Barkar Nash – Page 978

Stars favour Srettha to be PM

On: May 13, 2023

Using the time-honoured tradition of Vedic astrology to predict our next PM, writes Joydiip Mukkarji

Srettha: Top contender, astrologically speaking.

In astrology, when making predictions about the future leaders of a country who are set to be chosen by the people, two things are most important (i) logical progression, and (ii) the current planetary transit positions.

At the time of my research, I was pleasantly surprised to note that ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was born in 1949, while the current prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, was born in 1954. These dates suggest it was a logical progression for them to become national leaders.

For this election, will Gen Prayut be able to overcome the challenges of other candidates, or will someone new take the helm? It is worth bearing in mind there has been a huge planetary transit happening since 2019-2020. Planet Shiva, the lord of recreation, regeneration and transformation, has moved into exaltation after almost 200 years.

I will first eliminate, using astrology, those candidates who have less chance of winning this election or leading the country. Keep in mind that I don’t know their exact time of birth, so my calculations are based on their date of birth as cited in Wikipedia.

PAETONGTARN SHINAWATRA, the Pheu Thai Party’s No.1 prime ministerial candidate: Astrologically speaking, she has no chance of winning the election because she is too young as per the tenets of logical progression; secondly, the 7th house in her birth chart, which is most important to win over her opponents/enemies, is not that strong. Hence it will be difficult for her to get elected.

JURIN LAKSANAWISIT, the Democrat Party’s leader and prime ministerial candidate: He also has a slimmer chance of being elected to lead the country. His weak planet, Saturn, is currently in a weak position, and there is no positive transit happening. That would make clinching the role of prime minister very difficult.

GEN PRAYUT, the United Thai Nation Party’s PM candidate: His 7th house lord just moved to the 8th house, while his relatively weak 4th house is currently in transit. He, too, might not make it this time.

ANUTIN CHARNVIRAKUL, Bhumjaithai’s leader and PM candidate: He has a great chart, actually. He could become the potential winner. But astrologically, I would eliminate him as he was born on a “No Moon” day, which will make it difficult for him to cross the line.

That leaves the two candidates I feel have the highest chance of success.

PITA LIMJAROENRAT, the Move Forward Party’s leader and PM candidate: Planet Shiva moved to his 9th house of luck while Planet Brahma, the lord of creation, is also in a very strong position, which has given him a very high chance of winning the election.

Only Saturn is weak in his birth chart. It is in transit and currently in a state of debilitation, which could make it hard for him to win any major public event.

SRETTHA THAVISIN, Pheu Thai’s No.2 PM candidate: Astrologically speaking, the favourite contender is Mr Srettha. He has a fabulous chart. Right now, Jupiter is exalted and transiting in his 7th house, which indicates a win over competitors in the political field. Also, Planet Kubera, the lord of wealth, is coming to his 9th house of luck, and will stay there for the next four years. The strongest planet, Shiva, the lord of transformation and regeneration, is currently transiting in his 4th house, which indicates the country or place in which he stays.

These combinations make Mr Srettha the favourite to win the election.

In a world where uncertainties often dominate, astrology has garnered interest and application in predicting the outcomes of major competitions and events, ranging from sports and wars to politics. As the upcoming election approaches, the Bangkok Post is publishing below a thought-provoking analysis of Vedic astrology — a time-honoured tradition that traces its origins back thousands of years.

It is important to emphasise that this astrological perspective aims to provide insight into the potential outcomes based solely on astrological knowledge, devoid of any political analysis or influencing factors, without any intention of guiding or swaying voters’ decisions. Instead, readers are encouraged to exercise their discretion and judgement as they embark on this fascinating journey.

THAI bullish on earnings

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Thai Airways International jets are visible from the passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi airport on Sept 1. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

Thai Airways (THAI) is expected to earn at least 130 billion baht in revenue this year after its net profit in the first quarter reached 12.5 billion baht.

THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri said on Friday the airline is expected to finish its financial rehabilitation in 2025 as planned.

He said the national carrier earned 41.5 billion baht of revenue in the first quarter — 271.2% more than the income of 11.1 billion baht in the same period last year due to increased commercial flights.

He added that flights to some popular tourist attractions, such as Japan and Korea, increased in the last quarter, with flights to China returning on March 1.

The better earnings gave the carrier 42.2 billion baht of cash flow, up from 5.7 billion baht last year.

