by Paul Canning
THAILAND: -- Back in December, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights published a landmark report identifying that violence against LGBT people “tends to be especially vicious compared to other bias-motivated crimes.” It said that states have an “obligation to exercise due diligence” to investigate and prosecute such crimes.
Thailand is a country often assumed to be LGBT friendly because of the tolerance that is part of Thai Buddhism, but human rights advocates are protesting a pattern of killings of lesbians and ‘tomboys.’ ‘Tom’ is a specifically Thai gender identity where lesbian women dress, act and speak in a masculine fashion.
Most of the killings have been dismissed by police as “love gone sour” or the fault of the victims.
They have verified information in 15 murder cases over the last few years, the youngest of whom was 17. In addition to being stabbed multiple times, suffocated, strangled, or shot to death, many of the lesbians and toms had also been raped. In two cases of double homicides, lesbian couples were killed by men who objected to their relationship and felt rebuffed when their attempts at coercing one partner into a heterosexual relationship failed. [more...]
Full story: http://www.care2.com...unpunished.html
-- Care2 2012-05-01
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Thai parliament quarrel escalates in Hitler salute
Heil Hitler at Thai Parliament
By Saksith Saiyasombut
After last month’s public misbehavior of a Thai MP involving peeking on a pornographic image on his phone (we reported), another crass misdemeanor played out for everybody to see in the Thai parliament. This time, a heated debate escalated in one MP giving the Hitler salute and screaming “Heil Hitler” at the top of his lungs on the House floor.
On May 2, in yet another preliminary parliament session debating the allocation of a 99-strong committee to draft amendments to the constitution, the opposition are objecting the role of the House speaker in this process, as they accuse him to have the power to pre-select 22 non-MP committee candidates (such as academics and NGOs) before the parliament decides on them.
Late into the night after 14 grueling hours, House speaker Somsak Kiartsuranont was about to wrap up the session, only to be interrupted by MP Boonyod Sukthinthai of the opposition Democrat Party:
ผู้สื่อข่าวรายงานว่า อย่างไรก็ตามก่อนที่จะมีการลงมตินั้นเกิดความวุ่นวายเล็กน้อย เมื่อนายบุญยอด สุขถิ่นไทย ส.ส.บัญชีรายชื่อ พรรคประชาธิปัตย์ได้ยกมือประท้วงว่านายสมศักดิ์ พยายามรวบรัด แต่นายสมศักดิ์ก็ไม่อนุญาตพร้อมตัดบทให้สมาชิกได้ลงมติ ทำให้นายบุญยอดตะโกนเสียงดังก้องห้องประชุมว่าจะขอประท้วงจนกว่าประธานจะได้ยิน พร้อมกับตะโกนว่า“ประธานเผด็จการ ไฮ ฮิตเลอร์” ซึ่งนายสมศักดิ์ยังตัดบทเช่นเดิมว่าตนไม่ได้ยินพร้อมสั่งให้ลงคะแนน
Reports say that before parliament was about to decide [on a proposal], a little bit of chaos ensued when MP Boonyod Sukthinthai of the Democrat Party raised his hand to protest House speaker Somsak’s hasty attempts to end [the session], but the latter refused to listen and proceeded to the voting, leading to Mr Boonyod yelling loudly that he will protest until the speaker will listen to him, as he then shouted “Heil Hitler, Mr Speaker of the dictatorship! Heil Hitler!” – to which Mr Somsak still refuses to listen and requests the parliament to cast in their votes.
“สภาลงมติ337ต่อ50 ผ่านมาตรา291/6“, Krungthep Turakij, May 2, 2012
As you can see clearly in the video above the shouting match started with the clearly annoyed Boonyod remarking that another five minutes to listen to his complaint won’t hurt him already, since the session has been going on all day, only to be ignored by the speaker, leading into a tantrum thrown by the Democrat MP which ended in that infamous scene.
This arbitrary and erratic display of Godwin’s law evidently shows the still volatile political climate that is being maintained, if not even increased by the parliamentary infighting over amendments to the constitution, to which the opposition fears potential abuse of power by the government (and most of all a carte blanche for Thaksin). Nevertheless, it shows an unacceptable behavior by our elected representatives, who think that any rough measures for this political discourse is legitimate.
Saksith Saiyasombut is a Thai blogger and journalist currently based in Hamburg, Germany. He can be followed on Twitter @Saksith and on Facebook here.
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MURDER OF ANTI-COAL ACTIVIST
Murder suspect shot dead before court trial
SUMET CHANSA-ARD
THE NATION
A murder suspect heading to a court trial was shot dead in downtown Samut Sakhon's Muang district yesterday morning.
