TeakDoor.com - The Thailand Forum - Thailand and Asia News http://teakdoor.com en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:42:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://teakdoor.com/images/td_default/misc/rss.jpg TeakDoor.com - The Thailand Forum - Thailand and Asia News http://teakdoor.com Pattaya - Northern Irish Man arrested during drugs bust in Soi Kow Tha Low. http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60473-pattaya-northern-irish-man-arrested-during.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:12:21 GMT
Northern Irish Man arrested during drugs bust in Soi Kow Tha Low.


Pattaya, November 20 [PATTAYA ONE NEWS] : On Friday Morning at Banglamung Police Station, Police Major General Tanaert, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police led a press conference to announce the arrest of 5 people including a man from Northern Ireland, caught ingesting class 1 and class 2 drugs in a house located at Egmongkol Village 2/1 in Soi Kow Tha Low. Police received a tip-off that the drug party was taking place and conducted a raid of the house. 100 Ecstasy Tablets, 107 packets of Crystal Methamphetamine and 5 bottles of Ketamine were seized in the operation. Khun Griengai aged 25, Khun Suwidar aged 36, Khun Apinyar aged 36, Khun Jatupon aged 36 and Mr. Phillip Smackels aged 26 from Northern Ireland were charged with a variety of class 1 and class 2 drug offences and will be held on remand pending a court appearance next week.

]]> Thailand and Asia News dirtydog http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60473-pattaya-northern-irish-man-arrested-during.html Pattaya - THREE OMANI NATIONALS DRUGGED AND ROBBED ON BUS FROM BANGKOK http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60472-pattaya-three-omani-nationals-drugged-robbed.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:07:50 GMT *THREE OMANI NATIONALS DRUGGED AND ROBBED ON BUS FROM BANGKOK* During a minibus ride from Bangkok to Pattaya a group of three Omani nationals...
THREE OMANI NATIONALS DRUGGED AND ROBBED ON BUS FROM BANGKOK

During a minibus ride from Bangkok to Pattaya a group of three Omani nationals have been drugged and subsequently robbed by 2 unknown men from Monaco.

Pattaya, the 20th of November 2009 [PDN]: In the early hours of Friday morning police Lieutenant General Phatsa Detphakkul (inspector with the Pattaya police) received a report that 3 Omani nationals were in need of assistance at the Maine Yensabai condominium complex, South Pattaya. A team of police officers and members from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation attended the scene.

When officers arrived at the scene they found the 3 foreign men asleep in their room. Upon further investigation one of the men, now known to be a Mr Zahran Saud Salim age 28 awoke in a somewhat dazed state. Mr Zahran explained to police that the other two men were his brothers, a Mr Bader Saud Salim age 40, and Mr Hamed Saud Salim age 32. He further informed police that he believed that they had been drugged by 2 men from Monaco with which they shared a minibus from Bangkok the previous night.





After a brief interview with the still dazed man, police were able to assertain that the trio had caught a minibus from the Nana Inn Hotel in Bangkok sharing the fair with a pair of men from Monaco who were unknown to the brothers. During the journey the bus made a stop at a food center on the motorway in order for the men to get something to eat. At this time the 2 men from Monaco allegedly went to purchase some burgers for them all to enjoy, which the Omani brothers assumed was just a kind gesture. After the meal was consumed the trip continued, at which time the 3 brothers fell asleep in the bus, only awakening when the bus stoped out the front of the Marine Yensabai Condo, which they had pre-booked from Bangkok. At the time the 3 men thought that nothing untoward had occurred and put their dazed states down to suffering from a dose of travel sickness.

Mr Zahran explained that when he and his brothers arrived in their room they decided to get some more sleep as they all were still feeling very tired. Mr Zahran was the first to awake at which time he started to unpack his bags, discovering that almost all their money, an amount nearing 63,000 baht and their 3 mobile phones had gone missing. Suspecting the 2 men that had accompanied them on the journey Mr Zahran went to talk with the driver of the minibus who explained that the 2 other men had been dropped off at the Central Pattaya intersection on Sukhumvit Road. The police were then called to the scene to investigate the situation further.





Police asked the officers from the Sawang Boriboon foundation that were at the scene to take the three men to the Banglamung Hospital were they could undergo a blood test and recover from their ordeal. Mr Zahran’s 2 brothers had still not awoken yet, which was also a cause for concern. It was later discovered that the 3 brothers had been drugged with sleeping pills possibly inserted into the burgers that they had consumed the night before.

Police will now wait for the three men to fully recover before further questioning them. They will also be asked to describe the appearance of the 2 men from Monaco so that police may get a sketch drawn up of their faces. In light of this recent criminal activity police are urging all tourists to be careful who they befriend and to watch over their possessions with extreme vigilance. Officers believe that this was not the first time that these men had performed such a trick and that they will most probably do it again.

