Worried PPP woos parties after jolts from EC
The People Power Party is trying to offer incentives in a bid to convince other parties to join it even as its hopes of leading the government have been shaken, a PPP source said yesterday.
Published on January 5, 2008
The Election Commission (EC) declined to endorse 65 PPP winning candidates on Thursday. Parties that had earlier agreed to join a PPP-led government yesterday hinted they might change their minds.
The source said PPP executives had contacted key Puea Pandin members and offered to campaign for their candidates if the PPP candidates got Red Cards, disqualifying them from standing for re-election.
The source said the PPP was still worried whether Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa would agree to join a coalition as they still had differences on some ministerial berths.
The People Power Party MP candidates won 233 seats. The party has 168 endorsed seats in Parliament so far while the Democrat Party has 159 endorsed MPs out of 165 winning candidates. However, three PPP winning candidates have been disqualified while four have received yellow cards.
Chart Thai deputy leader Somsak Prisananuntagul said the party would meet on Monday to analyse its results and would not in the meantime make any political decision, especially when the EC had not completed the process of endorsing the MPs elect and issuing red and yellow cards.
Asked whether he could confirm his party would join a PPP-led government, Somsak said it was still waiting to know its final number of MP seats. However, he said it was still in alliance with the Puea Pandin Party.
"We can only say the number of seats is not finalised yet. And how can we be sure the EC will be able to endorse up to 95 per cent of the MPs?" he said.
General Chettha Thanajaro, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader, said his party would remain noncommittal for the moment as it would have to reconsider its position if other parties changed their minds and joined a Democrat-led government when the EC had finalised its endorsements.
A PPP source said former PM Thaksin Shinawatra was worried about plots to stop the PPP from forming the next government, including through use of red and yellow cards.
Kesinee Jaikawang,
Samatcha Hoonsara,
Attayuth Butrsripoom
The Nation
Showing posts with label Headlines News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Headlines News. Show all posts
Friday, January 11, 2008
World leaders send condolences
MOURNING
World leaders send condolences
Royals, heads of state and govt send messages
Published on January 5, 2008
Leaders from more than 20 countries around the world have sent messages of condolences to Thailand over the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, the Foreign Ministry said yesterday.
Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako, Prince Akichino Fumihito and Princess Akichino Kiko have sent their respective messages of sympathy to His Majesty the King.
Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni and King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, who is well known in Thailand, have also sent their commiserations to the Kingdom.
Kuwait's Emir His Highness Sheikh Sabah IV Al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah and Bahrain's Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa sent letters to extend their condolences.
Neighboring Lao President Chommaly Sayasone and Singapore's President Sellapanh Rama Nathan, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have sent their condolence to HM the King.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin and South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun yesterday sent messages of sorrow and concern to HM the King.
Nigeria's President Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar' Adua and Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala also sent messages of deep sorrow to Thailand.
All leaders said they were saddened by the death of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana. They praised her role and dedication to the poor, according to the Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Tharit Charungvat.
Thai embassies around the world were open for overseas Thais and foreigners to pay tribute to the Princess, he said. Some leaders of foreign countries also signed message of condolences at Thai embassies abroad, Tharit added.
Supalak G Khundee
The Nation
World leaders send condolences
Royals, heads of state and govt send messages
Published on January 5, 2008
Leaders from more than 20 countries around the world have sent messages of condolences to Thailand over the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, the Foreign Ministry said yesterday.
Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako, Prince Akichino Fumihito and Princess Akichino Kiko have sent their respective messages of sympathy to His Majesty the King.
Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni and King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, who is well known in Thailand, have also sent their commiserations to the Kingdom.
Kuwait's Emir His Highness Sheikh Sabah IV Al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah and Bahrain's Crown Prince Shaikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa sent letters to extend their condolences.
Neighboring Lao President Chommaly Sayasone and Singapore's President Sellapanh Rama Nathan, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have sent their condolence to HM the King.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin and South Korea's President Roh Moo-hyun yesterday sent messages of sorrow and concern to HM the King.
Nigeria's President Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar' Adua and Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala also sent messages of deep sorrow to Thailand.
All leaders said they were saddened by the death of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana. They praised her role and dedication to the poor, according to the Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Tharit Charungvat.
Thai embassies around the world were open for overseas Thais and foreigners to pay tribute to the Princess, he said. Some leaders of foreign countries also signed message of condolences at Thai embassies abroad, Tharit added.
Supalak G Khundee
The Nation
Wife of ousted prime minister lands at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Wife of ousted prime minister lands at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Khunying Pojamarn Shinawatra's flight TG 603 from Hong Kong landed at the Suvarnabhumi Airport as scheduled at 9.30am.
Dozens of reporters, both local and foreign, are now waiting at the arrival lounge and exit doors of the airport.
Pojamarn, wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin, returns home today to face corruption charges.
Police presented Pojamarn with an arrest warrant at the airport.
At 9.58am, Assistant Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Watcharapon Prasarnratchakit, said in an telephone interview that he is now with Pojamarn inside the airport.
He declined to elaborate, saying only that Pojamarn will be taken directly from the airport to the Supreme Court.
Police said earlier that Pojaman will be arrested upon arrival on graft charges as she and her husband, Thaksin, then prime minister, were accused of abusing of power to buy Rachadapisek land.
She is expected to seek bail.
It is reported Tuesday that Police Department will send a vehicle to pick up Pojamarn from the plane.
She will not be taken to Rachateva Police station, which is inside the airport, to be issued the arrest.
Instead she will go directly from the airport to the Supreme Court and all the process including the arrest and applying for bail, will be done there.
By Sucheera Pinijparakarn
The Nation
Khunying Pojamarn Shinawatra's flight TG 603 from Hong Kong landed at the Suvarnabhumi Airport as scheduled at 9.30am.
Dozens of reporters, both local and foreign, are now waiting at the arrival lounge and exit doors of the airport.
Pojamarn, wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin, returns home today to face corruption charges.
Police presented Pojamarn with an arrest warrant at the airport.
At 9.58am, Assistant Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Watcharapon Prasarnratchakit, said in an telephone interview that he is now with Pojamarn inside the airport.
He declined to elaborate, saying only that Pojamarn will be taken directly from the airport to the Supreme Court.
Police said earlier that Pojaman will be arrested upon arrival on graft charges as she and her husband, Thaksin, then prime minister, were accused of abusing of power to buy Rachadapisek land.
She is expected to seek bail.
It is reported Tuesday that Police Department will send a vehicle to pick up Pojamarn from the plane.
She will not be taken to Rachateva Police station, which is inside the airport, to be issued the arrest.
Instead she will go directly from the airport to the Supreme Court and all the process including the arrest and applying for bail, will be done there.
By Sucheera Pinijparakarn
The Nation
Up to Bt200m sought for royal cremation structures
Up to Bt200m sought for royal cremation structures
The Fine Arts Department is seeking a budget of at least Bt150 million for the construction of a royal crematorium and surrounding structures for the royal funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.
Published on January 8, 2008
The elder sister of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away at the age of 84 last Wednesday.
"The budget should be between Bt150 million and Bt200 million," the department's director-general, Grienggrai Sumpatchalit, said yesterday.
He said the cost estimate was based on the Bt165 million spent for HRH the Princess Mother's royal crematorium and surrounding structures in 1995.
Grienggrai said the design for the royal crematorium for the King's sister was a new draft based on old traditions and ancient beliefs about three worlds (earth, hell and heaven). Surrounding structures will include pavilions, toilets and entertainment halls.
"The construction will take at least four months," Grienggrai said, adding that between 300 and 400 workers will be needed.
Arvudh Ngernchuklin, who chairs the Fine Arts Department's panel in charge of the royal-cremation construction, said the draft design of the royal crematorium for the Princess was now ready to be forwarded to His Majesty for consideration.
Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon said the draft would be presented today to the committee organising the Princess's royal funeral. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont heads the panel.
"The government will then present the draft to His Majesty," she said.
Khaisri yesterday met with His Majesty's Deputy Principal Private Secretary Thanpuying Putrie Viravaidya to discuss the preparations for the royal funeral.
She added that relevant officials would be urgently deployed to clean and renovate chariots to be used in the royal crematorium.
Meanwhile, the National Archives of Thailand is now compiling information on the royal cremation.
Putrie said information from all media, including newspapers and TV broadcasts, would be collected. Documents from the Royal Household Bureau, announcements about the Princess's illness and treatment at Siriraj Hospital, and details about the royal funeral will be compiled.
Pakamard Jaichalard
The Nation
The Fine Arts Department is seeking a budget of at least Bt150 million for the construction of a royal crematorium and surrounding structures for the royal funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.
Published on January 8, 2008
The elder sister of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away at the age of 84 last Wednesday.
"The budget should be between Bt150 million and Bt200 million," the department's director-general, Grienggrai Sumpatchalit, said yesterday.
He said the cost estimate was based on the Bt165 million spent for HRH the Princess Mother's royal crematorium and surrounding structures in 1995.
Grienggrai said the design for the royal crematorium for the King's sister was a new draft based on old traditions and ancient beliefs about three worlds (earth, hell and heaven). Surrounding structures will include pavilions, toilets and entertainment halls.
"The construction will take at least four months," Grienggrai said, adding that between 300 and 400 workers will be needed.
Arvudh Ngernchuklin, who chairs the Fine Arts Department's panel in charge of the royal-cremation construction, said the draft design of the royal crematorium for the Princess was now ready to be forwarded to His Majesty for consideration.
Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon said the draft would be presented today to the committee organising the Princess's royal funeral. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont heads the panel.
"The government will then present the draft to His Majesty," she said.
Khaisri yesterday met with His Majesty's Deputy Principal Private Secretary Thanpuying Putrie Viravaidya to discuss the preparations for the royal funeral.
She added that relevant officials would be urgently deployed to clean and renovate chariots to be used in the royal crematorium.
Meanwhile, the National Archives of Thailand is now compiling information on the royal cremation.
