Barkar Nash (Page 957)

Police apprehended two men involved in two separate robbery incidents on Wednesday, as they attempted to make off with over 7 million baht worth of gold ornaments.

In the first incident, Butpiya Bangtonglang, a 35-year-old resident of Bangkok, entered the Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop in Phra Samut Chedi district of Samut Prakan province at 1.40pm. The suspect managed to persuade the shop owner to open the security door by posing as a potential seller of a gold necklace and a gold-framed amulet. Once inside, the man brandished a 9mm pistol, forcing the shop staff to fill his bag with gold ornaments.

Mr Butpiya soon realised that he had been locked inside the room. He then fired multiple shots at the remote-controlled glass door, eventually breaking it and making his escape from the shop. 

At the same moment two patrolling policemen arrived at the scene and witnessed the incident. The officers opened fire on the fleeing suspect while he was attempting to escape on his motorcycle. 

The robber sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and failed to make off with two baskets of gold rings valued at over 5 million baht. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In the second incident, Nithinan Thanaweerawacharakul, 35, targeted another branch of Yaowarat Krungthep Gold Shop in Bang Kae district of Bangkok at 2.45pm.

Police said Mr Nithinan threatened the staff with what appeared to be a firearm, later determined to be a toy gun. The suspect managed to make off with about 60 gold necklaces with an estimated worth of 2.4 million baht. He fled the scene in a car and returned to his room in Bang Bua Thong district of Nonthaburi province. Police arrested him there. 

During questioning, Mr Nithinan confessed to committing the crime due to his unemployment. The suspect said he previously worked as a security guard.

He also admitted to attempting to target another gold shop but was unsuccessful as the staff refused to open the door. Consequently, he opted for the subsequent shop, which lacked a security door or a security cage.

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The emergency decree in force in most of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces will be extended for another three months, from June 20 to Sept 19.

The 72nd extension of the decree was agreed upon at a meeting of the Emergency Situation Admnistration Committee on Thursday to discuss the situation in the three border southernmost border provinces. The meeting was chaired by outgoing Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.

The committee agreed to extend the use of the emergency decree in the far South, with the exception of the four districts of Si Sakhon, Sungai Kolok, Waeng and Sukhirin in Narathiwat; the four districts of Yaring, Mayo, Mai Kaen and Mae Lan in Pattani, and the two districts of Betong and Kabang in Yala.

During the meeting, Gen Prawit thanked security agencies for maintaining peace and order and providing convenience to the people during the May 14 general election. He offered moral support to all security officers working in the deep South and also thanked local residents for their full cooperation with the authorities, which would facilitate sustainable development in the region.

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The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has provided an explanation as to why the United States is not selling its F-35 fighter jets to Thailand at this time.

There were several time constraints that prevented the US from supplying its fifth-generation fighter jets to the Thai air force following the request for procurement, RTAF spokesman AVM Prapas Sonjaidee said on Thursday.

He said the US requires a minimum of 10 years to process its supply of F-35A jets to a new buying country before delivery. The buying country needs to install specific infrastructures, training and security systems as per the requirements, as these jets were designed with new technical and operational concepts and possess stealth capability, he added.

In addition, the logistic, inventory and management systems for F-35A jets differ from those of the F-16 jets, making it impossible for the two types of fighter jets to share infrastructures, he said.

According to the spokesman, the US has expressed its intention to discuss necessary preparations for future supply of F-35A jets to the RTAF with Thai authorities.

The US has also proposed that the RTAF consider purchasing its 4.5th-generation fighter jets, namely F-16 and F-15 fighter jets, which can be delivered sooner and meet the air force’s requirements, AVM Prapas said.

He emphasised on the air force’s need to replace its old F-16 jets, which are approaching decommissioning.

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Community enterprises that grow cannabis on plantations in Nakhon Ratchasima are urging the next government, to be led by the Move Forward Party (MFP), to list only cannabis buds as narcotic drugs.

The MFP and its seven coalition partners touched on this topic in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) they signed on Monday evening, which will serve as policy guidelines for the government they plan to form together.

One includes re-listing cannabis as a narcotic and introducing a law to regulate its use. But the move has raised concern among community enterprises that have invested in greenhouses to grow the plant with the aim of selling it.

“Canabis One @KORAT”, a cannabis farm in Nakhon Ratchasima which is jointly run by a local community enterprise and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan for distribution and medical use, is still growing thousands of cannabis plants.

The farm secured a licence to operate a cannabis clinic with many cannabis-based medicines extracted from leaves, buds and roots.

Sunisa Sobkratok, CEO of Remedy Cann clinic, told reporters the MoU regarding the use of cannabis will harm community enterprises.

These have submitted applications to grow cannabis for medical use by delivering buds to state medical institutes.

But after the plant was decriminalised last June 9, the law allowed people to grow the plant at home, which caused investment losses for these enterprises.

Ms Sunisa urged the new government to announce what they can do without falling foul of the law, and what kinds of products they can produce using cannabis and hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), which is not a psychoactive ingredient.