Pattaya Daily News

]]> Thailand and Asia News dirtydog http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60472-pattaya-three-omani-nationals-drugged-robbed.html Phuket murder suspect collared in coffin shop http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60471-phuket-murder-suspect-collared-coffin-shop.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:04:38 GMT *Phuket murder suspect collared in coffin shop* ...
Phuket murder suspect collared in coffin shop

Mr Kiattisak arrives at Chalong Police Station last night after his capture in Chumphon earlier that day.
The suspect poses in a group photo with arresting officers, together with a small arsenal of weapons seized as evidence in the case.
CHALONG, PHUKET: Police yesterday morning arrested two suspects for the November 4 shooting murder of 38-year-old Weerathep Kamchan inside a flower shop on Chao Fa East Road.

Police initially suspected romantic jealousy as the motive for the murder, as the victim was known to be having a relationship with 36-year-old Boonruen Buasi, a married woman.

Mrs Boonruen, who was with the victim at the time of the shooting, immediately reported his murder to police.

Chalong Police Inspector Jarun Bangprasert said Boonruen’s husband, 36-year-old Kiattisak Buasi, was picked up at the ‘Mai Coffin Shop’ in Chumphon’s Muang District at around 7:30am yesterday.

About half an hour earlier, police had arrested his alleged accomplice, 27-year-old Weerawat Sonsuwan.

Mr Weerawat was apprehended as he was arriving to work at the nearby Chumphon Hospital.

Inside Mr Weerawat’s red Isuzu pickup police found four shotguns of various calibers, ammunition and five cellphones, Maj Jarun said.

The nature of his work at the hospital has not been reported.

Both men have already confessed to charges of conspiracy to commit murder.

Mr Weerawat has also been charged with two arms violations.

Police have not yet determined which man actually pulled the trigger.

The key piece of evidence leading to the arrest was CCTV surveillance footage of the two men passing though the Tah Chat Chai checkpoint about an hour after the shooting, Maj Jarun said.

Phuket Gazette

]]> Thailand and Asia News dirtydog http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60471-phuket-murder-suspect-collared-coffin-shop.html Thai PM: Thai-Cambodian relationship now stable http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60458-thai-pm-thai-cambodian-relationship-now.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:29:22 GMT *Thai PM: Thai-Cambodian relationship now stable ...]]> Thai PM: Thai-Cambodian relationship now stable
Editor: Xiong Tong

BANGKOK, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Thai-Cambodian relationship is currently stable and is not expected to deteriorate, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Friday.

Thailand and Cambodia have downgraded their diplomatic relations due to conflict over an appointment of Thaksin Shinawatra as an economic advisor to Cambodia's government and Prime Minister Hun Sen on Nov.4.

A day after the appointment of the ousted former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the Cambodian government announced recall of its ambassador to Thailand in a move to respond to the Thai government's recall of its ambassador to Cambodia.

"The Thai-Cambodian relationship is now stable," Thai News Agency quoted Abhisit as saying.

Also, both sides are ready to discuss as there will be a meeting of the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), said Abhisit.

The JBC meeting will be co-chaired by Thai Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Banh, he said.

Thaksin was ousted by the military coup in September 2006, in accusation of corruption, and has been kept in exile since then.

He returned to Thailand in February 2008 to face corruption charges, but he later fled into exile again and was convicted in absentia.

news.xinhuanet.com ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60458-thai-pm-thai-cambodian-relationship-now.html Penis Measuring Device To Fight HIV/AIDS In Thailand http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60457-penis-measuring-device-fight-hiv-aids.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:25:46 GMT *Penis Measuring Device To Fight HIV/AIDS In...]]> Penis Measuring Device To Fight HIV/AIDS In Thailand
November 20, 2009
D. Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Thai health authorities are introducing an official penis measuring device with the aim of advising condom users which size to wear for comfort and protection against sexual diseases.

The Nation daily, quoting Dr Somyos Kittimankhong of the Department of Disease Control's (DDC) anti-Aids division, said the disposable paper measuring tape would be launched under the the Public Health Ministry's "Condom for All" campaign.

"Men's instinctive concern over their penis size will soon be discussed more openly - or even boasted about - with the news that an official penis measuring device is being introduced to Thailand," the daily said.

According to Dr Somyos, the tape records widths of between 49 and 56 millimetres - covering the "Thai penis size standard", The campaign was launched following the rise in the number of gay men and sex workers contracting HIV.

The Government has alloacted 20 million baht (RM2 million) for a nationwide campaign to give away free condoms to gay men, and males and females aged 15 to 25, with a special focus on ensuring that people wear the right size protection.

