News from Thailand – June 27, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Two Chula teachers don't chew Chitpas at graduation ceremony
• Lawyers: Stop court-martial trials
• NCPO: Military exercise Cobra Gold remains in Thailand
US considers keeping Cobra Gold in another country
The annual military exercise Cobra Gold of the US and Southeast Asian countries is in danger of not being held in Thailand next year, but the military authorities think that the soup is not eaten as hot as it is served.
News from Thailand – June 25, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Revolution of 1932 commemorated with poems, speeches and discussion
• Boss over boss: Phone bill of 600.000 baht
• Battle over controversial Xayaburi dam in Laos flares up again
Thailand: EU punitive measures have limited impact
The European Union's punitive measures will only have a limited impact on trade, investment and tourism, expects Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Former minister sets up anti-coup organization
Charupong Ruangsuwan, former minister and former leader of the former government party Pheu Thai, announced the establishment of the Organization of Free Thais for Human Rights and Democracy yesterday. The military junta immediately responded to the initiative; she has asked the international community not to support the movement.
EU freezes diplomatic ties with Thailand
All visits to and from Thailand and all partnership agreements are suspended until the country returns to a democratic regime. This is what the foreign ministers of the European Union decided yesterday in Luxembourg to put pressure on the junta.
Prayuth: Disclosure of Suthep is a myth
Coupleider Prayuth Chan-ocha denies having confidentially spoken or exchanged messages with action leader Suthep Thaugsuban of the anti-government movement about the 'Thaksin regime'. He said this through his spokesperson.
Action leader Suthep Thaugsuban has been discussing strategies to end the influence of former Prime Minister Thaksin since 2010 with army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha. Suthep revealed this Saturday at a dinner of the anti-government protest movement.
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."
News from Thailand – June 22, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Mother sells three children for (converted) 1.800 baht
• Yingluck: I now have more time to take care of my son
• Angelina Jolie visits refugee camp in Mae Hong Son
News from Thailand – June 20, 2014
Today in News from Thailand:
• Minor earthquakes in Chiang Rai; most residents don't notice
• Today is World Refugee Day
• Again resistance from Railways against relocation of minibuses
Exodus to Cambodia decreases
The flow of Cambodians returning to their homeland decreased on Thursday. A total of 220.000 Cambodians have so far fled for fear of being forcefully deported from the country.
Junta has an eye on billions from spectrum auctions
The 50,8 billion baht that television watchdog NBTC has earned with the auction of the digital TV spectrum should flow back into the state coffers, the military authority believes. The money is currently evading state control.
Junta gets the broom by taxi mafia on Suvarnabhumi
The ban on taxis from picking up passengers in front of the Suvarnabhumi departure hall has been lifted. But they are not allowed to wait for passengers. This privilege is reserved for the registered taxis queuing in front of the arrivals hall. The additional rate of 50 baht will be maintained.
Coup in Thailand: Photo album Wednesday
The expression goes: A picture is worth a thousand words. In this posting four pictures of today's events.
News from Thailand – June 18, 2014
Today in News from Thailand
• Defense budget: Will the budget be increased?
• Tor Odland doesn't have to pack his bags
• Minibuses Victory move to Makassan
I am so happy today
The vast majority of the Thai population supports the military. Thais don't care what the Dutch think about it. That makes Ronald van Veen happy.