Five things to watch at the Olympics on Friday

(CNN) -- The United Stateshas injury worries about the track as the basketball team worries in regards to a familiar foe.
Allow me to share five what to watch at the Olympics on Friday:
1) Men's 4x400 relay: U.S. hopes to carry on streak
The usa is lucky to be in the last, lucky, that is, that Manteo Mitchell found a method to finish his opening leg despite a broken fibula. The United States have to get a replacement for him as they challenge the Bahamas for the gold. Also be mindful of England, which will have almost all of the 80,000 fans at Olympic Stadium cheering for the children.

Final is a 9:20 p.m. London time (4:20 p.m. ET)
2) Basketball: U.S. having dreams about another last
TeamUsfaces veteran Argentina in what is seen as a tough semifinal matchup for that dominant Americans. Sure the us beat them 126-97 inside preliminary round, however it was obviously a one-point game at half and surely the Americans won't score 42 points from the third quarter again. Argentina figures to slow the sport down slightly and they are expected to have point guard Pablo Prigioni back.
London 2012: Live blog
Semifinal game begins at 9 p.m. London time (4 p.m. ET).
3) Cycling: BMX, baby
Eight riders, a great deal of jumps and bumps, some sharp turns, a lot of crashes. Because the New York Times said: "Given the carnage on display Thursday, it truly is safe to assume that whoever designed the BMX racetrack really dislikes BMX racers." Both males and females compete in cases where with semifinals and final on Friday.
Soccer: U.S. women beat Japan
The primary events begins at 3 p.m. London time (10 a.m. ET)
4) Boxing: Superheavyweight super fight
Defending superheavyweight champ Roberto Cammarelle takes on world No. 1 Magomedrasul Medzhidov. Cammarelle, from Italy, is one kind of only eight boxers to win three medals (they are already guaranteed leastways a bronze.) Like his opponent, Medzhidov is for the shorter side to the weight class, but he accocunts for for any usual reach disadvantage with a powerful punch.
Swim coach: Australia getting 'soft'
Boxing begins at 1:30 London time (8:30 a.m. ET). Superheavyweight matches can start 10:30 p.m. London time (5:30 p.m. ET)
5) Women's 4x100 meter relay: Chance at redemption
Running with two backups, the Usacame in just a hair of breaking the Olympic record. On Friday, Carmelita Jeter and Allyson Felix will be during the lineup with the Americans within their matchup against Jamaica. It really is unclear if Jeneba Tarmoh, Tianna Madison or Bianca Knight will run again. Each team is looking to get redemption as both teams botched handoffs at Beijing.
Genocide survivor leads path for Rwandan athletes
Round hands down the relays begins at 8:40 p.m. London time (3:40 p.m. ET)

©CNN
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/10/sport/olympics-five-things-to-watch/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Ferdinand angry after second England Euro 2012 snub

(CNN) -- England coach Roy Hodgson has overlooked experienced international Rio Ferdinand for a second time after electing to call up Liverpool defender Martin Kelly as a replacement for the injured Gary Cahill.
Chelsea's Cahill suffered a double jaw fracture in England's 1-0 win over Belgium on Saturday, but instead of turning to Ferdinand, who has 81 caps, Hodgson drafted in Kelly -- who only made his international debut last month.
When Hodgson named his 23-man Euro 2012 squad last month he said he omitted the 33-year-old for "footballing reasons," having been asked if it was because of John Terry's impending court case for allegedly abusing Ferdinand's younger brother Anton.
Manchester United's Ferdinand used his official Twitter account on Sunday to say, "What reasons?????!!!"
His agent Jamie Moralee released a statement accusing Hodgson of a "lack of respect" for the center back.
"Rio's very disappointed," said Moralee. "He thought he had done enough. It's very difficult to accept.

Eurozone unemployment at record high 11%

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The 17-nation eurozone's unemployment rate reached the highest level since the creation of the common currency 13 years ago, climbing to 11% in April as employers slashed 110,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate in the broader 27-nation area that makes up the European Union rose to 10.3% in April, as employers trimmed 102,000 jobs from their payrolls. That was highest EU unemployment rate on records that go back to 2000.

Champion Li crashes out of French Open; Sharapova struggles into last eight

(CNN) -- Li Na's French Open title defense came to a shock end on Monday as the Chinese tennis star followed world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka in exiting the clay-court grand slam.
With second-ranked Maria Sharapova struggling into the quarterfinals with a labored victory, the way is open for the lesser lights of the women's game to make a name for themselves.
Li had been hoping to become the first player since Justine Henin in 2007 to successfully defend her title, but the world No. 7 lost 3-6 6-2 6-0 to Kazakh qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova -- ranked 135 places below her.
"I lost one match so don't try to put me down," she said angrily at the post-match press conference.
"I will try to find the reason why I lost. I will take some days off to totally forget tennis, then try to come back next week. I need some time to recover, I'm not a machine."

Red Bull told to modify controversial car

(CNN) -- Motorsport's governing body the FIA has told Red Bull to modify the floor of its controversial Formula One car ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix.
Australian Mark Webber drove the RB8 to victory at last month's Monaco Grand Prix, but rival teams questioned the legality of a hole in the car's floor located in front of the rear tire.
FIA rules dictate the floor of an F1 car must be "continuous, rigid (no degree of freedom in relation to the body/chassis unit)" and "impervious."
It has now taken the step of issuing a note to teams in order to reinforce the laws of the sport, with two-time constructors' champions Red Bull set to make the appropriate modifications.

Eyes of world on spectacular Thames royal pageant

On June 3 - 5, the UK's Queen Elizabeth II marks her Diamond Jubilee year with a series of parties and pageants. CNN's Piers Morgan and Brooke Baldwin will be there to follow the festivities. Join them at the following times: June 3: 1030 (ET), 1530 (CET); June 4: 1730 (ET), 2230 (CET); June 5: 0900 (ET), 1400 (CET).
London (CNN) -- The Thames became a sea of red, white and blue Sunday, as tens of thousands celebrated the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II -- so perhaps it was only fitting that alongside all the flags, another great British tradition was very much in evidence: Gray skies and rain.
Some 20,000 people took to the water aboard 1,000 vessels for a river pageant featuring dragon boats, a floating belfry and the royal barge. The event -- inspired by regal riverside celebrations of the past -- was the largest such celebration on the Thames for hundreds of years.
Around a million people were expected to line the route to cheer on the queen, at the head of a seven-mile long flotilla. But bad weather meant a planned fly-past was canceled.
Follow CNN's live blog
Isabella Hales and her family staked out their claim to a spot near Tower Bridge -- where the festivities reached a climax on Sunday evening.

Four convicted in Scandinavian 'Mumbai-style' terror plot

(CNN) -- Four men behind what officials describe as the most serious Islamist terrorist plot ever hatched in Scandinavia were convicted of the plot Monday in a courthouse in Glostrup, just outside of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Three Swedish nationals and a Tunisian resident of Sweden were found guilty of targeting Jyllands Posten, the Copenhagen-based newspaper responsible for publishing controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.
The court ruled there was no doubt about their plan to attack and sentenced each of the men to 12 years in prison.
Counterterrorism officials in the United States and Scandinavia believe the plot was directed by al Qaeda operatives in Pakistan.

Buckingham Palace rocks in queen's honor

London, England (CNN) -- With a military band, a string orchestra and electric guitars on full blast, London's Buckingham Palace was transformed into a rock venue on Monday as some of the biggest names in music celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee.
Former Beatle Paul McCartney headlined a colorful evening of flag-waving entertainment that also saw Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Tom Jones take the stage alongside younger acts.
The event was one of the highlights of four days of festivities that have united millions to honor the long-serving British monarch.
As psychedelic illuminations and the reds, whites and blues of the Union Jack lit up the facade of the palace, McCartney played some of his greatest hits to an audience that included Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew and Princess Anne.

