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10 police companies guard Crown Property Bureau

POLICE have already mounted stringent security of the Crown Property Bureau after People’s Party had announced another demonstration on Wednesday Nov. 25 with nine companies of policemen and one company of policewomen guarding the complex in rotation all 24 hours, Siam Rath and Mass Communications Authority of Thailand reported this evening (Nov. 23).

Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Pol. Maj. Gen Piya Tawichai said talks have already been held with the Royal bureau management. The staff were briefed on maintaining orderliness because this is a sensitive area being close to the Royal compounds and the Government House among other important complexes.

Gen. Prayut dismisses rumours of a coup d’etat

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha today (Nov. 23) denied a coup d’etat is about to be mounted as rumoured pointing out that he has not announced one, Sanook.com reported.

Gen. Prayut also refused to answer a question about a possible move by the leaders of the People’s Party to head for the Crown Property Bureau, but instead told the reporters to go ask them why they want to hold a rally near this office.

University head denies getting student arrested without a warrant

SILPAKORN University President Mr. Chaichan Thavornvech denied having filed a complaint against his own student leading him being arrested without a warrant, Sanook.com reported today (Nov. 23, 2020).

Chaicharn said in a  Facebook post published at noon today that he did not contact the police during the four-day holiday and only at 7 a.m. this morning did he find out that one of his students had been arrested.

Communication cables in front of Pheu Thai Party HQ burst into flames

A BUNCH of tangled communications cables in front of Pheu Thai Party headquarters on New Petchburi road caught fire at 3.17 p.m. today (Nov. 22) leading to heavy traffic congestion both inbound and outbound, INN News and Sanook.com reported.

Firemen from Bangkapi station and Metropolitan Electricity Authority officials quickly rushed to the scene to put out the blaze and restore electricity flow.

Pork satay vendor denies being gunman who shot protesters

TAKING ACTION after being wrongly accused of being the gunman in pink who shot protesters during demonstrations by both People’s Party and yellow-shirt followers outside the Parliament last Tuesday (Nov. 17) is a pork satay vendor in Pathum Thani province who has filed a police report to clear his name, Thai Rath newspaper reported last night (Nov. 21, 2020).

Mr. Anucha Chansri, 47, showed a copy of the report filed at Khu Khot police station to reporters and said he is giving the person who distorted the photo to make it appear that he was the gunman to delete it within three days, and if this was done within the deadline he would not take any further legal action.

Doctor warns brides against pinning ears back with glue

A NEW dimension in pre-wedding preparation that is confusing netizens is that some make-up artists are now using glue to pin back prominent ears of a bride for her big day with popular Doctor Panda Lab web page sternly warning against this practice, Amarin TV reported today (Nov. 22, 2020).

In the video clip that is spreading in the Thai social media a pre-wedding make-up artist is squeezing Elephant brand glue to the back of a bride’s ear to tuck them in.

Bhutan dismisses reports of Chinese village inside its territory

By India.com, published by Microsoft New

New Delhi: After information surfaced on Friday morning China has occupied a part of Bhutan by setting up a village few kilometres within its territory, Bhutan has now denied the reports.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Bhutan Ambassador to India said, “There is no Chinese village inside Bhutan.”

‘Bad students’ kick off Bye Bye Dinosaurs protest activities

THE “bad students” demonstrating beneath BTS Siam station started rolling out their Bye Bye Dinosaurs protest activities at 5.20 p.m. today (Nov. 21) with there being five dinosaur characters present and also a windball symbolizing a meteorite that will wipe out backwardness, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

This is a symbolic expression of children with most of those attending the rally being under the age of 18 and wearing wristbands to uphold their rights.

‘Bad students’ move rally to beneath Siam station because of rain

THE leaders of the “bad students” group shifted their demonstration that was to take place at Ratchaprasong intersection this afternoon (Nov. 21) to the section of Rama 1 road below BTS Siam station because of heavy rain, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

At 12.36 p.m. a message was posted at the “bad students” Facebook page asking their followers to wait for the announcement of a backup plan for their activity that was to start at 1 p.m. at Ratchaprasong intersection if it does not stop raining.

Police: Avoid key intersection as ‘bad students’ rallying there this afternoon

MOTORISTS are urged to not go through Ratchaprasong intersection this afternoon (Nov. 21) as the “bad students” demonstrators are planning to hold a rally there, Sanook.com reported.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Jirasan Keawsaengek, deputy head of the Metropolitan Police, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeraphong Wongratpitak, head of Traffic Police, jointly announced that this group of protesters have said they are gathering at this intersection from 1 p.m.  till 9 p.m. today. 

Senior US official to visit Taiwan in December

By Reuters staff and Al Jazeera

ANDREW Wheeler, the head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, is to visit Taiwan, the island’s premier said today (Nov. 20), in what will be the third visit by a senior US official since August.

Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters interactions between the US and Taiwan had been increasing.

Police confirm ‘pink shirt’ gunman is a People’s Party guard

METROPOLITAN Police confirmed that the gunman wearing a pink shirt who shot at protesters outside the Parliament last Tuesday (Nov. 17) was a People’s Party guard and not a yellow-shirt member, Siam Rath newspaper reported this afternoon (Nov. 20, 2020)

The violent confrontation between the two rival groups of protesters led to six people being shot and surveillance cameras have captured a clip of this man in a pink shirt discharging a firearm.

Family of five dies in Doi Inthanon accident

A SAD ACCIDENT occurred in Chiang Mai this afternoon (Nov.20) after a pickup truck carrying a family of five, the couple and their three daughters, overturned while coming down from the top of Thailand’s highest mountain Doi Inthanon, Sanook.com reported.

The accident occurred at 12.50 p.m. when the Bangkok-registered black pickup truck flipped over on road 1009 at an elbow curve where accidents frequently occur. 

Vocational group founder says from New Zealand his faction not quitting

THE founder of Gear of Democracy vocational group Mr. Eakapop Luara said from New Zealand where he is taking refuge that his group is not withdrawing support from anti-government protesters as has been claimed, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Nov. 20,2020).

Eakapop, aka Tang Vocational, who is a fugitive from a lèse majesté , or Section 112, case, founded this group 10 years ago.

European Union plans mammoth expansion of offshore wind farms

By Reuters staff, published by Channel NewsAsia

Brussels: The European Union unveiled plans today (Nov. 19) to transform its electricity system to rely mostly on renewables within a decade and increase its offshore wind energy capacity 25-fold by 2050.

Renewable sources like wind and solar provide roughly a third of EU electricity today, but the EU says that share will need to expand to about two-thirds by 2030 to put the bloc on track for its plan to become climate neutral by 2050.

BTS denies threatening to halt green line over B8 billion debt

BANGKOK Mass Transit System Plc (BTS) today (Nov. 19) denied ever threatening to stop running the green line and its extensions in the northern and southern part of the route over accumulated 8 billion baht operation fee which Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) does not have the funds to pay, Amarin TV reported this afternoon.

Mr. Surapong Laoha-Unya, BTS’s chief executive officer, said a recent company’s executive committee meeting, attended by Mr. Keeree Karnjanapas, chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee, decided to clarify that the train operator will take care of all its passengers and has never threatened to halt the green line and the new extensions.

Gen. Prayut: All laws to be used against protesters

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha said at noon today (Nov. 19) that as the protesters had intensified their rallies, the government and security agencies would likewise be getting tougher and using all laws available against them, Amarin TV reported.

Gen. Prayut also mentioned that the government and the security agencies are cooperating in finding a peaceful solution on the basis of law and democratic government with His Majesty the King as the head of state.

Krabi shop puts up sign: ‘discounts until Prayut resigns’

BEING widely shared on the Thai social media today (Nov. 19) are photos of a garment and souvenir shop in Krabi province which put up a large sign at the entrance that says,  “Mocking discount against Prime Minister! Discount! Until Prayut Chan-o-cha resign!” Sanook.com reported.

The post elicited a lot of comments and was widely shared. A Facebook user, Ms. Chanita Phante, said this is her mother-in-law’s shop and it is located at the entrance of the Emerald Pool in Klong Thom district, and not Lam Thap district as stated in the post.

Protesters hit back by splashing paint on police HQ sign

THE leaders of the People’s Party demonstrators ended their rally this evening (Nov. 18) after the huge crowd moved to the front of the Royal Thai Police headquarters and splashed paint on the sign and the fence, Amarin TV reported.

The leaders announced that the next appointment is on November 25 without stating where or what time.

Demonstrators at Ratchaprasong jeer police, listen to red-shirt songs

THE huge demonstration at Ratchaprasong intersection today (Nov. 18) started building up from afternoon onwards and when at police told them to break up the gathering at 4.15 p.m. because prior permission had not been obtained, they yelled back “slaves of dictators,” Siam Rath newspaper reported.

The protesters gathered on the footpath with some moving on to one lane of the road in front of Central World. Many red-shirt songs were played to rouse the crowd.

Police HQ beefed up as protesters flock to Ratchaprasong intersection

IN GEARING UP to handle the People’s Party demonstration at Ratchaprasong from 4 p.m. today (Nov. 18) the adjacent Royal Thai Police headquarters has been heavily barricaded with motorists also urged to avoid this area from 2 p.m. onwards, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Barrier panels have been put at all the entrances to the headquarters and further strengthened with rolls of barbed wire. Within the compound are parked some water cannon vehicles and fire engines.

55 hurt in clashes as Parliament gets ready to vote on charge changes

DESPITE 55 people being injured in clashes outside Parliament yesterday, the joint session will today (Nov. 18) be casting voice votes for all seven constitution amendment drafts including that of Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw), Siam Rath newspaper report.

Another round of fighting between People’s Party vocational students and the yellow-shirt protesters took place at Kiak Kai intersection outside the Parliament at 8.30 p.m. last night leading to six people getting injured.

Budget set aside to acquire AstraZeneca vaccine

THE Cabinet today (Nov. 17) allotted a budget of 6.049 billion baht for the procurement of coronavirus vaccine from AstraZeneca (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and AstraZeneca UK, limited, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the National Vaccine Institute will establish an Advance Market Commitment (AMC) contract for the vaccine under the condition that there is a chance of not receiving it depending  on research, development or other reasons for the amount of 2.379 billion baht.

People’s Party and yellow-shirt protesters clash outside Parliament

A CLASH erupted between People’s Party and yellow-shirt protesters at 5 p.m. today (Nov. 17) after the former had managed to break through the police barricade at Kiak Kai intersection near the Parliament and ran into the rival group, Sanook.com reported this evening.

