The committee is among 13 reform committees appointed under the new charter and the new National Reform Law. They address key sectors including natural resources and environment management.

The committee has convened for the fifth time, addressing issues of concern as well as laying the framework before coming up with fresh goals for reforming the sector.

The work has been separated among six sub-panels, covering land resources (land, mining, forests and wildlife), marine and coastal resources, water resources, biodiversity, environmental quality, and environmental management.

The fresh work goals include maintaining natural resources and their health, balancing conservation and uses of natural resources, protecting the environment and mitigating pollution, and boosting effectiveness in managing natural resources and the environment to minimise conflicts.

Theerapat Prayurasiddhi, deputy chair of the committee, said the sub-panels had been assigned to submit their first reform-plan drafts by the end of this month.

The reform committees have 90 days to finish their plans before submitting them to concerned parties – including the National Strategy Committee – for endorsement and implementation. The reform plans must be in line with the new long-term national strategies as required by law.

THREE POLICE officers who had been taken into custody on Thursday night for allegedly helping former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra slip out of the country were granted temporary release yesterday.

The three were interrogated at Royal Thai Police headquarters from Thursday night until early yesterday. They were not charged but could only be interrogated as witnesses since the court has not issued any arrest warrants over Yingluck’s flight from justice.

The three police were identified as Pol Colonel Chairit Anurit of the Metropolitan Police, Pol Lt-Colonel Samit Chaiincom and Pol Senior Sgt-Major Pornpipat Makboonngam of Nakhon Pathom provincial police.

They were transferred to inactive posts pending the investigation.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said the three officers helped Yingluck to secretly take a car to the border province of Sa Kaew before sneaking out of the country. It is believed that she avoided an immigration checkpoint and entered Cambodia through a casino.

Yingluck fled a day or two before the Supreme Court Criminal Division for Political Office Holders delivered its verdict on her role in the rice-pledging scheme. In her absence, the court rescheduled revealing its decision until next Wednesday.

“Deputy national police commissioner Pol General Srivara Ransibhramanakul who talked to the three police officers said one of them had confessed that Yingluck fled with a secretary to Sa Kaew’s Aranyaprathet district,” Prawit said.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the caretaker secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party, urged authorities to show clear evidence that policemen were involved in the former prime minister’s escape.

He asked for evidence, such as pictures showing Yingluck in the car or the detained suspect, a police colonel, actually driving the car.

“I can only hope that those who have been interrogated are not scapegoats,” Phumtham told The Nation.

He also asked Deputy Police Commissioner General Pol General Srivara, who is in charge of investigating Yingluck’s disppearance, for a more prudent approach in handling the investigation as Yingluck is a high-profile figure.

“I do not want to see a senior police officer let his personal feelings interfere in the matter,” he said.

Phumtham said he had not been in contact with Yingluck since she fled but believes she is safe. “We are concerned and are still waiting for her,” he said.

He said he was waiting to see if the Supreme Court would go ahead with reading the verdict next Wednesday, or suspend the reading further.

Yingluck’s current whereabouts are unknown. She has not been seen in public since August 23, but it has been reported that she has joined her elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai, where he has lived for years in self-exile.

Deputy Police Commissioner General Pol General Srivara interrogated the three officers from 10.30pm on Thursday to 1am yesterday, sources said.

At 2am, he took them to confirm that a Camry car that had been seized was the vehicle used by Yingluck in her escape to Sa Kaeo, from where she is believed to have entered Cambodia.

One of the three men questioned is a police colonel who is “close” to a former Metropolitan Police Bureau chief.

The seized Camry belongs to a Bangkok woman who had not used it since 2012. It was one of two cars seen on CCTV surveillance recordings, apparently showing Yingluck being driven past a military facility in Sa Kaeo.

Prawit’s hunch is based on the latest detention of three police officers suspected of helping Yingluck flee. The suspects are believed to have received “the order” to take Yingluck out of the country, he said.

Whether the order would link to a former chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, as has been speculated, needs further investigation, Prawit said.

It remains unclear exactly which border checkpoint she slipped through, he said.

Police sources said the three were interrogated at Royal Thai Police headquarters Thursday night and past midnight on Friday.

Meanwhile a bronze Toyota Camry bearing the licence plate Chor Khor 5323 was seized in Nakhon Pathom province.

The sources said four fake licence plates allegedly used in the affair had also been seized.

They said the three men could only be interrogated as witnesses since the court has yet to issue any arrest warrants regarding Yingluck’s flight from justice.

Once questioned, they were allowed to go without being charged, but the sources said they could still be charged with using fake licence plates.

In that event, the case would be handed over to Pathumwan police.

The sources said Deputy Police Commissioner General Pol General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul grilled the trio from 10.30pm Thursday to 1am on Friday.

Then at 2am, Srivara took them to confirm that the Camry car seized was the one used by Yingluck in her escape to Sa Kaeo, from where she is believed to have entered Cambodia.

The sources said one of the three men questioned is a police colonel who is “close” to a former Metropolitan Police Bureau chief.