"Larger size condoms can slip off or deaden the pleasure during sex, while smaller ones will cause discomfort to wearers. These factors dissuade people from using condoms - which encourages the spread of HIV/Aids," said Somyos.

He said making good fitting condoms available would be useful in dealing with the re-emerging HIV/Aids problem as well as promoting widespread practice of safe sex in the country.

The department's statistics showed that HIV infection rates among gay men who went for HIV/AIDS testing was 17 per cent in 2003, 28 per cent in 2005 and 32 percent in 2007, a rise that has prompted warnings of a second wave of HIV/Aids infection.

According to reports, one in four new HIV infections occur among men who have sex with men while new cases among married women in the country have increased by 30 percent to 40 percent.

The campaign, where more than 7,000 local authorities would be asked to participate in promoting the practice of safe sex and in distributing the free condoms, is aimed at cutting infection rates in half by 2011.

bernama.com ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60457-penis-measuring-device-fight-hiv-aids.html Burmese migrants to remit half of salaries http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60453-burmese-migrants-to-remit-half-salaries.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:45:28 GMT *Burmese migrants to remit half of salaries * Reporting by Aye Nai Nov 20,...]]> Burmese migrants to remit half of salaries
Reporting by Aye Nai

Nov 20, 2009 (DVB)–Burmese nationals working abroad have been instructed by the ruling junta to send up to 50 percent of their salary home in remittances, via a state-owned bank.

According to the new regulation, enforced by Burma’s labour ministry, those who earn less than $US200 per month working abroad are to send 30 percent of their salary back to Burma, while those earning above $US400 are to send 50 percent back.

The latest data available from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows that remittances to Burma in 2004 totaled $US81.3 million.

The announcement, made last week in several Burmese journals, said that the regulation will be enforced by government employees working abroad under departments such as the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation.

On top of this, all Burmese nationals working overseas are to pay 10 percent of their salary as tax to the Burmese embassy in their respective countries of employment.

The announcement follows the recent granting of temporary passports to Burmese working in Thailand, although it is not clear whether these will also be scrutinised under the new regulation.

A Burmese national working in Singapore said however that it would be impossible for migrant workers to follow the rule. “Some people have their whole family here; they have kids to send to school here and families to look after.

How would they be able to pay half of their salary?”

Another Singapore-based Burmese national said that the regulation could force people into adopting a new citizenship to avoid paying the fee, which “could lead educated citizens of Burma to become citizens of other countries”.

Critics of the idea claim that the regulation will bring more stable foreign currency to the state-owned bank, while those who receive the remittance will be given the unstable Burmese currency, which has recently appreciated.

Although the government puts the official exchange rate at six kyat to the United States’ dollar, the unofficial blackmarket rate is closer to 1000 kyat per US dollar.

The government has been accused in the past of using the irregularity between the official and unofficial exchange rate to hide income, particularly from sales of oil and gas.

Outrage at the apparent siphoning off by the government of aid funding to Burma following cyclone Nargis last year exposed levels of state corruption in the country, which were reinforced earlier this week by a Transparency International report which ranked Burma as the third most corrupt country in the world.

english.dvb.no ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60453-burmese-migrants-to-remit-half-salaries.html Thai factory worker kills Cambodian colleague with an axe http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60452-thai-factory-worker-kills-cambodian-colleague.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:38:34 GMT Thai factory worker kills Cambodian colleague with an axe
Nov 20, 2009

Bangkok - A Thai labourer allegedly killed a Cambodian co-worker with an axe early Friday after a heated and inebriated argument over the two countries' deteriorating diplomatic relations, police said.

Thai national Sinchai Namnon, 44, was the chief suspect in the slaying of Cambodian national Dieng, 40, who died shortly after midnight from a gash in the head and a nearly severed arm. Both injuries were inflicted with an axe.

The two men were employees at the Srimaharacha rubber processing company in Sri Racha, Chonburi province, 60 kilometres south-east of Bangkok.

'They were drinking together and got in an argument about the Thai engineer who was arrested on spying charges in Cambodia last week,' Police Lieutenant Colonel Praphan Wangkanom said.

Sinchai had fled the scene by the time police arrived.

'We are still investigating whether there were others involved in the attack,' Praphan told the German Press Agency dpa.

Thai engineer Sivarak Chutipong, an employee of the Cambodian Air Traffic Service (CATS), was arrested in in Phnom Penh on November 11.

The Cambodian government has accused Sivarak of passing on confidential information to the Thai embassy about the arrival of fugitive former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on November 10.