Mr Chai said the carrier would pay the first amount of debt, costing at least eight billion baht, to their investors in mid-2024 and will pay its 140 billion baht total debt in ten years as planned.

Regarding the second quarter this year, Mr Chai said he expected more than 100% growth compared to last year. However, due to the country entering the low season for tourism, the passenger load rate is expected to be approximately 77%, and earnings are also expected to be lower than the first quarter, he said.

Mr Chai added that the airline would be raising employee salaries by 5% starting this month.

Thai Airways (THAI) executives at a press conference on Friday.(Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)

Concerns rise over 300k ‘unreadable’ ballots

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Thailand Post, EC urged to fix mess

CCTV images show officials sorting advance voting ballots before they are delivered to respective constituencies for storage pending a vote count after Sunday’s general election. The media is invited to observe the sorting operation at the election coordination centre inside the Thailand Post head office in Laksi district of Bangkok. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)

Concerns are being raised over whether around 300,000 advance voting ballots can be delivered for a vote count tomorrow after Thailand Post said the envelopes containing these ballots are “unreadable” due to poor handwriting.

The issue came to public attention after Phatthraporn Tan-ngam, a journalist at Thai PBS station, posted a video clip of her interview with Pongsatorn Wisetsuwan, deputy managing director of Thailand Post.

According to Mr Pongsatorn, the handwriting on some 300,000 envelopes containing cast ballots from advance voting is “unreadable” and must be examined by the Election Commission (EC) to determine where they should be delivered.

Written on these envelopes are the provinces, districts and constituencies and five-digit election codes for sorting and delivery. These details were written by election officials at the advance voting stations.

According to Mr Pongsatorn, Thailand Post is tasked with sorting and delivering more than 2 million advance voting ballots to 400 constituencies nationwide, and all should have been sorted yesterday. EC secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee yesterday downplayed concerns about the issue, saying he is not sure what the person meant by “unreadable”.

“These envelopes may be incomplete … missing the province, district or election code. Sorting officials aren’t sure where to send them. It doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t readable,” he said.

Mr Sawaeng said election officials are deployed around the clock to examine the envelopes, and they are tasked with reviewing the problematic envelopes. He insisted that all the advance voting ballots are en route to the destinations and noted that Thailand Post might have to clarify if there are as many as 300,000 problematic envelopes.

Meanwhile, Picharn Chaopattanawong, deputy leader of the Move Forward Party, on Friday lambasted the EC for keeping the public in the dark about the issue.

He called on the poll agency to address the issue urgently.

“The EC always says the problems can be fixed, but it should ask Thailand Post if they can sort these envelopes. The EC must address this issue now,” he said.

Mr Picharn said these ballots could determine the election result. If they cannot be counted, the EC must take responsibility. In total, 2,235,830 voters registered to cast advance votes. Of them, 2,216,951 voted outside their household constituencies, and the rest in their home constituencies.

Senators coy over PM pick vote

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Candidate of winning party may have edge

Rally rousing: Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, centre, a United Thai Nation (UTN) Party prime ministerial candidate, makes a gesture representing 22, the number of his party, to supporters while party leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, also a UTN prime ministerial candidate, stands beside him with other executives at the final campaign rally at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre on Friday. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)

Senators will wait for the outcome of Sunday’s election before deciding to cast their votes for the next prime minister, they said, while expressing their readiness to support a candidate from whichever party that wins the most House seats.

A source at the Senate told Bangkok Post that the 250 members of the Upper House — mostly former civil servants, police officers and military personnel — are now divided into three groups.

One group of 120 senators backs Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha while another group of 80 supports Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, and the other comprises 50 independent senators whose preferences were not clarified.

Under the constitution, the 250 senators appointed by the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) are allowed to join MPs in electing a prime minister in parliament.

It will be the second and last time they will co-elect a prime minister after today’s election. In the 2019 election, they joined MPs in voting for Gen Prayut.

The constitution stipulated that the Senate would serve for a five-year transitional period following the 2019 general election. Their five-year tenure will end next year.

Wallop: Opting out of PM vote

Senator Wallop Tangkananurak said that he would abstain from voting for a prime minister in parliament but said that, in principle, any party that wins the most seats should have the right to form a government and nominate its PM candidate for a vote in parliament.