SAMUT SAKHON: -- Police suspect he was killed in a "hush killing" to prevent him from revealing a murder mastermind, or he may have died over illegal activities or some personal conflict.
The 28-year-old suspect, Sutchadech Thabkrai, was on his way to testify in court about the killing of Mahachai anti-coal activist Thongnak Sawekjinda. He was shot dead in front of Tisco Bank, only 100 metres from the Muang Samut Sakhon police station.
It was reported Sutchadech's killers might have been in the same pickup truck involved in the Thongnak murder.
Following the 11am shooting report, police found the body of Sutchadech, riddled with 10 gunshots to his head, face and upper body, in his Isuzu pickup truck. They collected 10 spent bullets from inside the vehicle.
Police investigation found that while Sutchadech was waiting for a green light at an intersection, a black Mitsubishi pickup truck stopped next to his and the gunmen opened fire. One jumped out to shoot him at close range before hopping back onto the truck which sped away on Mahachai Road towards Rama II Road.
Police are checking security cameras for images of the suspects, said Samut Sakhon police investigator Pol Colonel Chomchawin Purathananon.
Sutchadech was reportedly involved in the killing of Thongnak, working as the target identifier and procurer of a gun. Police announced the arrest of Sutchadech and three other men, including the gunman, in early August, 2011. They subsequently issued an arrest warrant for coal transport operator Thanayos Wongpim, who was accused as a hirer and later turned himself in.
The murder of Thongnak attracted wide publicity because of his conservation activities. Thongnak was fatally shot by two gunmen on a motorcycle in front of his house in Tha Sai subdistrict of Samut Sakhon's Muang district and was pronounced dead at a hospital on July 28, 2011.
Police, as well as Thongnak's wife Jomkwan Sawekjinda and many local people, suspect the shooting was motivated by Thongnak's long protest against a coal transportation project in the sub-district.
Only days before his death,Thongnak led a road blockade protest which resulted in authorities announcing a temporary suspension of coal transportation in the area. However, the transportation went on secretly until Thongnak and other demonstrators ambushed the coal trucks and sent details to the police.
A day before his death, Thongnak went before the Administrative Court to testify and give more information against a coal company. His wife said he received many death threats.
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BAYOKE TOWER II HORROR
Three killed falling from Thailand's highest building during billboard installation
BANGKOK, May 7 - Three men were killed as they fell from the 68th floor of Thailand's tallest building, Baiyoke Tower II, as a cable supporting the platform carrying the workers installing the billboards parted.
The accident occurred when five billboard installation workers were on their platform alongside the exterior of the building. Three men dropped immediately after the cable supporting the platform tore apart.
The other two who grasped a handhold of the platform survived, but were seriously wounded.
The three victims crashed to their deaths at different levels of the building: the first to the 36th floor, the second to the 20th floor and the third to the 18th floor.
Ploenjit Kongudom, 30, one of the survivors, said he and his colleagues started installing the new printed advertising in the morning and took a lunch break.
Mr Ploenjit said the five workers then resumed their work in the afternoon from floor 81 to floor 68 when the platform broke. The three men standing in the middle of the platform plunged to their death.
He and his friend were able to reach out and grab the handhold in time and called for help from persons inside the building.
Mr Ploenjit admitted that none of them wore any protective sling or belt for their safety, although they did every time before working and did not inspect before the operation whether the platform was in good condition or not.
Baiyoke Tower II is the tallest building in Thailand, located on Rathaprarob Road in Bangkok. It has 88 floors and rises to a height of 304 metres. (MCOT online news)
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Gas explosion rips through restaurant
WORAPAN SUKKAEW
THE NATION
Photo : Thanachai Pramarnpanich
An explosion from a cooking-gas leak at a steak restaurant in Bangkok's Ratchathewi district injured seven people yesterday.
BANGKOK: -- Police and 10 fire engines answering an emergency call arrived at 12pm at the Bangkok Grill, in Soi Rang Nam, to find the restaurant on fire, its glass frontage shattered by the explosion and the kitchen gutted. Four men, two women and a small child were rushed to Rajvithi Hospital.
A Cambodian cook identified only as Tomy, 30, told police the kitchen crew had panicked after a 15kg cooking gas canister they were changing sprang a leak while ovens were operating. The owner of a noodle shop next door said the explosion had also damaged his shop.
In related news, fire destroyed 15 houses in Bangkok's Wat Yuan community yesterday, leaving five people suffering smoke inhalation and burns.