Police had earlier fired a round tear gas solution at People’s Party protesters as well as three rounds of plain water cannons in an effort to keep them away from 50-metre radius of the Parliament where there is a joint session deliberating constitution amendment drafts underway.

High school students hit with tear gas solution, water cannons

LOTS of high school students were badly stung after security forces fired a tear gas solution at People’s Party protesters when three rounds of water cannons failed to stop them from trying to break through a barrier near the Parliament this afternoon (Nov. 17), Amarin TV reported.

With the joint session of Parliament deliberating constitution amendment drafts today, People’s Party protesters, led by Ms. Chonthicha Jangraew, or Look Ket, one of the Free Youth group leaders,  marched to Kiat Kai intersection where a barricade was set up to maintain security within 50-metre radius of the Parliament.

Protesters warned not to sail up on duck boats

AS the joint parliamentary session to deliberate constitution amendment drafts got underway this morning (Nov. 17), the Harbour Department issued a warning to the People’s Party that their intention to sail up to Kiak Kai pier adjacent to the complex on some duck-shaped boats is very risky because the river water is high today with there being strong currents, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

The department said the flimsy duck boats that People’s Party demonstrators intend to use to reach Kiak Kai pier at 3 p.m. today might not be able to withstand the rough river waters.

Moderna says its vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing Covid-19

By Reuters staff, published by Channel NewsAsia

Cambridge, Massachusetts: Moderna said today (Nov 16) its experimental vaccine was 94.5 per cent effective in preventing Covid-19 based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial, becoming the second US company in a week to report results that far exceed expectations.

Together with Pfizer’s vaccine, also shown to be more than 90 per cent effective, and pending more safety data and regulatory review, the United States could have two vaccines authorised for emergency use in December with as many as 60 million doses of vaccine available by the year’s end.

Police warn protesters: Sidewalk feast in front of Parliament is illegal

THE People’s Party got a strong warning from the police today (Nov. 16) that their announced plan of eating pan pork (mu kratha) and grilled shrimp on the footpaths during a large rally outside the Parliament tomorrow and the day after (Nov. 17 and 18) would mean violating several laws, Amarin TV reported this afternoon (Nov. 16).

The People Party is among the groups gearing up to rally outside the Parliament during a joint session to deliberate constitution amendment drafts the next two days.

Robbers kick vendor off her motorbike and zoom away with 70,000 baht

POLICE are hunting for two men who rode up next to a beef vendor and kicked her off her motorcycle then used a rod spike to threaten her as they unzipped her backpack and made off with 70,000 baht yesterday afternoon, Amarin TV reported this morning (Oct. 16).

The robbery took place in Ban Suan subdistrict of Chonburi province’s Mueang district at 3.30 p.m. yesterday with the victim, Ms. Supannee Theppitak, 29, a beef vendor at a provincial  market having wounds on her body from falling off her motorcycle.

Some senators threaten to stay away if there is chaos

WITH both People’s Party and royalists getting ready to hold rallies in front of the Parliament on Nov. 17-18 when constitution amendment drafts will be deliberated some senators have threatened to stay away if there is chaos, Siam Rath newspaper reported this morning (Nov. 16).

These senators said they would not show up to vote on these amendments on Nov. 18 if the two protest groups surround the Parliament.

Thanathorn: Don’t trigger a clash in order to mount a coup

PROGRESSIVE Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit accused the government of trying to get rival protest groups to clash with each other with this is setting the stage for a new coup d’état but warned that if there is a coup this time it will end differently, Siam Rath newspaper reported this evening (Nov/ 15, 2020).

Regarding fears that the two protest groups might clash at Parliament on Tuesday November 17 when a constitution amendment debate will take place in a joint session, Thanathorn said he is less concerned about such a clash than that in the end no amendment would be made.

Sleeping child unharmed after cobra gets stuck on a glue trap

BEING WIDELY shared on Thai social media today (Nov. 15) is the story of a young mother who was shocked to find a cobra stuck on a glue trap just a metre away from her sleeping son, Sanook.com reported.

This narrow escape by the small sleeping boy was related on the Facebook page By Kim Official with the mother saying that the snake had slithered into the house one recent night when it was raining, and instead of reaching her son, got stuck in the glue trap she had placed nearby to catch rats.

New scheme allows using credit card points to invest in mutual funds

THE Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) unveiled its “Point to Invest” project whereby investors can use their credit card points to invest in mutual funds with this increasing opportunities to create wealth, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Nov. 15, 2020).

Dr. Pakorn Peetathawatchai, SET’s president, said making investment easily accessible to the general public as part of their daily life is a key mechanism for accessing capital markets and building financial stability.

Penguin fires up protesters after huge banner wrapped around monument

JOINING the “Mob Fest” protesters at 8 p.m. this evening (Nov. 14) was Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, who again called for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign with this coming after the protest guards wrapped a huge cloth banner emblazoned with their hopes and demands around the Democracy Monument, Thai Rath and Sanook.com reported.

Penguin told the rally-goers that before amending the constitution the immediate obstacle has to be removed which is for Gen. Prayut to step down.

‘Mob Fest’ rally kicks off as yellow-shirt crowd gathers close by

THE demonstrators joining ‘Mob Fest’ rally at Democracy Monument started gathering there from 2.20 p.m. onwards today (Nov. 14),  parking a ten-wheel truck right in front of this monument, while a large crowd of people wearing yellow shirts had also assembled right opposite them as they waited to greet His Majesty the King, Siam Rath newspaper reported today (Nov. 14, 2020).

Meanwhile the group of protesters calling themselves “bad students” had arrived at Democracy Monument after marching there from Education  Ministry. They spread a large white cloth across the road and told protesters to write the future they want on it, INN News reported.

Controversial painting being auctioned to raise money for protesters

ONE of four controversial paintings depicting Lord Buddha as Japanese superhero Ultraman is being auctioned online to raise funds for democracy protesters, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Nov. 14, 2020).

The auction of the 121×150 cm painting is being handled by popular actress and singer Inthira Charoenpura, or Sai,  via her Facebook page with this ending at 3 p.m. today.

Trump bans US investment in Chinese military-linked firms

By Associated Press, published by US News

Beijing — US President Donald Trump has stepped up a conflict with China over security and technology by barring Americans from investing in companies that US officials say are owned or controlled by the Chinese military.

The Chinese government accused Washington of misusing national security as an excuse to hamper competition and warned today (Nov. 13) that Trump’s order would hurt US and other investors worldwide.

Rap Against Dictatorship releases new political song

THE rapper group Rap Against Dictatorship which is famous for the viral sensation “Prathet Ku Mee (Which is My Country) anti-junta song released two years ago today (Nov. 13) released a new music video entitled “Patiroop” (Reform) reflecting on the current heated Thai politics, Sanook.com reported this evening.

The background of this new music video show the real recent protests by People’s Party at Democracy Monument, Ratchaprasong Intersection and Victory Monument.

Police: Avoid Democracy Monument area as 3 protest groups are flocking in

METROPOLITAN Police Bureau announced roads and bridges to avoid around Democracy Monument from noon tomorrow as three groups of demonstrators are simultaneously holding rallies there, Siam Rath newspaper reported this afternoon (Nov. 13, 2020).

At a press briefing presided over by two Deputy Metropolitan Police Chiefs, Pol. Maj. Gen Piya Tawichai and Pol. Maj Gen Jirasan Kaewsaeng-ek, as well as Pol. Col. Krisana Pattanacharoen, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, it was revealed that one of the three groups, who call themselves “bad students,” are gathering in front of the Education Ministry and then marching to Democracy Monument in the afternoon, but the exact time is not yet known.

Fire guts 17 bungalows at resort on Koh Phi Phi

A HILLSIDE resort on a Koh Phi Phi island off southern Krabi province was hit by fire that destroyed 17 of its 20 bungalows at around noon yesterday, Thai Rath newspaper reported this morning (Nov. 13, 2020).

That there were no injures is because the resort, Phi Phi Hill Bamboo, is closed as there are no tourists during the current coronavirus pandemic. Islanders had a difficult time fighting the blaze because narrow roads on this hill prevented fire engines from getting close to the resort.

Labour union threatens to sue police if buses are used to block rallies again

THE Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) labour union said today (Nov. 12) it opposes police using the state firm’s buses to block roads and stop protesters as happened when People’s Party demonstrators faced a bus barricade as they marched towards Government House last month, INN News and Sanook.com reported.

Mr. Boonma Pongma, head of this labour Union, said putting BMTA’s buses to this use leads to public misunderstanding that the state enterprise is siding with a political faction and not staying neutral, and this damages its image.

11.5 tonnes of ketamine seized in biggest haul ever

JUSTICE Minister Somsak Thepsutin announced the seizure of 11.5 tonnes of ketamine worth over 30 billion baht at a warehouse in Bang Pakong district of Chachoengsao province with this being the largest ever haul of this drug in Thailand, Amarin TV reported.

Acting on information from other countries the Office of the Narcotics Control Board officers managed to seize this huge amount of ketamine just as it was about to be shipped overseas.

Yellow-shirt protesters targeted wrong car – Thanathorn was not in it

THE vehicle that hundreds of yellow-shirt demonstrators surrounded and bashed up as it left a Nakhon Si Thammarat hotel yesterday was not carrying Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit but a group of five women with the owner getting ready to sue for damage, Sanook.com reported this morning (Nov. 12).

Thanathorn ran into this large group of protesters at Ravadee hotel in this southern city but managed to go in and hold a meeting with party members in preparation for the upcoming Provincial Administration Organization (PAO) election.

YouTube back up after worldwide outage

By Reuters staff, published by Hindustan Times, and Daily Express

YOUTUBE, owned by Alphabet Inc’s Google , said late on Wednesday it had fixed a glitch that led to a worldwide outage of the video-streaming service.

DownDetector.com, a website which monitors outages, showed nearly 286,000 incidents of people reporting issues with the service.

Singapore, Hong Kong kicking off air travel bubble soon

By Channel NewsAsia

Singapore: The air travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong will start on November 22, with one flight a day into each city with 200 passengers each way.

This will increase to two flights a day into each city from December 7, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said today (Nov. 11).

Royalists hound Thanathorn during trip to southern city

YELLOW-SHIRT demonstrators held a protest against Progressive Movement leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit outside a hotel in southern Nakhon Si Thammarat city where he was attending a meeting with party members on preparing for the upcoming Provincial Administration Organization (PAO) election, Sanook.com reported this evening (Nov. 11, 2020).

The demonstrators, waving Thai and Royal flags, wanted to ask Thanathorn about alleged moves against of the monarchy institution and instigating the youths.

