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Re: Protests update
Cops Hunting Down Counter-Coup Rumormongers
June 16, 2015
BANGKOK тАФ Thai police say they are tracking down whoever is behind a rumor about an impending counter-coup against the military junta that seized power from an elected government one year ago.
Pol.Gen. Somyot Pumpanmuang, commander of the Royal Thai Police, said he has instructed the technological crime division team to investigate the incident.
The rumor, spread among the mostly anti-junta Redshirts, alleged that a group of senior military commanders is plotting to overthrow junta chairman Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha..... (read more)...
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.ph ... section=11
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Re: Protests update
Is there an official name for a coup being overthrown by another coup? Or is it Just-Another-Coup (JAC)?
There was one in Russia in 1917 (i.e. the Social Democrats making a coup over the Ancienne Regime ... then the Bolsheviks coup tossing out the S.D.) but something tells me a coup against the coup in Thailand will hardly be as world shaking. But it might be interesting, as the second coup will undoubtedly be followed near on by a third coup (JAK-3). Hard to keep track in LoS.
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Re: Protests update
I don't know - counter-coup?
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Re: Protests update
, June 17, 2015
Red & Yellow Politicians 'Invited' to Discuss Junta's Reforms
BANGKOK тАФ Politicians from Thailand's two rival political camps have been asked by the military junta to attend a forum on its national reform efforts this Friday.
Officials say the politicians were invited by the juntaтАЩs reform-promoting agency, the Center for Reconciliation and Reform (CRR), which has organized several forums in the past for prominent political leaders, academics, and activists.
Independently organized forums on politics remain banned by the junta, which seized power in May 2014.
According to officials, the upcoming forum will be held on 19 June at the Army Club in Bangkok. Among those invited are top leaders from the Redshirt movement - which supported the government toppled by the junta - and their rivals, the Yellowshirts, who campaigned against the former government for six months prior to the coup..... (read more).....
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.ph ... 6§ion=
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Re: Protests update
Experts cast doubt over political roadmap
18 Jun 2015
NEWSPAPER SECTION: NEWS | WRITER: NATTAYA CHETCHOTIROS
The political roadmap has not changed, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam has insisted on dismissing rumours that the military regime plans to remain in power for at least two more years. But not many are convinced.
Political pundits are certain the draft charter is doomed and will derail the roadmap, enabling the regime to continue its rule and postpone the new poll until a new charter is in place.
According to the roadmap, the new general election will be held next August if - and that is a big "if" - if the charter is approved by the National Reform Council (NRC) and the referendum...... (read more)......
http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opin ... map=%5B%5D
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Re: Protests update
Police 'know source behind counter-coup rumour'
The Nation June 18, 2015
National police chief General Somyot Poompanmuang said yesterday the police could identify the person who allegedly spread rumours about a possible counter-coup.
He said the rumour was spread via website Daengdeedee.com. The person in question was overseas. But the police chief declined say if the person had been actively involved in politics.... (read more).....
http://linkis.com/nationmultimedia.com/7wpCy
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Re: Protests update
Prayuth interviewed in Singapore
PM Prayut won't rush Thailand's transition to democracy
Thailand will not have a general election unless certain conditions have been met, says Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha in the wake of opposition to his military regime.
By Panu Wongcha-um, Channel NewsAsia
POSTED: 18 Jun 2015 14:23
BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minster Prayut Chan-ocha refused to rush ThailandтАЩs transition to democracy, saying certain preconditions need to be met before an election can be held.
тАЬFirst, will the next election be peaceful? Secondly, who will be the next government? Will there be conflicts and protests again? Thirdly, will Thailand be able to continue with the various reforms?" asked General Prayut in a rare interview with Singaporean media in Bangkok on Wednesday (Jun 17)...... (read more)....
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asi ... um=twitter
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Re: Protests update
FCCT debate on lese majeste law
Govt slammed over move to ban FCCT debate on lese majeste law
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION June 19, 2015
SPEAKERS scheduled to discuss the lese majeste law before the event was banned have slammed the government, saying it has made things worse by further limiting the freedom to publicly discuss the controversial law.
"Not surprised, but disappointed. [The ban] can only hurt Thailand in the long run. Thailand is facing big changes and those changes involve the [lese majeste] law," said David Streckfuss, a Khon Kaen-based scholar who has written a book on the subject.
"This is one of the most suppressive laws against freedom of expression in the world in the past centuries. The point is that the issue is there whether the regime acknowledges or not, period."
The talk was scheduled to take place at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand on Wednesday and was organised by the club.