They said the seized Camry belongs to a Bangkok woman who had not used it since 2012. It was one of two cars seen in CCTV surveillance recordings supposedly showing Yingluck being driven past a military facility in Sa Kaeo.

Yingluck apparently pulled off a dramatic escape in the day or two before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders was to deliver its verdict on her on August 25.

She was tried for malfeasance over her government’s handling of the costly rice-pledging scheme.

The read of the verdict was postponed until September 27, when it will be presented in her absence if necessary.

If found guilty, the former prime minister could face up to 10 years in jail and a lifetime ban from politics.

Yingluck’s current whereabouts are unknown. She has not been seen in public since August 23, but it has been reported that she has joined her elder brother Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai, where he has lived for years in self-exile, another fugitive from Thai justice.

The police officer of the rank of Colonel, who is close to a former Metropolitan Police Bureau chief, was brought to Royal Thai Police headquarters along with a bronze Toyota Camry carrying the Chor Khor 5323 licence plate seized in Nakhon Pathom province.

The police officer is suspected to have driven the car that helped Yingluck flee the country.

Deputy police commissioner Pol General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul started interrogating the suspect at 10.30pm. He also ordered the police forensic science department to collect DNA and fingerprints from the car for further evidence.

A source said the interrogation would continue throughout the night.

Yingluck pulled off a dramatic escape last month a few days before the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders was due to deliver a verdict on August 25 in the case against her for negligence in managing her government’s rice-pledging scheme.

Yingluck’s whereabouts remain unknown but the court will read its verdict even in her absence on September 27. If found guilty, the former prime minister could face up to 10 years in jail and a lifetime ban from politics

She has not made any public appearance since August 23, but there are widespread reports that she has joined her elder brother Thaksin, who lives in self-exile in Dubai.

Forensic science police at Royal Thai Police headquarters on Thursday night inspect the car believed to have taken Yingluck out of the country. They were collecting DNA and fingerprints for further evidence as a Police Colonel, who is a deputy commander, was being interrogated as the suspected driver of the escape vehicle.

Their Grand Prize also came with 5 million yen, or approximately Bt1.5 million.

The Thailand-based academics pair who have published several significant works on the modern Thai history, including “Thailand: Economy and Politics”, “Thailand’s Boom and Bust”, “A History of Thailand” and “Thaksin”.

Their work is notable for explaining the complex circumstances and forces that have challenged the country for at least the past quarter-century.

Their multidisciplinary and comprehensive analysis of the social changes in Thailand since 1980s were cited by the Jurors’ statement in explaining the decision to grant Phongpaichit and Baker the highest of the Fukuoka awards.

In her than- you speech, Pasuk said she was proud to be honoured with the remarkable prize.

“I am proud because this is a mark of recognition and especially proud of what this prize stands for,” she said.

“It celebrates the great diversity among people, it is dedicated to peace and it encourages cultural exchange and peace, harmony and justice. These are creations that have motivated our work.”

Baker, too, said he was very proud of this, especially as they were the first couple to win the prize.

“Somehow in our case one plus one equals more than two. We’ve made something out of our differences; female-male, Thai-English, East-West, economist-historian,” the scholar said.

“Today again with the world seeing another point of change and great uncertainty, the aspiration underlying this prize are more important than ever. Thank you, Fukuoka for creating this prize.”

The couple were the seventh winners from Thailand. Previous winners have included writer and former prime minister MR Kukrit Pramoj, historian Nidhi Eoseewong, painter Thawan Duchanee, historian Charnvit Kasetsiri and filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul.

The Fukuoka Prize has been granted every year since 1990 to recognise those who have made outstanding contributions to academia, arts and culture in Asia. The award also recognizes work that helps highlight the diversity and distinctiveness of Asian culture in an increasingly globalised world.

The ceremony was held at Fukuoka Symphony Hall, ACROS Fukuoka on Thursday. The city’s mayor hosted the ceremony, with participation by His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Akishino.

The ceremony also granted prizes recognising important academic work, along with arts and culture.. This year’s winners were Wang Ming from China and Kong Nay from Cambodia.

Ming won the Academic Prize, which came with a 3 million yen (about Bt900,000) money prize. Ming is recognised as a leader among Chinese academics in the fields of NGO studies and environmental governance.

The winner of the Arts and Cultural Prize, Kong Nay, is a survivor of Cambodia’s turbulent history. Despite his visual impairment, he has played a vital role in ensuring the survival of chapey music in the modern world. He was also acknowledged for actively engaging in diverse activities including working with the United Nations program supporting the human rights of disabled people.

THE CIVIL COURT yesterday ordered 13 yellow-shirt leaders of the now-defunct political movement the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to collectively pay Bt522 million to Airports of Thailand Public Company to compensate for damages incurred at Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports during lengthy protests in 2008.

The 13 leaders included former deputy prime minister Maj-General Chamlong Srimuang, media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, social activist Pipob Thongchai, academic Somkiat Pongpaiboon, labour leader Somsak Kosaisuk, academic Suriyasai Katasila and actor Sarunyoo Wongkrachang.