Putrie said information from all media, including newspapers and TV broadcasts, would be collected. Documents from the Royal Household Bureau, announcements about the Princess's illness and treatment at Siriraj Hospital, and details about the royal funeral will be compiled.
Pakamard Jaichalard
The Nation
Top police 'at fault'
Top police 'at fault'
The National Human Rights Commission yesterday ruled that police were culpable in wrongly implicating two businessmen as bombers responsible for an explosion at Seacon Square shopping complex on New Year's Eve in 2006.
Published on January 8, 2008
Welcoming the decision, Pratya Preechavej said later that he would hold the Royal Thai Police and certain senior investigators criminally responsible for their actions and would file a civil lawsuit demanding Bt50 million in damages in return for his rights being violated.
The NHRC said the police decision to still take further criminal action against the two men, who surrendered themselves to police, without sufficient evidence was a "stark violation against justice and human rights".
The NHRC did not say how the police action was a criminal liability or how the police would exactly compensate for their actions against the two men.
A few months after the bombing, pictures of Pratya and his friend Yutthaphong Kittisriworraphan were put on a wanted poster indicating they planted a bomb in a waste bin in the shopping complex in Bangkok's Prawet district. Police relied solely on footage from security cameras showing the two men walking around the area as their only evidence that they were the bombers.
Inspecting police investigation reports and the evidence, the joint 10-member NHRC panel found police had no sufficient evidence the men had anything to do with the explosion at the Seacon Square.
"Putting the pictures of both men on a wanted poster in the first place is already a violation of rights on their freedom, reputation and privacy, as well as those belonging to their family members," the NHRC statement said.
Even after both men turned themselves in, police declined to invalidate their arrest warrants and later pressed five serious charges against them. Pratya and Yutthaphong were held for one night in police custody at Prawet Police Station before they were released on bail at Bt100,000 each.
Pratya said he would also seek to have the indictment against him and his friend revoked, as it was still valid and legally viable against them in the public prosecution's process. "I will take my action once the 15-day mourning period for the late Princess Galyani Vadhana is over on January 17," he added.
The man said his newly opened restaurant was forced to close down because of losses resulting from customers who shunned the place, and a musical website he was running had been operating at loss because musicians turned away from him after learning of the wanted poster.
Head investigator Pol Maj-General Jate Mongkholhatthee said he "felt no worries" over the NHRC decision and that the men "could do whatever they wanted to".
"Police had been acting on the evidence available," he added.
The Nation
The National Human Rights Commission yesterday ruled that police were culpable in wrongly implicating two businessmen as bombers responsible for an explosion at Seacon Square shopping complex on New Year's Eve in 2006.
Published on January 8, 2008
Welcoming the decision, Pratya Preechavej said later that he would hold the Royal Thai Police and certain senior investigators criminally responsible for their actions and would file a civil lawsuit demanding Bt50 million in damages in return for his rights being violated.
The NHRC said the police decision to still take further criminal action against the two men, who surrendered themselves to police, without sufficient evidence was a "stark violation against justice and human rights".
The NHRC did not say how the police action was a criminal liability or how the police would exactly compensate for their actions against the two men.
A few months after the bombing, pictures of Pratya and his friend Yutthaphong Kittisriworraphan were put on a wanted poster indicating they planted a bomb in a waste bin in the shopping complex in Bangkok's Prawet district. Police relied solely on footage from security cameras showing the two men walking around the area as their only evidence that they were the bombers.
Inspecting police investigation reports and the evidence, the joint 10-member NHRC panel found police had no sufficient evidence the men had anything to do with the explosion at the Seacon Square.
"Putting the pictures of both men on a wanted poster in the first place is already a violation of rights on their freedom, reputation and privacy, as well as those belonging to their family members," the NHRC statement said.
Even after both men turned themselves in, police declined to invalidate their arrest warrants and later pressed five serious charges against them. Pratya and Yutthaphong were held for one night in police custody at Prawet Police Station before they were released on bail at Bt100,000 each.
Pratya said he would also seek to have the indictment against him and his friend revoked, as it was still valid and legally viable against them in the public prosecution's process. "I will take my action once the 15-day mourning period for the late Princess Galyani Vadhana is over on January 17," he added.
The man said his newly opened restaurant was forced to close down because of losses resulting from customers who shunned the place, and a musical website he was running had been operating at loss because musicians turned away from him after learning of the wanted poster.
Head investigator Pol Maj-General Jate Mongkholhatthee said he "felt no worries" over the NHRC decision and that the men "could do whatever they wanted to".
"Police had been acting on the evidence available," he added.
The Nation
Sweden to wind up aid programs in Laos
Sweden to wind up aid programs in Laos
Sweden will shut down its embassy in Vientiane by the middle of August, when bilateral cooperation on development in Laos and Swedish would start to wind down, a diplomat said Tuesday.
Lao-Swedish development cooperation, begun in 1974, would be phased out over the next four years, said Jorgen Persson, Counsellor at the Swedish Embassy in Laos.
The embassy, which functions mainly to facilitate assistance programs, would be conฌverted to a section office focusฌing only on phasing out development assistance, he said.
The section office, to be run by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), would be on duty until August 15 and the embassy's consulate functions such as issuing visas would end on the same date, he said.
The Swedish Embassy in Bangkok would take care of diplomatic relations between Laos and Sweden, he said.
The Swedish government was looking for other European countries in the Schengen system to be responsible for visa matters, he added.
Speaking in a phone interview from Vientiane, Persson said the 34 year-old Lao-Swedish development program was ending, because Stockholm wanted to shift its development cooperation focus.
Stockholm wanted to reduce the number of countries in its aid cooperation program from 70 currently to 33.
"There are other countries where the Swedish government would have a comparative advantage, such as in Africa, so the focus is very much on Africa rather than Asia," Persson said.
Sweden is the fourth largest donor to Laos after Japan, France and Germany. The annual budget for Swedish aid is about US$20-25 million (Bt595 million).
Most of the resources have been put toward education, roads, and natural resources. Governance and human rights were also included, Persson said.
"I think it is safe to say there has been definite results from cooperation, both in strengthฌening Lao institutions, as well as infrastructure," he said.
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
Sweden will shut down its embassy in Vientiane by the middle of August, when bilateral cooperation on development in Laos and Swedish would start to wind down, a diplomat said Tuesday.
Lao-Swedish development cooperation, begun in 1974, would be phased out over the next four years, said Jorgen Persson, Counsellor at the Swedish Embassy in Laos.
The embassy, which functions mainly to facilitate assistance programs, would be conฌverted to a section office focusฌing only on phasing out development assistance, he said.
The section office, to be run by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), would be on duty until August 15 and the embassy's consulate functions such as issuing visas would end on the same date, he said.
The Swedish Embassy in Bangkok would take care of diplomatic relations between Laos and Sweden, he said.
The Swedish government was looking for other European countries in the Schengen system to be responsible for visa matters, he added.
Speaking in a phone interview from Vientiane, Persson said the 34 year-old Lao-Swedish development program was ending, because Stockholm wanted to shift its development cooperation focus.
Stockholm wanted to reduce the number of countries in its aid cooperation program from 70 currently to 33.
"There are other countries where the Swedish government would have a comparative advantage, such as in Africa, so the focus is very much on Africa rather than Asia," Persson said.
Sweden is the fourth largest donor to Laos after Japan, France and Germany. The annual budget for Swedish aid is about US$20-25 million (Bt595 million).
Most of the resources have been put toward education, roads, and natural resources. Governance and human rights were also included, Persson said.
"I think it is safe to say there has been definite results from cooperation, both in strengthฌening Lao institutions, as well as infrastructure," he said.
By Supalak Ganjanakhundee
The Nation
S'pore ratifies charter
ASEAN
S'pore ratifies charter
Surin will take charge of regional grouping's secretariat today
Published on January 7, 2008
Singapore is taking the lead and becoming the first member to ratify the Asean Charter, barely seven weeks after it was signed by the group's leaders.
The island republic will present its instrument of ratification of the Asean Charter to new Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan today, immediately after it hands over stewardship of the alliance to Thailand at the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta, a diplomatic source told The Nation.
The Nation has learned Indonesian Foreign Minister Hasan Wirayuda will chair the ceremony, attended by all Asean ambassadors.
Singapore, which chaired the charter-drafting committee, wants to serve as a model member and display confidence in the charter, one Asean diplomat said. Malaysia is in the process of ratifying the charter, too.
Other members, including Thailand, have not indicated when their ratification will come. Only the Philippines has said it might have a problem ratifying the charter.
At the Singapore summit late last year, Asean leaders pledged to expedite ratification within 12 months, in time for the next summit in Bangkok.
The charter will be effective after all 10 members have endorsed it.
Outgoing Asean chief, Ong Keng Yong of Singapore, welcomed Surin and his family on Saturday to their new home. His tenure is for five years. Ong briefed Surin for three hours.
Surin was selected from 12 local candidates. After interviews and presentations, he was selected by a unanimous decision of a six-member committee. It was this country's Foreign Ministry's first transparent selection of a senior official for an international position.
Surin became the highest-ranking former official to hold the chief's job. Previous secretaries-general have been from the permanent secretary and directors-general levels.
His first assignment will be to preside over the third meeting of the Asean Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts between January 12 and 13 in Naypyidaw, Burma.
When he was foreign minister, Surin proposed flexible engagement as a means to engage Asean in sensitive issues, dominated by the Burma political situation.
He is scheduled to bid farewell to the National Legislative Assembly in Thailand tomorrow, after 21 years of serving as an elected politician for Nakhon Si Thammarat.
In a telephone interview with The Nation yesterday, Surin said Asean needed to identify its strengths and weaknesses if it was to improve competitiveness in an age of regional economic integration and globalisation.
He said the bloc must map out a strategy to promote competitiveness, ensuring stronger economic growth and the overall value of the region.
"It serves as leverage for Asean with the rest of the world," Surin said yesterday after his arrival in Jakarta.