Britain's Prince Philip hospitalized with bladder infection

London (CNN) -- Prince Philip was hospitalized in Britain on Monday with a bladder infection, forcing him to miss part of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebration, Buckingham Palace said.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who will be 91 on Sunday, was taken to King Edward VII Hospital in London from Windsor Castle "as a precautionary measure after developing a bladder infection, which is being assessed and treated," the palace said in a statement.
The queen's husband will remain hospitalized and under observation "for a few days," the statement said.
Prince Charles noted his father's illness while addressing thousands who packed the Buckingham Palace grounds for a concert Monday night featuring music legends including Elton John and Stevie Wonder.
"The only sad thing about this evening is that my father couldn't be here with us," the prince said. "Because unfortunately, he has taken unwell."
Charles then asked the concertgoers to send his father a message, saying, "If we shout loud enough, he might just hear us in (the) hospital."
The crowd responded with a roar, which segued into chants of "Philip! Philip!"

Tributes paid to 'born writer' Paul Sussman

London (CNN) -- Family, friends, colleagues and fans have been paying tribute to the author, archaeologist and former CNN journalist Paul Sussman, who has died suddenly.
Sussman, who lived in London with his wife Alicky and their two children, Jude and Ezra, had just completed the fourth in a series of novels, based around the exploits of a gritty detective from Cairo, that had been translated into 33 languages and sold two million copies.
On his Facebook page he described his feelings over its forthcoming publication: "First proof copy of 'Labyrinth of Osiris' arrived with the postman this morning. Curiously I am more excited about this one than any of my previous novels!"
His wife, a documentary maker, on Sunday announced Sussman's death from a ruptured aneurysm, adding: "He was a truly unique person - a brilliant Dad and adored husband. We will all miss him so, so much xxx."

Pakistan acquits 4 men in Times Square bomb plot

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- A Pakistani court has acquitted four men accused of taking part in a botched 2010 plot to detonate a bomb in New York's Times Square.
Attorney Muhammad Imran Safdar said his client, Humbal Akhtar, and three others were acquitted Saturday: Muhammad Shouaib Mughal, Shahid Hussain and Faisal Abbasi.
The latter remains in custody to face charges on a separate case, the lawyer said. He did not provide additional information about the other case.
The four were accused of assisting Faisal Shahzad, who tried to explode a car bomb in Times Square on May 1, 2010. The bomb failed to detonate.
Prosecutors said Shahzad carefully selected a highly populated target and intended to strike again if he wasn't caught the first time.
He was arrested two days later in New York while trying to leave the country on a flight bound for Pakistan.
Shahzad pleaded guilty and admitted to getting training from the Taliban, and was sentenced to life in prison in October 2010.
Akhtar welcomed the acquittal, his lawyer said.
"He hugged me and thanked me for my efforts," Safdar said. "He was so happy and relieved. It's been a tough time for them but this was a day of liberty for them."
His wife said he was resting at home and enjoying his time back with his three children.
"We said in the beginning, all these allegations were fabricated. Now it's been proven in court," said Rahila Humbal, the wife. "Thank God ... justice prevailed."
Authorities had accused the four of providing financial and logistical support to Shahzad, which they denied.
The lawyer said the case against the men was weak and blamed what he described as a deficient Pakistani court system for dragging out the hearing for nearly two years.
"These men are law abiding citizens. They would never imagine doing what they were accused of," he said.
Pakistan's anti-terrorism courts are closed off to the public. Despite the charges, the government never made public any evidence that linked the four men to the plot.

©CNN
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/03/world/asia/pakistan-times-square-plot/index.html?hpt=ias_c2

Pakistani doctor who helped US appeals verdict

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- The Pakistani doctor who helped the United States locate Osama bin Laden's compound is appealing a treason conviction that landed him a 33-year jail sentence.
The sentence against Shakeel Afridi has further strained U.S.-Pakistani relations, but court documents say the doctor wasn't convicted for helping the CIA. He was punished for having ties to extremists, the documents show.
The court found Afridi guilty of providing financial and medical assistance to the now defunct militant group Lashkar-e-Islam.
Afridi's lawyer, Samiullah Afridi, told CNN Saturday that he filed an appeal against the verdict.
The Khyber Agency court said Shakeel Afridi had "close links" with Lashkar-e-Islam, which operated in the Khyber tribal areas, and its leader Mangal Bagh.
Afridi's brother, Jamil Afridi, said last week that the allegations are false and the family is worried. Shakeel Afridi has been in custody for more than a year.
Jamil Afridi said the court accused his brother of helping Mangal Bagh but that it was the militant leader who kidnapped the doctor for ransom money.

©CNN's Nasir Habib
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/02/world/asia/pakistan-bin-laden-doctor/index.html?hpt=ias_c2

Official: 15 militants killed in suspected U.S. drone strike in Pakistan

(CNN) -- A suspected U.S. drone strike in northwestern Pakistan on Monday morning killed 15 militants and wounded three others, a local government official said, the third such deadly attack in as many days.
The drone fired at least six missiles at a militant compound near the town of Mir Ali in the North Waziristan region near the Afghanistan border, government official Muhammad Amir told CNN.
North Waziristan is one of seven districts in Pakistan's tribal region. The area is widely believed to be the operating base for the Haqqani network and other militant groups that have attacked international troops in neighboring Afghanistan.
Monday's attack is the 21st suspected drone strike in Pakistan this year. U.S. officials rarely discuss the CIA's drone program in Pakistan, though privately they have said the covert strikes are legal and an effective tactic in the fight against extremists.

Discount airlines Scoot into Asia

Asia’s latest discount airliner takes to the skies Monday, with its inaugural flight from Singapore to Sydney.

Launched by Singapore Airlines, no-frills Scoot has already sold more than 100,000 tickets, according to The Straits Times. In its first year, it will offer flights on four Boeing 777 aircraft, linking Singapore with nearby countries, including Australia and China. Currently, tickets are available to the Australian cities of Sydney and Goldcoast, as well as Bangkok and Tianjin, China.

Scoot is expected to eventually offer medium and long-haul flights to destinations in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Europe.

Web of doubt surrounds India spider attack

(CNN) -- A swarm of poisonous spiders has wreaked havoc in a remote town in northeast India, scaring its inhabitants and possibly killing two people.
According to a report Sunday in The Times of India, a large number of spiders descended on the town of Sadiya in Assam as a local festival came to end on May 8 and sparked panic as residents tried to avoid the swarm.

Panetta visits former U.S. base in Vietnam

(CNN) -- Leon Panetta visited a former U.S. Navy base in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam, on Sunday, marking the first trip to the base by an American defense secretary since the war ended.
The Cam Ranh Bay naval base was an important deep water port and logistics hub for the U.S., and is considered a "jewel" of deep-water ports.
Standing on the USNS Richard E. Byrd, a ship anchored at the base, Panetta thanked assembled civilian and military personnel for "your service, your sacrifice."
"The Vietnam generation is my generation," Panetta said, noting there was "a tremendous amount of blood spilled on both sides" during the war.

Decades after war, U.S. and Vietnam swap slain troops' papers

(CNN) -- U.S. Army Sgt. Steve Flaherty was in a tough spot and he knew it.
"If Dad calls, tell him I got close to being dead but I'm O.K.," he wrote to his mother. "I was real lucky. I'll write again soon."
Not long after that, Flaherty's luck ran out in the jungles of Vietnam. He never wrote to his mother again.
His letter to his mother, along with at least three other letters, fell into the hands of North Vietnamese soldiers when he was killed in March 1969.
Now those handwritten letters are on their way home.

Tokyo gas attack suspect arrested after 17 years on run

Hong Kong (CNN) -- A member of the Japanese doomsday cult responsible for the 1995 nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway has been arrested after 17 years on the run, Tokyo police say.
Naoko Kikuchi, 40, a follower of the Aum Supreme Truth Cult, was apprehended in the town of Sagamihara, a quiet residential area approximately 40 km west of the Japanese capital after a local resident tipped off police.

China 'wary' of U.S. focus on Pacific military power

(CNN) -- The United States is "not in step with the times" in seeking to bolster its military presence in the Pacific region, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said Monday.
Spokesman Liu Weimin's statement comes on the heels of the weekend announcement by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that 60% of the U.S. naval fleet will sail the Pacific by 2020.
The change is part of President Barack Obama's decision to reorient the United States' strategic attention to the economically vital Pacific after a decade of war in the Middle East.
The fleet is currently divided evenly between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, Panetta said.
Liu welcomed a U.S. role in the region, so long as the country respects the interests of China and other countries there. But he said the trend in Asia today is peace and cooperation, not military buildup.