The PAD led yellow-shirt |protesters against the then-government of Somchai Wongsawat in 2008, in effect seizing control of the airports from November 24 to December 3 and disrupting air travel. The two airports are the major gateways for domestic and international aviation in and out of the capital.

A lower court’s judgement in 2011 ordered PAD leaders to pay compensation of Bt522 million plus interest of 7.5 per cent per year starting in December 2008 and continuing until full payment was made.

The Appeals Court upheld the judgement, prompting PAD leaders to file a petition asking the Supreme Court’s appeal period to be extended as their lawyers could not file within the 30-day deadline. The petition was rejected and the decision rendered final.

The 13 leaders have also been charged in a separate criminal case for actions at the airport, with witness testimonies scheduled for March.

Somkiat said he accepted the court ruling and was ready to face the consequences, but he added that he did not have enough money to pay the compensation so the case would probably involve bankruptcy filings.

“I have to get over it. We did not do that [take over the airports] for our own interests, but for the sake of the country. We lit the candle in the dark and, when looking back to those days, I’m proud of having done my part. Without those days, there would not be General Prayut,” said Somkiat, referring to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, without elaborating further.

Somkiat said the ruling could undermine morale, adding he believed that if the public again faced economic and political difficulties, people would rise up eventually.

Pipob said he would consult with lawyers to determine his next move. He added that he was not sure if the former PAD leaders would jointly consult on their reaction to the verdict, given that they had just received the news.

Media mogul Sondhi is already in jail on another charge related to his businesses, while other PAD leaders are engaged in lawsuits and court trials related to their previous political activity.

Suriyasai said he might not be able to earn enough to pay the compensation and would seek a resolution with the company rather than face bankruptcy.

As the case is final, the company is authorised to determine the defendants’ assets and ask the Legal Execution Depart to enforce compensation.

The airport seizures marked a notorious period of political upheaval during PAD’s opposition to the former government. A series of street protests ended when the Constitutional Court dissolved the People’s Power Party (PPP), consequently toppling Somchai’s government, which the PAD regarded as a major enemy due to its strong links to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Founded in 2006, PAD was initially led by Sondhi to oppose Thaksin prior to the 2006 military coup. The airport seizures occurred during a second episode that began when Thaksin backed the PPP, which won power after the 2007 election.

Authorised under TJA regulations, the committee was set up after more than a week of unofficial reports spread among journalists of alleged misbehaviour by the executive. The TJA has taken action as part of self-regulation efforts.

The team will have 90 days to complete its inquiries, with no less than 30 days to receive evidence from outsiders. People could also give confidential information to the committee, according to a TJA press release issued yesterday.

Those wishing to provide evidence should do so within 30 days of the committee’s first meeting. No interviews or press briefings would be provided until after the fact-finding mission is complete, it added.

While Mongkol asked the media to be cautious when circulating information, the journalists who signed the letter said that the sexual harassment allegation, if true, could bring disgrace to the media and cast their supposed duty of being a social watchdog in a negative light.

The committee will comprise secretary-general to the organisation for transparency foundation Juree Vichit-Vadakan, legal academic Jade Donavanik, former director of the Media Monitor watchdog Uajit Virojtrairatt and women’s rights advocate Supensri Puengkoksoong.

The proposal to form a committee was first mentioned on September 10 by the TJA secretary-general, Mongkol Bangprapa, who issued a statement less than an hour after a group of journalists signed an open letter urging the media organisation to set up an independent committee to probe the allegation.

Five days later, the Isra Institute, its executives and staff vowed to support the integrity of its director Prasong Lertratanawisute in relation to a sexual harassment allegation.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau will take care of security around the court compound on the day without asking for additional forces from other police divisions, said bureau chief Pol Lt-General Sanit Mahathavorn on Wednesday.

“There is the sheerest possibility that the ex-PM will show up on the day. Consequently, not many of her supporters are expected to be there,” Sanit said. “Still, the bureau will equip our full forces then.”

The verdict regarding Yingluck’s alleged negligence in preventing corruption in the implementation of her government’s rice-pledging scheme was due to be read on August 25. However, it was postponed when Yingluck’s lawyer told the judges that she was “sick” and could not make it to court.

While Yingluck still nowhere to be seen, the verdict will eventually be read out on September 27.

If found guilty, the former prime minister could face up to 10 years in jail a lifetime ban from politics.

According to informed sources, the Police Special Branch Bureau estimated that about 300 supporters from Bangkok will be present on Wednesday.

Prayut was invited to make the visit during a phone call with President Donald Trump in April.

The riming of the visit would have to work around the royal ceremonies scheduled for late next month, Werachon said.

The Foreign Ministry was working to confirm a schedule for the visit, which Thailand expects to include discussions on the economy, security and natural disasters, the deputy spokesperson said.

While the US might take some to settle the arrangements, Werachon stressed that the visit “will surely take place”.

America’s call for Asean countries to press North Korea on its nuclear weapons tests may also be on the agenda for any talks.