Ministry of Defense says thase us of southern violence photos in censure debate inappropriate

Ministry of Defense says thase us of southern violence photos in censure debate inappropriate

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defense today indicated that the Ministry felt it was inappropriate for opposition party members to show photographs of violence from the southern border provinces during the recent censure debate as they were emotionally daunting to those involved.

Defense Ministry Spokesman Colonel Jittsak Charoensombut commented on Puea Thai MP Chaowarin Luthasaksiri's use of video images from southern border province incidents in his speech during yesterday's censure debate, referring mostly to an image of a decapitated soldier.

Colonel Jittsak stated that the video was not appropriate to be shown as it emotionally affected members of the public and the armed services, especially in the southern region. He assured that the military would not take any official action against the incident but would leave the matter to the MP's better judgment.

The spokesman continued to say that he had been following the debates closely, focusing on issues related to the armed forces and southern unrest and gave his personal opinion that the Prime Minister has adequately addressed all issues.

20 March 2009

National News Bureau of Thailand

Metropolitan Police 1 to finalize PAD seizure of Suvarnabhumi case in 2-3 weeks

Metropolitan Police 1 to finalize PAD seizure of Suvarnabhumi case in 2-3 weeks

Metropolitan Police Area 1 are preparing to conclude the case of People's Alliance for Democracy's seizure of Suvarnabhumi Airport within the next 2-3 weeks with over 20 people cited for offense including group leaders and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Commander of Metropolitan Police Area 1 Chalong Sonjai revealed today that all witnesses had been questioned in the PAD seizure of Suvarnabhumi Airport case, adding that the matter should be concluded in 2-3 weeks. The case will be, on completion, forwarded to Deputy Commander of the National Police Jongrak Jutanon who is leading investigations who will then file the case to the National Police Commander. Over 20 people have been cited as offenders in the case, including leaders of the PAD group the Minister of Foreign Affairs who police say they have clear evidence of his participation.

Asked when arrest warrants would be issued for the offenders, Pol. Lt. Gen. Chalong stated that the matter would be left to the discretion of the investigation leader before affirming that authorities are proceeding with the case in a just manner without political intervention.

20 March 2009

National News Bureau of Thailand

Food, energy and water shortage to face the world within 21 years

Food, energy and water shortage to face the world within 21 years

British Professor John Beddington revealed that a crisis of food, water, and energy shortage would hit the world before 2030.

Professor Beddington, UK Government Chief Scientific Adviser, disclosed that the world’s population which had rapidly increased might lead to the world’s shortage of food , energy and water before 2030 or within 21 years.

Professor Beddington also anticipated that before 2030 the world’s population could reach 8,300 million people and the need of food and energy would be 50% higher. He added the people’s need of freshwater would be 30% more than now.

20 March 2009

National News Bureau of Thailand

Deputy Prime Minister urges police to clear up old cases

Deputy Prime Minister urges police to clear up old cases

Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Security Affairs, Suthep Thuagsuban, urges police to clear up old investigation cases without double standards, while emphasizing the government will not use police as its instrument.

Mr.Suthep spurred police officers in every area to clear up old investigation cases and the cases which were in people interest such as the disappearance of Lawyer Somchai, the murder of "Shipping Moo", and an environmental monk Phra Suphoj, in order to restore people’s confidence, especially the case in the three south border provinces, including cases involved with People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

The investigation had to be conducted with the same standard, even if Foreign Minister Mr.Kasit Piromya was involved. He emphasized that the government would not use police as its instrument, but the police would be the people's tool and responsible for security of the country and the monarchy.

Besides the Deputy Prime Minister had asked police officers to adhere to their ideal and the institution of monarchy. They had to prevent anybody from offending the monarchy, because if they ignored, a civil war might occur.

20 March 2009

National News Bureau of Thailand

Deputy Prime Minister tells police to combat narcotics under rule of law

Deputy Prime Minister tells police to combat narcotics under rule of law

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban gave the ‘rule of law’ policy for police to adhere to in combating drugs.

Mr. Suthep enunciated Government policies to suppress narcotic drugs to police officers at ranks higher than Superintendent, emphasizing police to use only the rule of law.

Police officers were also assigned to make lists of influential figures involved with narcotic drugs and threatening people. Mr Suthep told police to expand the suppression to arrest all narcotic networks, especially in Bangkok and its vicinities.

Mr Suthep also stressed to the police not to harm or cause troubles to innocent citizens, but to keep inspecting and enforcing strict measures on all entertainment spots which sometimes violate rules.

Mr Suthep lastly asserted police not to take advantage and not to receive any benefits or to get involved with narcotic trafficking.

20 March 2009

National News Bureau of Thailand