China slams U.S. over Tiananmen statement

Hong Kong (CNN) -- China has expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with a U.S. statement urging the government to free protesters imprisoned after the 1989 crackdown near Tiananmen Square.
At a daily Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing, spokesman Liu Weimin accused the U.S. government of making baseless allegations and interfering with China's internal affairs.
"The U.S. side has been ignoring the facts and issuing such statements year after year, making baseless accusations against the Chinese government and arbitrarily interfering with China's internal affairs. The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to such acts," he said.
The U.S. statement came as pro-democracy activists marked 23 years since Chinese soldiers followed orders to open fire on unnarmed civilians near Tiananmen Square.

Finding Amelia Earhart: New clues revealed

A mystery that has enthralled Americans for nearly a century may be on its way to being solved.

New evidence released Friday revealed clues that may solve the mystery of what happened to aviator Amelia Earhart, Discovery News reports.

The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery announced that a new study suggests that dozens of radio signals once dismissed were actually transmissions from Earhart’s plane after she vanished during her attempted around-the-world flight in 1937.

The announcement was made at the start of a three-day conference in Washington dedicated to Earhart and the group’s search for the famous aviator’s remains and the wreckage of her plane.

Jim Duquette, former Mets GM, donates kidney to young daughter

Baseball fans who tuned into Sirius XM’s "Power Alley" on Monday didn’t hear the familiar voice of analyst Jim Duquette.

Instead, the former general manager of the New York Mets and one-time vice president of the Baltimore Orioles had more important business: trying to save his daughter’s life.

U.S. pilots find high demand, high pay overseas

The pilot of the Nigerian jetliner that crashed in Lagos, the country's largest city, on Sunday was an American, said Oscar Wason, Dana Air's director of operations, on Monday.

Wason did not identify the pilot by name or hometown, but he is among a legion of U.S. pilots now captaining jets for foreign airlines, said Kit Darby, an aviation consultant in Peachtree City, Georgia.

Space shuttle sails through New York Harbor

The space shuttle Enterprise took a journey more akin to those of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise than its orbital sister ships on Sunday.

The prototype shuttle floated on a barge through New York Harbor, from John F. Kennedy Airport en route to Bayonne, New Jersey.

Wisconsin recall campaign winds up

(CNN) -- Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican hero for pushing austerity measures that stripped collective bargaining rights from most public unions, rallied supporters Monday night, one last push before a recall that's drawn lots of outside interest and money.
"We can't spike the ball on the 10-yard line. We've got to take it all the way into the end zone," Walker said in a Green Bay restaurant, within walking distance of the Packers' famed Lambeau Field. "Because when we do it's a win not just for us. It's a win for our kids and grandkids to make sure they have a better future than the one we inherited."
Walker faces Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Tuesday in a rematch of the 2010 governor's race that he won by getting more than 52% of the vote.
This time, the stakes are higher after a vitriolic campaign that epitomized the political divide across the country.

Viral Web's 'Mr. Trololo' dies at 77

(CNN) -- Eduard Khil, a Soviet-era singing star who found renewed popularity as the viral Web's "Mr. Trololo," died Monday, Russian media reported.
Khil had been in a St. Petersburg, Russia, hospital since suffering a stroke in April. He was 77.
Khil was considered one of the Soviet Union's great performers in the '60s and '70s. But his claim to fame in the rest of the world came in 2009 after a YouTube video posting of him performing the Russian pop song "I Am Glad, 'Cause I'm Finally Returning Back Home."
With a toothy grin, Khil delivers a clearly lip-synced performance minus lyrics, instead using a series of made-up syllables, including the "trololololo" that captured the hearts of millions.
According to New Music Express, the original lyrics, about a cowboy riding his horse home to meet his sweetheart Mary, were censored because they were deemed "un-Soviet." That led to his "mouth music" version, which ends up sounding like a mash-up of yodeling and jazz-era scat singing over a cheesy orchestral arrangement.

Groupon now worth less than the $6 billion Google offered

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Andrew Mason could probably use a Groupon for a massage, a beer, or some comfort food right about now.
His company's precipitous stock decline continued on Monday, sending Groupon's market cap below the $6 billion that Google offered as a buyout in late 2010.

To cut 1,700 jobs, Verizon offers buyouts

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- In an effort to cut 1,700 jobs, Verizon Communications Inc. said on Monday that it offered voluntary buyouts to employees across 12 states.
The company is looking to lower costs in certain areas of its traditional wireline division, which saw a decline in the first quarter.

Amazon buys 62-year-old book publisher Avalon BooksNEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Amazon's book selection is about to get a little more romantic, mysterious and cowboy-fied. Amazon is buying small publisher Avalon Books and its backlist of 3,000 titles. Avalon's books fall mainly in the romance, mystery and Western genres.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Amazon's book selection is about to get a little more romantic, mysterious and cowboy-fied.
Amazon is buying small publisher Avalon Books and its backlist of 3,000 titles. Avalon's books fall mainly in the romance, mystery and Western genres.

Amazon (AMZN, Fortune 500) made the announcement on Monday, the first day of the Book Expo America conference in New York City. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, and Amazon representatives did not reply to a request for comment.

Five games to watch at E3

(CNN) -- The video game industry has had a slow start to the year, but that's about to change.

As the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) takes over the Los Angeles Convention Center this week, the biggest games of this year and next will be showcased in front of 45,000 attendees. With a big slate of blockbusters scheduled to hit retail shelves this holiday, things are looking up for gaming.

The game industry is growing rapidly through new business models like free-to-play games, mobile games and cloud-based gaming. But it still relies on big-name titles to fill its coffers and entice gamers to spend an inordinate amount of time on multiplayer experiences online.

Like Hollywood, game publishers are counting on bestselling franchises and sequels to attract the growing demographic of people who play games.

There are a lot of games at E3, but these five titles will stand out. Collectively they should provide hours of new interactive entertainment to gamers around the world once they're released over the coming year.

"Resident Evil 6" (Capcom, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, October 2, 2012)

In a rarity in the game industry, where delays are commonplace, Capcom actually moved up the release date for this much-anticipated horror sequel.

"Resident Evil 6"

The "6" in the title holds a deeper meaning, as this "Resident Evil" offers three distinct, yet interconnected, two-player cooperative gameplay experiences. Set 10 years after the events that ravaged Raccoon City, these globe-trotting survival horror stories feature six unique characters that gamers control to contend with the new C-Virus plague.

The zombies in this game are smarter, faster and even wield weapons, upping the ante and requiring that second player's sharpshooting help. The development team is going for a more Hollywood feel with this blend of action and terror.

Gamers will actually get a double-dose of this franchise with Sony Pictures releasing "Resident Evil: Retribution 3D" in theaters September 14.

Canadian dismemberment suspect arrested in Germany

Berlin (CNN) -- The international manhunt for the porn actor accused of killing and dismembering a man in Canada ended Monday in a Berlin internet cafe with the arrest of Luka Rocco Magnotta, according to authorities in Canada and Germany.
An employee of the cafe recognized Magnotta and flagged down a carload of German police cadets, who arrested Magnotta without incident at the cafe in a predominantly Turkish neighborhood of Berlin popular with students and young people.
"You got me," Magnotta told officers after initially denying his identity, according to German police.
He had spent about an hour at the nondescript cafe perusing internet news accounts of his exploits, according to a cafe worker.


"We can confirm this individual has been arrested," said Julie Carmichael, a Canadian Ministry of Public Safety spokeswoman. "We expect that the individual responsible for these troubling acts will face the full force of the law."
Authorities in Montreal -- where police found murder victim Jun Lin's torso in a trash bin outside Magnotta's apartment -- were "extremely relieved" about the arrest, police Cmdr. Ian LaFreniere told reporters.
He said that investigators would begin looking into possible links to other crimes and that authorities have much work ahead of them in bringing Magnotta back to Canada to face trial.

Justice Ministry seeks bail for 'wrongly nabbed' twin

Justice Ministry seeks bail for 'wrongly nabbed' twin
Published: 12/05/2012 at 03:03 AM


The Justice Ministry will seek bail for Anont Ounwong whom his twin brother and mother insist was wrongly arrested and sentenced to four years in jail for a crime committed by his brother Anek.

Kasem Kanthamanee, a lawyer with the ministry's Justice Fund said yesterday the ministry would apply for bail for Anont so he could prepare to fight his case in the Supreme Court.