Responding to the emergency call, 20 fire engines rushed to the scene on Luk Luang Road and were able to bring the blaze under control in about an hour. Initial investigation identified a wooden house belonging to Suchart Thungpan as the probable source, though some witnesses said they heard an explosion from a house owned by a woman known only as Taew in the community before the fire broke out.
Police have put the cause of the fire down to an electrical short, while authorities are surveying the damage.
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Posted 2012-05-10 11:14:24
German Stabs Udon Thani Thai Girlfriend 17 Times
A German national found that his Thai girlfriend dated a Frenchman behind his back. The German lost his temper and stabbed his girl friend to death.
UDON THANI – May 8, 2012 [PDN]; Pol. Capt. Ratchaphol Morarat, Udon Thani police was notified about a fatal stabbing at “Together Beer-Bar” address 62, Soi Samphan, Udon Thani.
At the scene of the crime the police found the corpse of Mrs. Jantree Miller age 34, lying on the floor in a pool of blood near the computer table. Mrs Jantree had 7 stab wounds on the left arm, 4 wounds on the right arm, 4 wounds on the forehead and 2 on the cheek. Totally 17 wounds.
The investigation showed that before the stabbing Mrs. Jantree was chatting on the Facebook with a French man, Mr. Mike Kristien Bitek, age 29.
The German, the boyfriend of Mrs. Jantree came into the shop and sat beside her and when he saw she was on the Facebook with Mr. Peter a Frenchman Mr. Mike screamed at her that she was a bad woman who cheated on him. Then he pulled out a folding knife from his pocket and stabbbed her violently until she fell from the chair and died on the the floor.
Moments later Mr. Mike ran out from the bar and jumped into his Toyota Vios parked in front of the beer-bar and dissapeared.
The police alarm was sent out but they could not find the German. The search is on.
Mr. Mike, the German and Mrs. Jantree had been dating for 3 months. They saw each other every day.
Mr. Mike gave her 60,000 THB to clear her debts. They lived together for 1 month. Later Mr. Mike found out that she had met Mr. Peter, the Frenchman. Mrs. Jantree said he was [more...]
Full story and picture: http://www.pattayada...riend-17-times/
-- Pattaya Daily News 2012-05-10
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A German national found that his Thai girlfriend dated a Frenchman behind his back. The German lost his temper and stabbed his girl friend to death.
UDON THANI – May 8, 2012 [PDN]; Pol. Capt. Ratchaphol Morarat, Udon Thani police was notified about a fatal stabbing at “Together Beer-Bar” address 62, Soi Samphan, Udon Thani.
At the scene of the crime the police found the corpse of Mrs. Jantree Miller age 34, lying on the floor in a pool of blood near the computer table. Mrs Jantree had 7 stab wounds on the left arm, 4 wounds on the right arm, 4 wounds on the forehead and 2 on the cheek. Totally 17 wounds.
The investigation showed that before the stabbing Mrs. Jantree was chatting on the Facebook with a French man, Mr. Mike Kristien Bitek, age 29.
The German, the boyfriend of Mrs. Jantree came into the shop and sat beside her and when he saw she was on the Facebook with Mr. Peter a Frenchman Mr. Mike screamed at her that she was a bad woman who cheated on him. Then he pulled out a folding knife from his pocket and stabbbed her violently until she fell from the chair and died on the the floor.
Moments later Mr. Mike ran out from the bar and jumped into his Toyota Vios parked in front of the beer-bar and dissapeared.
The police alarm was sent out but they could not find the German. The search is on.
Mr. Mike, the German and Mrs. Jantree had been dating for 3 months. They saw each other every day.
Mr. Mike gave her 60,000 THB to clear her debts. They lived together for 1 month. Later Mr. Mike found out that she had met Mr. Peter, the Frenchman. Mrs. Jantree said he was [more...]
Full story and picture: http://www.pattayada...riend-17-times/
-- Pattaya Daily News 2012-05-10
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Motorcycle taxis seek help over gangsters
The Nation
BANGKOK: -- Motorcycle taxi association president Chalerm Changthongmadan yesterday led 20 members to file a complaint with the Metropolitan Police Bureau over gangsters extorting fees from them.
Deputy city police chief Pol Maj-General Wichai Sangprapai has vowed to crack down on the gangsters and punish police officials involved.
A driver near Bangkok University's Kluay Nam Thai campus said his stand was legal but a man identified only as Tum collected a Bt100 fee from each rider to "pass onto his boss" on a daily basis, and threatened to harm those who told police.