The FCCT cancelled the event after the National Council for Peace and Order verbally ordered the club to call it off under threat of being shut down.... (read more).....
http://linkis.com/nationmultimedia.com/VlDLM
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Re: Protests update
An interview on Al Jazeera with Prayut Chan-o-cha
Prayuth Chan-ocha: 'No one else could do the job'
Thailand's prime minister talks about his military takeover, press freedom, poverty, and constitutional reform.
13 Jun 2015
After weeks of unrest in Thailand between groups supporting and opposing the democratically-elected Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the country's military forces made their move.
"We do not need power-seeking politicians to cause trouble and benefit by ruling the country for the sake of their political party and themselves. I will not let that happen."..... Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha
Early in the morning on May 20, 2014, the head of the Thai army, General Prayuth Chan-ocha declared martial law. Shortly thereafter, he took over as prime minister and promised to bring the country to a better place.
He promised a new constitution and said he would bring "happiness" and reconciliation to the people.
But his critics have issued fierce denunciations of his leadership.
Opposition groups complain they have been banned from political work. They say drafts of the new constitution aims to give vast power to the military and is therefore a threat to democracy.
They also accuse the prime minister of increasingly undermining the media, even personally threatening journalists.
Prayuth Chan-ocha, the prime minister of Thailand, sat down with Talk to Al Jazeera to respond to his critics and discuss his military takeover, press freedoms in Thailand, the migrant crisis and human trafficking, poverty, the constitutional reforms he is working on, and what will happen when elections take place...... (read more, video interview)....
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/tal ... 12303.html
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Re: Protests update
Thai Royalists Thank Prayuth for Suppressing Discussion of Monarchy
June 18, 2015
PHRAE тАФ A group of ultra-royalists in northern Thailand have formally thanked junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha for "defending" the monarchy with his strict enforcement of the country's lese majeste law.
Kanathip Moodcharoen, the chairman of a local association called People Who Love the King, submitted the group's thank-you letter through Phrae provinceтАЩs governor this morning.
Kanathip told reporters he and his fellow activists are impressed by Gen. Prayuth's "dedication" to enforcing Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Codes, a law known as lese majeste that criminalizes insulting the king, queen, heir-apparent, and regent with up to 15 years in prison.
The law, which is the harshest of its kind in the world, is frequently used to block any discussion of the monarchy, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations who say it used to stifle free speech.
This week, the military junta ordered the Foreign CorrespondentsтАЩ Club of Thailand to cancel a panel discussion on the role of the lese majeste law in Thai society, reportedly citing a concern that the event would "sow disunity in Thai society, and encourage people to break the law and stir up unrest."..... (read more)......
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.ph ... section=11
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Re: Protests update
Fighting the junta from abroad: Struggle goes on for ThailandтАЩs political exiles
By Saksith Saiyasombut & Siam Voices Jun 18, 2015
By Asanee Waree
Hundreds of political asylum seekers have fled Thailand to escape the pursuit of the Thai military regime since last yearтАЩs coup. Renowned activists like Aum Neko and Jarun Ditthaapichai have shared their stories of exile, highlighting the threats to their lives. But for lesser known exiles, the choice to speak out is fraught, and tempered by hopes of a quiet return.
The danger of living in military-ruled Thailand
Game, a 19-year-old student, lived in fear of his safety before he escaped from military-ruled Thailand. тАЬI was afraidтАж My family was afraid. My friends were afraid,тАЭ he said. тАЬThey didnтАЩt even want to talk with me because IтАЩm targeted.тАЭ....... (read more).....
http://asiancorrespondent.com/133635/fi ... al-exiles/
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Re: Protests update
3 Dao Din Khon Kaen student activists arrested
Submitted by editor1 on Fri, 19/06/2015
The police have detained three student activists from the Dao Din group of Khon Kaen University, interrupting their plan to show moral support to seven other group members wanted by the police.
Kwanhathai Patumtawonsakul, Jiratchaya Hannarong and Krit Sangsurin were arrested at 1 pm when they were on their way to Khon KaenтАЩs Democracy Monument. The police confiscated seven drawings of the seven Dao Din members who were earlier summoned to report in for displaying placards against the junta.
They are now detained incommunicado at Sri Patcharin military camp.
http://prachatai.org/english/node/5176
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Re: Protests update
Dao Din vows to fight culture of coups
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION June 20, 2015
Group of 7 students happy to be 'flies who won't let the cat enjoy its meal'
AS THE DEADLINE for them to surrender to police for repeatedly and publicly opposing the military junta was set to expire yesterday, the seven wanted Dao Din students insisted from an undisclosed location that they were fighting for a legitimate cause and refused to relent.