The ministry will contact the Central Institute of Forensic Science to help distinguish between Anont and his identical twin brother, Mr Anek.

The result will serve as new evidence for the judge to decide which one of the twins was actually involved in an attack over three years ago, Mr Kasem said.

Drug trade from behind bars booms

Drug trade from behind bars booms
Published: 14/05/2012 at 01:46 AM


More than half of 50 million speed pills seized since September have been linked to prisoners, a seminar was told yesterday.

Office of Narcotics Board adviser Narong Rattananukul said drug trafficking activities carried out from behind bars were more widespread than ever before.

"Prisons are the hub

[of the crime] where traffickers meet each other and drug users. They also meet other criminals and use connections to intimidate witnesses or prison guards," he said.

Police use pretty bait to spring trap

Police use pretty bait to spring trap
CSD 'cover and contact' operation nabs a suspected serial rapist

Published: 14/05/2012 at 08:31 AM



The lure of easy money and a life of glamour drew at least three aspiring models into the clutches of an alleged rapist pretending to be a talent scout.

Samrit: Works with an events company

Three women in their early 20s reported they had been raped to the Crime Suppression Division on May 2.

The women,

Police arrest diamond thieves

Police arrest diamond thieves
Published: 15/05/2012 at 12:30 PM

TRANG - Police have arrested four foreigners and a Thai man on charges of stealing diamonds and gems worth 30 million baht in a smash and grab heist in Phuket.

Pol Lt Col Chakraphan Chantawana, chief of Trang Highway Police, announced the arrests at a press briefing on Tuesday morning.

He did not identify them or give their nationalities.

He said the five suspects on May 9 allegedly smashed the rear window of a car belonging to Thongsak Jittakarnlert, owner of Expert Gems Manufacturing Co Ltd, and stole a bag containing diamonds and gems worth more than 30 million baht in the vehicle.

Police officers wanted for bank robbery

Police officers wanted for bank robbery
Published: 15/05/2012 at 01:11 PM


The Sing Buri Court has approved a warrant for the arrest of two police officers in connection with the armed robbery of Kasikorn Bank's Inburi branch in Sing Buri province in March, Pol Gen Pansiri Prapawat said on Monday.

Red-shirt pavilion burnt down in South

Red-shirt pavilion burnt down in South
Published: 15/05/2012 at 06:37 PM


A pavilion in a brand new red-shirt village in Songkhla was set on fire and burned down on Tuesday morning.

The arsonist struck only a day after Tida Tavornseth, chairwoman of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), presided over the opening ceremony of the red-shirt village in Songkhla's Chana district.

Senior cops wanted for heist

Senior cops wanted for heist
Published: 16/05/2012 at 01:43 AM

Arrest warrants have been issued for two police officers wanted in connection with an armed robbery on a Kasikorn Bank cash delivery van in Sing Buri.


Pol Gen Pansiri Prapawat, a deputy national police chief, said yesterday a court has approved arrest warrants for Pol Col Pichit Kromprasit, superintendent of Sai Ngam police station in Kamphaeng Phet province, and Pol Sgt Narai Thippreechathorn, who serves at Nakhon Sawan police headquarters.

Police colonel hunted overvan robbery

Police colonel hunted overvan robbery
Published: 18/05/2012 at 01:46 AM


Police have launched a manhunt for a senior Kamphaeng Phet policeman charged with masterminding a 2 million baht van robbery.

Man selling dead human foetuses arrested

Man selling dead human foetuses arrested
Published: 18/05/2012 at 06:07 PM

Six human foetuses which had been roasted, tattooed and covered in gold leaf as part of a black magic ritual and were intended for sale online have been seized from a Taiwan-born man arrested in Bangkok, police said Friday.


Chow Hok Kuen, 28,  was arrested with the grisly haul in a room at a hotel in the Yaorawat area, Bangkok's Chinatown, police said.

The two-to-eight months old foetuses had been packed as 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.

They were to be sold on Taiwanese websites, police said.

"He said he planned to sell the foetuses to clients who believe they would make them lucky and rich," said Pol Col Wiwat Kamchamnan of Bangkok police.

The man faces one year in prison and a 2,000 baht fine for illegal 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.

©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crimes/294023/man-selling-dead-human-foetuses-caught

How cops cracked the case of the broken skulls

How cops cracked the case of the broken skulls
A sinister black magic practice operated above a convenience store

Published: 7/05/2012 at 02:03 AM


The discovery of five discarded human skulls with large holes in their foreheads led police to track down a modern black magic practitioner.

The five skulls, wrapped in a plastic bag and pulled out of a canal in Pathum Thani by a fisherman late last month, initially led to speculation of a major serial murder case.


The truth, however, was even more bizarre. It was later found the skulls had been stolen by a witch doctor who used them to make love potions.

The fisherman plucked the macabre find from the waters of Khlong 13 in Pathum Thani.

Further examination of the skulls found that the holes had not been caused by gunshots.

The next theory was that it was the work of occultists, prompting police to look for known practitioners in the area.

Locals pointed officers to Singkhon Khreaudaeng, 41, who lived in the Khlong 13 area and was considered one of the most powerful black magic masters in the region.

Police determined Mr Singkhon was the prime suspect in the five skulls case, but they chose to wait for further evidence before pouncing.

The next day, on April 30, they received a tipoff that Mr Singkhon had an accomplice, 18-year-old Worachet Thawornpian. They arrested him immediately.

Police said the teenager was quick to confess to his role, saying he had once provided Mr Singkhon with a skull he had stolen from an unclaimed skeleton in Wat Phichit Pitayaram in the Khlong 13 area. The witch doctor paid him 1,200 baht, he said.

This gave the police enough reason to raid Mr Singkhon's home later that day.

Police found Mr Singkhon's premises, above a convenience store, had been converted into an office where he met customers seeking black magic services.

Among items found at the office were two bags of ashes, a motorised saw, bone scraps and eight books on black magic rituals.

Mr Singkhon was arrested and allegedly confessed he was responsible for the five skulls found in the canal.

Police said he told them the forehead part of the skulls was used in the production of a love potion called pan neng.

Many of his customers were heartbroken women seeking his help to bring back husbands who had left them, police said.

The forehead bones were ground into powder and mixed with other ingredients to form a "dough" that was kneaded into dolls of tiny men and women clinging to one another.

This was supposed to help the women get their husbands back, but apparently even the self-taught Mr Singkhon admitted they were largely ineffective.

"He's admitted that in most cases, the love potion service just didn't work," said acting chief of Provincial Police Region 1 Kamronwit Thoopkrachang.

"The few wives who were actually successful in attracting their husbands back home had also followed his advice to stop scolding and nagging them."

Mr Singkhon also allegedly confessed to stealing the five retrieved skulls himself. He dug them out of graves in Meng Hui cemetery in Chon Buri's Muang district, police said.

Police took him to the cemetery to point out the graves he robbed and upon exhumation, found the five skeletons there were indeed headless.

Mr Singkhon told police he had another accomplice, Niphon Srisuk, 38, to dispose of the skulls. He was supposed to burn them but apparently had failed in his duty and simply dropped them in the canal instead.

©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crimes/292138/how-cops-cracked-the-case-of-the-broken-skulls

Karen rebel leader: No surrender

Karen rebel leader: No surrender
Published: 10/05/2012 at 07:49 PM

MYANMAR - Maj Gen Na Kham Mwe, leader of a Karen rebel group and Thailand's fifth-most wanted drug kingpin, says he will not surrender to Thai authorities because he has not done anything wrong.


The Karen rebel leader's comment was in response to Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung's request that Myanmar authorities arrest him and allow his extradition to Thailand to face charges.

He was speaking at a press briefing at his rebel headquarters, across the border from Phop Phra district in Tak province.

"There'll be more measures against Thailand. I've never done anything wrong and I'll never surrender," said the senior leader of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA).

He said these measures will affect trade and investment, but there will be no use of weapons or violent activities.

The DKBA closed several  border crossings in Tak province to Thai nationals in response to Mr Chalerm's move.

Na Kham Mwe said Thai and Myanmar officials can come and investigate drug trafficking along the border, and he would guarantee their safety.

"I want to ask Chalerm why has he not arrested former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra following the court's ruling, or does Thai law have no meaning?" he said.

Mr Chalerm said in response he would not argue with Na Kham Mwe, but Thai authorities would continue to seek his extradition and prosecution.