Another motorcycle taxi driver near Dhurakij Pundit University complained that an illegal group of drivers made taxi jackets, used their route and stole passengers as well as threatened legal taxi drivers.
Wichai said he would report to the city police chief and invite all district offices to hear the motorcycle taxi drivers' woes. He said he would severely punish policemen involved in extortion.
The Nation
BANGKOK: -- Motorcycle taxi association president Chalerm Changthongmadan yesterday led 20 members to file a complaint with the Metropolitan Police Bureau over gangsters extorting fees from them.
Deputy city police chief Pol Maj-General Wichai Sangprapai has vowed to crack down on the gangsters and punish police officials involved.
A driver near Bangkok University's Kluay Nam Thai campus said his stand was legal but a man identified only as Tum collected a Bt100 fee from each rider to "pass onto his boss" on a daily basis, and threatened to harm those who told police.
Another motorcycle taxi driver near Dhurakij Pundit University complained that an illegal group of drivers made taxi jackets, used their route and stole passengers as well as threatened legal taxi drivers.
Wichai said he would report to the city police chief and invite all district offices to hear the motorcycle taxi drivers' woes. He said he would severely punish policemen involved in extortion.
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BREAKING NEWS: Phuket Police launch manhunt for three foreigners in B30mn jewelry heist
Phuket Gazette
PHUKET: -- The Phuket Gazette has received confirmed reports that police have launched a manhunt for three foreign men who carried out a smash-and-grab robbery of about 30 million baht in jewelry this morning.
The three men allegedly smashed the windows of a Toyota Avanza parked behind the Big C supercenter on the bypass road at 9:45am with an umbrella and stole a suitcase containing the jewelry.
The men were seen by eyewitnesses and caught on CCTV making their getaway in a white Toyota Vios.
More details to follow.
Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ticle14964.html
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Phuket Gazette
PHUKET: -- The Phuket Gazette has received confirmed reports that police have launched a manhunt for three foreign men who carried out a smash-and-grab robbery of about 30 million baht in jewelry this morning.
The three men allegedly smashed the windows of a Toyota Avanza parked behind the Big C supercenter on the bypass road at 9:45am with an umbrella and stole a suitcase containing the jewelry.
The men were seen by eyewitnesses and caught on CCTV making their getaway in a white Toyota Vios.
More details to follow.
Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ticle14964.html
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Police arrest three foreigners for B30mn jewelry heist
Phuket Gazette
Jewelry merchant Thongsak Chintakanroek, who was robbed of 30 million baht in precious jewelry in Phuket yesterday, said he had faith the police would catch the thieves 'soon'. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo
PHUKET: -- Police have arrested four people in connection with theft of 30 million baht of jewelry in Phuket yesterday morning while the were heading for the Malaysian border after.
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul confirmed to the Phuket Gazette that the suspects were arrested at by Trang Highway Police officers at a checkpoint in Sikao District, in Trang province.
The three switched getaway cars after fleeing the scene in a Toyota Vios rented in Phuket, Maj Gen Chonasit said.
“After dumping their initial getaway car in Patong, the three headed off-island in a Toyota Fortuner they also rented in Phuket,” he said.
But that didn’t fool the Phuket investigators. CCTV footage showing the thieves leaving the scene gave away the Toyota Vios license plate, leading police on a paper trail to discover the rented Fortuner and its license plate registration.
“We contacted all agencies – including Immigration, Tourist Police and Highways Police – and asked them to keep an eye out for the rented Fortuner,” Maj Gen Chonasit said.
At 7pm yesterday, Highway Police Station 2 Division 7 led by Col Jakkrapan Janwana stopped the Fortuner and asked to search the car.
A search by officers discovered the stolen jewelry, including gold, diamonds and other precious gems, in two separate bags inside the car.
Police have arrested at least four people travelling inside the vehicle: one Russian man, two Malaysian women and one Thai man.
Police have yet to name the suspects arrested.
However, police have also reported that one of the Malaysian women escaped custody.
“While the police officers were questioning the suspects, one of the Malaysian woman, the large one, asked to use the bathroom at the police station.
“But she ended up running away from the station. We are now searching for her,” Col Jakkrapan said.
Phuket Police are now escorting the suspects back to Phuket.
A press conference is expected to be held later today.
Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ticle14969.html
-- Phuket Gazette 2012-05-15
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PHUKET GEM HEIST: B5mn in jewelry still missing
Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Chonasit Wattanavrangkul explains to the press that police are still searching for 57-year-old Mexican woman Mejia Asseneth, who remains at large. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo
Police are still questioning the suspects as to the whereabouts of the missing loot, reported to be worth about 5 million baht. Photo: Atchaa Khamlo
PHUKET: -- Phuket Provincial Police Commander Chonasit Wattanavrangkul this afternoon confirmed that 173 items have yet to be recovered from the jewelry and gem heist in Phuket yesterday morning, despite police having three foreigners in custody.
The missing valuables are estimated to be worth about 5 million baht, he told a press conference at Phuket City Police Station today.
Presented to the press today were Mexican national Ruben Dario Zapata Gonzalez, 40, and Roslina Binti Abu Bakar, 42, from Malaysia. (Click here for our earlier report)
The third foreigner arrested, a Turkish national named by police as Riza Balkan, 49, remains in police custody in Trang province, where the gang were arrested after the car they were travelling in failed to stop at a police checkpoint.
Highway Police manning the checkpoint gave pursuit and forced the car to stop.
Officers searched the vehicle and found most of the stolen loot in luggage inside the car, Maj Gen Chonasit explained.
One Mexican woman, named by police as 57-year-old Mejia Zuluaga Maria Asseneth, managed to flee the scene, he said.
Police believe Ms Asseneth to be central to the robbery and she remains at large. She may be heading south to Thailand’s border with Malaysia.
A warrant for her arrest has been issued, said Maj Gen Chonasit.
Mr Balkan is apparently being held by Trang police on a drugs charge.
The driver of the vehicle the gang were fleeing in, an illegal taxi driver in Patong, has not named by police and has yet to be charged with any offenses.
Police are still questioning him, but at this stage believe he is innocent in terms of the robbery.
He failed to stop at the police checkpoint while under duress from the thieves, it was explained.
Thongsak Chintakarnroek said that about 450 jewelry pieces have been returned, but 173 pieces remain missing.
“The missing pieces would be worth about 5 million baht,” he confirmed.
Commander Chonasit added that the gang are also suspected of a similar jewelry theft in Bangkok on April 29 this year.
“They have denied the charges, but they will be charged according to the evidence we have against them,” he said.
“We are still questioning Mr Gonzalez and Ms Abu Bakar as to the whereabouts of the missing jewelry,” the police commander added.
Mr Thongsak praised the quick action by the police.
“I really appreciate what the police have done. We are so lucky to get the jewelry back,” he said.
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Danish and Thai Police Chasing BikersDennis Krog
File photos
THAILAND: -- According to the Danish newspaper, Politiken, Danish Motorcycle gangs, Hells Angels and Bandidos, are getting more visible in Thailand, but now a cooperation between the Danish and the Thai police is set to keep a close eye on the bikers, who are known for a wide variety of criminal activities in Denmark.
“The motorcycle gangs can forget setting up Thailand as a base for their criminal activities. In both Denmark and Thailand there is a strong will to fight the kind of crimes these gangs are known for. We are now sharing information and we are willing to assist the Thai police in specific cases as well,” says Kim Kliver, Head of the National investigations center of the Danish Police.
The Danish police are very much aware of the fact that Thailand could be seen as the perfect place to hide money as well as supplying the bikers with drugs and women for prostitution.
“Women from Asia are the largest group of women being trafficked to Denmark, and because of that we will be very much on our toes to see if the bikers are showing interest of getting in to that business as well,” says Kim Kliver.
According to the Danish paper, the Danish bikers are mostly operating in Thailand and Pattaya.
Original news source: http://politiken.dk/...re-paa-udebane/
Source: http://www.scandasia...22&coun_code=dk
-- ScandAsia 2012-05-18
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File photos
THAILAND: -- According to the Danish newspaper, Politiken, Danish Motorcycle gangs, Hells Angels and Bandidos, are getting more visible in Thailand, but now a cooperation between the Danish and the Thai police is set to keep a close eye on the bikers, who are known for a wide variety of criminal activities in Denmark.
“The motorcycle gangs can forget setting up Thailand as a base for their criminal activities. In both Denmark and Thailand there is a strong will to fight the kind of crimes these gangs are known for. We are now sharing information and we are willing to assist the Thai police in specific cases as well,” says Kim Kliver, Head of the National investigations center of the Danish Police.
The Danish police are very much aware of the fact that Thailand could be seen as the perfect place to hide money as well as supplying the bikers with drugs and women for prostitution.
“Women from Asia are the largest group of women being trafficked to Denmark, and because of that we will be very much on our toes to see if the bikers are showing interest of getting in to that business as well,” says Kim Kliver.
