Chalerm allows one more day of legal cockfights per week

Interior Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has agreed to allow more frequent, legal cockfighting, saying it's time grassroots people were allowed some fun. His decision drew protests from animal rights advocates, who said he is promoting cruelty to animals. Mr Chalerm yesterday agreed to increase the number of days cockfights are allowed from one to two days a week ''to promote traditional recreational activity''. His decision followed a meeting with Yeunyong Opakul, president of the Cockfighting Promotion Association, who petitioned the minister to allow cockfights on Saturdays, in addition to Sundays. The minister did not agree this would encourage gambling in rural areas, where cockfighting is a customary pastime. ''This is support for a traditional sport and a way local people can increase their income. Let the grassroots people have some fun,'' he said. Once a fighting cock becomes a champion its value skyrockets and the owner can become richer. Provincial governors will be advised of the new policy. The chief executive of the Thai Animal Guardians Association, Roger Lohanan, was aghast at the decision. m''Cockfighting is not a sport, it's a form of torturing animals and it should be abolished from Thai society,'' he said. Most fighting cocks received serious injuries, some were fatal. Many of the cocks were killed if they lost a fight or were badly injured. ''The minister's support of cockfighting is support for cruelty to animals and gambling,'' Mr Roger said. Mr Chalerm should discuss the idea first with other parties, including livestock and public health officials in charge of controlling bird-flu outbreaks.Livestock officials suspect the uncontrolled movement of infected fighting cocks spreads the virus.Veterinarian Pornchai Chamnanpood, director of the Livestock Development Department's animal health and welfare office region 6, agreed Mr Chalerm should be cautious. Restrictions should be eased only in provinces with stringent bird-flu prevention and controls.According to the Association for the Conservation and Development of Indigenous Thai Chickens, there are about 63 million fighting cocks in the country Source Bangkok Post 20th May 2008 This is good coming from Chalerm allowing grassroots hobbies in Thailand.

 

The charter rewrite should be debate in the context of public interests and not individual gains, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said on Wednesday. "Everyone should be mindful about public interests and try cut down selfserving gains," he said. Thaksin said all parties concerned should stop bickering and that everyone must abide by the rules, otherwise the turmoil will persist. The Nation 22nd May 2008. This is excellent work by Mr Thaksin as he sees now too many Politicians out for themselves and not the benfit of the country. Well done Mr Thaksin.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinwatra on Wednesday urged his ally PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair to reflect on his controversial remarks and chart his future accordingly. "I think if Jakrapob can not explain himself to society, then it might be better for all concerned for him to retreat," he said, sending a strong signal for Jakrapob's departure from the government. Thaksin said Jakrapob was obliged to dispel all lingering doubts about his stand on the monarchy, a most sensitive issue to every Thai citizen. Well done Mr Thaksin. The Nation 22nd May 2008.

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