Week in review July 26 - 30, 2010

[modsquad]

As Bangkokians awakened to the harsh reality that the capital is still vulnerable to bombings by ill-intentioned elements, tension suddenly flared up on the Thai-Cambodian border near Preah Vihear temple as Thailand and Cambodia rushed in more troops in a renewed face-off.

Media focus this week suddenly shifted from local politics to international politics in the Brazilian capital of Brasilia where the World Heritage Committee of Unesco was due to vote on Cambodia’s plan to unilaterally manage the ancient Preah Vihear temple and its surrounding area, a plan which may overlap on territory claimed by Thailand.

Thousands of people led by Chamlong Srimuang, a leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy, staged a rally in front of the Unesco regional office in Bangkok on Tuesday to protest against the Cambodian plan. On the same day, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced that Thailand would protest against the plan at the World Heritage Committee meeting with a stern warning that his government might withdraw Thailand’s membership of the committee if the Cambodian plan was endorsed.

Thailand has made clear its position – that is the overlapping area around the temple, about 4.6 square kilometres, must first be demarcated.

While the WHC meeting was in progress in Brazil, Thailand and Cambodia sent more troops and big guns to the areas bordering the cliff-top ruined Hindu temple, which has been designated a World Heritage site. The face-off between the two armies has suddenly driven up tension along the border although no clashes have so far been reported.

Latest report from Thai delegation in Brasilia said that the World Heritage Committee had decided to postpone a decision on Cambodia’s plan until the next committee meeting, in Bahrain in 2011.

The committee’s indecision on the contentious issue represents a big relief especially for the Abhisit government which has been heavily criticised by the media as being ignorant of the issues at stake and also for being ill-prepared to fight the case at the WHC meeting.

On the domestic front, a fatal bomb blast on Sunday night in front of Big C department store in Ratchaprasong shopping district has sent a grim message to Bangkokians in general and security officials in particular that Bangkok is still vulnerable. One man was killed and eight others were injured in the explosion from an M67 hand grenade placed near a bus stop. The incident was believed to be politically motivated although police have yet to blame any political group.

Not so red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, an accused terrorist, who unhesitantly pointed his finger at the government, saying that the incident would give the government a pretext to extend emergency rule in the capital. His suggestion was quickly denied by the government.

A second bomb went off early Friday morning near ////// Power duty-free complex in Soi Rang Nam, injuring a junk collector.

The two bombings are likely to squash any hope of the lifting of emergency rule in Bangkok in the foreseeable future by the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation, which was recently authorised by the prime minister to decide when and where emergency is to be extended or lifted. Besides Bangkok, the decree remains in force in nine other provinces.

he Department of Special Investigation was due on Friday hand its case file the public prosecution outlining criminal and terrorism charges against 24 suspects, who include red shirt leaders and guards as well as those suspected of plotting to blow up the Bhumjaithai Party.

Among the 24 suspects are Jatuporn Prompan, Natthawut Saikua, Kwanchai Sarakham, Veera Musikhapong, Weng Tojirakarn, Korkaew Pikulthong, Nisit Sinthuprai, Karun Hosakul and Wichien Khaokham.

Meanwhile DSI chief Tharit Pengdit announced that the recovered stolen jewellery which was reported to have vanished from the department’s storeroom had not disappeared at all and is still safe with the department. He also said that the jewellery in question was worth much less than the five million baht the owner earlier claimed.

Monday July 26 marked the 61st birthday of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. A ceremony was held by his family members and supporters at Wat Rong Tham Samakkhee in his hometown, Chiang Mai.

In a message posted on Twitter, Thaksin said he was old now and wanted to see good things happen in the country. He also pledged cooperation with all sides to bring about peace and warned against the use of force.

In the meantime, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Department for Holders of Political Positions issued a warrant for Thaksin’s arrest for his failure to declare his assets correctly. The charge was lodged against him by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

The former prime minister is living in exile abroad to avoid a two-year jail term imposed by the Supreme Court on abuse of power in connection with the Ratchadapisek land deal involving his then wife.