"If Maj Gen Na Kham Mwe insists that he is not guilty, he can petition the Thai court to withdraw the warrant out for him.

"However he will be arrested immediately if he enters Thailand," said the deputy premier overseeing drug and crime suppression.

He said the Myanmar government had cooperated well with Thailand and would not allow the Karen rebel leader to close the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province.

"Thaksin and Maj Gen Na Kham Mwe are two different cases and they can't be compared," Mr Chalerm added.

©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/292675/rebel-leader-no-surrender

Unity key, say local leaders

Unity key, say local leaders
Published: 11/05/2012 at 01:40 AM



Pattani local leaders and youths have called on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to better coordinate the work of state agencies in the far South.

Unity is needed among local government authorities to better tackle the southern unrest, Koleeyoh Halee, a local leader from Nong Chik district of Pattani, said.

"These days, each agency only focuses on its own job and fails to cooperate with other agencies.

"This is the main reason why the government cannot solve the southern violence," she said.

Ms Koleeyoh was speaking after taking some 90 Pattani youths to meet the prime minister at Government House yesterday.

Asked if residents were satisfied with the Yingluck government's handling of the southern violence, Ms Koleeyoh said the government could do more.

"The important thing is that the government must not use money to solve the [southern] problems," she said.

Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha told the youth representatives at Army Headquarters yesterday that soldiers were treating people of all religions equally.

Gen Prayuth also apologised for any mistake that soldiers might make in the far South and asked people to trust them.

In other news, students from King Prajadhipok Institute will recommend the government tailor public services so they are in keeping with residents' lifestyles and culture.

Students enrolling in the "peaceful society" course at the KPI recently surveyed southern residents and found that improving public services in the far South would help end the unrest.

"The revamp of public services including those of schools, hospitals and police stations to come into line with residents' identities will help ease the violence," Gen Ekachai Srivilas, director of the institute's Office of Peace and Governance, said. Students will present the findings in Bangkok on Monday, when Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa will also discuss problems in the far South.

©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/292746/unity-key-say-local-leaders

Photos not rape, says Prayuth

Photos not rape, says Prayuth
Published: 15/05/2012 at 02:01 AM


Photos of five soldiers having sex with a woman on the internet were probably not a case of rape, says army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha.

He said it might have been a case of "mutual consent".

Commenting on an internal probe into the pictures, Gen Prayuth said officers would talk to the soldiers involved. "I'm not sure what the woman was thinking. She might have wanted to have fun, wanted to take photos. I don't know, but the soldiers did the wrong thing and they're not gentlemen," he said.

"I don't know if this is a plot to discredit the army," he added.

"In any case, we have to respect the woman, who most likely didn't want to appear in this picture. We have to find out the truth."

If any soldiers are found guilty of any violations, they will be punished, he said.

The photos feature five men having sex with a woman while another man with camouflage pants takes photos.

The army is also looking at whether it can take legal action against the person who released the photos.

The scandal dates from an incident three years ago when an army trainer ordered new conscripts to have sex with the woman in a military camp.

The incident happened in a unit under the 3rd Army which oversees the North.

©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/293305/photos-not-rape-says-prayuth

Asst village chief slain in Pattani

Asst village chief slain in Pattani
Published: 15/05/2012 at 11:01 AM


An assistant village headman was slain by a gunman while at a teashop in Pattani’s Saiburi district on Tuesday morning, said Pol Col Arsis Umayee, chief of Saiburi police station.

Witnesses told police that Ma-aduran Chelong, 35, an assistant village chief of moo 8 in tambon Kanudong of Saiburi, was drinking tea at the teashop in his village when a gunman riding pillion on a motorcycle opened fire on him with handgun. The assailants then fled.

Mr Ma-aduran took two bullets in torso and died at the teashop.

Police were investigating.

©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/293401/asst-village-chief-slain-in-pattani

Elderly man murdered in Pattani

Elderly man murdered in Pattani
Published: 15/05/2012 at 01:01 PM


A 64-year-old man was killed in a drive-by shooting in Pattani’s Nong Chik district late Tuesday morning, Pol Col Arkom Buathong, chief of Nong Chik police station, said.

Sommart Kesaro, a resident of Nong Chik, was driving a motorcycle back home on the Pattani-Narathiwat road when he was attacked by two men on another motorbike.

A gunman riding pillion on the motorcycle fired on him with a pistol and the attackers then fled.

Sommart was shot several times in his torso and died at the spot.

Police blamed separatist militants.


©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/293414/old-man-murdered-in-pattani

Prayuth: Red villages could cause problems in South

Prayuth: Red villages could cause problems in South
Published: 16/05/2012 at 04:23 PM

Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha has warned that establishing red-shirt villages in the far South could cause more political problems, but he did not expect it would affect national security.


"The political sector, or any other sector, should take precautions  when working in the South as the area is not yet peaceful," Gen Prayuth said on Wednesday.

"If we bring more problems to the area, I can't say whether or not more violence might occur."

The expansion of red-shirt villages into different provinces would affect politics more than national security, he said.

The army had talked to the people and they had no problem with red-shirt villages, but the timing of establishing them must be taken into consideration because the country is now going through a democratic transition, he said.

"We must allow time to know what true democracy is, and to what extent. While we're learning there'll be losses and gains, but I ask everyone to think of our country, and things will gradually improve," the army commander-in-chief said.

Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut on Wednesday again denied his party was linked to the torching of a roadside shelter at a newly established red-shirt village in Songkhla's Chana district on Tuesday morning.

He was responding to United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship chairwoman Tida Tawornseth's claim that a political party was behind the arson.

"The Democrat Party was not in any way involved in the arson because we do not have the proficiency to use fuel or fire in solving problems.

"Mrs Tida needs to understand why some people are against the red-shirts, and that it's not only her side that can resort to violence and use force against others, and that people are ready to fight and protect their rights," Mr Chavanond said.

The spokesman said his party did not want to see violence or the use of force, but the UDD should stop creating national division and conflict.

Pheu Thai list MP and UDD core member Korkaew Pikulthong said that a national level politician from the South whose name begins with the initial "S" was thought to be behind the torching of the roadside shelter.

Mr Korkaew said the fire was the work of local people who oppose the establishment of the red-shirt village.

These people were supported by a politician whose name begins with the initial "S" and who does not want red-shirt villages, whose aims were to combat drugs and oppose a coup, to be established in the area, he said.

Mr Korkaew admitted there was no evidence to prove his claim, but said his assumption was based on the fact that about 100 people closely watched the opening of the village on Monday.

On Democrat Party MP for Songkhla Sirichok Sopha's comment that the opening of red-shirt villages might have been funded by the government, Mr Korkaew said the Democrat Party should produce evidence to support the claim and then use it to take legal action.

©bangkokpost

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/293604/prayuth-red-shirt-villages-can-cause-problems

Army asks to use BBC royal documentary

Army asks to use BBC royal documentary
Published: 17/05/2012 at 01:46 AM


The army will ask the British Broadcasting Corporation to allow the broadcasting of an edited version of a documentary about Their Majesties the King and Queen which it aired 32 years ago, army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said.

Once granted permission, the army plans to edit the three-hour documentary titled Soul of a Nation, filmed by the BBC between 1978 and 1979, and broadcast in 1980, down to 20 minutes, according to an army source.

Gen Prayuth said the part taken from the BBC would be featured in a documentary being produced by the army.

The edited portion contains interviews given by Their Majesties to the BBC filming crew who followed the King and Queen on their visits upcountry to inspect development projects.

©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/293640/army-asks-to-use-bbc-royal-documentary

Agencies gear up for South problems

Agencies gear up for South problems
Published: 17/05/2012 at 07:20 PM



All security-related agencies are required to integrate their work in order to effectively solve problems in the southern border provinces on the instructions of the prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa said on Thursday.

Gen Yutthasak, who oversees national security affairs, was speaking at a workshop on policies and strategies for solving problems in the South attended by representatives of about 90 government units to emphasise the need for all to work in the same direction.

The workshop was also attended by chiefs of the National Security Council (NSC), Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) and the Budget Bureau.

Gen Yutthasak said that on Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's order, the SBPSC has been assigned to draw up a strategic plan for development and Isoc a plan for security operations.

The work of the two agencies must be in harmony and well coordinated, he said.