“But most senators agreed that whichever party becomes the government must protect the main institution [the monarchy],” Mr Wallop said.

Senator Somchai Swangkarn said most senators agreed they will wait for the outcome of Sunday’s election before making a decision about who they will vote for.

“We will wait and see which party will nominate who for prime minister. In the previous election, the Pheu Thai Party named its PM candidates — Chadchart Sittipunt and Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan.

“It later turned out that Pheu Thai decided to support Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the former leader of the now-defunct Future Forward Party, in a prime ministerial vote instead of its own candidates.”

Mr Somchai said the senators would stand by the proper principles in choosing a prime minister as this will be the Senate’s final vote for one.

He said any nominated by a party must have integrity, vision, leadership skills and knowledge to steer the country forward.

Somchai: Wait-and-see stance

Mr Somchai said he believed it would take about two months for parties to negotiate a coalition before a new government can take shape.

Senator Wanchai Sornsiri agreed that any party that wins a majority of House seats should nominate a PM candidate for a vote in parliament.

He said the candidate should not have a tarnished reputation.

“In principle, senators should vote for a prime ministerial candidate nominated by the party with the most House seats if the candidate meets the qualifications.

“I don’t think parties will nominate anyone with a bad record,” Mr Wanchai said.

“It will be much easier if parties can gather the support of a combined 376 MPs [more than half of the combined 750 members of the Lower and Upper Houses].”

Parties may also only need the support of 300-310 MPs, with the backing of 70-80 senators, to form a coalition and nominate a candidate for a vote in parliament, he added.

Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha said he would not vote for a candidate from any party that seeks to revise the lese majeste law.

He added he would not support a minority government, saying this would add fuel to the fire, plunging the country into political chaos.

Kittisak: Lese majeste concerns

Crackdown serves as prelude to polls

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Police arrested 24 people and confiscated 1,300 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, 17 million speed pills and 2kg of ketamine as part of a nationwide crackdown on crime ahead of Sunday’s election.

Pol Lt Gen Prachuap Wongsuk, assistant police chief, said at a press conference on Friday that the arrests and confiscations were made in eight cases from April 19 to this Wednesday.

In the first case, police arrested two people and seized 8.7 million methamphetamine pills in front of a resort in Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng district while the suspects were transporting them from the border in Wiang Hae district.

The second case saw arrests made on April 23 at a checkpoint in Ayutthaya’s Bang Pa-in district while police were looking into a tip-off about a narcotics drop-off in Pathum Thani.

Two people were nabbed at the checkpoint and 234kg of crystal methamphetamine were seized.

Two others were arrested in Chiang Rai, and 17kg of “ice” seized in an extended investigation, police said.

In the third case, two people were arrested on May 1 in possession of two million speed pills at a petrol station in Chiang Mai’s Mae Ai district.

On May 6, a man was arrested in Sakhon Nakhon with 450kg of ice while he was delivering it from Bung Kan to a customer in Bangkok.

On May 8, police seized 1.6 million methamphetamine pills and 2kg of ketamine at a goods distribution centre in Samut Sakhon’s Muang district. Two people were arrested in a follow-up investigation.

Also, on May 8, seven people were nabbed in possession of 4.4 million speed pills in Sukhothai while they were delivering the drug to a customer in Ayutthaya. Three pickup trucks were also seized.

Police in Songkhla’s Chana district confiscated 300kg of ice on May 8 and arrested four people as part of the expanded investigation into the seizure of 688kg of the drug early this year.

In the eighth case, two people were arrested on May 10 in Chiang Rai’s Muang district with 300kg of crystal methamphetamine in their possession.

Dept official ‘smuggled’ 8 Chinese

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

CHIANG RAI: Police arrested a Marine Department official who allegedly smuggled eight Chinese nationals into the country.

Last night, joint forces led by Pol Lt Col Kittiphum Kanjini, deputy chief of Chiang Saen Police Station, and Sub-Lt Vathit Thampradit of the navy’s Mekong Riverine Unit patrolled the natural border around the Ban Sob Kok community in Chiang Rai’s Chiang Saen district, where a suspicious vehicle was found.

They approached a Toyota Fortuner and found Korakot Chankaew, 36, inside. He was later identified as an official working with an IT division under the Marine Department.

Also in the car were eight male Chinese nationals aged between 21 and 33 years old who reportedly did not hold identification papers, such as IDs and passports.

