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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014499

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister ex-PM Yingluck are using augmented reality to connect with their supporters for Songkran.

The two former leaders used AR technology to superimpose short video clips of their Songkran greetings to match the current environment of each supporter, such as a lawn or a home floor.

Their fans can also choose the option of snapping photos alongside the AR pictures of the two prime ministers. But the function works only with a device’s rear camera so fans need someone to shoot a photo for them.

Thaksin and Yingluck posted a link to their AR pages on their Facebook walls. Each has a separate AR greeting and AR photo shooting page built on the website webar1.ar4thais.com.

Thaksin wrote on Facebook that he had talked about AR technology during his Club House live chat on Tuesday, so he would like to send AR greetings to his supporters.

“Several people asked me when they would see me and PM Pu [Yingluck]. This AR technology will bring us closer, as if we are there with you,” Thaksin said.

“Anybody can open the AR link to receive my greeting from anywhere in Thailand. If anyone of you wants to take a photo with me for memory, you can scan the QR code and click the link https://webar1.ar4thais.com.”

Yingluck posted a similar message on her Facebook page, saying:

“I would like to send you a video greeting. Since this is Family Day and I’m part of your family, I’ll travel around with you via AR technology. You, the people, can take a photo with me anywhere and [amid] anything by scanning the QR code or clicking on the link.”

When a Facebook user clicks on the link or uses a QR scanner on his or her phone to scan the QR code on the post, he/she will see Thaksin or Yingluck appear at the spot the phone camera is pointing at. The technology is similar to the one used in the once-popular Pokemon Go mobile game.

The size of the AR photos of the two former prime ministers can be adjusted on par with the photo of the fan behind the camera.

Published : April 13, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014476

A former protest leader surrendered to police in Phitsanulok on Tuesday in connection to the hurling of ping-pong bombs into the First Infantry Regiment compound in Bangkok.

Pornpoj Jaengkrachang, 49, better known as Phet Phra Uma, surrendered at the Muang Phitsanulok Police Station after police obtained an arrest warrant for him concerning the ping pong bombs.

On Sunday evening, two ping pong bombs were hurled into the compound where Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s residence is located. Though nobody was injured, police have arrested seven suspects so far.

Pornpoj said he did not intend to flee but had simply retreated to Phitsanulok because he needed more time to handle the situation.

The suspect will be handed over to the Metropolitan Police Bureau after interrogation.

Pornpoj came under the spotlight as a leader of the pro-democracy group “Thalu Fah”, which rallied at Bangkok’s Din Daeng intersection for several months last year. The Thalu Fah protesters have also clashed with Bangkok police several times.

Published : April 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014470

The Office of the Election Commission (EC) on Monday disqualified one Bangkok governor candidate and three council candidates.

The EC certified 30 Bangkok governor candidates but disqualified Kraidaj Bunnag. He was disqualified for being an owner or shareholder of a newspaper or mass media business, in violation of Section 50 (3) Election of Members of Local Assemblies or Local Administrators Act. 

The three disqualified council candidates were: Adithep Chawla, Perapol Kanokwalai, and Nattawee Paochai.

Adithep, a candidate in the Dusit district, was disqualified as his name was listed in the household register in the area less than a year before registration of his candidacy, which is against Section 49 (3) of local election laws.

Peerapol, a Move Forward Party candidate in the Phya Thai district, was disqualified as he was found to be in violation of Section 50 (3) of local election laws.

Nattawee, a candidate in the Bang Nai district, was disqualified for not being eligible to contest an election as she had not exercised her voting right in a local election in Chiang Mai, which was against Section 50 (20) of local election laws. Her name has also been listed in the household register in the area for less than a year as on the date of registering her candidacy.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will put up the names of qualified and disqualified candidates in the Bangkok City Hall, 50 district offices, and the website http://office2.bangkok.go.th/ard/.

Disqualified candidates have the right to appeal to to the EC within three days of the announcement.

Move Forward Party has said Peerapol will appeal to the EC on Tuesday at 1pm.

In Pattaya, all four mayoral candidates were certified while one council candidate — Kesini Boonmee — was disqualified.

Published : April 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014457

Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwan indicated on Tuesday that his party has plenty of choices when it comes to filling the House seat left empty by former PPRP MP Pareena Kraikupt.

When asked who might run for the seat, Prawit, who is also deputy PM, pointed to his heart and said “in my heart”.

Pareena was banned from politics for life after the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions found her guilty of violating political ethics and conflict of interest by possessing state-owned land.

Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who is an adviser to the PPRP leader, said the party has discussed the choice of candidates to try and retain the party’s House seat in Ratchaburi’s Constituency 3, but no final decision has been made.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, a deputy PPRP leader, said the party has discussed names but nothing has been decided yet because the party needs to consult Pareena first.

Chaiwut said Pareena could provide useful advice to her successor, adding that the party will seriously discuss the issue once the by-election date is officially set.

Published : April 12, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014430

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has launched an investigation into the landholdings of some 80 MPs, a top official said on Sunday.

NACC secretary-general Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, however, said it will take a while to look into all complaints of illegal land ownership against these MPs because it needs to rely on other government agencies.

He also added that this probe does not mean all MPs being investigated will face the same fate as former ruling party MP Pareena Kraikupt.

Pareena was hit with a lifetime ban from politics by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions on Thursday after it found her in violation of political ethics and conflict of interest by possessing state-owned land.

Niwatchai said Ruangkrai Leekitwattana from the now-dissolved Thai Raksa Chart Party had filed complaints against Pareena and 19 other MPs. The NACC has also received complaints against other MPs from different sources, he said.

“But this does not mean they will all be found holding land unlawfully as in Pareena’s case. We will carry out the investigations on a case-by-case basis,” he said.

He also said the commission has set up sub-committees to investigate two MPs without elaborating. He only said the NACC will require cooperation from other agencies to investigate all cases, so the process “is quite complicated”.

Niwatchai wrapped up by saying the investigation into alleged state-land holding by Bhumjaithai MP Supachai Phosu, who is also deputy House speaker, has made good progress.

Published : April 11, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014404

Red-shirt leaders and supporters met at the October 14 Memorial on Khok Wua intersection on Sunday afternoon to hold religious rites in memory of those killed in the April 10, 2010 crackdown.

On that date, the government of then-PM Abhisit Vejjajiva decided to use force to disperse protesters from Phan Fah Bridge and Democracy Monument. The excuse given was that the authorities wanted to reclaim public space. This show of force resulted in 25 deaths, including a Japanese journalist, and left more than 800 injured.

Participating in Sunday afternoon’s event were red-shirt leaders Nattawut Saikuar, Weng Tojirakarn and Thida Thavornset. Some politicians also attended the event, including Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew, Pheu Thai MP for Chiang Mai Julapun Amornvivat and former Pheu Thai MP for Samut Prakan Worachai Hema.

The participants gave offerings to monks, who chanted prayers for protesters killed in the crackdown. The red-shirt leaders also laid wreaths at the memorial and took turns making speeches.

Twelve years ago, despite the bloody crackdown, red-shirt protesters refused to disperse and regrouped at the Ratchaprasong intersection, leading to further crackdowns from May 13 to 19, which resulted in another 70 or so deaths and thousands injured.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) had organised mass rallies across the country to protest against the 2006 military coup that ousted the government of Thaksin Shinawatra.

Lost but not forgotten

In his speech Nattawut said red shirts gathered on this date every year to remember and honour those who lost their lives, and to remind society that the tragedy has not been “factually” investigated or verified.

“We don’t intend to drive a wedge in society or escalate rifts,” he said. “We want to heal this old wound so it does not become infectious and affect the entire society. Social conflicts happen daily and we cannot predict whether there will be another large-scale fight by the people and a repeat of the April 10 crackdown.”

He added that the red-shirt movement has not given up, even though its efforts to seek justice for the slain protesters have gone nowhere.

“It’s like we have been rowing our boat in circles. The Criminal Court told us that it has no power in examining cases and advised us to go to the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office. But to take cases to this division, we must first file complaints with the National Anti-Corruption Commission [NACC]. However, the NACC rejected our complaints on grounds that the government leaders did nothing wrong as they were carrying out their duties,” Nattawut said.

He added that the red-shirt movement could not file complaints with the military court either because it had dismissed the complaints on grounds that the movement failed to name the exact defendants.

He added that the red-shirt movement would not give up hope and would use all legal channels to pursue justice and punishment for those responsible for the crackdown before the 20-year statute of limitations is up.

“Eight years are left and we believe this government wants to remain in power until the statute of limitations is up. This is because the three ‘Ps’ were in charge of the Army 12 years ago,” he said.

Nattawut was referring to Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Deputy PM General Prawit Wongsuwan and Interior Minister General Anupong “Pok” Paochinda.

Published : April 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014394

Independent gubernatorial candidate Chadchart Sittipunt appears to have won many hearts in Bangkok, a survey published on Sunday shows.

Chadchart, former transport minister in the Yingluck Shinawatra government, topped the list with 38.84 per cent yes votes, while incumbent Aswin Kwanmuang came in third with 10.06 per cent.

