during the six-day holiday.