Sivarak's arrest was part of an escalating spat between the two neighbouring countries, triggered by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's decision to name Thaksin his personal adviser.

Thaksin, who was toppled in a 2006 coup, faces a two-year jail term in Thailand on an abuse-of-power charge and is the main political antagonist of the current Thai government.

Thailand recalled its ambassador from Phnom Penh following the official announcement of Thaksin's appointment and called for a review of all aid and economic agreements with Cambodia.

Cambodia also recalled its ambassador and expelled Thailand's second secretary on charges of recruiting Sivarak.

The spat is likely to harm both countries' economies.

Cambodia is a major market for Thai exports, while Thailand is a major source of employment for Cambodian labourers.

According to a report released Friday by the International Organization for Migration, some 148,420 Cambodians had obtained permission for 'temporary stay' in Thailand as labourers as of early September.

Another 6,130 Cambodians have been granted work permits, allowing them to work in the country year round.

Cambodians account for about 10 per cent of the one million-plus migrants working legally in Thailand. Thousands more work illegally in the kingdom.

monstersandcritics.com
]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60452-thai-factory-worker-kills-cambodian-colleague.html <![CDATA[Govt safe as Suthep charms 'Tiger Warriors of the East']]> http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60451-govt-safe-suthep-charms-tiger-warriors.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:25:30 GMT FROM THE BARRACKS

Govt safe as Suthep charms 'Tiger Warriors of the East'
  • Published: 19/11/2009 at 12:00 AM
  • Newspaper section: News

Deputy PM in charge of security, Suthep Thaugsuban, is flanked at a press conference by deputy army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha (left) and army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda.

The country's most powerful security figures dine together and look out for each other. Their story of an extraordinary friendship is full of intrigue, betrayal, plots and counter-plots to fend off an enemy far away.

As the top security supervisor, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban is naturally drawn into the circle of Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda and deputy army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

But the closeness of their relationship is far from coincidental. Gen Prawit is the "big brother" to Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth who all fought side by side during their younger years in the 2nd Infantry Division in Sa Kaeo on the Thai-Cambodian border.

In those days, the three men were among the "Tiger Warriors of the East," the code-name assigned to them by the division.

They rose through their ranks in the division which also oversees the Queen's Guard unit. The three generals' fraternal bonds grew stronger during the time when they served in the 21st Infantry Regiment, Queen's Guard in Chon Buri. Their steadfast loyalty to the monarchy has been the reason they came to be known as 'The Queen's Musketeers."

Now that the three men have been elevated to the highest positions at the control of the national security wheel at the same time, many have called this the "golden era" of the "Tiger Warriors of the East."

The opportunity has arrived for Mr Suthep to manufacture amicability and forge ties with the generals as he seeks a solid military cushion for the government.

Mr Suthep has calculated that he should have no problem blending in with the generals because he and they are up against a common enemy: convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thaksin, who is refusing to serve a two-year jail term in the Ratchadapisek land case, is alleged to be the money and the brains behind the drive for the government's downfall.

Mr Suthep's friendship does not stop with Gen Prawit, it goes beyond mere acquaintance with both Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth.

The deputy prime minister wants to ensure his hand of friendship extends to Gen Prayuth, who is touted as the army chief-in-waiting. Gen Prayuth is also a staunch royalist who is said to be rather put off by the sight of red, the theme colour of the pro-Thaksin movement.

Mr Suthep and the three generals have more than a common enemy. In fact, they were brought together by a common goal of forming the current government in December last year when the "Friends of Newin" politicians broke ranks with the now-defunct People Power Party and switched sides to align themselves with the Democrat Party.



Mr Suthep discusses a point with Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon

The government is built on the support of the Friends of Newin, mentored by the politically-banned politician Newin Chidchob, and smaller parties.

The tie-up was discussed under the roof of Gen Prawit's residence inside the compound of the 1st Infantry Regiment, Royal Guard, on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.

That occasion gave Mr Suthep a lot to smile about and so it was high time that he began cultivating an alliance with the three generals.

In the midst of intense speculation about the cabinet portfolios, Mr Suthep arrived at Gen Prawit's residence with a large bouquet of roses, to formally invite the general to be the defence minister.

Back at Government House, there was much scepticism about Mr Suthep's suitability to take charge of national security, given his lack of experience in security management.

It was explained that Mr Suthep was suitable for the job of liaising and providing a dialogue with the military leaders.

Mr Suthep has obviously set his sights higher than mere liaising, however. He appears to be happily playing buddy with the generals, as he always makes time, despite his tight schedule, to have lunch with Gen Anupong at the army headquarters at least once or twice a week. Gen Prayuth is always at the table where Mr Suthep solicits the generals' opinions on important affairs of state.