Gen Yutthasak has been assigned chairman for the integration of the work of all of the agencies to make sure they go in the same direction. He is also to coordinate with the Budget Bureau on fund allocation.

Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, who is also finance minister, is to coordinate with the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) to solve economic problems in the restive South.

The Islamic Bank of Thailand is to explore ways of helping the people to acquire land to make a living.

Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit, who is also interior minister, is to coordinate with the Justice Ministry on solving drug problems and speed up compensation payments for those affected by the government's security operations.

The Social Development and Human Security Ministry is to look into people's occupations.

Gen Yutthasak said it is necessary for the people to be well-informed of the government's work for better understanding.


©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/293743/agencies-geared-up-for-south-problems

Money-laundering bills get cabinet nod

Money-laundering bills get cabinet nod
Published: 20/05/2012 at 03:32 PM


The cabinet has approved in principle two draft bills aimed at fighting the funding of terrorism through money laundering in the hope the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) will remove Thailand from its blacklist, Justice Minister Pracha Promnok said.

The approval was made at a mobile cabinet meeting in Kanchanaburi province.

Pol Gen Pracha said the first bill is intended to beef up the existing Anti-Money Laundering Act and the second bill is on the prevention and suppression of financial support for terrorism. Both pieces of legislation have been proposed by the Justice Ministry.

Approval in principle means the two draft bills will first be examined by the Council of State. After that they will be returned to the cabinet and then forwarded to the House of Representatives for deliberation.

The bill on prevention and suppression of financial support for terrorism contains measures to be taken against those supporting terrorism in the form of money or assets.

This is in response to the United Nations convention of 1999 for the prevention of financing terrorism and the National Security Council's (NSC) resolution No 1373.

Thailand was put on the FATF's grey-list in 2010 and its subsequent failure to follow up on enacting new laws on terrorism and money laundering led to the FATF's latest decision to put the country on its blacklist.

The FATF is responsible for setting global standards on fighting money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism.

Being on the FATF's blacklist will have a considerable effect on Thailand's business sector.

Therefore, the governement wants the two bills to be passed and put into effect before the end of Februay next year so that the FATF can consider removing Thailand from the blacklist, Pol Gen Pracha said.

Government spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard said Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit will preside over the next cabinet meeting on May 29 as Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be away on an official visit to Australia between May 27-29.

Another mobile cabinet meeting will be held on June 18-19 in Chon Buri province. The meeting will be hosted by Culture Minister Sukumol Khunploem.


©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/security/294278/money-laundering-bills-get-cabinet-nod

UDD waits on Pheu Thai to bring justice

UDD waits on Pheu Thai to bring justice
Published: 19/05/2012 at 03:26 AM



After more than nine months under their "own government", some red shirts still feel their basic problems have not yet been addressed despite general improvements elsewhere.

Not only structural problems such as poverty and land rights, but also the "justice" that Luen Srisupo, 48, and his red shirt colleagues sought have not been granted by their own government.

Mr Luen was a red shirt leader in Sakon Nakhon. Two years ago, when the red shirts staged rallies in Bangkok and many provinces in the Northeast and North, he was a key speaker in his hometown. And one of his key points was social injustice.

After the Abhisit Vejjajiva government ordered a crackdown, Phang Khon police issued an arrest warrant for Mr Luen, and he is still on the run despite Pheu Thai being in power.

One of his fellow activists Sakrapee Promchart was arrested and imprisoned for eight months. Mr Luen fled as he believed he did nothing wrong and only exercised his freedom of speech.

Now Sakrapee is running for the presidency of Sakon Nakhon provincial administrative organisation, while Mr Luen is just running.

Mr Luen feels he has not been given justice by the Yingluck Shinawatra government, and believes the administration has done nothing to address the problem nationwide since it was voted in on July 3 last year.

In March 2010, Mr Luen spoke at a Chulalongkorn University academic forum and said that while land and water as well as wages and environmental problems were the main agenda for the poor, the grassroots needed to re-prioritise and set politics right first.

"Now we get our own government, but this government has yet to work on the poor agenda. People feel the government might be not different from previous administrations - they do not take care of the core issues of the rural people," said Mr Luen.

"Influential capitalists with local political connections can farm on a much bigger scale on land that was acquired dubiously with the help of the authorities. Double standard remains and realities bite us hard."

Veerasak Saenklang, Khon Kaen chair of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), insists that rural red shirts are satisfied Pheu Thai is in power after years of struggle, but they were getting more disappointed that it does not address the justice problems.

"Lawsuits regarding the political crackdown are still slow. Some detainees have yet to get bail," he said.

"Hundreds of people in each affected province have yet to be freed from non-functional arrest warrants. Also, Jatuporn Prompan was denied MP status. These are the double standards we have been fighting against, but they're still there."

He said villagers have been questioning the ongoing injustice; for example the recent death of elderly lese majeste convict Ampon Tangnoppakul .

"Of course, they don't discuss Section 112 [the lese majeste law] much as they realise it's a sensitive issue involving the revered institution of Thailand. But they feel that the lese majeste lawsuit has been somehow politically abused," said Mr veerasak.

He said villagers were angry senior PAD figure Sondhi Limpthongkul had his lese majeste sentence reduced and was bailed, while Ampon died in a prison hospital.

While red shirts from the Northeast will join the Bangkok commemorations of the Ratchaprasong crackdown today, some prefer to stay put, holding commemorations in their own provinces.

The future of the red shirt movement is not only being debated in the capital - sympathisers and supporters in the provinces are also uncertain of its future.


©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/294067/udd-waits-on-pheu-thai-to-bring-justice

Charter court disqualifies Jatuporn

Charter court disqualifies Jatuporn
Published: 18/05/2012 at 05:14 PM



The Constitution Court on Friday disqualified Jatuporn Prompan as a Pheu Thai Party list MP on the grounds that his membership of the party was voided when he was jailed.

The court judges voted seven to one to strip Mr Jatuporn of his status as an MP.

The Election Commission on Nov 29, 2011 ruled to disqualify him for not voting in the general election on July 3 last year.

The EC at the time voted four to one to disqualify Mr Jatuporn, a core member of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), who was detained in prison when the election took place and unable to vote.

The commission then forwarded Mr Jatuporn's case to the Constitution Court for final approval.

After the charter court issued its verdict topday about 100 red-shirts who gathered outside the court in a show of support jeered and expressed their disappointment.

Mr Jatuporn, who was in tears, told reporters that he must keep his feelings about being treated unjustly to himself.

"I've always been fighting against injustice and I accept my own fate because the path is not strewn with roses," he said. "I would like to apologise to the people, especially the red-shirt people, for bringing distress to them."

"From now on, I'm a full citizen [with no MP immunity] but my heart is still a red-shirt. I will register with the Pheu Thai Party and will continue fighting against injustice," Mr Jatuporn said.


Nattawut Saikuar, a Pheu Thai list MP and also a UDD co-leader, said the court's ruling had stripped Mr Jatuporn of his MP seat, but not of his "democratic spirit".

"Today, I and my red-shirt brothers and sisters will stand side by side but we'll have to persevere with the pain and allow today's events to make us stronger," Mr Nattawut said.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said even though Mr Jatuporn was now no longer an MP he was still eligible to be appointed to cabinet.

Asked whether Mr Jatuporn was suited to a ministerial post, Ms Yingluck said she personally felt Mr Jatuporn had real capability, and she would have to see how he could best serve the government.

Siriwat Jupamudtha, a coordinator of the UDD in Phayao, said many red-shirt supporters want Ms Yingluck and Pheu Thai to appoint Mr Jatuporn the defence minister.

Mr Siriwat admitted that the court's ruling had an impact on  red-shirt people's hearts. They felt sorry that Mr Jatuporn was no longer an MP, but were confident he could still be appointed to the cabinet.

He said Phayao red-shirts wanted Mr Jatuporn to be defence minister to oversee the armed forces.

The UDD coordinator believed Mr Jatuporn's case could be used by opponents to seek the dissolution of the ruling party in the near future.

Pannawat Nakmul, a coordinator of the red-shirt movement in Uttaradit, said the red-shirts hope the prime minister will find a position for Mr Jatuporn to allow him to continue his political work.

Democrat MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat Thepthai Senpong said on his Twitter website that he felt sorry for Mr Jatuporn but stressed that everything must be in line with the judicial process.