THAI fights on! Selling lots of products from toothpicks to planes online

THAI Airways International Plc (THAI) opted for an auspicious moment, 11.11, to launch TG Warehouse Sale in an effort to reduce its stocks with plenty of products from toothpicks to airplanes being sold online, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Nov. 11, 2020).

Under its sales promotion, with the tagline being  “buy a box at a lower price”, the national airline said all its products are brand new except for aircraft, which are second-hand.

Couple shot dead over barking pet dog

A COUPLE was shot dead in Chonburi province by their neighbour with whom they had long-running arguments over their pet dog’s excessive barking with this lasting an hour last night (Nov. 10) before he lost his temper and he gunned them down, Thai Rath newspaper report.

Samet district police team rushed to the house and found Mr. Yothin Kaewfainork, 39, who ran an air-conditioner business, shot thrice and dead in the front yard. His wife, Mrs. Boonyanee Kaewfainork 38, who was also shot three times, was still breathing when they arrived and was rushed to the hospital but died on the way.

Trump mounts legal assault as Barr authorizes probes of vote irregularities

By Reuters staff, published by US News

Washington/Wilmington, Del. – US President Donald Trump will push ahead on Tuesday with legal challenges to the results of last week’s election after US Attorney General William Barr told federal prosecutors to look into any “substantial” allegations of voting irregularities.

Barr’s directive to prosecutors prompted the top lawyer overseeing voter fraud investigations to resign in protest. It came after days of attacks on the integrity of the election by Trump and Republican allies, who have alleged widespread voter fraud, without providing evidence.

Former Miss Thailand joins PM’s Secretariat

THE Cabinet today (Nov. 10) approved the appointment of Miss Thailand 2016 Thanaporn Sriviraj as a political official at the Secretariat of the Prime Minister with immediate effect, Amarin TV reported.

Ms. Thanaporn, or Jub Jib, is the wife of Deputy Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow, who is a Palang Pracharath party-list MP. She graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Phayao University, and has been accompanying her husband on his various missions.

Taxi service life extended from 9 to 12 years

THE Cabinet today (Nov. 10) approved the extension of the service life of passenger vehicles with maximum seven-person seating capacity from nine to 12 years for an indeterminate period cancelling the earlier three-year timeframe, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said this action has been taken to help reduce the financial burden for taxi drivers amid the current Covid-19 pandemic

Hungarian diplomat infected with Covid-19 amid vaccine hope

THE Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced at 11 a.m. today (Nov.10) that a Hungarian diplomat in Bangkok has been infected with coronavirus with there also being three more overseas arrivals found to be similarly infected and all four placed in state quarantine, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The male Hungarian diplomat, 53, did come into contact with a Covid-19 patient last Tuesday, November 3.

Not just Kamala, Biden too has Indian link

By Times of India, published by Indeed News

Chennai: “I may have relatives in India,” US President-elect Joseph Biden had declared on his maiden visit to Mumbai in 2013, when VP-elect Kamala Harris’s Tamil Nadu connection was not headline news yet.
Biden, then serving as VP, was referring to a Mumbai resident who, he said, shared his surname and had written to him back in 1972, referring they were both descendants of someone who worked for the erstwhile East India Company.
Biden, who was 29 at the time and had just been elected to the US Senate, said he wanted to follow up on the claim but couldn’t.

Protesters hit 24 police vehicles, 2 buses

THE DRAWN-OUT protest at Sanam Luang yesterday led to three protesters and a policeman being injured while 24 police vehicles either had their tyres deflated or glass broken, INN News reported this evening (Nov. 10).

According to the Erawan Centre two protesters suffered cuts from entanglement with barbed wire while one developed pain after being hit with high-pressure water cannons. A fourth protester developed high fever but it was not known whether this was linked to the protest or not but all have now been discharged from hospital.

Police admit firing ‘diluted’ tear gas at protesters on Oct. 16

TWO police officers who today (Nov. 9) who testified to the Senate Human Rights, Freedom and Consumer Protection Committee admitted that diluted tear gas was used to break up the demonstration at Pathumwan intersection on October 16, Sanook.com and Prachachart.net reported.

Senator Somchai Sawangkarn presided over this committee’s meeting to follow up on the issues of crowd control processes and procedures as well as the issuing of summons and arrest warrants for protest leaders with the Royal Thai Police representatives.

PM: Nothing known about protest leaders seeking political asylum in US

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said at 11.40 a.m. today (Nov. 10) that he does not have any information about four protest leaders seeking asylum in US having only read about it on social media with the identity of the writer also not known, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Speaking at Government House after chairing National Strategy Committee Meeting No. 3/2020, Gen. Prayut pointed out that there has to be a reason for applying for political asylum but he as yet does not have any details about this issue.

Clashes as protesters try to submit letter to Royal Office

PROTESTERS who had clashed with police on Ratchadamnoen Nai Road in the area of ​​Sanam Luang area after police sprayed a round of water cannons at them decided to put a letter they were taking from Democracy Monument to the Royal Office in a mailbox at the entrance of Na Hap Phoei road and hold their activities there, Thai Rath newspaper and Amarin TV report

Protesters hit back after jets of high-pressure water were unleashed at them by moving buses placed to block their way with some of them succeeding in reaching police lines.

8,000 policemen gear up to control two groups of demonstrators this evening

WITH both anti-government and royalists holding rallies at the Democracy Monument this evening (Nov. 8) the Metropolitan Police Bureau has field 8,000 men to handle the situation while having erected a concrete barrier at Makkhawan Rangsan bridge in front of the Education Ministry, INN News reported this afternoon. 

Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Pol. Maj. Gen Piya Tawichai said the crowd control unit has been deployed in three areas, with the first team being around the Democracy Monument and surrounding areas.

Trump does not plan to concede any time soon, aides and allies indicate

By Reuters staff, published by Straits Times

Washington – After the declaration on Saturday (Nov. 7) that Democrat Joe Biden had won the race for the White House, Republican President Donald Trump and his allies made one thing clear: He does not plan to concede any time soon.

The President, who has spent months trying to undermine the election results with unproven allegations of fraud, pledged on Saturday to go forward with a legal strategy that he hopes will overturn state results that gave Biden the win in Tuesday’s vote.

Nations long targeted by US chide Trump’s claims of fraud

By Associated Press and published by Yaktrinews.com

Bogota, Colombia — Demands to stop the vote count. Baseless accusations of fraud. Claims that the opposition is trying to “steal” the election.

Across the world, many were scratching their heads on Friday – especially in countries that have long been advised by Washington on how to run elections — wondering if those assertions could truly be coming from the president of the United States, the nation considered one of the world’s most emblematic democracies.

Anti-government, gender equality protest in Silom this evening

METROPOLITAN Police are fully prepared to maintain law and order during a demonstration taking place this evening (Nov. 7) in Silom area as announced by Seree Thai Plus group at its Free Gender TH Facebook page, Thai Rath newspaper and INN News reported.

Called “Mob Tung Ting 2,” the leaders of those gathering to protest against the government and to demand gender equality had already got permission from Metropolitan Police to do so.

Local coronavirus case found in Krabi, 11 more from overseas

THE Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced at 11 a.m. today (Nov. 7) that over the past 24 hours one locally transmitted case was found in southern Krabi province with 11 more overseas arrivals testing positive for this deadly disease and all placed under state quarantine, Sanook.com reported.

The person infected in Krabi is a 37-year-old Indian man residing in Thailand and works at a restaurant. On Nov. 4 he came in for a test in order to get his work permit renewed but got a positive result. He is currently under treatment at Krabi Hospital.

Biden now leads in Georgia, PA.; Trump attacks election process

By Associated Press, published by Star Tribune

Washington — Democrat Joe Biden narrowly overtook President Donald Trump in the vote count in Georgia and Pennsylvania early Friday (Nov. 6)  with the presidency hinging on the outcome of tight contests in key battleground states.

Neither candidate has reached the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the White House, though Biden has the advantage after eclipsing Trump in Wisconsin and Michigan, two crucial Midwestern battleground states. That left both campaigns increasingly focused on developments in Pennsylvania and Georgia, where Biden had an advantage of more than 900 votes on Friday morning.

Police brace for rallies over next three days

POLICE are confident of adeptly handling demonstrations that will be taking place over the next three days, with a big one to be held on Sunday November 8, by following strategies they have used in the past, Thai Rath newspaper reported this evening (Nov. 6).

Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Pol. Maj. Gen Piya Tawichai said he is certain police will be able to take care of the situation by dividing areas of control.

Gen. Prawit tells protesters not to break the law on Sunday

DEPUTY Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said this morning (Nov. 6) that demonstrators could go ahead with their big rally on Sunday November 8 provided they don’t break the law while officers are already duty-bound to take care of the security of key government offices such as the Government House, INN News reported.

Regarding progress in negotiating and holding talks on reconciliation with the demonstrators Gen. Prawit said this is something Parliament President Chuan Leekpai is taking care of while he would rather not say whether the result will be positive or not because this is a parliamentary action.

Investors ‘worried about politics, protests escalating’

THE Chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations (FETCO) warned this morning (Nov. 6) that the Thai stock market has been affected by demonstrations that have lingered for over two months now with future outlook depending on whether they escalate or not, INN News report.

Mr.Paiboon Narintarangkul, FETCO’s chairman, pointed out that there is no indication the political rallies will end soon with one called for Sunday November 8. 

Penguin and Rung released from hospital, vow to battle on

TWO People’s Party leaders who were hospitalized after a stint of detention in prison have today (Nov. 5) been released from hospital to convalesce at home, Amarin TV reported.

While Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, and Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, are now well enough to leave Rama 9 Hospital, Mr. Panupong Chadnok, or Mike, remains under doctors’ care.

Biden edges closer to White House win as Trump mounts legal challenge

By Reuters staff and published by Jerusalem Post

Washington – Democrat Joe Biden moved closer to victory in the US presidential race on Thursday (Nov. 5) as election officials tallied votes in the handful of states that will determine the outcome and protesters took to the streets.

Incumbent President Donald Trump alleged fraud, filed lawsuits and called for recounts in a race yet to be decided two days after polls closed.

16 Thais caught slipping across the border from Myanmar

A TEAM of soldiers, policemen and village guards patrolling the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province caught 16 Thai online casino workers who had illegally come across the border and were hiding in the jungle at 5 a.m. this morning (Nov. 5), Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Mr. Sompong Fungthaweewong, Phop Phra district chief, had sent the team to check the area around Chong Khab village to crackdown on nighttime crossing of the Moei river to Thailand.