Mr Suthep has been a regular visitor to army headquarters. If he is not available for lunch, then he meets the generals over afternoon coffee.

The deputy prime minister is also a regular guest at Gen Prawit's residence where he, Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth meet for lunch or dinner every week. Often when Gen Prawit slips into his study, Mr Suthep follows him and they wind down with light-hearted banter.

Backing from the military top brass has been crucial for the government, especially during the current diplomatic spat with Cambodia. Mr Suthep has reportedly been in talks more regularly with the generals, with whom he has closely confided and discussed counter-strategies.

Mr Suthep is rarely far from Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth, who frequently accompany the deputy prime minister on visits to the far South. Gen Prawit also goes on the trips as well, though less frequently than the army chief and his deputy.

It has been observed in jest that Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth are so often seen standing behind Mr Suthep that they have turned into "wall paper" providing a human backdrop for the deputy prime minister.

His close association with the generals has led to Mr Suthep being described as a mouthpiece of the armed forces. He has indeed spoken with rather realistic understanding of the military's needs.

The ties between Gen Prawit and the government, through Mr Suthep, were put to the test when the defence minister was accused of "having something to do" with the shooting of People's Alliance for Democracy co-leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

Relations were further strained after the National Anti-Corruption Commission found Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwon, Gen Prawit's brother, guilty of involvement in the crackdown on PAD demonstrators on Oct 7 last year.

Pol Gen Patcharawat was dismissed retroactively for his role in the crackdown which had left two dead and hundreds of others wounded.

Reports also emerged of the government-leaning PAD pushing for Gen Prawit to be replaced by the hawkish former assistant army chief Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr.

Mr Suthep rushed to clear the air with Gen Prawit and requested that he be patient for the sake of the country. His words were able to soothe Gen Prawit's displeasure with the government.

Mr Suthep has helped narrow the perceived distance between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the armed forces. He was reported to have negotiated with Mr Abhisit on the force's behalf over the military procurement budget.

Insiders agree Mr Suthep is the glue that binds the government and the armed forces together.

The alliance functions on the basis of reciprocity and so is likely to carry on at least for as long as the government remains in power.

A change of government, possibly seeing Puea Thai Party swinging back into power, would bode ill for the chances of Gen Prayuth succeeding Gen Anupong.

A source close to Gen Prawit said the defence minister continues to overlook any problems and sticks by the government. He continues to support the government so that at least it lasts until the military reshuffle in September next year, which would guarantee that Gen Prayuth takes over the army's top position from Gen Anupong.

Mr Suthep, who chairs the Police Commission, has finalised the shake-up of senior police posts including the appointment of Pol Lt Gen Santan Chayanont as the new Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner.

The appointment is said to have been made at the request of Gen Prayuth, who was Pol Lt Gen Santan's classmate in the armed forces academy. With Pol Lt Gen Santan heading the bureau, the city police and the military are in for smoother coordination in handling anti-government protests in Bangkok.

Mr Suthep, meanwhile, has maintained that the police reshuffle has been "free of connections".

Over in the army, a young cavalry lieutenant-colonel sharing the prime minister's surname is reported to have enjoyed a leap in his promotion to commander of a battalion based in Saraburi. Mr Abhisit's nephew, the lieutenant-colonel is facing resistance from those in the force who feel the principle of seniority has fallen by the wayside.

Gen Anupong and Gen Prayuth are the final authorities, and perhaps the only voices that matter, in the army reshuffle
So for now, it looks as though the generals and Mr Suthep are very much on the same page.

Wassana Nanuam reports on military affairs for the Bangkok Post.




I am sure all this ensures dominance of royalists and the military until the big day ]]> Thailand and Asia News gjbkk http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60451-govt-safe-suthep-charms-tiger-warriors.html Thailand May Invoke Internal Security Law: Deputy PM http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60449-thailand-may-invoke-internal-security-law.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:16:40 GMT *Thailand May Invoke Internal Security Law: Deputy...]]> Thailand May Invoke Internal Security Law: Deputy PM
November 20, 2009 14:47 PM

BANGKOK, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Friday said the government may invoke the Internal Security Act in response to the announced rally of the anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) at the end of this month, Thailand News Agency (TNA) reported.

Prospective marchers have pledged to bring down the government.

The government will assess the situation with prudence, Suthep said, and will consider which locations need to use the security act to avoid causing any disturbance to the public.

The plan to apply the security act will be proposed to the Cabinet next week, said the deputy prime minister.

The UDD announced their planned movements Thursday, saying they would continue rallying to oust the Abhisit Vejjajiva government until it leaves office, beginning November 28, but will recess for several days from December 2, during the king's birthday observances.