One of the crucial areas which the grouping can synergise is the energy sector, he said, adding that the regional union could serve as a hub of future energy storage, bridging the Middle East as energy producer with the Far East as energy consumer. "Asean can do more than be just a transit point."
Surin said the alliance was well-positioned to add value to its energy security as a hub of consumers, producers and refiners. "About 80 per cent of energy from the Middle East goes through Southeast Asian sea lanes."
He said in years to come, energy security would affect regional economic integration and prosperity. "With energy security, the 21st century will be our century," he said.
Surin stressed regional-coalition members must be willing to contribute more financially, in order to materialise schemes their leaders envisaged, both in the Vientiane Plan of Action and the new charter.
S'pore ratifies charter
Surin will take charge of regional grouping's secretariat today
Published on January 7, 2008
Singapore is taking the lead and becoming the first member to ratify the Asean Charter, barely seven weeks after it was signed by the group's leaders.
The island republic will present its instrument of ratification of the Asean Charter to new Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan today, immediately after it hands over stewardship of the alliance to Thailand at the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta, a diplomatic source told The Nation.
The Nation has learned Indonesian Foreign Minister Hasan Wirayuda will chair the ceremony, attended by all Asean ambassadors.
Singapore, which chaired the charter-drafting committee, wants to serve as a model member and display confidence in the charter, one Asean diplomat said. Malaysia is in the process of ratifying the charter, too.
Other members, including Thailand, have not indicated when their ratification will come. Only the Philippines has said it might have a problem ratifying the charter.
At the Singapore summit late last year, Asean leaders pledged to expedite ratification within 12 months, in time for the next summit in Bangkok.
The charter will be effective after all 10 members have endorsed it.
Outgoing Asean chief, Ong Keng Yong of Singapore, welcomed Surin and his family on Saturday to their new home. His tenure is for five years. Ong briefed Surin for three hours.
Surin was selected from 12 local candidates. After interviews and presentations, he was selected by a unanimous decision of a six-member committee. It was this country's Foreign Ministry's first transparent selection of a senior official for an international position.
Surin became the highest-ranking former official to hold the chief's job. Previous secretaries-general have been from the permanent secretary and directors-general levels.
His first assignment will be to preside over the third meeting of the Asean Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts between January 12 and 13 in Naypyidaw, Burma.
When he was foreign minister, Surin proposed flexible engagement as a means to engage Asean in sensitive issues, dominated by the Burma political situation.
He is scheduled to bid farewell to the National Legislative Assembly in Thailand tomorrow, after 21 years of serving as an elected politician for Nakhon Si Thammarat.
In a telephone interview with The Nation yesterday, Surin said Asean needed to identify its strengths and weaknesses if it was to improve competitiveness in an age of regional economic integration and globalisation.
He said the bloc must map out a strategy to promote competitiveness, ensuring stronger economic growth and the overall value of the region.
"It serves as leverage for Asean with the rest of the world," Surin said yesterday after his arrival in Jakarta.
One of the crucial areas which the grouping can synergise is the energy sector, he said, adding that the regional union could serve as a hub of future energy storage, bridging the Middle East as energy producer with the Far East as energy consumer. "Asean can do more than be just a transit point."
Surin said the alliance was well-positioned to add value to its energy security as a hub of consumers, producers and refiners. "About 80 per cent of energy from the Middle East goes through Southeast Asian sea lanes."
He said in years to come, energy security would affect regional economic integration and prosperity. "With energy security, the 21st century will be our century," he said.
Surin stressed regional-coalition members must be willing to contribute more financially, in order to materialise schemes their leaders envisaged, both in the Vientiane Plan of Action and the new charter.
Seven police on spying charges
Seven police on spying charges
Seven police officers were arrested yesterday on espionage charges for allegedly supplying intelligence information - together with three military officers arrested earlier - to militants in the deep South.
Published on January 8, 2008
The seven officers were detained for questioning in a military compound in Pattani.
Authorities believe there might be other higher-ranking officers involved in the case, according to Police Colonel Phumphet Piphat-phetphum, Yala's Muang district police chief.
Previously authorities had detained and interrogated Lt-Colonel Adul Alatae, a member of the Fourth Army Region's Intelligence De-partment, Command Sergeant Major Sulaiman Suanil and a civilian, Aran Sriprachon.
It was claimed that the seven police officers had spied on military operations and supplied intelligence to militants.
Officials had closely monitored the movements of these officers for some time after a detained militant said he got a tip-off about military operations from senior officials in the Army.
Information about military operations since 2004 was found in computers belonging to the head of a militant cell, Phumphet said.
Lt-Colonel Adul and Sergeant Sulaiman have wide connections among police and civilian officials in the deep South, and most of those contacts are Muslim officials, he added.
Since the beginning of 2004 violence in the predominantly Muslim region has killed more than 2,700 people.
The authorities have failed to contain the insurgency as they do not know about the movements of the militants, who seem to know much about the movement of security officials. Militants have successfully attacked and ambushed military and police units on many occasions, while officials have been unable to prevent or bring an end to the cycle of violence.
In a typical incident, a roti vendor was seriously injured in a gun attack in front of a school in Yala's Muang district at lunchtime yesterday. One of two men on a motorbike fired at Ong-art Bounsri, 28, three times before riding away.
The Nation
Seven police officers were arrested yesterday on espionage charges for allegedly supplying intelligence information - together with three military officers arrested earlier - to militants in the deep South.
Published on January 8, 2008
The seven officers were detained for questioning in a military compound in Pattani.
Authorities believe there might be other higher-ranking officers involved in the case, according to Police Colonel Phumphet Piphat-phetphum, Yala's Muang district police chief.
Previously authorities had detained and interrogated Lt-Colonel Adul Alatae, a member of the Fourth Army Region's Intelligence De-partment, Command Sergeant Major Sulaiman Suanil and a civilian, Aran Sriprachon.
It was claimed that the seven police officers had spied on military operations and supplied intelligence to militants.
Officials had closely monitored the movements of these officers for some time after a detained militant said he got a tip-off about military operations from senior officials in the Army.
Information about military operations since 2004 was found in computers belonging to the head of a militant cell, Phumphet said.
Lt-Colonel Adul and Sergeant Sulaiman have wide connections among police and civilian officials in the deep South, and most of those contacts are Muslim officials, he added.
Since the beginning of 2004 violence in the predominantly Muslim region has killed more than 2,700 people.
The authorities have failed to contain the insurgency as they do not know about the movements of the militants, who seem to know much about the movement of security officials. Militants have successfully attacked and ambushed military and police units on many occasions, while officials have been unable to prevent or bring an end to the cycle of violence.
In a typical incident, a roti vendor was seriously injured in a gun attack in front of a school in Yala's Muang district at lunchtime yesterday. One of two men on a motorbike fired at Ong-art Bounsri, 28, three times before riding away.
The Nation
Scores of events cancelled
Scores of events cancelled
Some concerts and sports tournaments postponed during period of mourning
Published on January 5, 2008
Several concerts, sports and entertainment events have been cancelled during this mourning period for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.
The Cabinet has requested cooperation from government agencies and entertainment venues to suspend any entertainment activities for 15 days between January 2 and 16.
Many events have been cancelled or postponed during this period of mourning. These are listed below:
The Tiger Translate Music & Arts Festival (Tigertranslate.com) scheduled to be held today at Suan Lum Night Plaza has been postponed. The new date has not yet been confirmed.
The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (Bangkoksymphony.com) has cancelled its free outdoor concerts "Music in the Park" tomorrow and next Sunday. The series will resume on January 20.
Songs-for-lifers Carabao have postponed their January 12 concert at Bonanza Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima. The show has been rescheduled for February 16 at the same venue. More information at Thaiticketmajor.com.
Violinist Maxim Vengerov has cancelled his shows at Mahidol University's College of Music in Nakhon Pathom on January 12 and 13. For ticket refunds, go to Thaiticketmajor.com.
Danish jazz vocalist Benni Chawes and his band have postponed their Bangkok show on January 21 at the Thailand Cultural Centre. The concert will now take place in May. Information at Thaiticketmajor.com.
The Soontarapon 98 Concert, scheduled for January 27 at the Thailand Cultural Centre is cancelled.
Organisers have also postponed several major sporting events, including The Royal Trophy Golf Championship and the 6th Thailand Polo King's Cup.
Thailand had initially planned to host The Royal Trophy Golf Championship at the Amata Spring Country Club from January 11 to 13. The tournament would have featured some of the finest golfers from Asia and Europe competing for stewardship over the coveted Royal Trophy, which was graciously donated by His Majesty the
King.
However, after the government announced the 15-day mourning period and asked that festive activities be suspended during this time, the organisers have decided to postpone the prestigious tournament.
The event's third edition will be held at the earliest date possible.
The Thailand Polo Association had to make the same decision regarding the 2008 Thailand Polo King's Cup.
The competition - sponsored jointly by the TPA, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, King Power and Thai Airways International - had been scheduled for January 21 through to January 26 at the Siam Polo Park in Pattaya and the VR Sport Club in Samut Prakarn.
The organisers said yesterday the mourning over the passing away of the Princess had led to the indefinite postponement of the annual competition.
Meanwhile, the competition date for the 64th Chula-Thammasat traditional football match remains unchanged.
The annual encounter between the two most famous universities in Thailand - Chulalongkorn University (CU) and Thammasat University (TU)- will be held on January 19 at the Supachalasai Stadium.
There will however be adjustments made to some of the high-spirited activities, such as the traditional huge parade mocking Thai politics, in respect of the nation's mourning.
The organisers said that instead of the parade mocking politicians there will be one to honour Chaofah Ajaan (the Princess Professor). The Princess had devoted herself tirelessly to the teaching of students at both universities.
The crowd in the grandstands will wear black armbands, while cheerleaders will be dressed in black and white.
Yesterday morning, student representatives of both universities held a charitable blood donation campaign in front of MBK as part of the merit-making campaign for the Princess.