Metropolitan police have decided to drop the lese majeste charge lodged against popular actor Pongpat Watchirabanchong by a country music singer for a speech he made at an awards presentation ceremony in mid-May. Police said the actor had not done anything wrong.

Pol Lt-Gen Amnuay Limmano said that he had consulted legal experts about the case and they agreed that the actor had not broken any law for his use of the word “father” in referring to the //////.

However, it was reported that a university lecturer was planning to sue the country music singer for making a false charge against Pongpat.

On Thursday, medical personnel staged a nationwide protest against draft legislation to protect patients from malpractice by doctors. The protesters claimed that the bill would further strain the relationship between doctors and patients to the extent that some might be reluctant to accept for treatment some seriously ill patients to avoid a possible lawsuit if a patient dies.

The bill seeks to set up a compensation fund for victims of medical malpractice. It requires hospitals to make contributions to the fund.

However, the main reason of the doctors’ opposition to the bill is their concern about being sued by patients or their relatives if their caused serious injury or impairment to the patients. The concern stemmed from a court case in which a general practitioner at a provincial hospital was sentenced to four years imprisonment. He had administered anaesthetic to a patient who died during surgery.

It was discovered later that the main reason the victim’s family sued the doctor was that he had not even offered an apology for the patient's death. Compiled by Khun Veera

[Eric]

A typical week for Thailand. Perhaps the stand-out is the Cambodia management plan for Prear Vihea at UNESCO meeting. Most don't even know that till Chamlong rallied at the UNESCO Bangkok HQ. Not even the government!! That's is astonishing when Prear Vihea was such a big part of the Democrat campaign to discredit Samad. Ahbisit was beating his chest then and garnered good nationalistic support. After all this, the issue was an after-burn till Chamlong spoke.Then there was the hurried assembled team to Brasil without even knowing the management plan content. Talk about dis-organised and in disarray government. And the Cambodia management plan don't even have any jurisdiction on overlapping territories. In short, the stunt was really an embrassment as no disputed territories were included in Cambodia plan. UNESCO was smart to steer clear of an international incident and decide to postpone the decision. Ahbisit claimed victory and we give him that benefit. Now Ahbisit is push to the wall and has 1 year time frame to revoke the ICJ's 1962 verdict or work on a charm PR to get Thailand and Cambodia to jointly present the management plan.

[village_electrician]

Even myself has lost all hope in Abhisits true efforts to aid the citizen and make a difference,Thailand was better with Thaksin robbing it,at least tourist and most borders were fairly safe,NOW BKK has reputed into a near combative region since Abhisit took a back seat to the troops Generals.A country's government failure and melt down that's falling to criminal leadership and control as it was before the day of the illegal Sonthi coup.oops don't forget to send the check for aunts sick ox is all abouts left for the outsider whom most have moved on or changed direction to much safer and civil regions.

[village_electrician]

[quoteIn the meantime, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Department for Holders of Political Positions issued a warrant for Thaksin’s arrest for his failure to declare his assets correctly. The charge was lodged against him by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
][/quote]Okay this wasn't the promised warrant to be signed for terrorism,sorry I miss read it

Is this still hear say or does anyone have a good link to this alleged warrant?

Was the terrorism warrant signed ???????

[taurus]

Even myself has lost all hope in Abhisits true efforts to aid the citizen and make a difference,Thailand was better with Thaksin robbing it,at least tourist and most borders were fairly safe,NOW BKK has reputed into a near combative region since Abhisit took a back seat to the troops Generals.A country's government failure and melt down that's falling to criminal leadership and control as it was before the day of the illegal Sonthi coup.oops don't forget to send the check for aunts sick ox is all abouts left for the outsider whom most have moved on or changed direction to much safer and civil regions.