"I think there are others who may want to come out [to oppose the National Council for Peace and Order] but don't dare to. We want to show them that we can fight and create political space that's beyond the red and yellow [political] divides," said Suphachai Phukrongpoly, one of the seven members of Dao Din.
"I feel that the military coup is a terrible culture in that it forces people to think alike," said Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, 23, the most expressive among his peers, all law students from Khon Kaen University and all from the Northeast. "It's tantamount to cutting short the learning process [of society]."..... (read more).....
http://linkis.com/nationmultimedia.com/oYdya
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Re: Protests update
Democracy activists warned to be careful
THE NATION June 22, 2015
ANY anti-government groups planning to celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the Siamese Revolution of 1932 - sometimes called the advent of Thai democracy - on Wednesday better not stray out of bounds, PM's Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana warned yesterday.
Thailand is currently being governed under special circumstances, so any groups that have a problem with that must follow the law and organise constructive activities.
With speculation about a looming counter-coup rife on the Internet, there appears to be attempts to cause a rift between the government and the National Council for Peace and Order, Suwaphan said.
"They spread the rumours systematically. The government knows the people involved in the process but only their nicknames. We don't know who they are. We know where the information was released from, like what countries. They are just a distortion of the truth to cause misunderstanding,'' he said.
The political struggle is a struggle of ideologies, he said.
"It's normal that when there's a government, there will be an opposition. We just have to ensure fair play. We don't have to kill the chickens before the monkeys," he said, using a euphemism for causing fear among the population by singling out a few for punishment. "We just have to rationalise or resort to reason."
The government has not been able to extradite people embracing different opinions because they're still putting up a fight, he said.
http://linkis.com/nationmultimedia.com/YNgPo
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Re: Protests update
'Debate, criticism crucial to foster a democratic society'
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION June 23, 2015
CREATING a culture of debate and criticism and also respect for the political opinions of others are essential to ensure a democratic Thailand, a symposium marking 83 years since the end of absolute monarchy concluded yesterday.
People "should be willing to face the truth and respect differing political opinions and debate," social critic Sulak Sivaraksa said.
Many Thais simply do not know how to debate, he said. "Thais do not dare to argue or pose questions," he said...... (read more).....
http://linkis.com/nationmultimedia.com/y1HyS
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Re: Protests update
Human rights organizations urge Thai junta to drop charges against student activists
Submitted by editor1 on Tue, 23/06/2015
Thai and foreign human rights organizations issued statements, urging the junta to drop all charges against Dao Din, the anti-coup student activists from northeastern province of Khon Kaen.
On Monday, the Human Rights Lawyers Association (HRLA) and the Union of Civil Liberty (UCL) issued statements on the judicial harassment against on 19 June which 3 students of the Dao Din, an anti-coup student activist group based in Khon Kaen, were arrested and detained for drawing paintings.
The HRLA and the UCL stated that the studentsтАЩ action was their fundamental rights which is upheld by the constitution and the international agreements on human rights. They should be allowed to peacefully express their opinion. The legal proceeding against them will not be beneficial for the public...... (read more)......
http://prachatai.org/english/node/5189
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Re: Protests update
Opinion
, 83 years of democracy sabotage in Thailand
Submitted by editor1 on Mon, 22/06/2015
Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy
June 24 marks 83 years since absolute monarchy was ended in Thailand, by a prodemocracy revolution. However during the last 83 years, democracy has not been allowed to become fully established and government institutions to develop because of regular military Coup dтАЩ├йtat, approx 12 successful to date. This coupled with the 19 constitutions that have been mostly imposed on the Thai people have weakened political development and restricted progress towards a mature democracy in Thailand
Even though Thai people, especially university students, have slowly become more aware of these core problems and observed how constant military interventions have restricted the growth of Thailand into a mature democracy, they have been killed in the hundreds by the Royal Thai army whenever they have attempted to protest for their basic democratic rights. On October 14 1973, October 6 1976, May 1992 and May 2010 peaceful protests were met with brutal military force with peaceful protesters massacred by the military at the behest of the conservative Royalist establishment.
We would like to point out that in the last 10 years the crisis has politically become more serious as the country has divided into two camps. The majority on one side is prodemocracy and stand behind their elected representatives while on the other side is the minority anti-democracy group supported by the Military, the old establishment royalist elite, the conservative judiciary and other so called independent institutions under their control.
Over the last 10 years 4 democratically elected governments have been removed by both military and judicial Coup dтАЩ├йtat and this has directly resulted in the divisions we see in Thai society today, with the will of the majority of Thai people constantly thwarted by the anti-democracy minority..... (read more)......
http://prachatai.org/english/node/5181? ... m=facebook
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Re: Protests update
NCPO to ask reporters not to upset PM
The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) plans to gather over 200 local and foreign journalists next week to ask them not to upset Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and other cabinet ministers with provocative questions.