The Nation
Some concerts and sports tournaments postponed during period of mourning
Published on January 5, 2008
Several concerts, sports and entertainment events have been cancelled during this mourning period for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.
The Cabinet has requested cooperation from government agencies and entertainment venues to suspend any entertainment activities for 15 days between January 2 and 16.
Many events have been cancelled or postponed during this period of mourning. These are listed below:
The Tiger Translate Music & Arts Festival (Tigertranslate.com) scheduled to be held today at Suan Lum Night Plaza has been postponed. The new date has not yet been confirmed.
The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (Bangkoksymphony.com) has cancelled its free outdoor concerts "Music in the Park" tomorrow and next Sunday. The series will resume on January 20.
Songs-for-lifers Carabao have postponed their January 12 concert at Bonanza Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima. The show has been rescheduled for February 16 at the same venue. More information at Thaiticketmajor.com.
Violinist Maxim Vengerov has cancelled his shows at Mahidol University's College of Music in Nakhon Pathom on January 12 and 13. For ticket refunds, go to Thaiticketmajor.com.
Danish jazz vocalist Benni Chawes and his band have postponed their Bangkok show on January 21 at the Thailand Cultural Centre. The concert will now take place in May. Information at Thaiticketmajor.com.
The Soontarapon 98 Concert, scheduled for January 27 at the Thailand Cultural Centre is cancelled.
Organisers have also postponed several major sporting events, including The Royal Trophy Golf Championship and the 6th Thailand Polo King's Cup.
Thailand had initially planned to host The Royal Trophy Golf Championship at the Amata Spring Country Club from January 11 to 13. The tournament would have featured some of the finest golfers from Asia and Europe competing for stewardship over the coveted Royal Trophy, which was graciously donated by His Majesty the
King.
However, after the government announced the 15-day mourning period and asked that festive activities be suspended during this time, the organisers have decided to postpone the prestigious tournament.
The event's third edition will be held at the earliest date possible.
The Thailand Polo Association had to make the same decision regarding the 2008 Thailand Polo King's Cup.
The competition - sponsored jointly by the TPA, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, King Power and Thai Airways International - had been scheduled for January 21 through to January 26 at the Siam Polo Park in Pattaya and the VR Sport Club in Samut Prakarn.
The organisers said yesterday the mourning over the passing away of the Princess had led to the indefinite postponement of the annual competition.
Meanwhile, the competition date for the 64th Chula-Thammasat traditional football match remains unchanged.
The annual encounter between the two most famous universities in Thailand - Chulalongkorn University (CU) and Thammasat University (TU)- will be held on January 19 at the Supachalasai Stadium.
There will however be adjustments made to some of the high-spirited activities, such as the traditional huge parade mocking Thai politics, in respect of the nation's mourning.
The organisers said that instead of the parade mocking politicians there will be one to honour Chaofah Ajaan (the Princess Professor). The Princess had devoted herself tirelessly to the teaching of students at both universities.
The crowd in the grandstands will wear black armbands, while cheerleaders will be dressed in black and white.
Yesterday morning, student representatives of both universities held a charitable blood donation campaign in front of MBK as part of the merit-making campaign for the Princess.
The Nation
Probe chief to resign
Probe chief to resign
Chaiya quits as allegations of bias against PPP circulate
Published on January 6, 2008
The Election Commission is replacing its chief fraud investigator, following allegations that probes were biased against the People Power Party.
Commission secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said Police Maj-General Chaiya Siri-amphunkul had agreed to quit chairing the fraud investigation subcommittee.
"Maj-General Chaiya insists he did not take sides but agrees to return all documents he is responsible for so there can be a replacement," Suthiphon said.
Special Branch chief Lt-General Taworn Chanyim has been asked to send another senior officer to the commission.
A total of 83 winning candidates, including more than 60 PPP members, have had their election wins suspended pending investigation into alleged fraud.
Meanwhile, commissioner Prapun Naigowit yesterday urged all rival political parties to allow the electoral review to run its course rather than putting pressure on the EC at this stage.
Continued meddling could see the post-election situation spiral out of control, he warned.
"Don't rush to assume the outcome of the electoral review. Ill-intentioned people could take advantage of this to inflame sentiment and blow the issue out of proportion," he said.
Prapun was reacting to Friday's demonstration in Buri Ram against the disqualification of People Power Party candidates.
He said appellate reviews of red cards had not been exhausted, as the Council of State would convene on Monday.
The three disqualified candidates are entitled to present rebuttals in order to overturn red cards, he said, adding that there was always a possibility that the Council of State would disagree with the commission because of new evidence.
The commission will proceed to review every electoral fraud case with caution and based on evidence, he said.
Of the 83 winning candidates whose balloting results were put on hold, six will be endorsed tomorrow as the commission has found no evidence to substantiate accusations of campaign violation, he said.
In repudiating the allegation that the commission had targeted People Power with its probes, he said all of the party's candidates in Lampang had had charges against them dropped and their election endorsed last week, with only Thanathorn Lohsunthorn given a yellow card for links to campaign violations.
As Thanathorn's involvement was indirect, he is entitled to contest a revote on January 13, he said.
He dismissed speculation that the commission had a disqualification quota, saying it was a coincidence Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban had made a close prediction of the number.
The six candidates to have their votes endorsed are four from People Power and two Democrats. The two Democrats are Rewat Areerob and Thosaporn Theppabutr of Phuket. The People Power candidates are Kittikorn Lohsunthorn and Wasit Phayakkabutr, both from Lampang, and Thira Trisoranakul and Wiwatchai Hotrawisaya, both from Si Sa Ket.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, authorities are ready to organise a revote on January 13 in Constituency 3. They have not encountered campaign violations.
Of the 16 House seats up for grabs in the Northeast province, the commission has endorsed the results in five, issued three yellow cards in Constituency 3 and is probing the remaining eight.
In Lampang, the revote is scheduled for January 13 and covers Muang, Hang Chat, Chae Hom, Muang Pan, Ngao and Wang Nua districts.
In a seminar at Thammasat University, law lecturer Worachet Pakheerat called on the commission to quickly complete the endorsement of balloting to pave the way for the formation of a coalition.
Worachet said electoral-fraud investigation should come after a Parliament was convened, which would ensure a smooth transition of power.
He voiced concern about litigation in the Supreme Court, which could lead to the cancellation of the December election results. He said an unfavourable verdict was tantamount to denying the people's voice.
Democrat candidate Chaiwat Sinsuwong has charged People Power with being a nominee of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party.
Chaiya quits as allegations of bias against PPP circulate
Published on January 6, 2008
The Election Commission is replacing its chief fraud investigator, following allegations that probes were biased against the People Power Party.
Commission secretary-general Suthiphon Thaveechaiygarn said Police Maj-General Chaiya Siri-amphunkul had agreed to quit chairing the fraud investigation subcommittee.
"Maj-General Chaiya insists he did not take sides but agrees to return all documents he is responsible for so there can be a replacement," Suthiphon said.
Special Branch chief Lt-General Taworn Chanyim has been asked to send another senior officer to the commission.
A total of 83 winning candidates, including more than 60 PPP members, have had their election wins suspended pending investigation into alleged fraud.
Meanwhile, commissioner Prapun Naigowit yesterday urged all rival political parties to allow the electoral review to run its course rather than putting pressure on the EC at this stage.
Continued meddling could see the post-election situation spiral out of control, he warned.
"Don't rush to assume the outcome of the electoral review. Ill-intentioned people could take advantage of this to inflame sentiment and blow the issue out of proportion," he said.
Prapun was reacting to Friday's demonstration in Buri Ram against the disqualification of People Power Party candidates.
He said appellate reviews of red cards had not been exhausted, as the Council of State would convene on Monday.
The three disqualified candidates are entitled to present rebuttals in order to overturn red cards, he said, adding that there was always a possibility that the Council of State would disagree with the commission because of new evidence.
The commission will proceed to review every electoral fraud case with caution and based on evidence, he said.
Of the 83 winning candidates whose balloting results were put on hold, six will be endorsed tomorrow as the commission has found no evidence to substantiate accusations of campaign violation, he said.
In repudiating the allegation that the commission had targeted People Power with its probes, he said all of the party's candidates in Lampang had had charges against them dropped and their election endorsed last week, with only Thanathorn Lohsunthorn given a yellow card for links to campaign violations.
As Thanathorn's involvement was indirect, he is entitled to contest a revote on January 13, he said.
He dismissed speculation that the commission had a disqualification quota, saying it was a coincidence Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban had made a close prediction of the number.
The six candidates to have their votes endorsed are four from People Power and two Democrats. The two Democrats are Rewat Areerob and Thosaporn Theppabutr of Phuket. The People Power candidates are Kittikorn Lohsunthorn and Wasit Phayakkabutr, both from Lampang, and Thira Trisoranakul and Wiwatchai Hotrawisaya, both from Si Sa Ket.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, authorities are ready to organise a revote on January 13 in Constituency 3. They have not encountered campaign violations.
Of the 16 House seats up for grabs in the Northeast province, the commission has endorsed the results in five, issued three yellow cards in Constituency 3 and is probing the remaining eight.
In Lampang, the revote is scheduled for January 13 and covers Muang, Hang Chat, Chae Hom, Muang Pan, Ngao and Wang Nua districts.
In a seminar at Thammasat University, law lecturer Worachet Pakheerat called on the commission to quickly complete the endorsement of balloting to pave the way for the formation of a coalition.
Worachet said electoral-fraud investigation should come after a Parliament was convened, which would ensure a smooth transition of power.
He voiced concern about litigation in the Supreme Court, which could lead to the cancellation of the December election results. He said an unfavourable verdict was tantamount to denying the people's voice.
Democrat candidate Chaiwat Sinsuwong has charged People Power with being a nominee of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party.
Princess's days as a French teacher
Princess's days as a French teacher
What Dr Ubonwan Chotewisit, a lecturer at Prince Songkhla University, expected when she wrote a letter to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana in 1979 was a teacher for French classes. The Princess answered her letter by travelling to the university's Pattani campus to teach the classes herself.