According to the Danish paper, the Danish bikers are mostly operating in Thailand and Pattaya.
Original news source: http://politiken.dk/...re-paa-udebane/
Source: http://www.scandasia...22&coun_code=dk
-- ScandAsia 2012-05-18
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Thai police arrest Brit with foetuses for black magic
Bangkok, May 18, 2012 (AFP) - Six human foetuses which had been roasted and covered in gold leaf as part of a black magic ritual have been seized from a British citizen in Bangkok, Thai police said Friday.Chow Hok Kuen, 28, who is of Taiwanese origin, was arrested with the grisly haul in the city's Chinatown on Thursday, police said. The corpses had been packed into luggage and were set to be smuggled to Taiwan.
The suspect bought the foetuses several days ago from a Taiwanese man in Thailand for 200,000 baht ($6,500) and planned to sell them in Taiwan for up to six times that amount, police said. The origin of the foetuses was unclear.
"He said he planned to sell the foetuses to clients who believe they will make them lucky and rich," said Colonel Wiwat Kamchamnan of Bangkok police.
The man faces one year in prison and a 2,000 baht fine for possession of the foetuses.
In Thai black magic rituals, also observed among some Chinese communities, preserved foetuses are believed to bring good fortune to the owner and are often kept in shrines within homes or businesses.
-- ©Copyright AFP 2012-05-18 | AFP News Sponsor
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Bangkok, May 18, 2012 (AFP) - Six human foetuses which had been roasted and covered in gold leaf as part of a black magic ritual have been seized from a British citizen in Bangkok, Thai police said Friday.Chow Hok Kuen, 28, who is of Taiwanese origin, was arrested with the grisly haul in the city's Chinatown on Thursday, police said. The corpses had been packed into luggage and were set to be smuggled to Taiwan.
The suspect bought the foetuses several days ago from a Taiwanese man in Thailand for 200,000 baht ($6,500) and planned to sell them in Taiwan for up to six times that amount, police said. The origin of the foetuses was unclear.
"He said he planned to sell the foetuses to clients who believe they will make them lucky and rich," said Colonel Wiwat Kamchamnan of Bangkok police.
The man faces one year in prison and a 2,000 baht fine for possession of the foetuses.
In Thai black magic rituals, also observed among some Chinese communities, preserved foetuses are believed to bring good fortune to the owner and are often kept in shrines within homes or businesses.
-- ©Copyright AFP 2012-05-18 | AFP News Sponsor
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Teenage girl dies after being hit by train
BANGKOK, May 21--- A woman was hit and killed by an oncoming train in downtown Bangkok on Monday morning as she crossed the Asok-Phetchaburi railroad crossing.
The body of Budreeyah U-ngarmsil, 18, was retrieved from a wheel mounting of train No. 283 outbound from Bangkok to Chon Buri’s Plutaluang after being hit by the train during the morning rush hour on Asok-Montri Road near the Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan station.
A preliminary investigation found that Ms Budreeyah walked onto the Asok-Phetchaburi railroad crossing and stood in the middle of the track when a siren sounded warning that the train was coming. She was hit and died instantly.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. (MCOT online news)
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BANGKOK, May 21--- A woman was hit and killed by an oncoming train in downtown Bangkok on Monday morning as she crossed the Asok-Phetchaburi railroad crossing.The body of Budreeyah U-ngarmsil, 18, was retrieved from a wheel mounting of train No. 283 outbound from Bangkok to Chon Buri’s Plutaluang after being hit by the train during the morning rush hour on Asok-Montri Road near the Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan station.
A preliminary investigation found that Ms Budreeyah walked onto the Asok-Phetchaburi railroad crossing and stood in the middle of the track when a siren sounded warning that the train was coming. She was hit and died instantly.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident. (MCOT online news)
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THAI president Piyasvasti gets golden handshakeThe Nation
Piyasvasti
BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International's board of directors today announced the termination of the employment contract of Piyasvasti Amranand, who has been serving as president since October, 2009.
As the termination will come to an before the end of his term next year, the board also approved a compensation package worth 6 months of his salary or about Bt5.4 billion. The package for premature termination is part of the contract.
THAI Chairman Ampon Kittiampon said at the press conference that Piyasvasti was notified of the termination a month in advance.
"It is not that he is an incapable president. But unity in terms of communications between him and the board of directors has been poor. If THAI is to achieve its earning goal this year, the contract must be terminated. This is a golden handshake," he said.
The board today also approved the appointment of executive vice president Chokchai Panyayong as acting president, with immediate effect.