Published: 23/06/2015
Writer: Wassana Nanuam
The meeting will be the largest media summons by the NCPO since the 2014 coup.
The meeting, between journalists, soldiers and police, will be held at the national police headquarters to urge reporters to ask "constructive questions" and not to "distort facts" in their reports, Lt Gen Suchart Pongput, commander of the Army's Signal Department, said...... (read more)......
http://m.bangkokpost.com/topstories/600340
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Re: Protests update
Ex-PAD leaders 'on road to bankruptcy'
Thirteen former leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) face bankruptcy after the Appeals Court ordered them to pay around 600 million baht in compensation to Airports of Thailand for the damage they caused in 2008, according to former activist Maleerat Kaewka.
Published: 23/06/2015
Writer: Online Reporters
Mrs Maleerat, 61, an activist during the Oct 14, 1973 student uprising, is one of the 13 PAD leaders named defendants in a civil suit filed by the AoT over the occupation of Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports for eight days in 2008 by the PAD's yellow-shirt supporters.
The protest brought air services at the two international airports to a halt.
The 12 other defendants were -- Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, Sondhi Limthongkul, Pibhop Dhongchai, Suriyasai Katasila, Somsak Kosaisuk, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, Somkiat Pongpaibul, Naranyu (formerly known as Saranyu) Wongkrajang, Sirichai Mai-ngam, Samran Rodphet, Thoedphum Jaidee and Amorn Amornratananont.
Mrs Maleerat, a former senator for Sakon Nakhon province, said in a message posted on her Facebook page that she was shocked upon learning recently that the Appeals Court ordered the 13 defendants, including herself, to pay a total of 600 million baht compensation for the physical and commercial damage they caused to the AoT.
In 2008, the PAD staged a mass anti-government protest that led to the occupation of Government House by PAD protesters for 193 days...... (read more)....
http://m.bangkokpost.com/topstories/601108
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Re: Protests update
HomeAsiaStory
I try to think positive but I hate disagreement, says Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut
Published on Jun 23, 2015
By Tan Hui Yee,thailand Correspondent In Bangkok
THERE'S a frisson in the small crowd gathered at the bottom of the staircase in Thailand's Government House. The prime minister is making his way down.
Since staging a coup in May 2014, former army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha has traded his fatigues for Thai silk tops and the khaki civil servants' uniform. Today, he dons a dark suit to meet three Singapore media journalists....... (read more)....
http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/s ... ime-minist
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Re: Protests update
Human trafficking cases handed over to prosecutors
The Nation June 24, 2015
With issue of 30 more arrest warrants, the number of suspects has risen to 119
POLICE HAVE ISSUED another 30 arrest warrants for suspects in the trafficking of Rohingya and other migrants, with details and evidence handed over to Office of the Attorney-General yesterday for prosecution and other legal action, which could impact on Thailand's international reputation.
National police chief Pol General Somyot Poompanmuang said initial arrests of suspects involved in trafficking the Rohingya had led to the discovery of mass burial sites in southern Thailand, paving the way for subsequent arrests of ringleaders of these cross-border human trafficking syndicates....... (read more)......
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nationa ... 62973.html
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Re: Protests update
How the New US Ambassador Views His Role in Thailand Under Military Rule
By US Congress press release
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
THE NEW US Ambassador designate to Thailand, Glyn Davies, has provided his testimony to Congress. Here's what he told them in his job application:
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
June 23, 2015
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee,
Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I am honored to be President Obama's nominee to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand. I thank the President for the confidence he has placed in me by putting me forward to the Senate for consideration, and thank Secretary of State Kerry for his strong support. I am grateful to all the members of the Committee for this chance to speak to my qualifications and intentions...... (read more).....
http://phuketwan.com/tourism/ambassador ... ule-22709/
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Re: Protests update
Prayuth Rebukes Reporters in Gloomy Rant [Transcript]
Junta chairman Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha at the Government House on 24 June 2015.
BANGKOK тАФ Junta chairman and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha lashed out at the press today, accusing reporters of being paid to criticize his government, and warning that the country is on the brink of collapse.
Gen. Prayuth, who is known for his long-winded and often irritated asides during speeches and press conferences, delivered the tirade at an air force base following his return from a state visit to Myanmar today.
The following is an excerpt from the encounter:
Prayuth: I try to do everything in the best way I can. I am responsible for all problems at this time, no matter what. I will do my best. Today may not be good, but tomorrow will be good. Or do you want things to be good today but face bankruptcy in the future? You have to choose, I guess. You can spend all the money and get yourself in debt. Eventually you will be bankrupt. It depends on everyone. If you want the country to be peaceful, you have to think things through again.
