News from Thailand – August 4, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Digital TV: 'TV watchdog NBTC is failing', say critics
• Kritsuda: I was tortured; army denies
• Transport plans junta almost copy of Pheu Thai plan
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.
News from Thailand – July 17, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Supreme Patriarch: Coupleider is eligible for premiership
• Nepalese crown prince caught with marijuana again
• Prison for political prisoners in Lak Si remains open
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.
Poll Suan Dusit: Junta gets a big pass
The military authority, in power for a month yesterday, received a large pass in an opinion poll by Suan Dusit. Expressed in a grade: an 8,8. Key Achievements: The country is peaceful and free from strife, the rice farmers have been paid and the cost of living has fallen. A majority wants the NCPO to remain in power until "everything is back to normal."
Army chief Prayuth gave his first public speech yesterday since the army took power. His most remarkable statement was that new elections are not expected until after 15 months at the earliest.
"Thai King will recognize General Prayuth on Monday"
King Bhumibol is expected tomorrow to recognize the junta that staged a coup last week as the new power in Thailand.