Simple question V_E, do you not think that Thaksin himself may be part of the reason why Bangkok is now virtually a combat zone,for sure the almost nightly video's spurring the red's and their leaders on to greater sacrifice in the name of justice,equality, democracy and freedom of speech ,( of course he meant freedom to do as he said) , hardly came from the ghost of Elvis did they?,

[village_electrician]

Even myself has lost all hope in Abhisits true efforts to aid the citizen and make a difference,Thailand was better with Thaksin robbing it,at least tourist and most borders were fairly safe,NOW BKK has reputed into a near combative region since Abhisit took a back seat to the troops Generals.A country's government failure and melt down that's falling to criminal leadership and control as it was before the day of the illegal Sonthi coup.oops don't forget to send the check for aunts sick ox is all abouts left for the outsider whom most have moved on or changed direction to much safer and civil regions.

Simple question V_E, do you not think that Thaksin himself may be part of the reason why Bangkok is now virtually a combat zone,for sure the almost nightly video's spurring the red's and their leaders on to greater sacrifice in the name of justice,equality, democracy and freedom of speech ,( of course he meant freedom to do as he said) , hardly came from the ghost of Elvis did they?,

Hello again taurus,I actually believe in NO SORT of Ghost but know for a fact Thaksinnnes funds is one of the sole main reasons Thailand is falling off the globe into a abiss,I believe Thaksin is 99% of all of Thailand's evil,The reds ere just hire stooges being paid and nothing more As far as reds justice equality and freedom of speech I personally think they have zero rights as being paid terrorist other than the death sentencing aloud from the Thai zoo court systems of bribes and kick backs.The Thai glitter sugar coating has melted world wide, its sad to see a few good loving Thais too suffer over another Thais Personal greed and hate.Maybe this is why Burma is the way it is,Thailand may fallow soon

[taurus]

The Way I see it V-E, it is extremely difficult for any Government to put the lid on on the sort of insurrection we witnessed in BKK were thousands were quite willing to put themselves in personnel danger(and their children I'm sad to say) ,not because of some far fetched romantic political ideal , but for the simple fact is that they were conned and paid by a political megalomaniac who will stop at nothing to have his power and wealth restored ,My wife translated a few of his almost nightly video's to the "faithful", IMHO Josef Goebbels's would have been justly proud of his speech writers

[thong]

I was real scared when I went home on business trip from early May. We were caught during the attack of subway station and once we were caught in some gun fire.

As long as the grievances after the coup that ousted TRT led government is not resolved, 'war' will continue. TRT government and 1997 Constitution were not thrown out through any electoral, parliamentary or judicial process. They are already laws to deal with the alleged wrong doings of TRT and Thaksin. Once you used illegal means to deal with wrong doing then you have no moral right to talk about rule of law. The 2007 constitution was designed and applied retroactively so that it could punish and eliminate your political, business and personal enemies. To facilitate that, the military also appointed 'people' to their appointed agencies and legal system who are enemies of the accused.

The coup did not solve any mentioned accusations. Instead it created more grievances and escalated society divide. My opinion then was that an immediate National Government could have been formed. I was wrong because it is not the reason/agenda of the power behind the coup. What they wanted was to eliminate the success and popularity of TRT and Thaksin. They were also afraid because Thaksin knows too much and was in the process of reforming the Army and some institutions. That is why I believe the present agenda on reform will not succeed because before you can reform the power that are behind the Army and some Institutions, they will deform you first.

My fear is that people are beginning to lose faith in electoral, parliamentary and present judicial process. If the anointed party does not come to power even through election, coup and court can always be used to destroy people and political party. This fear cause me to further fear of 'civil war' and our 'high institution. The BKK mayor is rightly concerned that the situation is either resolve through 'negotiation' or force. May I change it to 'peace talk' or force. Peace talk because all sides are guilty of creating a divided Thailand. We have to courageously admit our wrongs before we can talk about peace and reconciliation and healing. Cover up wrongs through negotiation will not work, because what is fair to one is not to another. The societies therefore should be magnanimous and forgiving because this is an unusual time that Thailand is facing.