Published on January 6, 2008
Ubonwan said that she was then an English lecturer at the university after graduating with a master's degree from England. She took her students to see a French-language play, "Le Petit Prince", at the Woranaree Chalerm School in Songkhla, which was presided over by Princess Galyani.
After that, she decided to write a letter to the Princess through her secretary, telling her about the lack of a lecturer for French classes at the Prince of Songkhla University. She said she addressed the letter to the Princess, who
was the chairwoman of the French Teachers Association of Thailand.
"In the letter, I told her that my university was in need of French teachers, who were very rare in Thailand," Ubonwan said in an interview.
Later, Ubonwan was told that the Princess wanted to see her. So she travelled to Bangkok and was allowed to ride in the same car with the Princess to have lunch at a restaurant.
"I was very excited and glad that the Princess allowed me to ride in the same car with her. The Princess was very friendly," she said.
The Princess told Ubonwan during their lunch that she could not find a French teacher for her university. "But I myself am willing to teach French at your university instead," Ubonwan quoted the Princess as saying.
Ubonwan said she returned to Pattani and informed the university administrators about the great news.
The Princess's first class had 30 students, she said. "The Princess's teaching style back then was so up-to-date and modern that they are still used by present lecturers.
"The Princess asked questions in the class and told the students to find out the answers together. This way, students had to study before attending the classes. She was an even-tempered teacher," Ubonwan said.
The Princess loved to wander in the university without bodyguards so that she could witness the real lives of students and teachers.
During that time, the Princess also loved to dine with teachers of all departments on rotation basis. She used that time to give suggestions on how to make their teaching more effective.
After finishing her classes, the Princess travelled back to Bangkok. Ubonwan said she reported about what happened in Pattani to her through letters. She had opportunities to be granted an audience with the Princess every summer. The Princess told her sometimes that she was very sorry that she did not answer Ubonwan's letters.
Ubonwan later travelled to France to work on her French PhD on a personal scholarship from the Princess.
The last time Ubonwan was granted an audience with the Princess was on April 29 last year.
"I asked the Princess about her illness. She told me that she was much better. The Princess gave me her pin," Ubonwan said.
What Dr Ubonwan Chotewisit, a lecturer at Prince Songkhla University, expected when she wrote a letter to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana in 1979 was a teacher for French classes. The Princess answered her letter by travelling to the university's Pattani campus to teach the classes herself.
Published on January 6, 2008
Ubonwan said that she was then an English lecturer at the university after graduating with a master's degree from England. She took her students to see a French-language play, "Le Petit Prince", at the Woranaree Chalerm School in Songkhla, which was presided over by Princess Galyani.
After that, she decided to write a letter to the Princess through her secretary, telling her about the lack of a lecturer for French classes at the Prince of Songkhla University. She said she addressed the letter to the Princess, who
was the chairwoman of the French Teachers Association of Thailand.
"In the letter, I told her that my university was in need of French teachers, who were very rare in Thailand," Ubonwan said in an interview.
Later, Ubonwan was told that the Princess wanted to see her. So she travelled to Bangkok and was allowed to ride in the same car with the Princess to have lunch at a restaurant.
"I was very excited and glad that the Princess allowed me to ride in the same car with her. The Princess was very friendly," she said.
The Princess told Ubonwan during their lunch that she could not find a French teacher for her university. "But I myself am willing to teach French at your university instead," Ubonwan quoted the Princess as saying.
Ubonwan said she returned to Pattani and informed the university administrators about the great news.
The Princess's first class had 30 students, she said. "The Princess's teaching style back then was so up-to-date and modern that they are still used by present lecturers.
"The Princess asked questions in the class and told the students to find out the answers together. This way, students had to study before attending the classes. She was an even-tempered teacher," Ubonwan said.
The Princess loved to wander in the university without bodyguards so that she could witness the real lives of students and teachers.
During that time, the Princess also loved to dine with teachers of all departments on rotation basis. She used that time to give suggestions on how to make their teaching more effective.
After finishing her classes, the Princess travelled back to Bangkok. Ubonwan said she reported about what happened in Pattani to her through letters. She had opportunities to be granted an audience with the Princess every summer. The Princess told her sometimes that she was very sorry that she did not answer Ubonwan's letters.
Ubonwan later travelled to France to work on her French PhD on a personal scholarship from the Princess.
The last time Ubonwan was granted an audience with the Princess was on April 29 last year.
"I asked the Princess about her illness. She told me that she was much better. The Princess gave me her pin," Ubonwan said.
Preparations on for Royal funeral
Ministry, Fine Arts Department readying chariots for Princess's Sanam Luang service
Published on January 7, 2008
Preparations on for Royal funeral
The Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharot chariot at the National Museum is one of three royal vehicles to be used in the funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.
The Culture Ministry is preparing three chariots for the royal funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.
The Fine Arts Department has also assigned Group Captain Ek-avudh Ngernchuklin to lead a team of veteran chiefs of the department to build a cremation pyre in Sanam Luang.
Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon and senior officials yesterday inspected three chariots named Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot, Wechayan Ratcharot and Ratcharot Noi.
They also inspected a three-layer carved wooden casket called Yarnmart, which will transport the Princess to the pyre.
The ceremony will be in accordance with royal traditions observed since the reign of King Rama I.
Khaisri said she would consult with Fine Arts Department experts on what parts of the chariots need repair and cleaning, before forwarding a report to the funeral organising committee led by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.
As the committee meets this week, the ministry needs to assess the readiness of the respective areas under its charge, in order that His Majesty the King may be informed about the proceedings.
Fine Arts Department director-general Kriengkrai Sampatchalit, in his capacity as a member of the funeral organising committee, said his office had completed an initial inspection of the chariots and would contact the Army to make a final inspection of all the parts, including the wheels, axles and frames.
As for decorative cloths, the department will assign Krom Chang Sip Mu (the organisation of the 10 crafts) to carry out the overall inspection and assessment, Kriengkrai said.
HM the King will have the final say on the choice of chariots to be used, he said.
The department has also assigned a team to build the royal cremation pyre, led by Group Captain Ek-avudh. It comprises former department chiefs and experts from Krom Chang Sip Mu.
Kriengkrai affirmed the department had all the information, be it about the chariots or a record of royal tradition, all of which will later be presented to General Surayud.
Currently there are seven Ratcharot chariots being kept and displayed at the National Museum.
The Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot - 1,120 centimetres tall and 1,530 centimetres long - was built in 1795 during the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809) to be used for a king's funeral.
It carried the urn of Somdet Phra Pathom Borom Maha Chanok to the royal crematorium (Phra Merumas) at Sanam Luang in 1796.
It was also used in the funerals of King Rama I, King Rama III, King Rama IV and King Rama V.
On March 10, 1996, the Fine Arts Department and the Royal Thai Army's Ordnance Department restored the Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot for the royal cremation of HRH Princess Sri Nagarindra the Princess Mother at Sanam Luang.
The Wechayan Ratcharot, standing 1,170 centimetres tall and 1,750 centimetres long, was built in 1799 for the funerals of high-ranking Royal Family members.
The Fine Arts Department restored it for the funeral of Queen Rampaipannee in 1985.
It weighed 40 tonnes and required 206 men - 160 in the front and 46 at the back - to draw it.
There are three Ratcharot Noi chariots, built during Rama I's reign.
They were used for a Supreme Patriarch and linked to a chariot for Royal Family members to sit and sprinkle rice and petals.
The Ratcharot Noi chariots were built in the same pattern as the Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot and the Wechayan Ratcharot chariots, except they were smaller and had only one decorative "naga head".
Pakamard Jaichalard
The Nation
Published on January 7, 2008
Preparations on for Royal funeral
The Phra Maha Phichai Ratcharot chariot at the National Museum is one of three royal vehicles to be used in the funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.
The Culture Ministry is preparing three chariots for the royal funeral of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.
The Fine Arts Department has also assigned Group Captain Ek-avudh Ngernchuklin to lead a team of veteran chiefs of the department to build a cremation pyre in Sanam Luang.
Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon and senior officials yesterday inspected three chariots named Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot, Wechayan Ratcharot and Ratcharot Noi.
They also inspected a three-layer carved wooden casket called Yarnmart, which will transport the Princess to the pyre.
The ceremony will be in accordance with royal traditions observed since the reign of King Rama I.
Khaisri said she would consult with Fine Arts Department experts on what parts of the chariots need repair and cleaning, before forwarding a report to the funeral organising committee led by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.
As the committee meets this week, the ministry needs to assess the readiness of the respective areas under its charge, in order that His Majesty the King may be informed about the proceedings.
Fine Arts Department director-general Kriengkrai Sampatchalit, in his capacity as a member of the funeral organising committee, said his office had completed an initial inspection of the chariots and would contact the Army to make a final inspection of all the parts, including the wheels, axles and frames.
As for decorative cloths, the department will assign Krom Chang Sip Mu (the organisation of the 10 crafts) to carry out the overall inspection and assessment, Kriengkrai said.
HM the King will have the final say on the choice of chariots to be used, he said.
The department has also assigned a team to build the royal cremation pyre, led by Group Captain Ek-avudh. It comprises former department chiefs and experts from Krom Chang Sip Mu.
Kriengkrai affirmed the department had all the information, be it about the chariots or a record of royal tradition, all of which will later be presented to General Surayud.
Currently there are seven Ratcharot chariots being kept and displayed at the National Museum.
The Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot - 1,120 centimetres tall and 1,530 centimetres long - was built in 1795 during the reign of King Rama I (1782-1809) to be used for a king's funeral.
It carried the urn of Somdet Phra Pathom Borom Maha Chanok to the royal crematorium (Phra Merumas) at Sanam Luang in 1796.
It was also used in the funerals of King Rama I, King Rama III, King Rama IV and King Rama V.
On March 10, 1996, the Fine Arts Department and the Royal Thai Army's Ordnance Department restored the Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot for the royal cremation of HRH Princess Sri Nagarindra the Princess Mother at Sanam Luang.