Gen. Prawit: One day protesters will accept reconciliation committee

DESPITE People’s Party protesters having firmly rejected any participation in a reconciliation committee Parliament is moving to set up Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said today (Nov. 5) that he is hopeful they will one day accept it, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Speaking to reporters at 10 a.m. within Government House complex Gen. Prawit said the move by Parliament President Chuan Leekpai to invite four former prime ministers to join this committee is a parliamentary matter to proceed with while he does not think the protesters’ rejection will have an impact.

America counts, the world holds its breath

By Reuters staff and published by Cyprus Mail

A DAY after Americans voted in a bitterly contested election, the rest of the world was none the wiser on Wednesday, with millions of votes still to count, the race too close to call and a mounting risk of days or even weeks of legal uncertainty.

Donald Trump’s pre-emptive declaration of victory at the White House was condemned by some US political commentators and civil rights groups, who warned about the trampling of long-standing democratic norms.

Protesters refuse to join reconciliation committee

THE PEOPLE’S Party leaders read out a statement at Sanam Luang ground at 4 p.m. today (Nov. 4) refusing to join a proposed reconciliation committee to reduce political tension as in their opinion it is just a ploy to buy time for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

The group was led by Mr. Jarupat  Boonpattararaksa, or Phai Dao Din, with others including Mr. Thatchaphong Kadam, or Boy YPD, Mr. Shinawatra Chankrachang, or Bright, and Mr. Athapon Buaphat.

Progressive Movement trio meet police tomorrow

HEADING to Phaya Thai police station tomorrow (Nov. 5) to be questioned over accusations of inciting people to join a rally at Victory Monument on October 21 this year are Progressive Movement’s leader Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, its secretary-general Mr. Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and spokesperson Ms. Pannika Wanich, Thai Rath newspaper reported today.

Police investigators had been checking social media activities of the top three Progressive Movement leaders for allegedly persuading people to gather at the Victory Monument on that day with this possibly being a violation of Section 116 of the Criminal Code.

Tenant from hell steals furniture, destroys house

TELEVISION Channel 3’s news anchor related a shocking  experience with a nightmare tenant who stole her furniture and trashed her property, Sanook.com reported this morning (Nov. 4, 2020).

Ms. Praweenmai Baikloy, the news anchor, said in her Facebook post that the damage caused by the tenant totals millions but he has offered a compensation of 20,000 baht only.

Protest held in front of ministry to get Pornhub back

ANGRY demonstrators from Anonymous and Independent parties held a protest in front of Digital Economy and Society Ministry within the Government Complex on Chaengwattana road this evening (Nov. 3) objecting to the blocking of the well-known adult movie website Pornhub.com, Amarin TV reported.

Leading the protest were Ms. Natta Mahathana, or Bow, a political activist, and Mr. Pakorn Phorncheewangkul, or Hia Bung, who said today they were going to talk about sexual rights.

Phuket protesters beam laser messages on buildings during PM’s visit

THE Free Phuket demonstrators beamed laser messages on several buildings on the island at midnight last night attacking the mobile Cabinet meeting taking place there today (Nov. 3), Siam Rath newspaper reported.

In a Facebook post the group said laser messages, such as “window-dressing mobile cabinet,” were projected on many buildings, particularly those in Phuket old town and Thalang road.

Young foreigner kills self after a Pattaya shooting spree

A YOUNG American man shot himself dead at a condominium in Pattaya with a pistol he had stolen from a shooting gallery after firing at the instructor twice and that same evening firing a shot at police but inadvertently injuring a journalist, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Nov. 3, 2020).

Police said the American man, who they only identified by his first name Michael, 25, had been living in Pattaya with his Thai wife.

In final pre-election push, Biden and Trump also gird for court battle

By Reuters staff and published by CGTN

US President Donald Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden made a last-ditch push for votes in battleground states on Monday as their campaigns prepared for post-election disputes that could prolong a divisive presidential election.

Trump, who is trailing in national opinion polls, has continued to lob unfounded attacks at mail-in ballots, suggesting he would deploy lawyers if states are still counting votes after Election Day on Tuesday. His deputy campaign manager, Justin Clark, said the campaign would fight any Democratic attempt to “subvert state deadlines for receiving and counting ballots.”

Firecracker blast scares protesters near station

THERE was a slight chaos at a rally near MRT Tha Phra station after a single firecracker blast was heard by the protesters at 5.53 p.m. today (Nov. 2) but no one got injured, Amarin TV reported.

Vocational students attending the rally, called by people’s network at 4 p.m. today, quickly ran to search for the source of the sound which seemed to have come from the skywalk.

Gen. Prayut checks coronavirus measures on Koh Samui

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha together with his Cabinet are currently on a trip to Koh Samui and Phuket islands where a mobile Cabinet meeting is being held over two days, Thai Rath newspaper reported this afternoon.

Gen. Prayut together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health Anutin Charnvirakul, Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda and Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn inspected measures in place at Koh Samui airport to screen foreign tourists for Covid-19 infection at both entry and exit channels as part of preparation to receive foreign tourists after the coronavirus situation is resolved.

Referendum on banning protests for 2 years proposed

THE deputy head of Palang Pracharath Party today (Nov. 2) suggested that a referendum be held on banning protests for two years with a key aim being to prevent Covid-19 spreading in this country, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

 Mr. Paiboon Nititawan, the party’s deputy leader, said in order to save budget the referendum could be tied together with the upcoming election of provincial administration council president and members nationwide on December 20, 2020.

Penguin: Order issued to ‘deal’ with protest leaders

PROTEST leader Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, posted a message at his Facebook account late last night (Nov. 1) from Rama 9 Hospital that he had got information an order had been issued to “deal’ with him and the other protest leaders that same night or very soon, Sanook.com reported.

He said he is willing to sacrifice everything, including his life, in the fight for democracy.

Chaos as forest runoff floods popular resort

STRONG gushes of floodwater swiftly flowed into a well-known resort near Thap Lan National Park last night causing havoc with a group of women tourists rushing out of their rooms while some of the vehicles in the car park just floated away, Amarin TV reported today (Nov. 1, 2020).

Forest runoffs from Khao Yai and Thap Lan national parks first flooded some villages in Na Di district of Prachin buri province in the middle of night, gushing on the roads and homes.

Three protest leaders still in the hospital as lawyer checks detention

ALL three protest leaders freed from prison on Friday evening are still undergoing medical treatment at Rama 9 Hospital with police guarding Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, as she has already been taken into custody, INN News reported this afternoon (Nov. 1, 2020).

Mr. Krisadang Nuttajarat, a lawyer for all three of them, said Rung has been taken into custody by Pathumwan police station, and because she can be detained anywhere, police are closely guarding her at the hospital.

Fuel tanker flips, bursts into flames in Lamphun

A SECOND fuel tanker was involved in an accident just three days after the horrific crash in Buriram province with this one being a semi-trailer tanker that flipped over and burst into flames in Lamphun province killing one person, Thai Rath newspaper and TV Channel 7 reported today (Nov. 1, 2020).

The accident occurred at 9.40 a.m. on Route 11, or Chiang Mai-Lampang superhighway, on the outbound side at Khun Tan – Umong stretch in Tha Sop Sao sub-district, Mae Tha district,  Lamphun.

Three dead as train hits motorcycle with sidecar

A TRAIN collided with a motorcycle with a sidecar at a level crossing in southern Narathiwat province today (Oct. 31) killing three persons on the spot, INN News and Sanook.com reported.

The express train running from Bangkok to Su-ngai Kolok district in this province hit the vehicle upon reaching kilometre marker 1,134, the boundary area of Su-ngai Padi with Su-ngai Kolok districts.

TAT Governor: Quarantine not yet being reduced to 7 days

THE Ministry of Tourism and Sports has not yet tabled a proposal to slash the coronavirus quarantine period from 14 to seven days to the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), INN News reported this afternoon (Oct. 31).

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said the ministry wants to track the first group of tourists allowed into the country before making this move and until then people entering the country must be quarantined for 14 days in accordance with the Public Health Ministry regulation.

Three protest leaders hospitalized after being rearrested

AN OVERNIGHT rally in front of Prachachuen police station broke up at 4.45 a.m. this morning (oct. 31) after Ayutthaya police station showed up and recorded the rearrest of three of four protest leaders freed by court last evening with all three being admitted to hospital for treatment for injury and exhaustion, Sanook.com reported this morning (Oct. 31).

Set free from Bangkok Remand Prison and Central Women Correctional Institution last evening were Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, Mr. Panupong Chadnok, or Mike Rayong, Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, and Mr. Patiwat Saraiyam, or Bank.

Court orders release of four protest leaders

THE CRIMINAL Court this afternoon (Oct. 30) dismissed a police petition to detain four protest leaders for the third successive period, pointing out that it is not necessary to hold them any longer during investigation, Sanook.com reported.

Being set free from Bangkok Remand Prison and Central Women Correctional Institution this evening are Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, Mr. Panupong Chadnok, or Mike Rayong, Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, and Mr. Patiwat Saraiyam, or Bank.

Gen. Prayut: No one wants to launch a coup

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today (Oct.30) that he had not thought about mounting a coup d’etat as urged to do so by Mr. Sondhi Limthongkul, the leader of the right-wing People’s Alliance for Democracy, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

However he added that this does not mean there will or will not be a coup but that no one wants to launch one with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan having already said that he is not going to do so.

Police chief not worried about rival groups clashing

NATIONAL Police chief Pol. Gen. Suwat Jangyodsuk said today (Oct. 30) that he is not concerned about the current wave of demonstrations even if rival groups clash being confident that the police units will be able to handle any situation, INN News and Sanook.com reported.

Speaking after chairing a police executive meeting, Pol. Gen. Suwat said he has instructed the Metropolitan Police Bureau to closely follow and handle rallies. They have been told to especially focus on the big surprise the People’s Party has announced it will be unveiling tomorrow, but it has to be seen what actually transpires.

Digital Loy Krathong campaign trending on Thai social media

ATTRACTING a lot of attention and being widely discussed on Thai social media is a hashtagged message to skip physically observing Loy Krathong festival this year and instead join one of various websites arranging for participants to do so digitally, Thai Rath newspaper said this morning (Oct. 30, 2020).

With this year’s Loy Krathong festival falling tomorrow, making this big change to a very popular festival is attracting a lot of comments and has now become one of top trending Thai topics and hashtags on Twitter.

Germany does not believe HM the King has breached state business ban – source

By Reuters staff, published by Todayonline.com

Berlin – Germany does not believe that Thailand’s King, His Majesty King Rama X, has so far breached its ban on conducting politics while staying there, a parliamentary source said on Wednesday, after lawmakers were briefed by the government.