I am never an enemy of reporters, but these days you still write and attack me everyday.(read more)..... ( I think it would be to the General's advantage to hire a press secretary to explain the government's policies and he stay out of the limelight ..... Up2U)
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.ph ... map=%5B%5D
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Re: Protests update
Students file charges against police
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN
THE NATION June 25, 2015
'PROTESTS NOT BENEFICIAL', PRAYUT WARNS, |AS YOUNGSTERS SHOW UP TO FIGHT BACK
A GROUP OF students wanted by the authorities for protesting against the junta showed up at Pathumwan Police Station yesterday to deny the charges against them.
Of the 14 present, seven were Dao Din activists, who were there to offer moral support.
Some Bangkok-based university students filed complaints against police for alleged abuse of power after their heavy-handed arrest for protesting against the first-year anniversary of the May 22 coup in Bangkok.
The move came as Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha urged people to stop protesting, saying the country was dying.
"Why do they keep on protesting?" said Prayut, mentioning the name of group incorrectly. Be it Dao Fah or Dao Nam Ngern it won't be beneficial. I think the country cannot move because [people] don't understand what sort of situation we're in nowтАж"
The students arrived at the police station around 1pm, as they had said they would earlier. But instead of reporting to the police and acknowledging the charges against them, they said they were there to file complaints for alleged police assault and abuse of power on May 22. The crowd grew to about 200 to 300 by the evening, with some 50 police officers guarding the premises......, (read more).....
http://linkis.com/nationmultimedia.com/k9bOi
Political Anniversary in Thailand Puts Focus on Freedoms
Ron Corben
June 24, 2015
BANGKOKтАФ
Pro-democracy activists in Thailand are using the anniversary of the founding of the country's democracy to protest the ruling military junta, which seized power from the elected government in a bloodless coup last year. But Thailand's current rulers are showing little tolerance for criticism.
In the early morning light a small gathering of Thai political activists and poets gathered in central Bangkok, laying flowers at a monument marking events 83 years ago during the toppling of ThailandтАЩs last absolute monarchy.
Reports said police monitoring Wednesday's gathering did not interfere.
The official reaction stood in contrast to recent crackdowns against small gatherings of students, the most recent in May, marking the first anniversary of the militaryтАЩs takeover with promises of political reform and fresh elections. Up to 40 activists were detained for holding peaceful rallies amid signs of increasing intolerance to free speech by the military government.
The U.S.-based Human Rights Watch criticized the militaryтАЩs dealing with the students, including a group known as Dao Din from the northern Khon Kaen University.,..... (read more)....
http://www.voanews.com/content/politica ... 35174.html
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Re: Protests update
Sending Messages: The arrest of Thaksin loyalist Kamronwit in Japan
Posted on June 24, 2015 by Editor
News of the arrest of Thaksin loyalist Kamronwit Thoopkrachang in Japan while carrying a handgun and ammunition once again places the Thaksin loyalist in the news.
Kamronwit was former Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (purged from his post after the 2014 coup) who gained fame by openly acknowledging that he owed his post to personally lobbying Thaksin in Hong Kong.
The arrest has generated waves of rumors about Kamronwit being set up in retaliation for the recent show of defiance by current Chief of Police Somyot Poompanmuang.
Chief of Police Somyot PoompanmuangтАЩs stunning ability to simply reject public calls by the junta to carry out their orders to strip Thaksin of his rank, even after the junta abandoned plans to reorganize the police force, demonstrates the limits of PM PrayuthтАЩs absolute power.
SomyotтАЩs further trumpeting of an old Thaksin favoriteтАУlegalization of gamblingтАУin the face of junta opposition further underlines the continuing ability of the police to resist military influence....... (read more).....
http://2bangkok.com/about-kamronwit-thoopkrachang.html
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Re: Protests update
Graft probe sees 71 senior and local officials shifted
THE NATION June 26, 2015
Article 44 used to move Permanent Secretary of Tourism, Chonsawat Asavahame, and NHSO's Winai
WIELDING THE powerful Article 44 of the interim charter, the government yesterday ordered the transfer and suspension of 71 high-ranking civil servants and members of several local administrative bodies, including the Tourism Ministry permanent secretary to an inactive post and influential Samut Prakan figure Chonsawat Asvahame away from his long-standing stronghold.
Those affected include a number of deputy secretaries-general, public prosecutors and heads of tambon (TAO) and provincial administrative organisations (PAO), mayors, school and hospital directors, and one director-general, said Deputy Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd, reading out the order published yesterday in the Royal Gazette at a press conference..... (read more).....