Officers also found a licensed 9mm Sig Sauer pistol, two magazines and seven bullets in a tote bag on the passenger seat, said Pol Lt Col Kittiphum.

During questioning, Mr Korakot reportedly said he picked up eight Chinese nationals to transport them across a bridge crossing the Kok River in tambon Yonok in Chiang Saen. They were then supposed to be driven to Muang district by another driver.

Mr Korakot was charged with assisting aliens to enter the kingdom illegally under the Immigration Act and possessing a weapon in public areas without necessary causes.

All eight Chinese were charged with entering the kingdom without a visa. They were sent to the Ban Saeo police station for more legal proceedings.

Govt wants talks to continue

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

The government will continue its policy of negotiating for peace in the deep South despite the recent Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) announcement that it would suspend peace talks until a new administration is formed.

Maj Gen Pramote Prom-in, a deputy commander of the 5th Army and the deputy leader of a government team negotiating peace in the region, said on Friday that Thailand would nevertheless continue with the peace dialogue as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan Towards Peace (JCPP) agreed by all parties.

He said that the BRN had not informed the Malaysian facilitator of their decision despite previously agreeing that all such moves should be presented to the facilitator first. Thailand’s negotiating team is still waiting for an update from the Malaysian facilitator, Maj Gen Pramote added.

The JCPP is scheduled to proceed from July to the end of 2024, following the recent meeting between Thailand’s negotiating team and the BRN in February in Malaysia. Maj Gen Pramote said that the meeting had agreed to finalise the technical details by June. However, the move from the BRN might push back that time frame.

“The peace dialogue is included in the government’s strategy to solve the conflict in the deep South. The plan still has to be executed regardless of who is leading the government,” he said.

However, a roadside bomb went off in the Bannang Sata district of Yala yesterday, killing an army ranger and injuring three other ranger volunteers.

The bomb exploded on the Yala-Betong road in tambon Bannang Sata near Ban Taopoon School at around 10am when a patrol of army rangers and ranger volunteers walked past. The ranger killed in the blast was identified as Sgt Sommai Natsuebwong, while Natthaphol Upatha suffered a broken leg, Komin Sarathee sustained serious shrapnel wounds, and Porncharoen Yokphoonpholdee suffered head injuries.

Colour clash as parties make final push

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Huge rallies across the capital ahead of election seen as a generational showdown

Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in her first public appearance since giving birth to her second child, addresses the party’s last major campaign event at Impact Arena on Friday. (Photo: AFP)

Opposing colours, ideologies and songs were on display across Bangkok on Friday as thousands of supporters turned out for the final rallies ahead of an election that is shaping up to be a generational clash.

Sunday’s vote will be a tussle between establishment and army-backed parties such as caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s United Thai Nation (UTN) and a resurgent opposition movement fronted by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of polarising ex-premier Thaksin.

About 10,000 Pheu Thai supporters packed Impact Arena — normally the venue for rowdy K-pop and rock concerts — creating an electric atmosphere as Paetongtarn returned to the campaign less than a fortnight after giving birth to her second child.

The stadium was a sea of red, the colour of the political movement known for its loyalty to Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup in 2006 and fled the country two years later before sentencing on charges he said were politically motivated.

Pheu Thai supporters were pumped up by an English-language rap song Landslide — a reference to the party’s call for a ringing victory to thwart any attempts by the army and the military-friendly Senate to keep them from power. (Story continues below)

Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat takes part in the party’s final campaign event at the Thai-Japanese Stadium on Friday. (Photo: AFP)

Pheu Thai has led the opinion polls, but its lead has narrowed with Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the more progressive Move Forward Party (MFP), edging out Paetongtarn as people’s first choice for prime minister.

Move Forward faithful streamed into the Thai-Japanese Stadium to hear Pita, 42, speak, many decked out in the party’s orange, with tangerine-coloured ribbons in their hair.

“He will fight for the right thing,” supporter Punjarat told AFP.

But there are dark clouds on the horizon for Pita, with rumours that Move Forward could face the same fate as its predecessor, the Future Forward Party that won more than 6 million votes and 81 seats in 2019 but was dissolved by court order.

“I am worried, but we have to believe,” said Nat, a 41-year-old government official, as he had a temporary tattoo of the MFP logo transferred to his face.

“I want Thailand to be changed for democracy, I want the country to be better.”