UDD leader Nattawut Saikua said the rally will begin at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road and that the participants will then march to Suan Misakawan intersection.

The protest will continue through December 2, with the organisers promising that more than one million Red Shirt activists will call for the end of the Democrat-led coalition government.

bernama.com ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60449-thailand-may-invoke-internal-security-law.html Coco Islands to Open for Tourism http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60448-coco-islands-to-open-for-tourism.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:13:31 GMT *Coco Islands to Open for Tourism * WAI MOE Thursday,...]]> Coco Islands to Open for Tourism
WAI MOE
Thursday, November 19, 2009

Sitting 300 kilometers off the Burmese mainland in the Indian Ocean, the Coco Islands were once known as “Burma’s Devils Island,” infamous as a detention center for political prisoners.

After the penal colony was closed in 1971, the tiny islands—which form the northern link in the Andaman Islands chain—were handed over to the Burmese navy. In the 1990s, China reportedly established a signals intelligence base on Great Coco Island, though it was never confirmed.

And now, Burma’s tourism authorities intend to open the islands up to foreign and domestic tour groups with the first ferry of tourists due to sail on Friday.

“Four hundred tourists will sleep on the boat for two nights and will spend two days on the island,” said an official from the Rangoon Division Peace and Development Council.

A return ticket price for the first tour has been quoted at 25,000 kyat (US $25) although the price is expected to be much higher for foreign tourists. Travel agencies in Rangoon expect the tours to be popular though little is known about any facilities on the islands.

A travel agent in Rangoon, who asked to remain anonymous because of security concerns, said that the 400 tourists will sleep in wooden bungalows on Great Coco Island.

The three small islands that make up the chain are home to a small fishing community, coconut farmers and a handful of marine biologists who monitor the conservation of green turtles.

Apart from that, tourists will find little more than palm trees, white sandy beaches and pristine waters.

The Coco Islands were under Indian control until 1882 when they were passed into the administration of British Burma. The British planned to build a prison on the islands, but they did not pursue the plan.

However, under late dictator Gen Ne Win’s interim government, a penal colony was founded on Great Coco Island in January 1959. Political dissidents accused of threatening security and disrupting the social stability of Burma were sent to the penal colony.

“After Ne Win’s coup d’état in 1962, and the installation of a military government, the prison gained the reputation of being a Burmese ‘Devil’s Island,’” wrote Burma researcher Andrew Selth.

The number of political prisoners sent to the prison camp on Great Coco Island increased in 1969. They had to harvest coconuts, work on “development projects” and grow their own food.

Many of the dissidents were members and sympathizers of the Communist Party of Burma. Of the thousands of prisoners sent to the island, only three prisoners—Mann Aung Kyi, Mann Nyein Maung and Aung Ngwe—are known to have escaped when they floated across the Indian Ocean clutching driftwood. However, they were rearrested when they reached the Burmese mainland.

Due to worsening food and living conditions, political prisoners on the island conducted three known hunger strikes. The first hunger strike was in 1969 and ended after seven days when the authorities gave in to their demands.

In the following two years, a 40-day long strike and a 53-day long strike occurred. After eight hunger strikers had died during the second protest, the prison authorities gave in and closed the penal colony on Great Coco Island in December 1971. All the prisoners were transferred to Insein Prison in Rangoon.

Panmawaddy Naval Base took over from the disused prison and remains there to this day.

A strategic point in the Indian Ocean, the Coco Islands attracted attention in 1992 when analysts and journalists reported China’s involvement in setting up a radar station, apparently to monitor Indian activity. However, other Burma watchers, such as Selth, say the reports are untrue.

Some analysts said that the base on Great Coco Island was a part of China’s “String of Pearls” strategy, aimed at building naval bases from the South China Sea to the Middle East to guard China’s energy supplies.

Even though evidence has surfaced regarding China’s assistance in upgrading the Burmese naval base on the islands, there is still a lack of solid evidence about China’s military involvement.

Analysts point to the Coco Islands strategic location and China’s new billion-dollar pipeline project from Burma’s Arakan State to its southwestern province of Yunnan, which will ultimately carry more than 80 percent of China’s imported oil and gas.