Thai protesters asked Germany on Monday to look into whether His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, 68, had conducted state business, such as the signing of royal commands and the annual expenditure act while he was on German soil.

Art rally at Silom, another one at Pathumwan intersection

DEMONSTRATORS started gathering in front of the Tamil Hindu temple going down throughout Silom road from 5.50 p.m. onwards today (Oct. 29) with this being a new type of rally with the focus being on art, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

There are to be stalls selling art products, music and performances in this new type of gathering unlike the ones that have taken place in recent months.

Huge fuel tanker blaze destroys10 shophouses, 20 vehicles

MORE than eight hours after a fuel tanker carrying 40,000 litres of fuel slammed into an 18-wheel trailer truck in Buriram province and exploded into a huge ball of fire that quickly spread and destroyed 10 shophouses and 20 vehicles at around midnight last night firemen were still hosing down the vehicles because around 30,000 litres of the fuel remained in the tanker and only the oil company could drain it out, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 29, 2020).

It was expected the process of draining the remaining fuel would be completed by noon today, and firemen were worried that a smoldering fire could erupt again. Only after that could the wrecks be moved off the road and normal traffic resume in this area of Nong Ki district

Rally held at Ayutthaya station where student was assaulted

THE People Party followers in Ayutthaya city held a demonstration at the station last evening (Oct. 28) and all sat down when the national anthem was played at 6 p.m. in show of support for a girl student who was assaulted by a vendor for not standing up straight when it was played the previous evening, Amarin TV reported this morning.

The students and general public held a series of activities at the station with speeches given to stress that there must not be violence against people who think differently.

Prayut ‘clearly told Parliament constitution will be amended’

AS both Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam clearly told the special parliamentary session that the constitution will be amended the results can be considered satisfactory, Siam Rath newspaper quoted Chat Thai Pattana Party Director Nikorn Chamnong as saying this afternoon (Oct. 28, 2020).

He pointed out that although all the details were not worked out at the two-day special session on October 26-27 to find a solution to the political crisis, all parties participated in the debate which was telecast live.

Court gives Penguin a chance to improve himself in one case

THE Criminal Court at Ratchadapisek road accepted the apology of protest leader Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, and gave him a chance to improve himself in the case stemming from a gathering in front of this court on August 8 to call for the release of two other protest leaders, Mr. Anon Nampa, a lawyer, and Mr. Panupong Chadnok, or Mike Rayong, Voice TV reported this afternoon (Oct. 28, 2020).

Charged with violating the regulations of the court in this case filed by the court’s director of the Administrative Office, it was mentioned that Penguin posted pictures of the rally on social media to encourage others to join in, shouted in front of the court and broadcast the rally live on social media.

Yellow-shirt protesters ‘used Costa Rican flag at rally’

DRAWING heavy criticism online is a photo of a yellow-shirt rally in southern Songkhla province where a Costa Rican flag and not a Thai one was used in the stage backdrop, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 28, 2020).

The Facebook page Vivatha V2 shared this photo last night showing the stage at the yellow-shirt rally in Bang Klam district of this southern province on Sunday Oct. 25 with the backdrop emblazoned with the Costa Rican flag.

Vendor slaps student for not standing straight when national anthem played

A FEMALE student who was suffering from menstrual pain thus did not stand straight when the national anthem was played within Ayutthaya train station at 6 p.m. yesterday (Oct. 27) was slapped by a vendor who did not believe her, Sanook.com reported this morning.

The incident occurred at this station where the student lay on a bench at the platform with a guardian watching over her.

Pheu Thai MP slits his arm during parliamentary debate

AN UNEXPECTED incident occurred on the second day of special parliamentary session debating the political tensions with a Pheu Thai MP cutting his arm three times to urge Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to hold talks with protest leaders, TV Channel 3 reported this evening (Oct. 27).

Mr. Wisan Techathirawat, Pheu Thai’s MP from Chiang Rai, said in his address that the problem lay with Gen. Prayut alone and he is the one who is in conflict with the protesters.

Two more coronavirus cases found at same facility as Frenchwoman

TWO additional Covid-19 cases have been found at the same alternative state quarantine (ASQ) facility in Samut Prakan province where the infected 57-year-old Frenchwoman stayed before flying to Koh Samui and found to be infected there last week, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 27).

Dr Sophon Iamsirithaworn, director of the Department of General Communicable Disease, said an inspection of this quarantine facility revealed two more foreign Covid-19 cases, an Asian male and a European, with both coming down with this disease after the mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

Weathermen sound alert as Typhoon Molave heads for Vietnam

THE Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning at 10 a.m. today (Oct. 27) that Category 5 Typhoon Molave is now 675 kilometres southeast of Da Nang city, Vietnam, and will make a landfall there tomorrow before downgrading to Category 3 tropical storm and entering Thailand.

Molave, with its maximum sustained winds of about 155 km/hr, is currently moving westwards with the speed of 25 km/hr.

Chuan: No talks held yet on quit or not referendum

THE President of the National Assembly said this morning (Oct. 27) before the start of the second day special parliamentary session that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had not held talks with him on holding a referendum on whether he should step down or not, INN News reported.

Mr. Chuan Leepai, the head of the National Assembly, said it has to be considered whether this could be done and whether a referendum bill could pass three readings in one go or not.

Three representatives to submit letter to German ambassador

THE People’s Party procession marched to the German embassy on South Sathorn road from Sam Yan intersection to submit a letter to the German ambassador this evening (Oct. 26) with only three representatives to be allowed into the compound to do so, Thai Rath newspaper and Amarin TV reported.

Police had formed a line in front of the embassy where they had also placed metal barriers to prevent the protesters from getting too close to the embassy compound.

Prayut asks MPs if they want resignation-parliament dissolution?

AT the ongoing two-day special parliamentary session Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha got up to ask the MPs whether they want him to resign and dissolve parliament thus setting the stage for a new general election or amend the constitution, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 26).

 In his second address to the session today, Gen. Prayut said his government is not staying still amid the ongoing crisis.

Avoid Rama IV, South Sathorn roads from 3 p.m. as mob heading to embassy

THE Metropolitan Police Bureau issued an urgent announcement early this afternoon (Oct. 26) for people to avoid Rama IV and South Sathorn roads from 3 p.m. onwards as protesters are gathering at Sam Yan intersection at 5 p.m. to head to the German embassy, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Jirasan Keawsaengek, deputy head of the Metropolitan Police, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeraphong Wongratpitak, head of Traffic Police, jointly announced that protesters will be heading from Sam Yan intersection to the German embassy on South Sathorn road via Rama IV and South Sathorn roads.

Key parliamentary session kicks off as royalists submit letter

THE two-day special parliamentary session got underway this morning (Oct. 26) with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha proposing a motion for a general debate without a vote under Section 165 of the Constitution, INN News and Sanook.com reported.

Gen. Prayut said in his opening speech that as the country now faces a significant problem in the administration of state affairs the Cabinet deemed it appropriate to listen to the opinions of parliamentarians, particularly on the holding of political rallies both in Bangkok and in the provinces.

Demonstrators keep up pressure for government to resign

THE thousands of people protesting at Ratchaprasong intersection this evening (Oct. 25) pressed on with demands for the government to resign and the release of their detained friends and vowed to continue fighting for democracy till they win, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

At 6 p.m. the demonstrators stood up and gave the three-finger salute after which they turned on their mobile phone flashlights, turning the area into a sea of stars, and then sang the national anthem.

Police gear up to handle protest at Ratchaprasong intersection

THE Metropolitan Police is all ready to handle a demonstration at Ratchaprasong intersection from 4 p.m. onwards today (Oct. 25) and will be adhering to laws in effect during normal circumstances, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Yingyot Thepchamnong, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, said National Police Chief Pol.Gen. Suwat Jangyodsuk ordered this police unit to take care of the rally with emphasis on the safety of the people, including the protesters, and property as well as facilitating the traffic in the surrounding area

Chuan puts the brakes on tight control of Parliament during special session

THE President of National Assembly has halted a move to impose stringent control of the Parliament during the two-day extraordinary session starting tomorrow even though some groups are expected to stage rallies there, INN News reported.

Mr. Chuan Leekpai, the National Assembly head, cancelled the security action plan by pointing out that Parliament is not a controlled area, said Dr. Sukit Atthapakorn, adviser to the president of the House of Representatives.

Prayut refuses to resign, calls for reconciliation

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha refused to buckle under the pressure mounted by a wave protests and close to the 10 p.m. deadline set for him to resign refused to do so, Thai Rath newspaper reported this evening (Oct. 24).

Speaking at 9.12 p.m. after attending a prayer ceremony at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram temple together with his wife, Mrs. Naraporn Chan-o-cha, cabinet ministers and the general public, Gen. Prayut said his government is sincerely solving problems and cannot resign right now because the country is beset by an economic crisis.

Police ask for court injunction to evict protesters

POLICE moved to obtain an injunction from the court to evict protesters rallying in front of Bangkok Remand Prison on Ngamwongwan road today (Oct. 24) after their leaders set a 10 p.m. deadline for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign, Sanook.com reported.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy head of the Metropolitan Police, said that the rally by the protesters, who had camped overnight at this spot, is an offense and they did not heed a notice issued by the head of Thung Song Hong police station to disperse.

Democrats say trust parliamentary system to resolve crisis

THE DEMOCRAT Party urged all sides to believe that the parliamentary system will be able to find a way out of the crisis for the county and is eager for constitution amendments to be raised during the extraordinary session on October 26-27, Thai Rath newspaper reported this afternoon (Oct. 24).

The party’s spokesman Rames Ratanachaweng said Parliament is where representatives of the people are performing their duties, with his party having collected the viewpoints of the constituents and will present the information in detail during the extraordinary session to together find a solution to the crisis.

Protesters set deadline for PM to quit by 10 p.m. tonight

THE People’s Party representatives and their ally issued a deadline in front of Bangkok Remand Prison at 10.10 a.m. this morning (Oct. 24) for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to step down by 10 p.m. tonight while inviting all groups to join together and map out their strategy, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Mr. Songpol Sonthirak, speaking on behalf of People’s Party, and Mr. Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, or Phai Dao Din, as head of his Khon Kaen group, invited people from all walks of life, students and artists to join together in creating a colourful gathering and working out activities under the concept “Must chase out Prayut, must read books and must do homework.”

Rally in front of prison in Bangkok, and yellow-shirt one in Sukhothai

PROTESTERS are setting up a stage and getting ready to camp overnight in front of Bangkok Remand Prison where some of their leaders are incarcerated after one of them, Mr. Jarupat  Boonpattararaksa, or Phai Dao Din, was released, Thai Rath newspaper and Sanook.com reported this evening (Oct. 23, 2020).