These are not the result of Reds/UDD activities. They were not even there before the Yellows/PAD. The Yellow/PAD has increasingly become like an 'Institution' that everyone should fear, respect and cannot be touched. Any government will find that they have to bow to their demands that come out from time to time like the Dems are forced to comply now. The more they are left to continue their demanding stance and attitude for their own 'power', Thailand will continue to be a very divided nation. Dems, in fact could be easily destroyed by PAD as there are getting out of the control of their 'power' that used them. Who is able to touch them???

My wish, of course is that we all can be forgiving and want to heal our broken Kingdom of Thailand. Will a National Government work? I think it will, but the agenda should be that of forgiving and healing. The right medicine must be found and we can persevere as long as we are willing to forgive for the prosperity and progress of everyone and the Kingdom of Thailand. Before harmony there will be no sustainable prosperity and progress. Sorry - we have a choice, peace talk or force. Peace or turmoil within our own self first.

[taurus]

I was real scared when I went home on business trip from early May. We were caught during the attack of subway station and once we were caught in some gun fire.

As long as the grievances after the coup that ousted TRT led government is not resolved, 'war' will continue. TRT government and 1997 Constitution were not thrown out through any electoral, parliamentary or judicial process. They are already laws to deal with the alleged wrong doings of TRT and Thaksin. Once you used illegal means to deal with wrong doing then you have no moral right to talk about rule of law. The 2007 constitution was designed and applied retroactively so that it could punish and eliminate your political, business and personal enemies. To facilitate that, the military also appointed 'people' to their appointed agencies and legal system who are enemies of the accused.

The coup did not solve any mentioned accusations. Instead it created more grievances and escalated society divide. My opinion then was that an immediate National Government could have been formed. I was wrong because it is not the reason/agenda of the power behind the coup. What they wanted was to eliminate the success and popularity of TRT and Thaksin. They were also afraid because Thaksin knows too much and was in the process of reforming the Army and some institutions. That is why I believe the present agenda on reform will not succeed because before you can reform the power that are behind the Army and some Institutions, they will deform you first.

My fear is that people are beginning to lose faith in electoral, parliamentary and present judicial process. If the anointed party does not come to power even through election, coup and court can always be used to destroy people and political party. This fear cause me to further fear of 'civil war' and our 'high institution. The BKK mayor is rightly concerned that the situation is either resolve through 'negotiation' or force. May I change it to 'peace talk' or force. Peace talk because all sides are guilty of creating a divided Thailand. We have to courageously admit our wrongs before we can talk about peace and reconciliation and healing. Cover up wrongs through negotiation will not work, because what is fair to one is not to another. The societies therefore should be magnanimous and forgiving because this is an unusual time that Thailand is facing.

These are not the result of Reds/UDD activities. They were not even there before the Yellows/PAD. The Yellow/PAD has increasingly become like an 'Institution' that everyone should fear, respect and cannot be touched. Any government will find that they have to bow to their demands that come out from time to time like the Dems are forced to comply now. The more they are left to continue their demanding stance and attitude for their own 'power', Thailand will continue to be a very divided nation. Dems, in fact could be easily destroyed by PAD as there are getting out of the control of their 'power' that used them. Who is able to touch them???

My wish, of course is that we all can be forgiving and want to heal our broken Kingdom of Thailand. Will a National Government work? I think it will, but the agenda should be that of forgiving and healing. The right medicine must be found and we can persevere as long as we are willing to forgive for the prosperity and progress of everyone and the Kingdom of Thailand. Before harmony there will be no sustainable prosperity and progress. Sorry - we have a choice, peace talk or force. Peace or turmoil within our own self first.

Hi Thong , first of all may I say IMHO you like my friend Voice are concerned about Thailand,s future , but lets just take the scenario a little further, suppose the PTP win the next GE(WHICH IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY) and true to his word Chalerm the partys "mouth piece" brings Thaksin back to Thailand , do you honestly think that this act of lunacy (IMHO) will stabilize Thailand or just compound the problems even further which already exist?