The Wechayan Ratcharot, standing 1,170 centimetres tall and 1,750 centimetres long, was built in 1799 for the funerals of high-ranking Royal Family members.
The Fine Arts Department restored it for the funeral of Queen Rampaipannee in 1985.
It weighed 40 tonnes and required 206 men - 160 in the front and 46 at the back - to draw it.
There are three Ratcharot Noi chariots, built during Rama I's reign.
They were used for a Supreme Patriarch and linked to a chariot for Royal Family members to sit and sprinkle rice and petals.
The Ratcharot Noi chariots were built in the same pattern as the Phra Maha Pichai Ratcharot and the Wechayan Ratcharot chariots, except they were smaller and had only one decorative "naga head".
Pakamard Jaichalard
The Nation
Pojaman returns today
LAND SCANDAL HEARING
Pojaman returns today
Thaksin's wife flies home this morning to face corruption charge in court
Published on January 8, 2008
Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ex-premier Thaksin, returns to Thailand this morning to fight a corruption case involving her questionable land purchase while her husband was in power, the national police chief said yesterday.
"We will provide safety for Khunying Pojaman at the airport and assign female police officers to escort her," General Seripisut Temiyavej said.
Pojaman is expected to take Thai Airways International flight TG 603 from Hong Kong and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport some time after 9am, according to sources.
Thaksin is also now in Hong Kong.
The move came after Thaksin's remark that he would return to Thailand in April. The ex-PM has lived in exile in London since his government was overthrown in a military coup in September 2006.
Upon her arrival at the airport, Pojaman is expected to face arrest. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions earlier issued an arrest warrant for her and Thaksin for alleged abuse of power.
The court has put on hold the trial as Thaksin, who lives in exile in London and Hong Kong, and Pojaman failed to show up at court hearings. However, the arrest warrants are still intact.
The couple face arrest after they failed to appear in court in the case stemming from Pojaman's purchase of a coveted land plot in Bangkok's Ratchadaphisek area from the government's Financial Institutions Development Fund.
Police from the Rachathewa station in Samut Prakan, which has jurisdiction over the airport, are to deal with initial paperwork involving Pojaman's arrest before she is taken to the Supreme Court, according to sources.
Pojaman will also show up at the Supreme Court before noon today to face the charges against her, according to a source close to her.
She had requested police protection from General Seripisut while on her way to the court, the source said. Pojaman also had prepared surety to be produced with the court in her request for temporary release.
Pojaman's daughter Pinthongta had coordinated with officials offering Bt5 million in bail, according to the source, who expected her to be released on bail.
In a related development, Rakkiat Pattanapong, secretary to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, said yesterday that if Pojaman showed up today, a panel of judges could immediately hear her testimony.
He said police had not contacted judges about Pojaman's expected return.
Piyanart Srivalo,
Samatcha Hunsara
The Nation
Pojaman returns today
Thaksin's wife flies home this morning to face corruption charge in court
Published on January 8, 2008
Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ex-premier Thaksin, returns to Thailand this morning to fight a corruption case involving her questionable land purchase while her husband was in power, the national police chief said yesterday.
"We will provide safety for Khunying Pojaman at the airport and assign female police officers to escort her," General Seripisut Temiyavej said.
Pojaman is expected to take Thai Airways International flight TG 603 from Hong Kong and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport some time after 9am, according to sources.
Thaksin is also now in Hong Kong.
The move came after Thaksin's remark that he would return to Thailand in April. The ex-PM has lived in exile in London since his government was overthrown in a military coup in September 2006.
Upon her arrival at the airport, Pojaman is expected to face arrest. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions earlier issued an arrest warrant for her and Thaksin for alleged abuse of power.
The court has put on hold the trial as Thaksin, who lives in exile in London and Hong Kong, and Pojaman failed to show up at court hearings. However, the arrest warrants are still intact.
The couple face arrest after they failed to appear in court in the case stemming from Pojaman's purchase of a coveted land plot in Bangkok's Ratchadaphisek area from the government's Financial Institutions Development Fund.
Police from the Rachathewa station in Samut Prakan, which has jurisdiction over the airport, are to deal with initial paperwork involving Pojaman's arrest before she is taken to the Supreme Court, according to sources.
Pojaman will also show up at the Supreme Court before noon today to face the charges against her, according to a source close to her.
She had requested police protection from General Seripisut while on her way to the court, the source said. Pojaman also had prepared surety to be produced with the court in her request for temporary release.
Pojaman's daughter Pinthongta had coordinated with officials offering Bt5 million in bail, according to the source, who expected her to be released on bail.
In a related development, Rakkiat Pattanapong, secretary to the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, said yesterday that if Pojaman showed up today, a panel of judges could immediately hear her testimony.
He said police had not contacted judges about Pojaman's expected return.
Piyanart Srivalo,
Samatcha Hunsara
The Nation
Pojaman freed on bail
Supreme Court has freed Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra who returned home to face graft charges on Tuesday on bail.
Pojaman freed on bail
The clip provided by Nation Channel
In granting Bt5 million bail, the high court set two conditions - ban from leaving the country, ban from interfering with the judicial proceedings.
It also revoked the arrest warrant against Pojamarn.
The court also set January 23 as the opening date for her trial on charges of using her husband's political influence to buy prime Bangkok real estate from a government agency at one-third its estimated value.
"She came here today to prove her innocence," her lawyer Noppadon Pattama told reporters.
At 11.45am, Pojaman left the court house and she is scheduled to surrender to an arrest warrant on illegal stock dealing at the Department of Special Investigation at 2.30pm.
Upon leaving the court house, she was greeting by dozens of cheering supporters.
Pojaman arrived at the Supreme Court at about 11am to face corruption charges after returning to Thailand from Hong Kong this morning.
The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions has issued an arrest warrant for her and her husband, Thaksin, for abusing of power to buy Ratchadapisek land.
Pojaman arrived at the court with her children and former deputy prime minister Pol Gen Chidchai Wannasathit.
Pojaman freed on bail
The clip provided by Nation Channel
In granting Bt5 million bail, the high court set two conditions - ban from leaving the country, ban from interfering with the judicial proceedings.
It also revoked the arrest warrant against Pojamarn.
The court also set January 23 as the opening date for her trial on charges of using her husband's political influence to buy prime Bangkok real estate from a government agency at one-third its estimated value.
"She came here today to prove her innocence," her lawyer Noppadon Pattama told reporters.
At 11.45am, Pojaman left the court house and she is scheduled to surrender to an arrest warrant on illegal stock dealing at the Department of Special Investigation at 2.30pm.
Upon leaving the court house, she was greeting by dozens of cheering supporters.
Pojaman arrived at the Supreme Court at about 11am to face corruption charges after returning to Thailand from Hong Kong this morning.
The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions has issued an arrest warrant for her and her husband, Thaksin, for abusing of power to buy Ratchadapisek land.
Pojaman arrived at the court with her children and former deputy prime minister Pol Gen Chidchai Wannasathit.
People snap up Princess mementoes
People snap up Princess mementoes
Books by HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana and books about her are selling like hot cakes as Thais try to keep their beloved Princess with them forever.
Published on January 5, 2008
The 84-year-old Princess, the elder sister of His Majesty, passed away early on Wednesday.
"There is now a huge demand for books about the Princess," Busarin Saengchai, a sales assistant at Rim Khob Fa Bookstore in Bangkok's Victory Monument area, said yesterday.
She said the most popular book was "Saeng Nueng Khue Rung Ngam" ("Spectrum") by the Princess' daughter Thanpuying Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram.
"It's sold out. Customers are now placing reservations," Busarin said. She added that the books written by the Princess such as "Mae Lau Hai Fung" ("Stories Told by My Mum") and "Chao Nai Lek Lek - Yuwakasat" ("Little Royal - The Young King") were also selling well.
In Chiang Mai, Joy Jittidecharak, managing director of Suriwong Book Centre, said books by the Princess would soon be sold out.
"She was a talented writer. Her books are fun to read and well indexed," Joy said. Her company operates a big book centre.
Meanwhile, bookstalls reported a big boost in sales of daily newspapers that featured comprehensive stories about the Princess and photos of her.
"We sell about 1,800 copies a day, but since January 3 we have sold 2,700," Wiang Pin Bookstore's owner Petchara Korbkaikij said.
Bookstall-owner Suchada Wongsua said she had seen a 25-per-cent increase in newspaper sales.
In Songkhla, a big newsagent in the Hat Yai district said demand for newspapers had clearly jumped because of coverage and photos of the beloved Princess.
"It's clear people want to keep the newspapers in memory of her," Manu Phontaweechai said.
Similar trends are being reported in other provinces, including Phitsanulok.
Souvenirs and photos of the Princess are also in high demand.
The Nation
Books by HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana and books about her are selling like hot cakes as Thais try to keep their beloved Princess with them forever.
Published on January 5, 2008
The 84-year-old Princess, the elder sister of His Majesty, passed away early on Wednesday.
"There is now a huge demand for books about the Princess," Busarin Saengchai, a sales assistant at Rim Khob Fa Bookstore in Bangkok's Victory Monument area, said yesterday.
She said the most popular book was "Saeng Nueng Khue Rung Ngam" ("Spectrum") by the Princess' daughter Thanpuying Dhasanawalaya Sornsongkram.
"It's sold out. Customers are now placing reservations," Busarin said. She added that the books written by the Princess such as "Mae Lau Hai Fung" ("Stories Told by My Mum") and "Chao Nai Lek Lek - Yuwakasat" ("Little Royal - The Young King") were also selling well.
In Chiang Mai, Joy Jittidecharak, managing director of Suriwong Book Centre, said books by the Princess would soon be sold out.
"She was a talented writer. Her books are fun to read and well indexed," Joy said. Her company operates a big book centre.
Meanwhile, bookstalls reported a big boost in sales of daily newspapers that featured comprehensive stories about the Princess and photos of her.