Bangkokians are set to choose a new governor on May 22.

The poll was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) on April 5 and 7. The 1,362 respondents came from different education and work backgrounds.

The result is as follows:

• Chadchart Sittipunt: 38.84%

• Undecided: 26.58%

• Aswin Kwanmuang: 10.06%

• Suchatvee Suwansawat (Democrat Party): 6.83%

• Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn (Move Forward): 6.02%

• No candidate: 2.94%

• Sakoltee Phattiyakul: 2.28%

• Will not vote: 2.06%

• Rosana Tositrakul: 1.98%

• Sita Dhivari (Thai Sang Thai): 1.47%

• Remaining candidates: 0.94%

The other candidates include Thita Rangsitpol Manitkul, Watcharee Wannasri, Weerachai Laoruangwattana, Supachai Tantikom and Prayoon Krongyos.

Chadchart and Aswin appear to be favourites in most of Bangkok and Thonburi. Wiroj found supporters in downtown and North of Bangkok, while Suchatvee was popular in South Bangkok and Thonburi. Both Wiroj and Suchatvee tied at the fourth position in East Bangkok.

Published : April 10, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014328

The Election Commission (EC) should hold a by-election to replace Palang Pracharath MP Pareena Kraikupt on May 15, a source said on Friday.

The registration of candidates, meanwhile, should be held between April 21 and 25, the source added.

The EC was allocated 45 days to hold a by-election for Pareena’s House seat in Ratchaburi’s Constituency 3 after the Supreme Court slapped her with a lifetime ban from politics on Thursday.

The Thursday ruling did not just impose a lifetime ban on holding political office at any level but also banned her from voting for 10 years.

The court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions found her in violation of political ethics by possessing state-owned land, which posed a conflict of interest.

The ruling applies from March 25 last year, when the court suspended her as MP at the advice of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

Pareena’s case surfaced in 2019 when Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a member of the now-dissolved Thai Raksa Chart Party, urged authorities to inspect the MP’s 711-rai poultry farm in Ratchaburi’s Chom Bung district.

The Royal Forest Department then investigated the case and found that her farm was encroaching into protected forest land.

The NACC’s secretary-general Niwatchai Kasemmongkol also said on Thursday that there were 10 similar cases of MPs, both from the coalition and the opposition, in illegal possession of state land. He added that the ruling on this case will make it easier for NACC to pursue the other cases.

Pareena, meanwhile, did not attend the court on Thursday and was represented by her lawyer Thiwa Karnkrasang.

She had won the House seat with 46,409 votes in the 2019 general elections, beating Democrat candidate Chaitip Kamolpantip with 29,423 votes and Future Forward’s Worachat Phumurai with 15,621 votes.

Published : April 08, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014294

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed hope on Thursday that the new Bangkok governor would continue the government’s work to keep the capital clean and in order.

Speaking to reporters after chairing a Board of Investment meeting, Prayut said he, as the prime minister, cared about all issues concerning the capital and the government had been trying to keep the city clean and in order.

“The government’s works have progressed a lot and I hope that in the future, no matter who becomes the next governor, [he/she] will also take care of these issues,” Prayut said.

Thirty-one candidates are vying for the post in the election on May 22.

Prayut said his government has been working to tackle encroachments on canals and flood drainage waterways and striving to keep canals clean, besides trying to prevent flooding.

“But these issues are not easy to resolve because it also depends on pubic acceptance,” Prayut said.

He said the government was also trying to reduce the crowded living conditions in the capital by expanding economic areas to the suburbs.

“When people live in the heart of the city, it results in crowdedness. It’s hard to do anything about because it would require a lot of relocations,” Prayut said.

“I would like to provide moral support to all the candidates. I hope we get a good governor,” he added.

Published : April 07, 2022

By : THE NATION

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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40014277

Bangkok governor candidate Suchatvee Suwansawat on Wednesday unveiled three-dimension campaign banners so they don’t pose any obstruction on pavements.

The banners, attached to an electric post, are expected not to hamper the smooth movement of pedestrians.

Suchatvee said the Democrat Party had used such banners in 2019. He said more banners will be set up at the Democrat Party Office in Phaya Thai district and other districts in Bangkok, namely Bang Phlad, Lat Phrao and Chatuchak.

“We aim to set up a limited number of campaign banners because we don’t want the banners to obstruct the scenery or pavements in Bangkok, which are narrow,” he said.

Another candidate, Chadchart Sittipunt, had unveiled a slim, vertical designed campaign banner that fits on electric posts, while Rosana Tositrakul launched her campaign online in a bid to reduce waste.

Published : April 07, 2022

By : THE NATION