[thong]

I was real scared when I went home on business trip from early May. We were caught during the attack of subway station and once we were caught in some gun fire.

As long as the grievances after the coup that ousted TRT led government is not resolved, 'war' will continue. TRT government and 1997 Constitution were not thrown out through any electoral, parliamentary or judicial process. They are already laws to deal with the alleged wrong doings of TRT and Thaksin. Once you used illegal means to deal with wrong doing then you have no moral right to talk about rule of law. The 2007 constitution was designed and applied retroactively so that it could punish and eliminate your political, business and personal enemies. To facilitate that, the military also appointed 'people' to their appointed agencies and legal system who are enemies of the accused.

The coup did not solve any mentioned accusations. Instead it created more grievances and escalated society divide. My opinion then was that an immediate National Government could have been formed. I was wrong because it is not the reason/agenda of the power behind the coup. What they wanted was to eliminate the success and popularity of TRT and Thaksin. They were also afraid because Thaksin knows too much and was in the process of reforming the Army and some institutions. That is why I believe the present agenda on reform will not succeed because before you can reform the power that are behind the Army and some Institutions, they will deform you first.

My fear is that people are beginning to lose faith in electoral, parliamentary and present judicial process. If the anointed party does not come to power even through election, coup and court can always be used to destroy people and political party. This fear cause me to further fear of 'civil war' and our 'high institution. The BKK mayor is rightly concerned that the situation is either resolve through 'negotiation' or force. May I change it to 'peace talk' or force. Peace talk because all sides are guilty of creating a divided Thailand. We have to courageously admit our wrongs before we can talk about peace and reconciliation and healing. Cover up wrongs through negotiation will not work, because what is fair to one is not to another. The societies therefore should be magnanimous and forgiving because this is an unusual time that Thailand is facing.

These are not the result of Reds/UDD activities. They were not even there before the Yellows/PAD. The Yellow/PAD has increasingly become like an 'Institution' that everyone should fear, respect and cannot be touched. Any government will find that they have to bow to their demands that come out from time to time like the Dems are forced to comply now. The more they are left to continue their demanding stance and attitude for their own 'power', Thailand will continue to be a very divided nation. Dems, in fact could be easily destroyed by PAD as there are getting out of the control of their 'power' that used them. Who is able to touch them???

My wish, of course is that we all can be forgiving and want to heal our broken Kingdom of Thailand. Will a National Government work? I think it will, but the agenda should be that of forgiving and healing. The right medicine must be found and we can persevere as long as we are willing to forgive for the prosperity and progress of everyone and the Kingdom of Thailand. Before harmony there will be no sustainable prosperity and progress. Sorry - we have a choice, peace talk or force. Peace or turmoil within our own self first.

Hi Thong , first of all may I say IMHO you like my friend Voice are concerned about Thailand,s future , but lets just take the scenario a little further, suppose the PTP win the next GE(WHICH IS A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY) and true to his word Chalerm the partys "mouth piece" brings Thaksin back to Thailand , do you honestly think that this act of lunacy (IMHO) will stabilize Thailand or just compound the problems even further which already exist?

My opinion is still to start with a National Government first and GE come later. Like many who are beginning to lose faith in electoral process, I still believe that coup and court will be used to topple any government that is not 'anointed' by the power that used yellow/PAD. I do not want to think that the coming back of Thaksin will compound the problems even further. Thaksin will have to come back and be in the peace-talk process since he together with some other individuals are at the centre of the turmoil that we are experiencing.

My suggestion will fail if we continue to be self-righteous and the 'power' that created the yellow/PAD continue to use coup and court to eliminate their 'threat'. Before we can reform we would be deformed - however, reform is necessary to keep pace with the changing world and for our survival, prosperity and progress of the Kingdom. Our own problems have already affected not only bi-lateral relations but also international relations.

Again, we have a choice - 'peace-talk' or force. It is either one.