"We sell about 1,800 copies a day, but since January 3 we have sold 2,700," Wiang Pin Bookstore's owner Petchara Korbkaikij said.
Bookstall-owner Suchada Wongsua said she had seen a 25-per-cent increase in newspaper sales.
In Songkhla, a big newsagent in the Hat Yai district said demand for newspapers had clearly jumped because of coverage and photos of the beloved Princess.
"It's clear people want to keep the newspapers in memory of her," Manu Phontaweechai said.
Similar trends are being reported in other provinces, including Phitsanulok.
Souvenirs and photos of the Princess are also in high demand.
The Nation
Oxford duo dubbed top debaters
Oxford duo dubbed top debaters
Oxford University's two-man team bagged the King's Championship Trophy at the 28th World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC), which ended late on Friday.
Published on January 6, 2008
Samir Deger-Sen and Lewis Iwu impressed the judges with their compelling arguments on the topic of HIV/Aids and sex during the final round in Pattaya.
As the "closing government" team, the Oxford duo won loud applause from thousands of students and others attending when they argued for accountability in intimate relationships.
Using a parliamentary style, all four final teams were assigned separate roles, with Cambridge University, also of the UK, as the "opening opposition" team, Monash University of Australia as the "opening government" team and the University of Sydney as the "closing opposition" team.
The final topic was "This house would require those who infect others with HIV to make drug-support payments."
Deger-Sen of Oxford said the two had had to think quickly on their feet.
"It was a difficult motion because we hadn't thought about it before. There're not many arguments, and so we thought we were the closing team: we'd run out of arguments, but luckily we had many things to say."
The pair made it through with Iwu, originally from Nigeria, as the star of the team.
His mannerisms provoked both laughs and applause from the audience.
"When you have sex, you also say: 'I implicitly bear all the consequences of the sexual act'," he said. "It's pretty irresponsible for you not to get checked. We say in our world you should get checked if you are going to be a sexually active person."
This was his strongest argument in the context of debating sex as a contractual relationship where partners should take responsibility for their actions.
The Oxford team defeated Mhairi Murdoch and Daniel Warrents from Cambridge, Tim Jeffrie and Fiona Prowse from Monash and Christopher Croke and Dominic Thurbon from Sydney.
Rishikesh Chabra, communications director for WUDC's Thai chapter, said the Oxford team had not had the strongest case but Iwu had been the most engaging speaker and appeared to be in total control of his delivery.
Both Iwu and Deger-Sen have been debating for 15 years. Iwu is a freshman at Oxford, studying politics, philosophy and economics (PPE), while Deger-Sen is switching from PPE to international relations.
"[The competition] is a good chance to research about the world, stand up to give a speech in front of audiences and be able to quickly evaluate arguments and premises and propositions you have about the world," Iwu said.
Deger-Sen instinctively supported the motion for people infecting others with HIV to make a drug-support payment.
Iwu has no idea what he wants to do after college, but Deger-Sen hopes to attend law school in the US and become a lawyer or an academic in international relations.
The WUDC King's Championship Trophy drew about 400 teams from 185 universities around the world.
It's the first time Thailand has hosted the prestigious event, in which students from Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, Khon Kaen and Mahidol universities were also competing.
The Masters' Final, held at the Thai Alangkarn Pattaya, will be available for viewing tomorrow at blog.nationmultimedia.com/lisnaree
Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra
The Nation
Oxford University's two-man team bagged the King's Championship Trophy at the 28th World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC), which ended late on Friday.
Published on January 6, 2008
Samir Deger-Sen and Lewis Iwu impressed the judges with their compelling arguments on the topic of HIV/Aids and sex during the final round in Pattaya.
As the "closing government" team, the Oxford duo won loud applause from thousands of students and others attending when they argued for accountability in intimate relationships.
Using a parliamentary style, all four final teams were assigned separate roles, with Cambridge University, also of the UK, as the "opening opposition" team, Monash University of Australia as the "opening government" team and the University of Sydney as the "closing opposition" team.
The final topic was "This house would require those who infect others with HIV to make drug-support payments."
Deger-Sen of Oxford said the two had had to think quickly on their feet.
"It was a difficult motion because we hadn't thought about it before. There're not many arguments, and so we thought we were the closing team: we'd run out of arguments, but luckily we had many things to say."
The pair made it through with Iwu, originally from Nigeria, as the star of the team.
His mannerisms provoked both laughs and applause from the audience.
"When you have sex, you also say: 'I implicitly bear all the consequences of the sexual act'," he said. "It's pretty irresponsible for you not to get checked. We say in our world you should get checked if you are going to be a sexually active person."
This was his strongest argument in the context of debating sex as a contractual relationship where partners should take responsibility for their actions.
The Oxford team defeated Mhairi Murdoch and Daniel Warrents from Cambridge, Tim Jeffrie and Fiona Prowse from Monash and Christopher Croke and Dominic Thurbon from Sydney.
Rishikesh Chabra, communications director for WUDC's Thai chapter, said the Oxford team had not had the strongest case but Iwu had been the most engaging speaker and appeared to be in total control of his delivery.
Both Iwu and Deger-Sen have been debating for 15 years. Iwu is a freshman at Oxford, studying politics, philosophy and economics (PPE), while Deger-Sen is switching from PPE to international relations.
"[The competition] is a good chance to research about the world, stand up to give a speech in front of audiences and be able to quickly evaluate arguments and premises and propositions you have about the world," Iwu said.
Deger-Sen instinctively supported the motion for people infecting others with HIV to make a drug-support payment.
Iwu has no idea what he wants to do after college, but Deger-Sen hopes to attend law school in the US and become a lawyer or an academic in international relations.
The WUDC King's Championship Trophy drew about 400 teams from 185 universities around the world.
It's the first time Thailand has hosted the prestigious event, in which students from Chulalongkorn, Thammasat, Khon Kaen and Mahidol universities were also competing.
The Masters' Final, held at the Thai Alangkarn Pattaya, will be available for viewing tomorrow at blog.nationmultimedia.com/lisnaree
Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra
The Nation
Ousted PM explains why his wife returns home
Ousted PM explains why his wife returns home
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra issued a statement, detailing the reasons behind his wife's decision to return home to face corruption charges on Tuesday.
His statement was released via the website; truethaksin.com. The following is unofficial translation of Thaksin's statement.
1. In light of the grief of every Thai citizen due to the loss of the beloved princess, it is imperative for the Shinawatra and Damapong family members to show their loyalty, as Thai citizens, to the Monarch and the Royal Family.
Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra decides to return to Thailand in order to pay her last respects to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra representing me and Shinawatra and Damapong families.
2. The return of Khuying Pojaman is meant for her surrender to the courts of justice willingly and voluntarily to fight charges and prove her innocence in accordance with the judicial proceedings and the rule of law. Our family has lodged the bail application with bond as specified by the law and I and my family have expected kindness from the courts.
I reaffirm that Khunying Pojaman and I are ready to fight every case and all charges in order to prove our family's innocence. I and my family have the confidence in the justice dispensed by the judiciary.
3. As a Thai citizen, I would like to state that there is no land dispensing happiness to every Thai comparable to the homeland under the benevolence of His Majesty the King. Khunying Pojaman, in her capacity as a loyal subject, wishes to spend her life in Thailand in peace with her family under the reign of His Majesty.
As a mother, Khunying Pojaman has her love and caring to share with her children. Wishing to reunite with her children, she returns to Thailand in order to be close to them and the family.
I have always reaffirmed that it is my highest hope to return and spend my life with my family under the benevolence of His Majesty. I have said repeatedly that I am ready to prove my innocence and fight the charges in accordance with the judicial proceedings in Thailand. I do not want to be a cause of conflict among fellow Thai citizens which can exacerbate the problems facing our country.
I pledge before every fellow citizen that I will return to Thailand at an opportune time to prove my innocence and that of my family's in accordance with the judicial proceedings and the rule of law.
I hereby state for the correct understanding of all Thai citizens.
Thaksin Shinawatra
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra issued a statement, detailing the reasons behind his wife's decision to return home to face corruption charges on Tuesday.
His statement was released via the website; truethaksin.com. The following is unofficial translation of Thaksin's statement.
1. In light of the grief of every Thai citizen due to the loss of the beloved princess, it is imperative for the Shinawatra and Damapong family members to show their loyalty, as Thai citizens, to the Monarch and the Royal Family.
Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra decides to return to Thailand in order to pay her last respects to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra representing me and Shinawatra and Damapong families.
2. The return of Khuying Pojaman is meant for her surrender to the courts of justice willingly and voluntarily to fight charges and prove her innocence in accordance with the judicial proceedings and the rule of law. Our family has lodged the bail application with bond as specified by the law and I and my family have expected kindness from the courts.
I reaffirm that Khunying Pojaman and I are ready to fight every case and all charges in order to prove our family's innocence. I and my family have the confidence in the justice dispensed by the judiciary.
3. As a Thai citizen, I would like to state that there is no land dispensing happiness to every Thai comparable to the homeland under the benevolence of His Majesty the King. Khunying Pojaman, in her capacity as a loyal subject, wishes to spend her life in Thailand in peace with her family under the reign of His Majesty.
As a mother, Khunying Pojaman has her love and caring to share with her children. Wishing to reunite with her children, she returns to Thailand in order to be close to them and the family.
I have always reaffirmed that it is my highest hope to return and spend my life with my family under the benevolence of His Majesty. I have said repeatedly that I am ready to prove my innocence and fight the charges in accordance with the judicial proceedings in Thailand. I do not want to be a cause of conflict among fellow Thai citizens which can exacerbate the problems facing our country.
I pledge before every fellow citizen that I will return to Thailand at an opportune time to prove my innocence and that of my family's in accordance with the judicial proceedings and the rule of law.
I hereby state for the correct understanding of all Thai citizens.
Thaksin Shinawatra
Key election rulings due
Key election rulings due
The Supreme Court will rule shortly on whether three election-related cases merit judicial review.