Upon being released Phai Dao Din gave a speech on top of a pick-truck right in front of the prison saying the protesters would not retreat and that the ten days he was in prison made him feel that he had not lost anything at all from all that he had done.

Frenchwoman found infected with coronavirus after clearing quarantine

THE Public Health Ministry has not yet confirmed that a 57-year-old Frenchwoman found infected with Covid-19 on Koh Samui after travelling there with her family upon clearing 14-day quarantine in Samut Prakan province has in fact caught the disease in Thailand, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 23).

Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, director of the General Communicable Diseases Division, said this woman’s husband and son have no symptoms and a Swab (PCR) test at Bangkok Samui Hospital yesterday showed they are not infected. They have been separated from their infected family member.

81 protest-related lawsuits filed in 10 days

A POLICE report shows that during 10 days of demonstrations, from October 13 till today October 23, a total of 81 lawsuits have been filed against 77 adults and four youths with 70 bailed out and eight imprisoned, Amarin TV reported this afternoon.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy head of the Metropolitan Police, said of the total of suspects, three are being prosecuted for repeat offenses.

Unapproved digging triggers gas pipe blast killing 3, injuring 52

A BACKHOE digging near an old gas pipeline in Bang Bo district of Samut Prakan province without prior permission triggered a big explosion after rupturing it with the large ball of fire killing three persons and injuring 52 others, Sanook.com reported.

The explosion had a radius of approximately 100 metres in Soi Preng Wisuthathipbodee School, Preng subdistrict, with a 500-metre radius around the site having been blocked and only authorized personnel allowed access.

Drill on dealing with protesters at Govt House amid jeers

A DRILL took place at the tightly-controlled Government House to deal with possible attempt to gain entry by protesters this afternoon (Oct. 22) with buses and vans brought in and barbed wire rolled out while students at nearby schools who saw the preparation gave the three-finger salute and shouted to get out, Amarin TV reported today (Oct. 22, 2020).

At 1 p.m. today reporters at Government House said a rehearsal was underway after protesters had marched close to the complex last night and submitted a letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign within three days or else they would be back to stage more rallies.

Taking the first step back! PM revokes severe emergency in Bangkok

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha kept his word that he would take a step back as announced over TV pool last night by repealing the serious emergency in Bangkok area with immediate effect at around noon today (Oct. 22), Amarin TV reported.

In his announcement last night Gen. Prayut said both sides should take a step back and wait for a resolution of the current crisis through the parliamentary process.

Leader of mob who attacked student close to minister

THE man who threw a loudspeaker at a female student during a confrontation at Ramkhamhaeng University between the student demonstrators and yellow-shirt royalists yesterday has been identified in a photo together with a minister, Sanook.com reported this morning (October 22, 2020).

The melee at the university occurred after both groups held rallies there at around the same time with police having set up a barrier separating them.  However the yellow-shirt royalists pushed their way through to the other side leading to the student demonstrators later leaving the campus and holding their rally in front of Hua Mak police station.

Protesters set deadline for PM to quit while he makes conciliatory move

ONE of three demonstration groups in Bangkok this evening (Oct. 21) marched from Victory Monument to Government House where they submitted a letter calling on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign within three days while the Prime Minister said over television pool that both sides should take a step back and let these issues go to Parliament for deliberation, Thai Rath newspaper, reported

At Chamai Maruchet bridge representatives of the protesters submitted a letter to Pol. Lt. Gen. Phukphong Phongpetra, chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, who was accompanied by Government House officials asking Gen. Prayut to resign and stop the prosecution of their friends and other members of the general public.

Protesters start gathering while Voice TV is not being shut down

DEMONSTRATORS started coming down to the road from the skywalk at Victory Monument at 4 p.m. today (Oct. 21) with this being the appointed time announced by the People’s Party, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

They initially gathered at a sidewalk near the base of the monument and started giving speeches, at this point traffic was running normally through the roundabout.

Police confirm no order to use live ammunition

POLICE are concerned that disagreements between the two groups will now flare up while debunking fake news that live ammunition will be used against protesters, INNnews.co.th and Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 21).

Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy head of the Metropolitan Police, along with Pol. Col. Siriwat Deephor, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, told the Press that police had mapped out strategies to cope with disagreements between the two groups getting out of hand.

Two protest leaders taken to court, third motorcade arrest

TWO key protest leaders were taken from the Region 1 Border Police Bureau to the criminal court to request for pre-trial detention at 11 a.m. this morning (Oct. 21), INNnews.co.th reported.

Chanasongkram policemen took the duo, Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, leader of Thammasat Alliance and Rally, and Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, a Thammasart University student and leader of the Free Youth group, to the court to request detention under Section 116 of the Criminal Code.

Demonstrators take a day off to rest

AFTER demonstrators were called to assemble at all stations at 6 p.m. today (Oct. 20) to give the three-finger salute after paying respect to the national anthem the Free Youth group revealed its big surprise, which is that there is no surprise, because they decided to halt rallies for a day, Sanook.com reported.

In its message the group said their page had announced that a big surprise is forthcoming, but there is none today because it was decided to halt rallies for a day with a deadline set for the government to accept their demands.

Special parliament session on October 26-27

THE Cabinet has approved the promulgation of a Royal Decree to open an extraordinary parliamentary session for a general debate without vote under Section 165, TV Channel 7 and INNnews.co.th reported this afternoon (Oct. 20,2020).

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the government wants to hold this session quickly because parliament is reconvening on November 1.

PM insists he does not want to violate rights amid media move

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said after today’s (Oct. 20) Cabinet meeting that while he does not want to violate rights and liberties it was necessary for the police to get a court order to shut down some online media outlets for inciting divisions in the country, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Gen. Prayut added that this government “will live in love and die loyally” like the lyrics of a song.

Vendors deny being CIA agents as teased by amused netizens

A COLOURFUL development from the demonstrations that have been taking place over the past few days is a online thread that jokingly questions whether food vendors are CIA agents in disguise because they always show up at the protest venue before anyone else gets there, Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 20, 2020).

In trying to get an answer to this question Sanook.com reporters quizzed some vendors at Kasetsart intersection, which was the main site of yesterday’s protest, as to how they tend to arrive before protesters, police and reporters.

Kasetsart intersection packed with protesters

THE huge demonstration at Kasetsart intersection this evening (Oct. 19) saw a political activist, some students and members of the general public taking turns in giving speeches in an orderly manner, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

One of the speakers, a girl student, told the demonstrators that today is her birthday and what she wants the most is democracy. They really appreciated what she said and sang happy birthday.

Order to suspend use of Telegram messaging app

A LETTER of instructions issued by the chief responsible for resolving a serious emergency situation, number 11/2020, wants the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to suspend the use of Telegram messaging application, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 19).

This action was taken after protesters moved to distribute news through such apps.

Four media outlets, 300,000 illegal URLs face action

THE Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is today (Oct. 19) getting ready to prosecute several media outlets for publishing and presenting news that go against the emergency decree while also taking action against 300,000 illegal URLs (web pages), Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Minister of Digital Economy and Society Putthipong Punnakan said the chief responsible for resolving a serious emergency had asked the ministry to investigate and suspend the broadcasting of four media outlets that affect state security.

Chuan holding talks with parties to find a way out of crisis

TALKS are being held with representatives of political parties to lay the groundwork for the House of Representatives to find a solution to the current political crisis, TV Channel 7 reported this morning (Oct. 19, 2020).

Mr. Chuan Leekpai, president of the House of Representatives, said internal discussions are taking place with political parties, and while Parliament cannot interfere with the government’s work, it could send a recommendation to relevant parties or the government to consider.

Rallies in 3 areas of Bangkok ending at 8 p.m.

A PROTEST leader confirmed that rallies taking place today (Oct. 18) in three key areas of Bangkok and neighbouring Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi provinces that started late afternoon will end at 8 a.m., TV Channel 7 reported.

In Bangkok demonstrations sprung up at Victory Monument, Asoke and Bangna intersections. The Pathum Thani demonstrators gathered at Future Park Rangsit shopping mall while those at Nonthaburi at the MRT Bang Yai station.

Protesters start flocking to Victory Monument area

THE People’s Party demonstrators started gathering at Victory Monument area from 3.50 p.m. onwards  today (Oct. 18) after the Facebook page of the Free Youth group confirmed the rally at this location with a smaller one in Asoke area from 4 p.m. onwards, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The message also mentioned assembly points at various provinces across the country.

Another rally called after apology issued for last night’s water truck chaos

ALL the groups in the People’s Party network jointly published their message on all social media platforms at 11 a.m. today (Oct. 18) calling on demonstrators to be ready at 3 p.m., Thai Rath newspaper and Sanook.com reported.

The message said, “3 p.m., please be ready at every train station near you”.

Meanwhile a Thoburi vocational student group, Gear of Red Thonburi, issued a statement this morning apologizing for the chaos that occurred in Wong Wian Yai at 10 p.m. last night.

Protesters at all three key rally sites start dispersing

DEMONSTRATORS at three key areas of Bangkok, Lat Phrao intersection, Wong Wiang Yai and Udom Suk station, started dispersing close to 8 p.m. this evening (Oct. 17) as urged to do so by their leaders after giving the three-finger salute and singing the national anthem, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

There was a slight disturbance at Lat Phrao five-way intersection after word spread that a water truck was seen coming down Saphan Kwai road.

Protest kicks off at Udom Suk BTS station

DEMONSTRATORS began holding a rally at Udom Suk BTS station at 4.14 p.m. today (Oct. 17) with this being one of the points the People’s Party had selected for their protest, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The rally had initially started at Udom Suk junction but as more people flocked in, the crowd spread out to the BTS station. However, traffic was still able to flow despite the large gathering.

Rally called at all stations while PM insists international standards upheld

THE United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration announced at around noon today (Oct. 17) that all its followers should get ready to protest all train stations at 3 p.m., TV Channel 7 reported.

The group’s latest statement also mentioned that if trains stop running before the appointed hour, participants are to adhere to the concept that all train stations are “places of assembly.”

Protesters call off rally after tear gas, water cannons fired

AFTER being hit with tear gas sprayed together with water and several rounds of dye-mixed water cannons the protesters at Pathumwan intersection called off their rally after first trying to withdraw to adjacent Chulalongkorn University campus, Sanook.com reported this evening (October 16, 2020).

The timeline of the heavy-handed police action is as follows:

– At 8.45 p.m. Police fired more rounds of water cannons near BTS National Stadium station in front of MBK shopping mall where some protesters had gathered.