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nationa ... 63150.html
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Re: Protests update
Anti-coup students 'ready for arrest'
KASAMAKORN CHANWANPEN,
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION June 26, 2015
The NEO Democracy Movement (NDM), a new anti-coup student group made up of Dao Din students and five Bangkok-based students, has said they're ready to be arrested by the authorities and will not seek bail. They say any act taken by the government is illegitimate and should be rejected.
The group marched to Democracy Monument yesterday afternoon to challenge the regime of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who said one day the students will be arrested if they violate the law.
"Let them make the move and the day they break the law will be the day [they get arrested]. Don't try to tempt [me]," said Prayut, who asked others not to cooperate with anti-coup students.
"They should ask themselves if their parents are suffering or not? Having to face legal prosecution and being removed from student status. What will their future be?"
The new 30-strong group is a merger of seven Dao Din students from Khon Kaen University and pro-democracy students from various universities in Bangkok. It includes those arrested on May 22 for marking the first anniversary of the coup..... (read more)....
http://linkis.com/nationmultimedia.com/TltOy
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Re: Protests update
U. S. State Dept. Report for Thailand on Democracy and Human Rights
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYS
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The king serves as head of state and has traditionally exerted strong influence. On May 22, in a bloodless coup, military and police leaders, taking the name of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and led by General Prayut Chan-Ocha, overthrew the interim government led by the Puea Thai political party. Puea Thai, led by Yingluck Shinawatra, had governed since 2011 following National Assembly lower house elections that were generally viewed as free and fair. The military-led NCPO maintained effective control over the security forces.
The coup leaders repealed the constitution (except for provisions related to the monarchy), suspended parliament, continued martial law imposed two days earlier on May 20, and issued numerous decrees severely limiting civil liberties, including restrictions on freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and freedom of the press. The NCPO summoned and detained, without charge, more than 900 political leaders, academics, journalists, and others, holding many for up to seven days. The NCPO promulgated an interim constitution on July 22 and appointed individuals to a National Legislative Assembly on July 31, the members of which unanimously selected coup leader and head of the army, General Prayut, as prime minister on August 21.
In addition to limitations on human rights occasioned by the coup and implemented by the NCPO, the most persistent human rights problems consisted of abuses by government security forces and local defense volunteers in the context of the continuing Malay-Muslim insurgency in the three southernmost provinces, and occasional excessive use of force by security forces, including police killing, torturing, and otherwise abusing criminal suspects, detainees, and prisoners. After the May 22 coup, citizens no longer had the ability to change the government through the right to vote in free and fair elections.
Other human rights problems included arbitrary arrests and detention; poor, overcrowded, and unsanitary prison and detention facilities; insufficient protection for vulnerable populations, including refugees; violence and discrimination against women; sex tourism; sexual exploitation of children; trafficking in persons; discrimination against persons with disabilities, minorities, hill tribe members, and foreign migrant workers; child labor; and some limitations on worker rights.
Authorities occasionally dismissed, arrested, prosecuted, and convicted security force members who committed abuses. Official impunity, however, continued to be a serious problem, especially in provinces where the 2005 Emergency Decree and the 2008 Internal Security Act (ISA) remained in effect. The militaryтАЩs invocation of martial law nationwide on May 20 magnified this problem. Article 48 of the NCPO-imposed interim constitution grants immunity to coup leaders and their subordinates for any pre- or postcoup actions ordered by the NCPO, regardless of the legality of the action.
Insurgents in the southernmost provinces continued to commit human rights abuses, including attacks on civilian targets...... (read more).....
http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/hu ... 80#wrapper
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Re: Protests update
Student Activists Arrested for Anti-Coup March in Bangkok
June 26, 2015
BANGKOK тАФ Police have arrested the fourteen activists who defied the junta's ban on protests and led a pro-democracy demonstration in Bangkok yesterday.
The activists, most of whom are university students in their early 20s, were arrested this evening at Suan Ngern Meema hostel in Bangkok's Charoen Nakhon district, where they had been staying for the past two days.
Police and army officers entered the hostel, which is owned by the prominent historian Sulak Sivaraksa, at around 5:30pm with arrest warrants approved by a martial court. The activists were taken in police vans to Phra Ratchawang Police Station.
According to the arrest warrant, the group, known collectively as the Neo-Democracy Movement, violated the military junta's Order 3/2015, which bans public gatherings "for political purposes" of more than five people.
The activists are also accused of violating Section 116 of the Criminal Codes, which outlaws causing "unrest and disaffection among the people in a manner likely to cause disturbances in the country."