Mr Pannawat said it was not easy to find a capable person like Mr Jatuporn and that Ms Yingluck should support him and should not turn away from the UDD co-leader.

He said Mr Jatuporn must respect the court's ruling and refrain from inciting mob rule.

Mr Thepthai believed that after being stripped of his MP status, Mr Jatuporn actually had a stronger chance of being appointed a cabinet minister, and that it would be sooner than expected.

Mr Jatuporn's case would inevitably reflect on the Pheu Thai Party, the opposition MP added.

©bangkokpost

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/294016/charter-court-disqualifies-jatuporn

Suwat lauds the return of the 'real deal' political players

Suwat lauds the return of the 'real deal' political players
Published: 19/05/2012 at 03:21 AM

Suwat Liptapanlop, the de facto leader of the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party, compares the country's politics to old wine in a new bottle. Speaking to Pradit Ruangdit, he reckons the return of 111 politicians, himself included, from a political ban will boost the country and further the cause of national reconciliation.


What will politics be like after the political ban against the 111 politicians ends?

Thai politics is like a soap opera. You don't have to watch it every day and you still haven't missed anything. Politics is framed on the old power structure. It may be full of colours with the added tirades. Nothing has changed. Politics remains fraught with conflicts. It may take some time before it gets better.

Has the absence of the 111 politicians affected politics in any way?

I have to say the ban has brought political problems. It was thought the real deals were not out playing on the field and only their nominees were sent. Politics lost excitement for a while. The return of the 111 politicians will be a game changer. The real players are back in action after being red-carded. But they have to inform the reserve players of the switch over. As long as there is understanding between them, there is no conflict.

The country needs people with experience who have influence and the ability to read the game and prioritise.

A minister without influence finds it hard to manage the ministry. Time is precious. With economic issues, a timely and accurate decision is crucial. We can't afford to have a learner driver who is both weak at driving and direction-blind.

I have always said to our banned politicians that they can make a contribution and that they should not let the chance to help the country pass them by.

I believe that by helping, it doesn't mean the politicians must be given posts in the executive branch. Under the present political circumstances, they can be managers, coaches or advisers.

Does that suggest current players are novices and less than active in what they do?

Let's not compare. But I think most of the 111 politicians are strong hands who have been MPs five or six times or served as cabinet ministers two or three times. They are in their late 40s and early 50s in the second generation of politicians. But national affairs are now being handled by third-generation politicians. The tasks were passed from the first generation to the third generation, bypassing the second generation who have been through political changes of the past and present. They are a perfect fit for roles in the current political situation.

But will the third generation not resist the 111 politicians making a comeback?

If there is to be a cabinet reshuffle with the inclusion of the 111 politicians in the line-up, there could be some ripple effect.

The cabinet reshuffle came after the government had been in power for six months and a recent shake-up was also made. This allows everyone to have a shot at a cabinet post. It's not like in the old days when cabinet appointees stayed where they were for years. Now it's a matter of waiting for one's turn next time as long as they behave themselves. I believe inclusion of some of the 111 figures in the cabinet is a gain for the government.

Do you see yourself getting a cabinet seat?

I haven't decided yet. There's still time. Even though the political ban expires at the end of this month, it doesn't mean there will be an immediate cabinet shake-up. Now is the time to analyse the situation before deciding.

I have to figure out where I could be of help. Amid the problems besetting the country such as economic woes and the social divisions, I have to find where I could serve best. It's not about positions I will get. But what I can say is I will definitely return to politics.

What do you plan to do in terms of helping ease the political divide?

The 111 politicians should help with national reconciliation because they are capable. They know a lot of people including the parties to the conflict. The politicians should turn themselves into jigsaw pieces for national reconciliation.

And what does the future hold for the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party?

Small parties barely have a place to stand unless, of course, you set out to function as a small-sized party. But if your goal is to grow into a large party, that's difficult to achieve. Leader of a party with six or seven MPs aspiring to become a prime minister and dictate national policies? That's not possible.

©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/294068/suwat-lauds-the-return-of-the-real-deal-political-players

PM vows to set up anti-graft hub to target state agencies

PM vows to set up anti-graft hub to target state agencies
Published: 19/05/2012 at 03:24 AM

An anti-corruption centre will be set up as a part of a four-point action plan to consolidate the government's efforts in fighting corruption, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday.


Addressing a workshop organised by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), Ms Yingluck stressed her commitment to eradicating graft and bringing about transparency.

The anti-corruption centre would collect and receive information and complaints about graft cases, especially the jockeying for promotions and positions in state agencies.

It would take complaints to the Prime Minister's Office directly for further investigation and provide protection to complainants, she said.

Ms Yingluck said Thailand has a poor record of transparency. The country scored 3.3-3.5 out of 10 on the transparency scale by Transparency International over the past three years.

The proposed four-point action plan calls for promotion of corruption awareness; participation by state agencies in designing mechanisms to address graft; monitoring and inspection; and punishment and reward systems.

On participation, she said a "Clean Initiative" scheme would be launched under which state agencies would be asked to submit proposals on how to boost transparency and accountability. She said the scheme was expected to go ahead in one month's time. NACC chair Panthep Klanarongran yesterday urged the government to show commitment to tacking the problem.

He said a lack of budget to support anti-corruption initiatives seemed to have hampered efforts to tackle graft.

He noted that corruption was a complex issue. It was widespread, especially at the local administration level.

Pramont Sutheewong, chair of the anti-corruption network, yesterday welcomed the government's action plan to counter graft.

He said the network which comprises more than 40 organisations was ready to cooperate.

In a related development, a group of parents yesterday lodged a complaint with Ms Yingluck urging her to look into irregularities involving an entrance exam at Bodindecha (Sing Singaseni) School.

They claimed their children were robbed of their right to further their studies at the school by the education minister's "donations for school seats" policy.

Ms Yingluck said the government had no such policy and urged the parents to step forward if they had any evidence.

She said a committee would be set up to look into the complaint.

Education Minister Suchart Thada-Thamrongvech earlier floated the idea of allowing schools to open class slots for children whose parents donated money to them. He insisted it was not promoting bribery but allowing schools to accept donations transparently.


©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/294064/pm-vows-to-set-up-anti-graft-hub-to-target-state-agencies

Unity efforts could backfire

Unity efforts could backfire
Reconciliation with amnesties is so badly sought it could spark new turmoil - Yongyuth Tiyapairat may bounce back into politics, but he fears his wife may be bounced out - The hottest guessing game in town is who in House No.111 will be welcomed back into the fold

Published: 19/05/2012 at 03:31 AM

National reconciliation may soon be set in law, which could spell renewed political tension.As the country recovers from the fallout from the street protests two years ago, fears of another confrontation with dire consequences loom large on the horizon.

The ongoing legislative moves toward amending the charter has heightened concerns in some quarters that the relative calm on the political front could be a short-lived phenomenon.

However, the process, which aims to rid the current charter of its flaws and forge national unity, is expected to be too long for some ''stakeholders'' in the reconciliation efforts.

Charter amendment is still a long way off. The constitution drafting assembly has yet to be created and any amendments will be subject to a referendum.

An amended charter is not likely to materialise for at least another year.

For the ''stakeholders'', who include those blamed for sowing the seeds of social division and at the same time potentially holding the key to a solution, mending a nation shattered by years of conflict cannot wait for the new charter.

King Prajadhipok's Institute (KPI) was earlier approached by the House of Representatives to conduct research on potential solutions to national reconciliation.

The research, however, took a controversial spin by recommending an amnesty for political offenders and that corruption charges lodged by the now-dissolved Assets Scrutiny Committee against the Thaksin Shinawatra administration be dropped.

Despite the controversy, some political experts believe politicians impatient for the amnesty may hold out hope that the research will hurry reconciliation along.

The experts speculate parts of the research may form the basis of a draft bill on national reconciliation to be pushed through parliament.

The main feature of the draft bill could mirror what the KPI research has recommended _ a blanket amnesty of political offenders since the Sept 19, 2006 coup which toppled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

A decisive difference, however, is that the draft is expected to achieve ''reconciliation'' faster than amendment of the charter could.

A political source said Pheu Thai Party list-MP Wattana Muangsuk has been in contact with key figures deemed as parties to the past political violence and tried to strike a deal with them to accept the reconciliation draft bill.