Protest starts after being moved to Pathumwan intersection

ANOTHER demonstration got underway at 5 p.m. today (Oct. 16) but the location was moved from Ratchaprasong to Pathumwan intersection, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The protesters stood around beneath the skywalk at this intersection and gave the three-finger salute while calling on people on the skywalk to come down and join them.

Communication cables burst into flames in Pattaya

SOME badly tangled communication cables suddenly caught fire in front of a convenience store in Pattaya this morning (Oct. 16) leading to disruption of services provided by various companies in the neighbourhood, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Policemen at Pattaya city station rushed to the site of the cable fire at Hanuman bend on Pattaya 2 Road, Jomtien beach, at 10 a.m. after alerting Pattaya Disaster Mitigation Unit to send in fire engines and asking the Provincial Electricity Authority unit at this seaside city to cut power to this area.

PM refuses to quit as another protest looms

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha today (Oct. 16) flatly refused to step down as demanded by People’s Party protesters who after breaking up their rally at Ratchaprasong intersection last night called for another one at the same place at 5 p.m. today, Sanook.com reported.

Speaking after a special Cabinet meeting with ministers standing alongside him Gen. Prayut said the meeting approved a serious emergency for Bangkok with this legally having to be permitted again every three days.

One of two royal motorcade suspects arrested

ONE of two political activists wanted on the charges of intending to harm Her Majesty the Queen’s liberty during the demonstration on Wednesday Oct. 14 has been arrested by Ladprao police, Sanook.com quoted TV Channel 8 as saying this morning (Oct. 16, 2020).

Mr. Ekachai Hongkangwan was arrested while travelling to surrender at Dusit police station and was taken for questioning at Ladprao station.

Street lights switched off at Ratchaprasong intersection

THE CONFRONTATION between the demonstrators and the security force at Ratchaprasong intersection turned quite tense this evening (Oct. 15) with the authorities having switched off street lights but the protesters succeeding in retaking the skywalk from which they had been earlier evicted, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The demonstrators cried with joy when the skywalk was retaken while crowd control police units beefed up their numbers after totally securing all points at this intersection.

Demonstrators flock to heavily guarded Ratchprasong intersection

DESPITE tight security being mounted at Ratchaprasong intersection after the declaration of state of emergency early this morning (Oct. 15) demonstrators still flocked there in keeping with a call by their arrested leaders to do so at 4 p.m., Thai Rath newspaper reported.

At 3.06 p.m. one protester held up a white bow and asked to tie it on the arm of an officer, saying, “I won’t touch you first, please just stretch your arm, I have prepared lots of bows, there is nothing at all, no violence.”

Ruamrudee alumnus creates novel full-face respirator

A TEAM of UBC (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada) engineering students, led by Faheem Saeed, a fourth-year UBC Mechanical Engineering student specializing in Biomedical Engineering, have created an affordable, breathable, full-face N99+ respirator that is reusable and completely transparent – possibly the first of its kind.

Made of optical-grade polycarbonate, it provides a complete seal around the face and uses a pair of KP100 filters on either side to filter out up to 99.97% of airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns and above, making it suitable for both Covid-19 and wildfire smoke protection. The eyes are also sealed to protect them against entry of any particulates and to prevent irritation from wildfire smoke.

Police strongly warn protesters to not gather at Ratchaprasong

AFTER the declaration of serious emergency in Bangkok by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha before dawn today (Oct. 15) police issued a stern warning to protesters to not assemble at Ratchaprasong intersection this afternoon, Thai Rath and Sanook.com reported.

Pol. Col. Krisana Pattanacharoen, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya Thawichai, deputy head of Metropolitan Police, said in declaring this emergency Prime Minister Prayut appointed National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Suwat Chaengyodsuk to resolve the situation.

Protesters block off Govt House, staying there tonight

THE People’s Party demonstrators reached Government House at 6.10 p.m. and settled there for the night after taking over the stretch of Phitsanulok Road in front it while periodically shouting “Out Big Tu” (Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s nickname is Tu and he often referred to as Big Tu or Uncle Tu), Thai Rath Newspaper reported this evening (Oct. 14, 2020).

The movement’s key leaders, lawyer Anon Nampa, Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, and Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, told police from their mobile stage to stay out of Phitsanulok road stretch in front of Government House.

Ex-wife arrested for killing former husband’s new girlfriend

THE WOMAN who shot dead her former husband’s new girlfriend and also injured him in Lampang province early Sunday morning has now been arrested and has confessed to the crime, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 14, 2020).

Ms. Niranuch Okwang, 50, was arrested in neighbouring Phayao province after an informer told police that he saw her grey Lampang registered Toyota sedan parked in front of a house there.

Protesters start marching towards Govt House

THE People’s Party demonstrators started moving towards Government House at 2.35 p.m. today (Oct. 14) after negotiations with police at Mahakan Fort intersection whereby they were allowed to head there via Nakhon Sawan road and not Ratchadamnoen Nok, Thai Rath newspaper reported

While negotiations took place the protesters intermittently shouted, “open the way.”

Two Turks break out of detention centre in Mae Sot

TWO Turkish men used a saw blade to cut the bars at their detention room in Mae Sot and fled last night with police hunting for them at this city bordering Myanmar, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 14, 2020).

The two men, Mr. Murad Yeslicana, 41, and Mr. Razid Ashim, 29, had been sent by Immigration Division 3 police for detention at Mae Sot Immigration Office on February 15, 2020, and were held here throughout until their escape last night.

Protest kicks off with police vehicle being forced to leave

AFTER moving up their demonstration at Democracy Monument from 2 p.m. to 8 a.m. this morning (Oct. 14), the protest leaders expanded the assembly area to cover one traffic lane of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and then forced a police vehicle that had driven in to warn them that they are breaking the law to leave, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The demonstrators spread out from the sidewalk onto one traffic lane at 9.20 a.m. by moving their tents there. One of their leaders, lawyer Anon Nampa, apologized to the public for this inconvenience on stage and asked the police to help commuters.

India’s new bridges may worsen standoff with China

By Bloomberg, published by Mint

INDIA opened dozens of new bridges — many of them providing all-weather access along its disputed border with China — in a move that could provoke a fresh round of tensions.

Eight of the bridges are in the Ladakh province, where India and China have each amassed over 50,000 soldiers, tanks, missiles and have put fighters on stand-by, while eight are in Arunachal Pradesh in India’s remote northeast, a region claimed by China where the border dispute is the sharpest, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Monday. Another four are in the Himalayan region that witnessed a months-long military standoff in 2017 over the Doklam plateau, claimed by China and Bhutan, India’s ally.

Probe launched into small boy’s death at home

THE Governor of Kalasin province today (Oct. 13) ordered an investigation into the death of a three-year-old boy after his father and doctors raised suspicions that it was unlikely he fell off his bed and then slipped in the bathroom as relatives claimed, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The boy, A (fictitious name), three years and five months old, died at 8 p.m. on Saturday October 10. His body was checked by doctors at Kalasin Hospital who said injuries indicate that he might not have fallen off his bed and then after that slipped in the bathroom and died as his relatives claimed.

Woman kills ex-husband’s new girlfriend and flees

POLICE in northern Lampang province are hunting for a 50-year-old woman who shot dead her former husband’s new girlfriend and also injured him at their home before driving off, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Pol. Capt. Phasaworn Bunthiam, deputy inspector for investigation at Mueang Lampang station, rushed to the victims’ shophouse after being alerted of the shooting at  6.45 a.m. yesterday (Oct. 12).

Legal consumption of kratom to be tightly controlled

A NEW draft law is being worked out to control the consumption of kratom once the draft Narcotics Act to remove it from the drugs list is passed by Parliament, Sanook.com reported this morning (October 13, 2020).

After the Cabinet approved in principle to remove kratom from the drugs list in March this year, a draft law to do this was sent to the Council of State, the government’s legal arm, to consider, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said.

Drug used to treat stomach ulcers ‘successful against coronavirus’

By AFP staff, published by Channel NewsAsia

Hong Kong – An affordable anti-microbial drug used to treat stomach ulcers and bacterial infections has shown promise in combatting the coronavirus in animals, scientists in Hong Kong announced today (Oct 12).

Researchers set out to explore whether metallodrugs – compounds containing metal that are more commonly used against bacteria – might also have anti-viral properties that could fight the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Mae Sot checkpoint remains open with Myanmar trucks still rolling in

SMALL Myanmar trucks continued to cross over to Thailand via the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge at Mae Sot border town despite three drivers having recently tested positive for coronavirus with this triggering a protest yesterday to completely shut the border, Siam Rath reported today (October 12, 2020).

These Myanmar trucks all stopped at the loading area in front of the checkpoint waiting for Thais to drive up and load and unload goods.

Young girl is with dad at ICU, not told mum died in horror crash

AMONG the relatives watching over 10 of 42 people still hospitalized after yesterday’s horror train and bus collision that killed 18 travellers is a five-year-old girl who came with her grandfather to be with her dad who is in the intensive care unit, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Oct. 12, 2020).

Mr.  Vej Phukongpha, the grandfather of five-year-old Mink and father of the critically injured man, Mr. Jakkaphong Phukongpha, 27, said he did not dare yet tell the little girl that her mother, Ms. Melada Phukongpha, died in the crash at a level crossing in Chachoengsao province yesterday, even though she did ask about her.

Thailand will likely be hit by 3 storms in a row

THREE tropical depressions are expected to roar into Thailand during October 11-20 as observed by Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, chief executive officer of Team Consulting Engineering and Management Plc, or Team Group, Sanook.com reported today (October 12).

He warned the public that these storms could bring week-long rain in parts of the country and to be prepared for the bad weather.

Mae Sot locals stage protest to shut border and keep Covid-19 out

A GROUP of residents at Mae Sot border town staged a protest at the second Thai Myanmar Friendship Bridge this afternoon (Oct. 11) calling on the authorities to shut all border crossings to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to Thailand, TV Channel 7 reported.

Their demonstration was triggered by two Myanmar truck drivers testing positive for coronavirus and later one more truck driver from the neighbouring country also doing so.

October 14 rally ‘will last at least a week’

A LEADER of the pro-democracy movement said on stage in Nakhon Ratchasima province today (Oct. 11) that the October 14 demonstration will last at least a week with the protesters to march to Government House to pressure Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to step down, Sanook.com quoted Voice TV as saying.

Anon Nampa, a lawyer and political activist, told his supporters that the People’s Party had enough funds to demonstrate at the Democracy Monument for at least a month, but they should pack their bags for a seven-day stay as part of their strategy of “eating one bite at a time.”