The selection committee, chaired by Finance Permanent Secretary Areepong Bhoochaoom, will start the process immediately.
-- The Nation 2012-05-21
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Piyasvasti
BANGKOK: -- Thai Airways International's board of directors today announced the termination of the employment contract of Piyasvasti Amranand, who has been serving as president since October, 2009.
As the termination will come to an before the end of his term next year, the board also approved a compensation package worth 6 months of his salary or about Bt5.4 billion. The package for premature termination is part of the contract.
THAI Chairman Ampon Kittiampon said at the press conference that Piyasvasti was notified of the termination a month in advance.
"It is not that he is an incapable president. But unity in terms of communications between him and the board of directors has been poor. If THAI is to achieve its earning goal this year, the contract must be terminated. This is a golden handshake," he said.
The board today also approved the appointment of executive vice president Chokchai Panyayong as acting president, with immediate effect.
The selection committee, chaired by Finance Permanent Secretary Areepong Bhoochaoom, will start the process immediately.
-- The Nation 2012-05-21
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Amnesty gives poor marks to Kingdom on human rightsPRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION
BANGKOK: - The death penalty, violence in the deep South, refugees, lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act were highlighted in the Thailand section of Amnesty International (AI)'s annual report on the State of the World Human Rights, released last week.
The London-based Amnesty said that insurgents in the deep South were increasingly targeting civilians and staging indiscriminate attacks in the area while security forces continued to torture and ill-treat detainees.
"No official or member of the Thai security forces in Thailand's three southernmost provinces was convicted of committing any offences involving human rights violations. This was due in part to Section 17 of the Emergency Decree… The decree provided immunity from prosecution to officials who commit such acts in the course of their duty," the report noted.
On the April-May 2010 bloody crackdown on the red shirts, AI noted that while the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) said it had concluded the security forces were responsible for at least 16 deaths, "no one was charged with those or any of the other 76 deaths".
On freedom of expression, AI considered most of those detained, charged and/or sentenced under the lese majeste law and Computer Crimes Act were "prisoners of conscience" and added that freedom of expression continued to be suppressed through the two laws. "Authorities continued to persecute those peacefully expressing their opinion, primarily through the use of lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act," the report stated.
On refugees and migrants, AI noted that for the fifth consecutive year, the Thai government did not activate its procedure for screening asylum-seekers, "so nearly half [of the 150,000] camp-based population was unregistered.
"Thai authorities also discouraged aid organisations from providing food and other humanitarian assistance to this population," the report stated. It said that asylum seekers continued to be arrested, detained indefinitely, and deported or repatriated to countries where they were at risk of persecution.
On the death penalty, although 40 death sentences were handed down in 2011, a modest drop from the average of one per week, death row prisoners continued to be shackled in leg irons throughout their detention, despite a 2009 court decision, still under appeal, declaring it illegal, the report said.
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THE NATION
BANGKOK: - The death penalty, violence in the deep South, refugees, lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act were highlighted in the Thailand section of Amnesty International (AI)'s annual report on the State of the World Human Rights, released last week.
The London-based Amnesty said that insurgents in the deep South were increasingly targeting civilians and staging indiscriminate attacks in the area while security forces continued to torture and ill-treat detainees.
"No official or member of the Thai security forces in Thailand's three southernmost provinces was convicted of committing any offences involving human rights violations. This was due in part to Section 17 of the Emergency Decree… The decree provided immunity from prosecution to officials who commit such acts in the course of their duty," the report noted.
On the April-May 2010 bloody crackdown on the red shirts, AI noted that while the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) said it had concluded the security forces were responsible for at least 16 deaths, "no one was charged with those or any of the other 76 deaths".
On freedom of expression, AI considered most of those detained, charged and/or sentenced under the lese majeste law and Computer Crimes Act were "prisoners of conscience" and added that freedom of expression continued to be suppressed through the two laws. "Authorities continued to persecute those peacefully expressing their opinion, primarily through the use of lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act," the report stated.
On refugees and migrants, AI noted that for the fifth consecutive year, the Thai government did not activate its procedure for screening asylum-seekers, "so nearly half [of the 150,000] camp-based population was unregistered.
"Thai authorities also discouraged aid organisations from providing food and other humanitarian assistance to this population," the report stated. It said that asylum seekers continued to be arrested, detained indefinitely, and deported or repatriated to countries where they were at risk of persecution.
On the death penalty, although 40 death sentences were handed down in 2011, a modest drop from the average of one per week, death row prisoners continued to be shackled in leg irons throughout their detention, despite a 2009 court decision, still under appeal, declaring it illegal, the report said.