They are now facing trial in martial court, where military officers serve as judges and appeals are not permitted...... (read more)...... .
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.ph ... 1435318843
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Re: Protests update
Revisiting US Policy toward Post-Coup Thailand
Posted on June 26, 2015 By Ernest Z. Bower and Murray Hiebert Headline, Opinion, Thailand
This isnтАЩt going to be easy
At a time when US relations with most countries in Southeast Asia are warming, the United StatesтАЩ ties with its oldest partner in the region are a critical outlier. Thailand-US relations have been in a deep freeze for the past 13 months since Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha ousted an elected civilian government following six months of disruptive political protests and installed a military junta.
Thailand is going through a historic political transition that has existential stakes for Thais. Meanwhile, much of the rest of Southeast Asia is seeing a nuanced shift away from centrally controlled political models as its fast-expanding and relatively young middle class, empowered by strong economic growth and technological innovations, has begun to assert itself and press governments for more transparency, access to decision-making, and stronger institutions....... (read more)......
http://www.asiasentinel.com/opinion/rev ... -thailand/
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Re: Protests update
A preposterous - AND DANGEROUS - notion
June 26, 2015
THE DAMAGE WOULD BE IMMENSE IF AN ARMY LIEUTENANT GENERAL IS ALLOWED TO PUT THAI AND FOREIGN REPORTERS THROUGH "RE-EDUCATION"
A plan by a senior Army general to round up 200 Thai and foreign journalists for a "re-education" session to encourage "more constructive, less offensive" questions strikes us as a crazy idea straight out of the TV cartoon show "Ren and Stimpy". Not exactly children's entertainment, the show features a dumb fat cat and a violently psychotic Chihuahua whose sarcastic catchphrase is "happy, happy, joy, joy".
Lt-General Suchart Pongput, commander of the Army Signals Department, has decided that the reporters ask Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha too many testing questions that undermine the junta's stated ambition of "restoring happiness to the Thai people"...... (read more).....
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion ... 63162.html
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Re: Protests update
France grants refugee status to Thai political exiles
Submitted by editor2 on Sat, 27/06/2015
France granted refugee status to Thai political refugees and lese majeste suspects who fled Thailand after the 2014 coup dтАЩ├йtat.
According to BBC Thai Service, the French government on 12 June granted a refugee status to Saran Chuichai, aka, Aum Neko, a renowned Thai transgender student activist, who fled to France shortly after the coup dтАЩ├йtat on 22 June 2014.
Sarun is also one of at least 31 people accused of defaming the monarchy who fled the country to Europe, North America, New Zealand, and other Southeast Asian nations after the 2014 coup....... (read more).....
http://prachatai.org/english/node/5213
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Re: Protests update
Student Activists Face 7 Years in Prison for Pro-Democracy Demonstration
June 27, 2015
Police guard a martial court in Bangkok where dozens of people gathered to support 14 pro-democracy activists who were denied bail on 26 June 2015.
BANGKOK тАФ Fourteen young pro-democracy activists charged with sedition have been imprisoned while they await trial for their recent demonstration against the military junta in Bangkok.
The thirteen men and one woman are being held at Bangkok Remand Prison and Bangkok Central Women Prison, respectively. Authorities can detain them for up to 12 days, which can be extended seven times, before they are formally tried in court.
The fourteen, eleven of whom are university students, have been charged with violating the juntaтАЩs ban on political gatherings, and inciting "unrest and disaffection among the people in a manner likely to cause disturbances in the country.тАЭ
Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen, the groupтАЩs legal representative, said she believes the charges - which carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison - were filed over the peaceful pro-democracy demonstration the group held at Ratchadamnoen Avenue on 25 June.
They are now facing trial in martial court, where military officers serve as judges and appeals are not permitted..... (read more)....
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.ph ... 6§ion=
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Re: Protests update
Soldiers Order University to Cancel Forum on New Charter, Students Say
June 27, 2015
BANGKOK тАФ Soldiers reportedly ordered a university in Bangkok to cancel a panel discussion on the new constitution, which will be put to national referendum next January.
The forum was organized by a student activist group at Ramkhamhaeng University, and scheduled to take place today at 1 pm.
However, Pongnarin Nonthakam, a representative from the Network of Student Activists for Society, arrived at the venue and announced that the university had asked his group to cancel the forum, citing orders from soldiers.
Pongnarin said his group initially planned to go ahead with the discussion, which was going to include a member of the juntaтАЩs military government as a panelist, but decided to cancel it because of the "pressure" from authorities..... (read more)...