Published on January 4, 2008
The court will make a key ruling on January 15 on arguments raised by a Democrat Party candidate. This case has drawn attention because it could lead to the nullification of the People Power Party's election victory.
Chaiwat Sinsuwong complained that People Power was a nominee in the December election. He contends that PPP was unqualified to contest the ballot because it was a nominee of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party and that leader Samak Sundaravej was a proxy.
He has questioned if advance voting was valid, and if the distribution of video discs to voters featuring former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was illegal.
Presiding judge Chalee Thappawimol has issued a summons for People Power to submit a defence within seven days.
He decided against an injunction to suspend advance-voting results, but said he would address the issue if he deemed it necessary to launch a judicial review.
In another case, the court will rule on January 16 on assertions by Northeast activist Thepphanom Siriwithayarak that the Election Commission mismanaged advance voting. He is seeking an annulment of the results.
In a third case, the court will rule next Friday on an argument by New Aspiration Party spokesman Sarwut Thongpen that the commission had no jurisdiction to organise advance voting.
The Nation
The Supreme Court will rule shortly on whether three election-related cases merit judicial review.
Published on January 4, 2008
The court will make a key ruling on January 15 on arguments raised by a Democrat Party candidate. This case has drawn attention because it could lead to the nullification of the People Power Party's election victory.
Chaiwat Sinsuwong complained that People Power was a nominee in the December election. He contends that PPP was unqualified to contest the ballot because it was a nominee of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party and that leader Samak Sundaravej was a proxy.
He has questioned if advance voting was valid, and if the distribution of video discs to voters featuring former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was illegal.
Presiding judge Chalee Thappawimol has issued a summons for People Power to submit a defence within seven days.
He decided against an injunction to suspend advance-voting results, but said he would address the issue if he deemed it necessary to launch a judicial review.
In another case, the court will rule on January 16 on assertions by Northeast activist Thepphanom Siriwithayarak that the Election Commission mismanaged advance voting. He is seeking an annulment of the results.
In a third case, the court will rule next Friday on an argument by New Aspiration Party spokesman Sarwut Thongpen that the commission had no jurisdiction to organise advance voting.
The Nation
Foreign countries send condolences
Foreign countries send condolences
Messages of condolences poured in from international leaders over Thailand's great loss of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.
Foreign Ministry said Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, China's President Hu Jintao, Singapore's President S R Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
The ministry also received condolences from Bulgaria Embassy in Bangkok.
China's leader Hu described Princess Galyani as old friend of China and had played great roles in strengthening the bilateral relations.
No black T-shirts with HM's logo please
The Office of Prime Minister called on Friday on people not to don black T-shirts with the emblem marking His Majesty's 80th birthday.
"It's inappropriate,'' Jullayuth Hiranyawasit said in response to the immediate availability of black Tshirts bearing the emblem on the market.
He explained that the emblem was an auspicious sign and should not adorn black clothes which were used durฌing mourning.
Black clothes are now hotselling items as Thais are donning the colour to mourn the passing away of HRH Galyani Vadhana. The 84yearold Princess was the elder sister of His Majesty.
Jullayuth also urged manuฌfacturers to stop producing and selling black Tshirts with the auspicious emblem, adding that people going to a funeral should not adorn black attire with a pin featuring the emblem.
Messages of condolences poured in from international leaders over Thailand's great loss of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.
Foreign Ministry said Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, China's President Hu Jintao, Singapore's President S R Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew.
The ministry also received condolences from Bulgaria Embassy in Bangkok.
China's leader Hu described Princess Galyani as old friend of China and had played great roles in strengthening the bilateral relations.
No black T-shirts with HM's logo please
The Office of Prime Minister called on Friday on people not to don black T-shirts with the emblem marking His Majesty's 80th birthday.
"It's inappropriate,'' Jullayuth Hiranyawasit said in response to the immediate availability of black Tshirts bearing the emblem on the market.
He explained that the emblem was an auspicious sign and should not adorn black clothes which were used durฌing mourning.
Black clothes are now hotselling items as Thais are donning the colour to mourn the passing away of HRH Galyani Vadhana. The 84yearold Princess was the elder sister of His Majesty.
Jullayuth also urged manuฌfacturers to stop producing and selling black Tshirts with the auspicious emblem, adding that people going to a funeral should not adorn black attire with a pin featuring the emblem.
Envoys pay glowing tributes
Envoys pay glowing tributes
Three foreign ambassadors joined tens of thousand of Thais paying tribute to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana at the Grand Palace's Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion yesterday.
Published on January 6, 2008
"I still remember how impressive her friendly and casual personality was," Swiss Ambassador Rodolphe Imhoof said of an occasion when he welcomed HRH Princess Galyani for a meal in his homeland.
"May I convey the co-sorrow of the Swiss people to the Thai Royal Family and Thai people," he added.
Cambodian Ambassador Ung Sean said the good work of the Princess had proved beneficial to society and both Thai and Cambodian citizens.
"On behalf of the Cambodian people, let me express sorrow for the great loss to Thai society," he said.
Peruvian Ambassador Carlos Velasco Mendiola also signed the album of condolences in front of the late Princess' portrait.
"Personally, I am very impressed how Thais show their loyalty towards the Princess," he said.
At the pavilion, funeral activities began at 6.32am when HRH Maha Chakri Princess Sirindhorn offered food to Buddhist monks before their daily chanting. The Fine Arts Department sent musicians to perform Thai traditional funeral music, pee phat nanghong, every three hours.
Over 40,000 Thais visited the pavilion, most of them Bangkok residents, along with groups from upcountry who had travelled to the capital to write messages honouring the Princess, including 120 students from Samut Sakhon's Om Noi Sophonchanupatham School and 39 students from Chiang Rai's Mae Yao Wittaya School.
Besides the foreign envoys, many prominent public figures also showed up at the pavilion, including Swiss businessman Chark Never, owner of the Boulevard Hotel, ML Sakul Malakul, Finance Ministry permanent secretary Suparut Kawatkul, 2007 beauty queen Angkhana Trirattanathip, Phatra Thephassadin na Ayudhya and Phicharm Khieothong.
Among the politicians seen at the pavilion were Democrat Nattaya Benjasiriwan and former Thai Rak Thai executives Chaturon Chaisang, Prommin Lertsuridej and Boontham Vejjayachai.
Memorial services were also held in most provinces, in Yalaby the Border Police, in Narathiwat by Buddhist and Muslim residents, in Chumphon by doctors, in Chon Buri by Khao Kieo Zoo workers, in Lampang by tambon administration organisation staff, in Trang, by residents and in Chiang Mai by tourists in the Huay Nam Dang National Park.
The Fine Arts Department is designing a new crematorium for the Princess instead of choosing from 12 traditional designs in recognition of her great contribution to society.
"The design will be new but adapt some features the existing designs," the department said.
All scheduled performances and activities at the National Cultural Centre will be suspended during the 100-day mourning period, said Preecha Kanthiya, secretary-general of the National Cultural Commission.
"We did not order the postponements, but all the organisers agreed voluntarily to do it. However, we'll try to compensate later by reducing the rent. We also plan to redecorate and improve the centre's building during this period," he said.
Three foreign ambassadors joined tens of thousand of Thais paying tribute to HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana at the Grand Palace's Saha Thai Samakhom Pavilion yesterday.
Published on January 6, 2008
"I still remember how impressive her friendly and casual personality was," Swiss Ambassador Rodolphe Imhoof said of an occasion when he welcomed HRH Princess Galyani for a meal in his homeland.
"May I convey the co-sorrow of the Swiss people to the Thai Royal Family and Thai people," he added.
Cambodian Ambassador Ung Sean said the good work of the Princess had proved beneficial to society and both Thai and Cambodian citizens.
"On behalf of the Cambodian people, let me express sorrow for the great loss to Thai society," he said.
Peruvian Ambassador Carlos Velasco Mendiola also signed the album of condolences in front of the late Princess' portrait.
"Personally, I am very impressed how Thais show their loyalty towards the Princess," he said.
At the pavilion, funeral activities began at 6.32am when HRH Maha Chakri Princess Sirindhorn offered food to Buddhist monks before their daily chanting. The Fine Arts Department sent musicians to perform Thai traditional funeral music, pee phat nanghong, every three hours.
Over 40,000 Thais visited the pavilion, most of them Bangkok residents, along with groups from upcountry who had travelled to the capital to write messages honouring the Princess, including 120 students from Samut Sakhon's Om Noi Sophonchanupatham School and 39 students from Chiang Rai's Mae Yao Wittaya School.
Besides the foreign envoys, many prominent public figures also showed up at the pavilion, including Swiss businessman Chark Never, owner of the Boulevard Hotel, ML Sakul Malakul, Finance Ministry permanent secretary Suparut Kawatkul, 2007 beauty queen Angkhana Trirattanathip, Phatra Thephassadin na Ayudhya and Phicharm Khieothong.
Among the politicians seen at the pavilion were Democrat Nattaya Benjasiriwan and former Thai Rak Thai executives Chaturon Chaisang, Prommin Lertsuridej and Boontham Vejjayachai.
Memorial services were also held in most provinces, in Yalaby the Border Police, in Narathiwat by Buddhist and Muslim residents, in Chumphon by doctors, in Chon Buri by Khao Kieo Zoo workers, in Lampang by tambon administration organisation staff, in Trang, by residents and in Chiang Mai by tourists in the Huay Nam Dang National Park.
The Fine Arts Department is designing a new crematorium for the Princess instead of choosing from 12 traditional designs in recognition of her great contribution to society.
"The design will be new but adapt some features the existing designs," the department said.
All scheduled performances and activities at the National Cultural Centre will be suspended during the 100-day mourning period, said Preecha Kanthiya, secretary-general of the National Cultural Commission.
"We did not order the postponements, but all the organisers agreed voluntarily to do it. However, we'll try to compensate later by reducing the rent. We also plan to redecorate and improve the centre's building during this period," he said.
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