17 dead, many injured in horror bus-train collision

A BUS taking factory workers from Samut Prakan to Chacheongsao province for a religious ceremony at a temple there was completely smashed by a train at 9.30 a.m. this morning leaving 17 people dead and estimated 29 to 30 injured with officials still trying to get some of the bodies out of the wreck, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Oct. 11, 2020).

Police have blocked off the accident site, a level crossing near Kwaeng Klan railway station, Bang Toei subdistrict, Mueang district, as rescuers continue the arduous task of getting the bodies out from the wreck and identifying them. Some are still stuck in the smashed truck while others lie beneath the front section of the train.

Fish dying in badly polluted Central Plain canal

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

PART OF A MAJOR canal in a Central Plain area is being critically polluted with blackish, odorous water, killing fish raised in submerged cages.

Authorities are yet to find out about the polluted water which has been allegedly released into a drainage waterway which is connected with Raphiphat canal in Nong Khae district of Saraburi province. Raphiphat canal is the major canal upon which many farmers largely depend.

Doctor in high-speed crash tried to save victim’s life

A DOCTOR who appeared drunk and refused a breath test tried to save the life of a motorcyclist he hit but upon failing to do so, dashed off to his hospital, Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 10, 2020).

The chain reaction collision occurred at 3.45 a.m. on the outbound side of Phaholyothin road in front of Ying Charoen market. A CCTV camera in front of this market showed that a black sedan coming at high speed forcefully hit a big bike in front of it and then slammed into a green pick-up truck pulling out of the market.

TOWERING INFERNO Huge fire engulfs 33-storey block of flats in South Korea

 

By Jon Lockett, The Sun

A HORROR blaze has ripped through a 33-storey tower block in South Korea sending burning debris tumbling to the ground below.

Shocking images and videos posted online show giant flames engulfing one side of the apartment building – which is home to around 130 families.

Red shirts ‘will be joining October 14 rally’

A FORMER Pheu Thai MP and one of the leaders of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship said today (Oct. 9) that the majority of red-shirt supporters will be joining a demonstration called by students on October 14 despite the government saying otherwise, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Mr. Worachai Hema, a former Pheu Thai MP from Samut Prakan province, dismissed a statement by Vice Minister Suporn Atthawong, who is a former red-shirt leader, that most of the movement’s followers will be staying away from the upcoming rally.

Thai army denies using Twitter accounts for information operations

THE Thai army denied using almost a thousand Twitter accounts for alleged information operations against political opposition figures which the giant microblogging and social networking service cited as the reason for blocking them, Amarin TV reported this afternoon (Oct. 9, 2020).

Lt. Gen. Santiphong Thampiya, deputy chief of staff and army spokesman, clarified that the army used all social media platforms to promote its work, especially helping the people during disasters particularly those triggered by powerful storms.

UFO sightings stir excitement in Chiang Mai

 

THE northern Chiang Mai city is gripped by UFO mystery today (Oct. 9) after a university student and his friends shared a video clip of an unidentified flying object (UFO) in an air control zone above Doi Suthep taken in July and then saw it again last week but it was too far away to be filmed, Amarin TV reported.

Mr. Krisana Inwan, 21, a 4th year student at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, and his two friends Mr. Machaya Yamamut, 22, and Ms. Arawanya, 22, said the video clip was taken on the rooftop of a shopping mall in this city in the afternoon of July 20 this year.

Film-going could ‘become extinct’ warns director

By BBC staff

WONDER WOMAN director Patty Jenkins has said that movie-going is facing a real threat of extinction.

Her new superhero movie has been delayed three times during the coronavirus pandemic.

She is among dozens of top Hollywood directors appealing to the US government to provide a financial lifeline to cinemas.

Frantic Covid-19 testing in Mae Sot after infected Thai crosses over from Myanmar

FEAR gripped Mae Sot town on the border with Myanmar after a Thai businessman who crossed over today (Oct. 8) tested positive for coronavirus with doctors and officials frantically testing cargo vehicle drivers coming over the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, Sanook.com reported.

The Thai businessman was only found to be infected with this deadly infection after a second test was performed. He has been admitted to Somdej Phrachao Taksin Maharat Hospital for treatment.

Stressed out ‘Spiderwoman’ climbs up police cell

A STRESSED OUT woman who had been arrested on a weapon possession charge climbed up to the top of a three-metre-high police cell and only came down after her mother was brought in to gently coax her, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Oct. 8, 2020).

There was panic at Suthisarn police station at 10 a.m. this morning when Ms. Ployphatcha (surname withheld), 37, climbed to the top of the cell and stayed suspended there.

Motorcyclist returns forgotten handbag with cash, jewellery to shopper

A WOMAN who left her handbag containing cash, gold and diamond jewellery worth hundreds of thousands of baht in the trolley at a hypermarket got it all back from the finder, an unidentified motorcyclist she forgot to reward, Amarin TV reported this morning (Oct. 8, 2020).

The lost-and-found incident occurred at a Big C store in Phetchabun province yesterday afternoon with Mrs. Pannataporn Kaysaythong, 65, relating that just as she was loading her shopping into her car, her daughter called saying there were visitors waiting to see her at home.

Trump campaign’s next steps unclear after White House return

By AP, published by New Indian Express

Washington – US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House is poised to reshape the campaign’s final four weeks as aides debated how to move past an extraordinary setback while grappling with how to send an infected president back on the road.

A race that had remained steady throughout the tumult of 2020 now threatens to slip away from the president after he spent 72 hours hospitalized with Covid-19, the very disease that has fundamentally altered the country he leads and the campaign he wanted to run.

Two policemen, a guard punched up in restaurant brawl

A FRACAS at a barbequed shrimp restaurant led to nine guards badly beating up two off-duty policemen and another guard who moved in to help one of them, Thai Rath newspaper reported this afternoon.

A Facebook member shared a video clip of the punch-up, which is going viral on the Thai social media, with this showing nine guards of Por Kung Phao restaurant in Lak Si – Saphan Mai area of the metropolis continuing to beat up one of the two policemen who was lying unconscious on the ground.

PM: Only specific areas to be initially opened to limited number of tourists

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today (Oct. 7) that agencies concerned are discussing the reopening of the country to tourism but where Phuket is concerned this could only start after the vegetarian festival ends on October 25 but the whole island would not be opened to them, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Foreign tourists coming in have to be monitored right from the start, being quarantined before setting off on their journey, and will be restricted to the beach and hotel they opt to stay and allowed to do so.

Former boxing champ in coma after insect bite

A VERY popular and successful Thai boxer of yesteryear, whose professional name was Dok Mai Pa P. Pongsawang, is in coma after a bite by an unknown insect led to bloodstream infection, Amarin TV reported this morning (Oct. 7, 2020).

The former star boxer, whose real name is Mr. Jamnian Mulkesorn, 52, and who now works as an employee of the technical division of Yang Talat sub-district municipality, Yang Talat district, Kalasin province, after hanging up his gloves around 30 years ago, was bitten by the insect on his left thigh last Wednesday September 30 while cutting grass.

Loch Ness Monster ‘caught on sonar’ as 30ft shape

By Jon Rogers, The Sun

A LOCH Ness Monster hunter thinks he has caught a sonar image of the beast, giving the “most compelling” evidence the creature really does exist.

The image was caught by Cruise Loch Ness director Ronald Mackenzie while he was skippering a catamaran on Wednesday afternoon.

If the image is correct it could mean Nessie is around 33ft long, although an expert said it could just be a shoal of fish.

Debt collector badly injured after firing shots at factory workers

THERE was panic at a factory after a stressed out debt collector drove in and fired three shots at workers just as they were leaving for home but fortunately no one got injured while he himself got badly hurt when he backed out of the compound and hit a barrier, Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 6, 2020).

The shooting, at a factory in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong province, occurred when three security guards, Mr. Hongthong, Mr. Wittaya and Mr. Sutin, opened the gate at around 8:10 p.m. to let the workers leave at the end of their shift.

Two held for smuggling marijuana from Thailand to Myanmar

POLICE are moving to arrest other members of a marijuana trafficking gang after two of them, both Myanmar nationals, were arrested at Mae Sot border town in possession of two lots of the drug totaling 360 kilogrammes which was being taken across the border to the neighbouring country, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (October 6, 2020).

The 360kgs of marijuana would have fetched over 10 million baht overseas.

Trump’s medical status unclear – he could be discharged on Monday

By Reuters staff, published by US News

Washington – US President Donald Trump could be discharged from the hospital where he is being treated for Covid-19 as soon as Monday, according to his doctors, although his condition remains unclear and outside experts warn that his case may be severe.

Sequestered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington since Friday, Trump has released a series of videos in an effort to reassure the public that he is recovering from a pandemic that has infected 7.4 million Americans and killed more than 209,000.

Man playing with ping pong bomb injured after it explodes

A YOUNG man in southern Krabi province is in the intensive care unit after severely injuring his left arm while playing with a ping pong bomb at his girlfriend’s house before dawn this morning (Oct. 5), Channel 7 News reported.

Mr. Thanakorn, 26, was rushed to Krabi Hospital at 5 a.m. by an ambulance sent Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation, which said in a post on its fan page that ambulance staff saw blood splattered all over the room with the man’s left arm bleeding profusely from a large wound that showed a broken bone. 

Arkhom appointed new finance minister

THE Royal Gazette today (Oct. 5) announced His Majesty the King’s royal command appointing Arkhom Termpittayapaisith the new finance minister.

This appointment by His Majesty the King, with the royal command dated October 1, 2020, was made by virtue of Section 158 of the Constitution.

Driver flees blazing car after crash

POLICE are searching for the owner of an Opel sedan who was seen in a surveillance camera clip fleeing  after miraculously getting out of his vehicle that caught fire moments after he had smashed it against a road barrier, Thai Rath newspaper reported this morning (Oct. 5, 2020).

Pol. Lt. Col. Wuttikorn Yuensuk, an investigator at Petchkasem station, rushed to scene of the accident at the U-turn under the bridge over Khlong Phasi Charoen, outbound Kanchanaphisek road, at 12.40 a.m. after calling in a fire engine and rescuers from Po Tek Tung Foundation.

Drug-crazed man stabs four guards at shopping mall

THE man who stabbed four guards at The Mall department store Ngamwongwan branch at 8 p.m. last evening was high on drugs and hallucinating with this confirmed by a urine test, Thai Rath reported today (Oct. 4. 2020).

Pol. Lt. Col. Uthen Hongthong, an investigator at Muang Nonthaburi police station, said the suspect, Mr. Wanchai Boonruang, 33, was still hallucinating when he questioned him and sometimes joked around with the interrogation lasting an hour.