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Lone Gunman Makes Away with 200,000 Baht in Bangkok Bank Robbery
BANGKOK: -- A lone gunman has robbed 200,000 baht from Thanachart Bank in Wongsawang area of Bangkok. He was also suspected of planning for another bank robbery nearby.
At around 6:30 PM yesterday, there was a robbery at a Thanachart Bank branch in Wongsawang area of Bangkok.
According to a teller, the robber is a male, approximately 170 centimeters tall, wearing a beige jacket and a motorcycle helmet.
He was also armed with a gun.
The robber reportedly held the bank workers at gunpoint and ordered them to stuff cash from their drawers into his plastic bag.
In the three-minute robbery, he took about 200,000 baht before leaving the bank.
According to the witnesses, the robber also attempted to rob an Ayutthaya Bank branch nearby but could not open the door.
Afterward, he turned to an adjacent Siam Commercial Bank branch but changed his mind after seeing security guards at the entrance, before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle, heading toward Rama VII Bridge.
The police believe that the robbery was committed by the man alone.
The investigation team will also determine the exact amount of cash taken from the bank and review the videos from surveillance cameras installed around the scene and along the escape route.
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BANGKOK: -- A lone gunman has robbed 200,000 baht from Thanachart Bank in Wongsawang area of Bangkok. He was also suspected of planning for another bank robbery nearby. At around 6:30 PM yesterday, there was a robbery at a Thanachart Bank branch in Wongsawang area of Bangkok.
According to a teller, the robber is a male, approximately 170 centimeters tall, wearing a beige jacket and a motorcycle helmet.
He was also armed with a gun.
The robber reportedly held the bank workers at gunpoint and ordered them to stuff cash from their drawers into his plastic bag.
In the three-minute robbery, he took about 200,000 baht before leaving the bank.
According to the witnesses, the robber also attempted to rob an Ayutthaya Bank branch nearby but could not open the door.
Afterward, he turned to an adjacent Siam Commercial Bank branch but changed his mind after seeing security guards at the entrance, before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle, heading toward Rama VII Bridge.
The police believe that the robbery was committed by the man alone.
The investigation team will also determine the exact amount of cash taken from the bank and review the videos from surveillance cameras installed around the scene and along the escape route.
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Police arrest Nigerian Facebook cheatThe Nation
Suspected Smith Nnamadi
Photo of alleged Joe Henry
BANGKOK: -- Nakhon Ratchasima police have arrested a Nigerian man for allegedly duping a Thai woman into sending him tens of thousands of baht after leading her to believe he wanted to marry her.
The arrest of Nigerian Smith Nnamadi, 34, at a Bangkok department store, came after a woman, whose name was withheld, complained to police that he had allegedly lured her to send him money under false pretences.
The woman claimed that she knew the suspect via Facebook under name of Joe Henry, a British. They became lovers and Nnamadi proposed marriage after chatting via the network for two months.
The suspect claimed he wished to bring in a Bt3million dowry but could not afford the fee of Bt321,560, so he asked her to help. The victim wired him Bt74,560 but Henry said he needed more. That made her suspicious and she turned to the police.
A sting operation was set up at a local mall, where the Nigerian suspect came to pick up the money.
The police investigation found that Nnamadi conspired with other foreigners to lure Thai women, wanting foreign husbands, via MSN, Facebook and online websites to dupe them into sending money. Police will hunt for his accomplices.
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Suspected Smith Nnamadi
Photo of alleged Joe Henry
BANGKOK: -- Nakhon Ratchasima police have arrested a Nigerian man for allegedly duping a Thai woman into sending him tens of thousands of baht after leading her to believe he wanted to marry her.
The arrest of Nigerian Smith Nnamadi, 34, at a Bangkok department store, came after a woman, whose name was withheld, complained to police that he had allegedly lured her to send him money under false pretences.
The woman claimed that she knew the suspect via Facebook under name of Joe Henry, a British. They became lovers and Nnamadi proposed marriage after chatting via the network for two months.
The suspect claimed he wished to bring in a Bt3million dowry but could not afford the fee of Bt321,560, so he asked her to help. The victim wired him Bt74,560 but Henry said he needed more. That made her suspicious and she turned to the police.
A sting operation was set up at a local mall, where the Nigerian suspect came to pick up the money.
The police investigation found that Nnamadi conspired with other foreigners to lure Thai women, wanting foreign husbands, via MSN, Facebook and online websites to dupe them into sending money. Police will hunt for his accomplices.
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