The atmosphere inside the packed stadium was closer to that of a pop concert than a political rally, and organisers had to open up a football pitch next door to cope with the swelling numbers.

Behind the stage a heavily tattooed, pierced supporter with a bleach blond mohawk excitedly waved a giant flag as the crowd’s mood built. (Story continues below)

Palang Pracharath prime ministerial candidate Gen Prawit Wongsuwon poses for a picture with supporters at the Thai-Japanese Stadium on Friday. (Bangkok Post Photo)

‘No chaos’

It was a different story next door at the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PRPP) rally, where older crowds queued listlessly, with members handing out placards and inflatable tubes.

UTN and PRPP, both led by former army chiefs, have aimed squarely for older, more conservative voters with a nationalist, royalist pitch warning of chaos if the opposition gets in power.

Attapong Chantaropas, 59, an odd-jobs man in Bangkok, said he was voting for the current ruling party to ensure stability.

“No chaos, no disruption, no conflict. Stop demonstrations or protests,” he told AFP.

And at the UTN rally, instead of tattoos and rap music the crowd were stirred with a rendition of the royal anthem.

It was a sea of red, white and blue — the colours of both the flag and the UTN party — as the crowd, many of them retirees, awaited Prayut’s arrival.

“Prayut gets stuff done but doesn’t boast about it. But he has a successful track record,” said Kanokwan Choosai, 69.

“He cares about the elderly,” added the retired food vendor, decked out in a ballerina costume with a red sash and feathers around her waist.

Gen Prayut Chan-O-Cha, the United Thai Nation Party’s prime ministerial candidate, greets supporters at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre on Friday. (Photo: AFP)

The lighthearted side of Thailandâs general election 2023

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

No matter the outcome, we have these meme moments

Just when you thought the summer heat was at its peak, Thailand’s political climate is about to blow up as the much-awaited general election is this Sunday. But amidst all the seriousness, what’s a political event without a heaping serving of memes and jokes to lighten the mood? Guru By Bangkok Post scoured the internet for lighthearted moments of the election that not only are breaths of fresh air but also serve as jabs at ugly truths.

Political bromance

It’s not every day that you see an election campaign promoted through a man-on-man romance, but that’s exactly what the Thai Sang Thai party, spearheaded by Sudarat Keyuraphan, has done. In their online campaign, MP candidates Sirapob “Nick” Somphol and Narutchai “Pom” Bunnag are shaking things up with a short video portraying their (b)romantic moments while pressing the flesh in a local neighbourhood, complete with cheesy inner monologues befitting a rom-com. Sure, it may seem unconventional, but in a world where politics can be dry and predictable, it’s refreshing to see candidates thinking outside the box.

As the future of same-sex marriage in Thailand remains uncertain, the video campaign has faced backlash for allegedly “queerbaiting”. However, the party responded by showing its stance on supporting the LGBTQ+ community in implementing equal marriage while pushing forward the Thai boys’ love drama industry as one of the soft powers. To watch the video, visit bit.ly/3NYUgGA.

Parody campaign posters

While the streets are swarmed with political campaign posters, keep an eye out for mischievous parodies in disguise! In Trang, a newlywed couple took advantage of a poster design and used it for their wedding venue signpost.

Meanwhile, in Phitsanulok, Wakakimi, a cat hotel and spa, joined in the fun with roadside posters promoting their services with catchphrases (or should I say catphrases) like “vote meow for a better life”, featuring silly cat portraits clawing their way into the hearts of voters. Awww.

Out of the woods

Getting up close and personal with voters took an unexpected turn for Potitawat “Champ” Pattanapongchai, a parliamentary candidate of the progressive Move Forward party in Surin, who got lost while trying to connect with the locals. The incident was captured on his car’s camera and went viral on TikTok, with a three-part video nano-series showing him wandering through the jungle. Despite being lost in the wilderness, the candidate remained undeterred and continued to engage in a conversation with his surroundings, addressing Mother Nature with thought-provoking questions. At one point, he exclaimed with a mixture of confusion and humour, “Who am I even talking to?!”. Thankfully, no response echoed from the depths of the wild. Check out his video via his TikTok account tiktok.com/@champoti.mf.