China’s oil and gas will pass through the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean and analysts say that local naval bases would be a valuable asset.

irrawaddy.org ]]> Thailand and Asia News Mid http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60448-coco-islands-to-open-for-tourism.html Chinese eat cooked fish while its still alive http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60433-chinese-eat-cooked-fish-while-its.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:54:23 GMT As most of you guys are in Thailand, and the chances of you getting access to the sun newspaper which might be slightly banned, the chances you may... As most of you guys are in Thailand, and the chances of you getting access to the sun newspaper which might be slightly banned, the chances you may not of heard about this which was in the paper a few days ago.

its on youtube now, several people have made numberous videos of the same fish, so lots to choose from. anyhow, lots of rascist remarks about the chinese and their eating habbits [strange when you look at it cos lots of people enjoy a 5 min 'nuked' chinese meal on a friday night]

so, would you, thats the question. would you eat it and maybe ask your thai girlfriends if they think its rather cruel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BYPuLnAscA ]]> Thailand and Asia News WujouMao http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60433-chinese-eat-cooked-fish-while-its.html Foreign diver found dead in Patong http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60429-foreign-diver-found-dead-in-patong.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:27:54 GMT Phuket: Foreign diver found dead in Patong ...]]> Phuket: Foreign diver found dead in Patong

Foreign diver found dead in Patong

Kathu Police Superintendent Grissak Songmoonnark. File Photo.
PATONG, PHUKET: Kathu Police are still trying to determine the identity of a foreign woman found dead in Patong Bay on Tuesday afternoon.

The body, presumed to be that of a middle-aged Caucasian woman, was pulled from the water at about 5pm by Kusoldharm Foundation workers.

The bloated corpse was discovered floating at 4:30pm about four meters offshore from Paradise Beach, near the Merlin Beach Resort.

Kusoldharm volunteer Waranyu Chaipratheep told the Gazette the deceased was wearing a black wetsuit with a blue stripe, a weight belt and swim fins. No oxygen tank was recovered, however.

Kathu Police Superintendent Grissak Songmoonnark said the woman probably died about two days earlier at a nearby coral reef.

Police have already contacted Marine Police and other agencies, but as of this afternoon had yet to determine the woman’s identity.

Her remains are being kept at Patong Hospital pending identification.

Anyone with information that could help identify the woman should contact Patong Hospital (076-342633-4) or Kathu Police (076-342719-20). ]]> Thailand and Asia News chitown http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60429-foreign-diver-found-dead-in-patong.html Bribery and the Dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60423-bribery-and-dissolution-thai-rak-thai.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:55:14 GMT U-turn by key witnesses in TRT trial


Published: 17/11/2009 at 12:00 AM


Two key witnesses in a 2006 trial of the Thai Rak Thai Party have said they were bribed to press false charges against former TRT executive Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhya, resulting in the dissolution of the party.

Suksant Chaiyathep and Chavakarn Tosawat, of the dissolved and little-known Pattana Chart Thai Party, told a press conference yesterday they were paid by Deputy Prime Minister and Democrat secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban to frame Gen Thammarak.

"We were paid 1 million baht each to set up Gen Thammarak and give [false] statements to the Election Commission.

"Mr Suthep promised to pay us 15 million baht each, help clear the charges [against us], field us in the elections and give us political positions if the Democrat Party won," said Mr Suksant.

Mr Suksant said he decided to expose the plot three years later because Mr Suthep did not keep his word, especially when he was about to be prosecuted on charges of electoral fraud.

Mr Suksant and Mr Chavakarn alleged at the time that Gen Thammarak paid them to have election officials tamper with the poll commission's database to enable candidates of the smaller party to "compete" with TRT candidates in the April 2, 2006 election.

The allegations were deemed strong following the release of still photos which were captured by surveillance cameras in front of Gen Thammarak's office at the Defence Ministry. Gen Thammarak walked past a group of visitors from Pattana Chart Thai.

Mr Suksant said he felt sorry for the TRT, its executives and ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who were banned from politics for five years.

He added that he had evidence about the alleged pay-off.

"I have financial records about the money transfers. I will disclose them later and I can assure you they are linked to the Democrat Party," he said.

Mr Chavakarn said yesterday that he was asked to do it for the country and he faced charges for that.

The press conference was organised at a Bangkok hotel by Puea Thai members led by Gen Panlop Pinmanee.

A source in Puea Thai said yesterday the party consulted Thaksin about the press conference and he gave it the go-ahead.

Meanwhile, Democrat MP Chinnaworn Boonyakiat yesterday cast doubt on the timing of the allegation.

He said it was likely a part of the ousted prime minister's ploy to undermine the government which was now pitted against Phnom Penh over Thaksin's extradition. ]]> Thailand and Asia News mobs00 http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60423-bribery-and-dissolution-thai-rak-thai.html Jatuporn claims Kasit gave orders to spy http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60422-jatuporn-claims-kasit-gave-orders-spy.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:44:12 GMT Published: 18/11/2009 at 05:20 PM* ...]]> Published: 18/11/2009 at 05:20 PM


Cambodia has a taped conversation of Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya ordering the first secretary of the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh to get former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's flight plan for the Thai government, Puea Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan said on Wednesday.