The source said it was agreed Pheu Thai must not initiate the draft bill itself because it is also considered a party to the conflict.

The Bhumjaithai Party has been approached to submit the bill to parliament, at a date to be set later, the source added.

The Democrat Party has declared it does not want to be the beneficiary of the reconciliation law. The party insists the bill is meant to whitewash wrongdoers and it did not wish to be part of that.

Opponents call the bill a cosmetic excuse to twist the law through an amnesty. They vowed to converge on the streets to resist the bill.

The source said the next several months could very well see the start of a new political flare-up.


Chiang Rai sees titanic new battle
Former mover and shaker in the defunct Thai Rak Thai Party, Yongyuth Tiyapairat, is wrestling with a few more concerns than just how bright his star is shining as he comes to the end of his five-year political ban.

He may not have fully reclaimed his role in politics; however during his absence from the scene, the former Thai Rak Thai MP has gained recognition as a prominent contributor to the boom in cross-border investments with neighbouring countries to the north.


Mr Yongyuth has learned well while sitting at the knee of his master, ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who enjoys rapturous praise from his supporters as the maestro of trade dealings.

Although trade and commerce occupy a lot of Mr Yongyuth's time these days, he is also weighed down by concerns for his family's political future, a source close to Mr Yongyuth says.

His wife, Salakjit, is competing against long-time rival Rattana Jongsutthanamanee for chair of the Chiang Rai provincial administration organisation. Ms Rattana, the outgoing PAO chair who is seeking re-election, and Ms Salakjit are regarded as two titans from Chiang Rai's most widely known political dynasties. They square off on May 27.

The Tiyapairats have not been able to completely take over the province as Ms Rattana retains solid support from large sections of the electorate.

Ms Salakjit needs all the help she can muster to boost her chances at the poll. Unfortunately for her, the race is not limited to the two women.

The red shirt faction has put up a candidate and that does not bode well for either woman.

The red shirts and the Pheu Thai Party, under whose banner Ms Salakjit is contesting the election, will share the same pool of voters. The red shirt candidate, therefore, can expect to take a cut of the votes which otherwise would go to Ms Salakjit.

The source said Mr Yongyuth is far from pleased to see Pheu Thai and the red shirts turning their backs on one another in the election.

It's his belief that the party and the movement should be united if they are to stand any chance of beating Ms Rattana and shaking off the influence on local politics that her family has wielded for years.

The source said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and leading executives of Pheu Thai must openly declare their support for Ms Salakjit since her husband is one of Thaksin's truest friends.

If, in the worst-case scenario, Ms Salakjit suffers a defeat in the poll, the support from Pheu Thai stalwarts could keep the margin of the loss as narrow as possible to save Mr Yongyuth's face.

The source said Mr Yongyuth does not have to move mountains to get help from Pheu Thai. Many Pheu Thai members listen to Mr Yongyuth, who has teamed up with the powerful Wang Bua Barn faction in the party controlled by Thaksin's younger sister, Yaowapa Wongsawat.

Three 'returnees' catch Thaksin's eye
Less than two weeks from now, members of the so-called ''House No.111'' will be free to get involved in the affairs of state after five long years in political shackles.

Already, some of the once high-flying former executives of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party have announced plans to return to active politics.


Many are undecided or uncertain about what the future holds for them.

Three of the ''cream'' of the 111 politicians have picked up encouraging signals sent all the way from the big boss in Dubai welcoming them ''back home''.

Suwat Liptapanlop, leader of the Chart Pattana Puea Pandin Party, as well as Phinij Jarusombat and Preecha Laohapongchana of the ''2Ps'' political faction have been tipped to make a comeback with the blessing of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who is widely viewed as the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

A source among the 111 politicians said Thaksin has made known his wish for Mr Suwat to assist the government in dealing with economic woes and advancing the cause of national reconciliation.

Mr Suwat, a seasoned politician with unrivalled coordination skills, has emerged as Thaksin's choice of minister if and when there is another cabinet reshuffle _ speculated to take place as early as July.

The source said Thaksin has confidence in Mr Suwat's ability to fully and effectively deliver tasks assigned him.

However, despite the bright prospects ahead, Mr Suwat is taking time to think it through. He prefers contesting a general election and winning an MP seat before assuming a political post.

According to a source, Mr Suwat is also pondering the fate of Chart Pattana Puea Pandin if he defects to Pheu Thai. How he fits into the ruling party in the future is another story.

Thaksin has also turned his eye on Mr Phinij and Mr Preecha as the main conduit in a strategy to further solidify Pheu Thai's foothold in the Northeast, the party's traditional bastion, the source said.

Both Mr Phinij and Mr Preecha jointly lead the 2Ps faction whose members hold strong voter following.

The faction was previously known as the 3Ps, with the inclusion of Pairoj Suwannachawee. The group later shrank with the passing away of Pairoj, whose political turf was chiefly based in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Like Mr Suwat, Mr Phinij and Mr Preecha are mindful of what they could win or lose if they join the government or become part of Pheu Thai.

They have to predict how the political situation will unfold after the ban against the 111 former executives expires.

Since there is no telling how long the government will last, the best both men can do now is wait and see.



©bangkokpost

Jatuporn banned as MP

Jatuporn banned as MP
PM won't rule out post in cabinet for red leader

Published: 19/05/2012 at 03:44 AM

The Pheu Thai Party has accepted a Constitution Court ruling disqualifying list MP and red shirt co-leader Jatuporn Prompan as an MP while expressing reservations about certain legalities and facts.


The Constitution Court yesterday decided on a vote of 7-1 to disqualify Mr Jatuporn as a lawmaker.

Court judge Jaran Pukditanakul did not join the court panel because his wife has been engaged in a legal dispute with Mr Jatuporn.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has not yet shut the door on Mr Jatuporn to take a post in her cabinet despite the court ruling.

She said she would raise the issue with the party's legal team to consider how the court ruling will affect the party.

"Mr Jatuporn is a capable person," she said.

Mr Jatuporn was expected to be appointed as a minister in the next cabinet reshuffle.

Pheu Thai deputy spokeswoman Sunisa Lertpakawat made a statement after the Constitution Court decided to strip Mr Jatuporn of his parliamentary status yesterday.

Lt Sunisa said the party respected the verdict, although it disagreed with some of the legalities and facts concerning the case.

She said the party was confident Mr Jatuporn had all the qualifications as an MP considering that the Election Commission certified Mr Jatuporn's status as a Pheu Thai MP after the July 3, 2010 election, even though the EC later revoked his MP status.

Lt Sunisa said this showed that Pheu Thai had no intention to file an unqualified candidate to run in the poll.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, on the recommendation of the EC, asked the court to decide if Mr Jatuporn had lost his MP status under sections 101(3) and 106(4) of the constitution.

Four out of five commissioners in November last year voted to disqualify Mr Jatuporn and referred the matter to the Constitution Court for a ruling via the House Speaker.

The EC earlier said that since Mr Jatuporn failed to vote in the July 3 general election last year he had lost his Pheu Thai Party membership and should consequently be disqualified as an MP. Mr Jatuporn was elected a list-MP for Pheu Thai in the same election.

Mr Jatuporn faced a complaint that he was not a Pheu Thai Party member when he applied to run in the July 3 poll because he was in jail at the time.

Mr Jatuporn was detained in Bangkok Remand Prison on terrorism charges related to 2010's red shirt protests.

His request for bail to leave the prison to vote in the July 3 poll was denied by the court.

His incarceration meant he was unable to vote, which rendered him ineligible to take his seat in parliament.

A source at the court said that of the eight judges, only Chat Cholaworn was in the minority.

Mr Chat reportedly judged that when the EC endorsed Mr Jatuporn's MP status, it no longer had the authority to rule on Mr Jatuporn's qualifications so Mr Jatuporn should not have lost his MP status.

The source said Mr Chat also said when considering the case, any laws with the status below the constitution cannot be taken into account so the decision to disqualify Mr Jatuporn's MP status must be in line with the constitution only.

In considering the case, the court yesterday also cited the 2007 organic law on political parties.

After leaving the courtroom, Mr Jatuporn said he accepted the court's ruling.

He said he had been resigned to his fate since the EC disqualified him and that he "never dreamed of getting justice from the Constitution Court".



©bangkokpost
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/294058/jatuporn-banned-as-mp