In the AI multiverse

Step aside, Marvel multiverse! There’s a new alternate reality in town, courtesy of Thai artist BearHead and his series of captivating AI artworks titled “Election 66 In The Multiverse”. With cute chibi-style characters, Wes Anderson-inspired aesthetics and even a Star Wars-themed edition, prepare to have your imagination ignited as you explore a world where politics and pop culture collide. Check out at fb.com/BearHead1. Regardless of how you feel about Uncle Tu, he as an SD baby is really kayute.

Memes for the Election Commission of Thailand

Well done, Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), for once again keeping us on our toes after the early voting last week. We can’t help but wonder what other surprises the official election will bring. Forget modern technology, Thailand’s election commission is taking it back to the basics by reassembling ballot boxes from cardboard and carrying completed vote slips on rattan baskets like they were yesterday’s garbage. And let’s not forget the brilliant idea of securing a ballot cabinet with duct tape, leaving us nothing but concern over the B5.9 billion budget spent on this election. Instead of fanning the flames, let’s leave it to these memes to do the talking.

Do you remember the artwork “Comedian” by Maurizio Cattelan, which featured a banana duct-taped to a wall, eaten by a hungry museum visitor? The online art community GroundControl created a similar piece that teases ECT’s high-security ballot cabinet. At the same time, the Japanese translation app TJGrammar has used the shape of the duct tape as one of the Kanji characters in their meme.

While the United Thai Nations party’s controversial laser campaign on the Rama VIII Bridge seems to be swept under the rug, Nuatair, a restaurant/memer, poked fun with their version, featuring their catchphrase on the bridge structure.

Democracy is served!

Whoever came up with Labkrung’s political meme should be commended for their originality and creativity. Lat Pla Khao’s favourite Isaan restaurant gives its signature dishes with a twist on political party names. Think of “Koi kai” (spicy raw meat salad) for the Move Forward party, “Palang pracha larb”’ (spicy salad with herb) for the Palang Pracharath party, “Bhum-jaew-thai” (northeastern style hot pot) for the Bhumjaithai party and “Prachathiphed” (minced duck salad with herb) for the Prachathipat party. The restaurant also displays its menu on a whiteboard while encouraging diners to vote for their favourite dishes, proving that democracy is not just a political concept but something that can be served and savoured at the dinner table.

Samran Rat riot suspects freed on bail

By: Barkar Nash

On: May 12, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Seven men and two women facing charges after protest to support detained teen turns violent

Suspects facing charges after a clash with police on Wednesday give a three-finger salute as they are led from a police station on Friday prior to their court hearing. (Photo: Khai Maew Cheese via Thai Lawyers for Human Rights)

All nine suspects facing charges arising from a violent confrontation at the Samran Rat police station in Bangkok on Wednesday night have been granted bail.

The Criminal Court had agreed earlier on Friday to a police request that the seven men and two women be detained further while police complete their investigation. But it subsequently approved a defence request that the accused be released on bail of 25,000 baht each, to be put up by the Ratchaprasong Fund.

The demonstrators are facing charges of destruction of public property, trespassing at night and with weapons, and obstructing officials in the exercise of their duties, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. All nine were released late Friday afternoon from the police stations where they had been held.

The accused include Tantawan “Tawan” Tuatulanon and Orawan “Bam” Phuphong, who earlier this year staged a 52-day hunger strike to press for the release of political prisoners and the abolition of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law.

In a letter issued through a lawyer, one of the accused said that police officers used violence while making arrests on Wednesday night. Many said they were beaten and stomped on.

A policeman who tried to contain the situation was hit in the head and required seven stitches, further escalating the violence.

About 20 protesters had gathered at the Samran Rat station to demand justice for a 15-year-old girl who has been detained for more than 40 days on a charge of royal defamation under Section 112.

Angered that officers from the station were preparing to lay an additional charge against the teen, they splashed and sprayed paint at the station in Phra Nakhon district.

The group caused significant damage by breaking a glass door and defacing walls, passages and stairs at the station as well as police vehicles, police said.

The teenager known as Thanalop or “Yok” has been held at the Ban Pranee Juvenile Vocational Training Centre for Girls in Samphran district of Nakhon Pathom province since her arrest on a warrant for lese-majeste on March 28.

Prosecutors on Friday were seeking to have her detained for another 15 days while they continue gathering evidence in the case against her.

Yok released a statement on Facebook on Thursday saying that she was not asking for bail as she did not recognise the court process, and would not accept the lawyers that the court has appointed.

Barkar Nash (Page 978)