Mr Jatuporn said Cambodian authorities also had a tape of a conversation about the flight plan between the first secretary, Kamrob Palawatwichai, and Siwarak Chutiphong, the Thai engineer employed by Cambodia Air Traffic Services accused of spying for Thailand.

Mr Siwarak was arrested on Wednesday and accused of stealing Thaksin's flight plan. Mr Kamrob was expelled the following day.

Mr Jatuporn said if the tapes were made available to other countries they would lose trust in Thailand, because this amounted to Thailand interfering in Cambodia's internal affairs.

He called on Mr Kasit to clarify the matter.

The Puea Thai MP also said Thaksin had asked the Cambodian authorities to ensure fair treatment for Siwarak in court.

If the Cambodian court gave Mr Siwarak only a suspended sentence, Puea Thai chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh would go to Phnom Penh to bring him back from Cambodia, Mr Jatuporn said.

Earlier in the day, Thaksin posted a message on Twitter saying that he had talked to Cambodian authorities about Mr Siwarak and the Cambodian government has promised him a fair trial.

"I've been in touch with them. They said they would investigate first and will treat him fairly," he said in his Thai-language posting.

Noppadon Pattama, Thaksin's legal adviser, said his boss would try his best to ensure Mr Siwarak gets humanitarian support.

Mr Noppadon said Thaksin had talked to Cambodian senior officials and asked them to ensure fair treatment for Mr Siwarak.

He believed Mr Siwarak's case would go court soon.

He said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva should stop accusing Thaksin of being the cause of Mr Siwarak's arrest. The problem was the inefficiency of the government's administration, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said it would be good if Thaksin could use his personal friendship with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to get Mr Siwarak's release.

"The government has been trying every means to get [Mr Siwarak] free and would not lose face if the Cambodian government releases him because of Thaksin’s influence,” Mr Suthep said.

Citing a Cambodian radio station, a local Thai daily reported this morning that Cambodia had agreed to release the alleged Thai spy and had asked Puea Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to fly to Cambodia to bring the man back.
However, Lt-Gen Chawengsak Thongsaluay, a close aide of the party chairman, said Gen Chavalit had not yet made a decision to fly to Cambodia as he needed time to verify the report.

Chavanont Intharakomalsut, secretary-general to the minister of foreign affairs, said Cambodia had pressed a charge of spying, accusing the Cambodia Air Traffic Services engineer of obtaining secret official information and being a threat to its security.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied the charge, insisting that the engineer has nothing to do with spying and that his action does not pose a threat to Cambodia’s security,” Mr Chavanont said.

Mr Suthep said the charge against Mr Siwarak was unjust because Thaksin's flight plans were not a state secret. ]]> Thailand and Asia News mobs00 http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60422-jatuporn-claims-kasit-gave-orders-spy.html Pattaya: Drunk Australian woman threatens to jump off balcony http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60416-pattaya-drunk-australian-woman-threatens-jump.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:41:20 GMT
DRUNK AUSTRALIAN WOMAN THREATENS TO JUMP OFF BALCONY : Pattaya Daily News

An extremely intoxicated Australian woman threatened to jump off the balcony of her Pattaya hotel room after having had an argument with her British boyfriend.
Pattaya, the 19th of November 2009 [PDN]: In the early hours of Thursday morning, police Lieutenant General Wirawut Meelai (Pattaya police investigator), received a call from staff at the P.J. Inn on the corner of Soi 7 and Second Road, that a crazed foreign couple were having a dispute. It was explained to police that the woman involved was threatening to jump off of the balcony of their 2nd floor room. Police went to the scene to investigate, along with a doctor from the Pattaya Memorial Hospital and the Sawang Boriboon Foundation.

When they arrived at the scene they were confronted by an extremely intoxicated Miss Alisna Jennings age 29, from Australia, who was standing on the balcony edge threatening to jump. Mr Timothy Ross age 23, from the UK was also present at the time trying to hold Miss Jennings away from the edge.


The situation continued for 30 minutes before Miss Jennings agreed to get down and come inside the room. Miss Jennings was advised by the doctor to go to the Pattaya Memorial Hospital, but she refused, even proceeding to fight with police at the scene. The police officers decided to arrest Miss Jennings, forcing her to go to the hospital where she was treated and allowed to sleep.


After a brief investigation it was discovered that the couple had gone out to several bars in the Pattaya area and had become extremely intoxicated. An argument started once the pair were back at their hotel room, however neither can remember the cause of the dispute. Miss Jennings then allegedly took some anti-anxiety medication before she proceeded to threaten to commit suicide. ]]> Thailand and Asia News Fuzzy Bob http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/60416-pattaya-drunk-australian-woman-threatens-jump.html