Additionally, she urged the new government to review its plan, perhaps by re-listing only cannabis buds as a narcotic, as well as providing compensation to community enterprises that will be affected by the change.

“Community enterprises are being labelled as criminals because they grow the plant, but their greenhouses were built under the standards laid down by the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] and Public Health Ministry,” she said.

The new government should promote cannabis as a cash crop and issue clear rules to restrict sales to under-age consumers to support the industry’s healthy growth, Ms Sunisa added.

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The Pheu Thai Party is seeking to rebrand itself through improved use of social media so it will perform better in future polls after its defeat to the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the May 14 election.

The party on Wednesday held a seminar — attended by party executives, as well as candidates who won House seats and who did not — to assess the post-election situation.

Speaking after the seminar, party leader Cholnan Srikaew said it was aimed at offering moral support to all candidates whether they won or lost in the poll.

“Even though the party came second in the poll [after the MFP], all the candidates’ hard work is still very much admired,” Dr Cholnan said.

Pheu Thai unofficially won 141 House seats, trailing the MFP, which has the most MPs-elect, 152, in the election.

Dr Cholnan said a working panel will be set up to assess the outcome of the election and it will be led by key party member Noppadon Pattama.

He also said each candidate was instructed to carry out a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis and present the information for discussion at the next seminar.

“We won’t point fingers at each other, but we will accept the truth so we can adjust and move forward,” Dr Cholnan said.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the party’s prime ministerial candidate, said the outcome of the election did not spell disaster for Pheu Thai, but it would serve as a driving force to propel the party forward.

Srettha Thavisin, another PM candidate, said the next move is to rebrand the party, with a working panel to be set up to handle the matter.

Asked if Pheu Thai’s rebranding approach would be similar to that of the MFP, Dr Cholnan said details have yet to be discussed, but he stressed that the party’s identity must be retained and it will not copy anyone.

“We won’t go so far as to abandon our own identity,” Dr Cholnan said.

“We have to interweave strategies in dealing with the virtual world and the real world. They must work hand in glove,” he said.

Pheu Thai secretary-general Prasert Chantararuangthong said attendees at the seminar agreed social media played an important role in swaying voters as it is an efficient way to reach a wider audience.

There are more than 50 million people using social media in Thailand, Mr Prasert said.

The party has realised the power of social media and plans to make the most of it in future elections, he said.

“We now look ahead to the next election. Election candidates must hone their skills in using social media as it plays a key role,” Mr Prasert said.

He said the principles of democracy still prevail as the outcome of the election showed more than 70% voters favoured parties that champion democracy.

Several election candidates who moved from Pheu Thai and joined parties linked to the coup-makers suffered defeat in the election, Mr Prasert said.

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The Pheu Thai Party is seeking to rebrand itself through improved use of social media so it will perform better in future polls after its defeat to the Move Forward Party (MFP) in the May 14 election.

The party on Wednesday held a seminar — attended by party executives, as well as candidates who won House seats and who did not — to assess the post-election situation.

Speaking after the seminar, party leader Cholnan Srikaew said it was aimed at offering moral support to all candidates whether they won or lost in the poll.

“Even though the party came second in the poll [after the MFP], all the candidates’ hard work is still very much admired,” Dr Cholnan said.

Pheu Thai unofficially won 141 House seats, trailing the MFP, which has the most MPs-elect, 152, in the election.

Dr Cholnan said a working panel will be set up to assess the outcome of the election and it will be led by key party member Noppadon Pattama.

He also said each candidate was instructed to carry out a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis and present the information for discussion at the next seminar.

“We won’t point fingers at each other, but we will accept the truth so we can adjust and move forward,” Dr Cholnan said.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the party’s prime ministerial candidate, said the outcome of the election did not spell disaster for Pheu Thai, but it would serve as a driving force to propel the party forward.

Srettha Thavisin, another PM candidate, said the next move is to rebrand the party, with a working panel to be set up to handle the matter.

Asked if Pheu Thai’s rebranding approach would be similar to that of the MFP, Dr Cholnan said details have yet to be discussed, but he stressed that the party’s identity must be retained and it will not copy anyone.

“We won’t go so far as to abandon our own identity,” Dr Cholnan said.

“We have to interweave strategies in dealing with the virtual world and the real world. They must work hand in glove,” he said.

Pheu Thai secretary-general Prasert Chantararuangthong said attendees at the seminar agreed social media played an important role in swaying voters as it is an efficient way to reach a wider audience.

There are more than 50 million people using social media in Thailand, Mr Prasert said.

The party has realised the power of social media and plans to make the most of it in future elections, he said.

“We now look ahead to the next election. Election candidates must hone their skills in using social media as it plays a key role,” Mr Prasert said.

He said the principles of democracy still prevail as the outcome of the election showed more than 70% voters favoured parties that champion democracy.