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.ph ... 6§ion=
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Re: Protests update
Thai army chief says the arrest of 14 embattled student activists тАШnecessary
Submitted by editor2 on Sat, 27/06/2015
The Thai army commander says that the arrest of 14 embattled anti-junta student activists was unavoidable to prevent further conflicts and warned that people involved with the student activists will face tough measures.
According to the Thai News Agency, Gen Udomdech Sitabutr, Commander of the Thai Army and Deputy Defence Minister, said on Saturday that the arrest of 14 anti-junta student activists was necessary to prevent further conflicts in the nation.
He warned that security officers now know who is behind the student movements and that people who are involved in supporting the student activists will face harsh measures from the authorities...... (read more)...
http://prachatai.org/english/node/5214
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Re: Protests update
Media cannot be complicit in spin
28 Jun 2015
NEWSPAPER SECTION: NEWS
Junta leader Prayut Chan-o-chaтАЩs relationship with the media, never warm even in his days as army chief, seemed to reach new lows last week. In successive press conferences, which some outlets openly referred to as rants, he showed anger and contempt for the professionals who cover national politics. The relationship is unlikely to improve this week when the military regime calls in 200 journalists in an attempt to teach them how to ask questions in an appropriate manner, as though it is somehow their job to help Gen Prayut control himself.
Exactly what Gen Prayut thinks the mediaтАЩs role should be is a little difficult to ascertain from his statements, but he has been consistently intolerant of criticism.
On Wednesday, he started by saying he was not the mediaтАЩs enemy but bemoaned the fact that тАЬyou still write and attack me every dayтАЭ...... (read more)......
http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opin ... map=%5B%5D
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Re: Protests update
No Redshirt Protests Expected During Prayuth's Visit to Chiang Mai
June 29, 2015
BANGKOK тАФ A Redshirt leader in northern Thailand says there will be no protests during junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ochaтАЩs visit to Chiang Mai - a major stronghold of the largely anti-coup Redshirt movement.
"It is not yet the time for dissent or opposition," said Pichit Tamoon, who leads the RedshirtsтАЩ Chiang Mai chapter. "We are still giving the government a chance to work, solve problems, and fix the economy. But we do ask them to stick to the road map, and organize a democratic election that will return power to the people."
Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, who toppled a Redshirt-backed government thirteen months ago, is scheduled to arrive in Chiang Mai today for a two-day visit. Over 2,000 police officers have been mobilized to maintain security during his trip, according to the commander of the Fifth Region Police..... (read more)......
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.ph ... 6§ion=
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Re: Protests update
Three Arrested in Chiang Mai After Pro-Democracy Rally Outside US Consulate
June 29, 2015
CHIANG MAI тАУ Three people have reportedly been arrested for their suspected connection to a brief pro-democracy demonstration in front of the United States Consulate in northern Thailand today.
Around ten masked activists gathered in front of the US Consulate in Chiang Mai province this afternoon and held signs pledging their support for human rights, democracy, and non-violence...... (read more)....
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.ph ... 6§ion=
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Re: Protests update
Police condemned for hasty, unlawful interrogation, collection of evidence, intimidation of lawyers
Submitted by editor2 on Mon, 29/06/2015
Human rights lawyers condemned the Thai police for hasty arrest of the 14 embattled student activists and the unlawful collection of the activistsтАЩ mobile phones.
Yaowalak Anupan, the head of Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), said at a press conference on Sunday, 28 June, at Thammasat University, that the arrest on Friday was hasty and unprofessional.
The 14 activists, mostly students, were arrested for political gatherings on 22 May, the first anniversary of the 2014 coup dтАЩ├йtat in Bangkok and the northeastern province of Khon Kaen.
After the arrest, the investigative officers attempted to interrogate the activists without their lawyersтАЩ presence. Therefore, activists refused to proceed with the investigation and declared that they would only be represented by lawyers, said Kisadang Nutjarat, a lawyer from the TLHR.
Kisadang pointed out that the activists arrested have the right to their preferred lawyers to prevent the authorities from taking advantage of them..... (read more)...
http://prachatai.org/english/node/5222
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Re: Protests update
280 university lecturers sign statement to demand release of students
The Nation June 30, 2015
Some 280 university lecturers nationwide have signed a statement to call on the government to immediately release 14 student activists arrested for rallying to demand democracy.
Ten academics, who represent the network of the lecturers, turned up in front of the Bangkok Remand Prison at noon to read the first statement of the "Network of Lecturers who have concerns for the detained students".
The statement expressed the lecturers' support for the students and demanded the authorities to release them immediately without any conditions..... (read more)....
1http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/280-university-lecturers-sign-statement-to-demand--30263426.html