The clock runs forward and not backward
A deafening silence surrounds those who ignored the military's orders. Activists and academics have fled or been forced to remain silent. Some are determined to speak out in the name of justice. Spectrum, the Sunday supplement of the Bangkok Post, lets a few speak.
Investigators and soldiers yesterday arrested a major general and four civilians in an undercover operation suspected of extorting merchants in Patpong.
The king approved the provisional constitution drawn up by the junta yesterday. The junta retains special powers, even after an interim cabinet has taken office, and is granted amnesty in advance.
Local elections postponed
All local elections have been canceled for the time being. With this measure, the junta wants to contain the influence of national politicians. At the same time, a stable political climate is maintained because election campaigns and
meetings cancelled.
The military authority puts the knife in the police force. On Monday evening, it announced three amendments to the police law, which aim to reduce political interference. But, as the Bangkok Post notes in an analysis, the concentration of power could potentially lead to a police state.
Rapid return of refugees to Myanmar risky
Refugee organizations are very concerned about the planned rapid repatriation of Myanmar refugees to their homeland. Returning to the states of Kachin and Shan is particularly risky, as they are still in conflict with the central government.
The negative news about the government's rice stocks continues. The inspection teams currently checking rice warehouses and silos have already encountered a mountain of suspicious conditions in XNUMX provinces, such as missing rice, rotten rice or rice that is crawling with weevils.
The days of the lottery giants are numbered
It's a complicated distribution system with parties that resell lottery tickets back and forth. But let's keep it simple: the junta wants the state lottery tickets to be sold for 80 baht and not for 100 to 110 baht and even, when it comes to a lucky number, for 120 baht.
A job-sharing job as prime minister and army chief for coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha would be extremely unwise, diplomats say. It would not be a problem if he becomes prime minister after his retirement in September.
Prayuth eases concerns among South Korean investors
Coupleider Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday assured South Korean investors that the transportation and water management projects initiated by the previous government will continue.
The army keeps a firm finger in the pie when an interim government takes office. This is evident from the draft of a provisional constitution, according to sources at the junta. The junta leader remains responsible for security-related tasks, which are normally the portfolio of the interim prime minister.
Top civil servant to Cambodia to smooth out wrinkles
Top official Sihasak goes to Cambodia to talk about the registration of illegal Cambodians, the political developments in Thailand and border issues. The issue of temporary identity cards has now started.
Motorcycle taxis: Junta cleans up
To put an end to abuses with motorcycle taxis, the junta introduces a new license and makes it a requirement that the motorcycle belongs to the driver.
Impressive display of confiscated weapons
Will you sit down for a moment? 144 rifles and machine guns, 258 shotguns, 2.490 sidearms, 50.000 rounds of ammunition, 166 M79 grenades, 426 body armor, and RPG, M79, and grenade launchers. Impressive isn't it? The weaponry was confiscated by the army last month.
Jakrapob: Bring on your evidence!
Jakrapob Penkair, the fugitive ex-minister accused of lèse-majesté, challenges the junta to produce proof that he has something to do with the weapons found. The accusation is fiction, he says from an unknown whereabouts.
Human trafficking: Junta is cracking down on it
The junta wants to take the fight against human trafficking seriously. The focus is on fishing. The junta wants to better control the sector through the registration of fishermen and vessels.
Suthep chooses eggs for his money
No more weekly fund-raising dinners from the anti-government movement PDRC. Action leader Suthep has scrapped them after being reprimanded by couple leader Prayuth Chan-ocha.