Several election candidates who moved from Pheu Thai and joined parties linked to the coup-makers suffered defeat in the election, Mr Prasert said.

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Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a former Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) list-MP candidate, on Wednesday petitioned the Election Commission (EC) to investigate an alleged violation of the organic law on political parties by the Move Forward Party (MFP) and the seven parties agreeing to join its new coalition.

In signing a memorandum of understanding on Monday on their intention to jointly form the new government, the parties could be seen as agreeing to be influenced by an outsider, which is prohibited under the organic law, according to Mr Ruangkrai.

He said his check with the MFP’s regulations found none indicates specifically that the party is allowed to sign an MoU with any other parties regarding the formation of a new government.

“This could also mean the MFP’s signing of the MoU with the parties is against the MFP’s own regulations,” he said.

The seven prospective coalition partners are the Pheu Thai, Prachachart, Thai Sang Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Fair, Palang Sangkhom Mai and Pheu Thai Ruam Phalang parties.

Mr Ruangkrai said he also urged the EC to speed up examining his previous petition seeking a formal investigation into MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s alleged ineligibility to run in the election, and promptly forward the matter to the Constitutional Court.

In the petition, Mr Ruangkrai accused Mr Pita of being ineligible to run because he holds 42,000 shares in iTV Plc, a media company.

Section 98(3) of the constitution prohibits a person who holds shares in a media company from running in an election, he said.

Mr Pita has previously insisted the iTV shares belong to his family, while he only serves as executor of the inherited shares.

Asked whether this new petition would likely lead to the dissolution of the MFP, Mr Ruangkrai said all eight parties will be dissolved if found guilty as accused.

Mr Ruangkrai shrugged off criticism that he was merely attempting to justify the Senate’s likely refusal to vote for Mr Pita in the coming selection of a new prime minister.

He has petitioned the EC to probe not only Mr Pita but also Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his deputy, Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, in the past.

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The Move Forward Party (MFP) has insisted the post of House Speaker should be filled by the MFP amid reports that its prospective coalition partner Pheu Thai wants it.

Citing secretary-general Chaithawat Tulathon, MFP spokesman Rangsiman Rome said that by tradition, the election winner will take the House Speaker’s chair to handle its agenda, and the MFP wishes to continue with the tradition.

Mr Rangsiman declined to say if any prospective coalition partners are negotiating for the post, saying the issue should be addressed by Mr Chaithawat, who is in charge of coalition talks. When asked if MFP deputy leader Nattawut Buaprathum is a candidate for the House speakership, Mr Rangsiman said the party has yet to discuss who is qualified.

The House Speaker is one of the most important roles in politics, overseeing House meetings and the agenda. If the MFP wants to push its legislative initiatives and fulfil its campaign promises, it needs to take control of the post.

The MFP on Wednesday posted on its Facebook three agendas it plans to push ahead, saying the party seeks to assume the House Speaker’s role to drive these initiatives. These include a set of 45 draft laws the party promised in its election campaign, including a charter rewrite — which is part of the MoU — and an “open parliament” to promote transparency and public participation.

Pheu Thai leader Cholnan Srikaew on Wednesday criticised remarks by Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, secretary-general of the Progressive Movement and the MFP’s election campaign assistant, which he said were an attempt to pressure prospective coalition partners.

On Tuesday night, Mr Piyabutr posted on Facebook about “the House speakership: the post the MFP can’t afford to lose”. He said compromises are desirable in coalition government, but the MFP should not consider giving the House speakership away.

Dr Cholnan declined to comment on MFP’s potential candidates. The party is widely seen as lacking experience. A source in the Pheu Thai Party said Pheu Thai is negotiating over the House Speaker’s post because the MFP’s candidates are unlikely to be accepted. Pheu Thai was considering Dr Cholnan, Suchart Tancharoen and Wisut Chainaroon for the post.

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The Democrat Party has deferred electing its new leader and board members until after the Election Commission (EC) finishes certifying the party’s 24 elected MPs, said acting party spokesman Ramet Rattanachaweng yesterday.

The selection of the party’s new leader to replace Jurin Laksanawisit will be organised after the EC certifies the party’s MPs — which shouldn’t be later than July 13, he said.

Mr Jurin announced he was stepping down following the unofficial results of the May 14 election, in which the country’s oldest running party won fewer-than-expected House seats. At yesterday’s meeting of the party’s caretaker board, the board was notified of Mr Jurin’s resignation as party leader.

In the new party leader election, the party has resolved to skip the standard process of sounding out the popularity of each nominated candidate before voting to select the winner, to avoid creating conflicts inside the party, said Mr Ramet.

The new board of the party will also be selected on the same day of the selection of the party’s new leader, he said, adding that since up to 70% of the board will be the party’s 24 MPs, the party had better wait until the EC has certified them.

The rest of the party’s board will include former party leaders and cabinet ministers, he said.

As for who the party will support to become Thailand’s next PM, the party has yet to decide.

It was also reported at yesterday’s meeting that over 89,000 Thais have applied for party membership.

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