Low Risk Of Ebola Virus Spreading In Animals: Vet

BANGKOK, Aug 26 -- The Thai Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) assureded the public that the risk of the Ebola virus spreading among local animals is low, but the Livestock Development Department (DLD) has slowed down the imports of animals from countries where the deadly virus is reportedly spreading, as a safety precaution.

The Veterinary Medical Association gave a joint press briefing, with Livestock Department and the Veterinary Faculty of Mahidol University. Dr Sorowit Thaneeto, DVM, TVMA chairman and Dr Sorowit Thaneeto, DVM, DLD deputy director said that Thailand has been on high alert for any new emergence of diseases including Ebola in local animals including monkeys, bats, and pigs since bird flu broke out several years ago.

TVMA and other concerned agencies have randomly selected some 2,500 animal samples beginning last year, testing for the spread of the Ebola virus among domestic livestock but found no animals infected with the virus.

Dr Sorowit said the study has shown that Thailand is facing a low risk of the lethal virus spreading among local animals and livestock, though measures area still needed for the disease's prevention.

As the latest move, the DLD has reduced imports of products from countries affected with the spread of the Ebola virus through all airports, ports and borders.

Besides, surveillance at customs checkpoints has also been increased, while responsible authorities are reminded to follow the operational plans against the Ebola virus to the best of their abilities.

If the virulent virus is found within Thai borders, the National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH) and Mahidol University would be able to confirm the finding directly, prompting prevention against the virus to be swift and thorough.

As for the long term solution, Dr Sorowit said, the DLD has been pushing to add the Ebola virus into the Animal Epidemic Act 1956 (BE 2499) to initiate a stronger prevention against the virus.

Aquino: I Am Not Seeking A 2nd Term

PHILIPPINE :-- Aquino will enjoy good food in the company of good friends and celebrate his freedom. That’s how President Aquino plans to spend his first day as an ordinary citizen on July 1, 2016, the day after he steps down from office, The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

After taking a beating for entertaining the idea of staying on, the president on Thursday finally made it clear that he would not seek a second term, adding that he was not a “masochist.”

“One year and 10 months from now, I think I will be with [Undersecretary Rey] Marfil and [Assistant Secretary Jun] Delantar (his aide) on July 1 (2016), the day after I step down from office, and we will eat something really delicious. Then there will be a banner behind us that reads, ‘Freedom,’” he said in a taped interview on BomboRadyo that was aired Thursday.

Aquino also spoke about his trip to Belgium, France, Spain  and Germany next month to establish stronger relations with the European Union and invite investors to the Philippines and about speaking at the United Nations in New York on climate change at the invitation of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and US President Barack Obama in the light of the Philippine experience from a series of natural disasters.

The president also said he believed he would get justice in the four complaints for his impeachment filed in the House of Representatives, which were brought by leftist groups that frequently staged rallies in front of the Aquino home on Times Street in Quezon City. Aquino questioned the motives of his detractors.

Tragedies Of MH370, MH17 Deal Severe Blow

KUALA LUMPUR :-- Malaysia Airlines (MAS) sunk deeper into the red in the second quarter ended June 30, 2014 (Q2, 2014) with net losses of RM307.04mil compared with net loss of RM175.98mil a year ago as it was impacted by the tragedies involving flights MH370 and MH17.

The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in March 2014 continued to impact the airline’s Q2, 2014 financial results with MAS reporting a net loss of RM307mil due to lower yield and seat factor.

Adding to the earlier loss of RM443mil in Q1, 2014 the national carrier’s first half 2014 results stood at a loss of RM750mil, 65% more than the previous corresponding period in 2013,” it said on Thursday.

Group chief executive officer, Ahmad JauhariYahya said: “We expected the impact of MH370 on the performance in Q2, 2014. Given that, our team put in much hard work and effort to regain market confidence and rebuild sales.

“We operate in a harsh business environment of stiff competition from regional and global carriers and high operational costs. Coupled with the impact of the two tragedies which have damaged our brand, the need to restructure the company was accelerated.

“The full financial impact of the double tragedies of MH370 and MH17 is expected to hit MAS in the second half of the year”, said Ahmad Jauhari.

S’pore civil servants get 5 per cent pay increment

SINGAPORE:--Thousands of Singapore's civil servants have had their pay increased by about 5 per cent this month, under a move by the public sector to adjust salaries across ministries and ensure they are comparable with those in the private sector, according to The Straits Times. 

Those who benefit from the adjustment are management executive officers, management support officers, technical support officers and clerical support officers, the Public Service Division (PSD) said in a reply to queries.

In its statement, the PSD said: “Having studied private sector salary data, PSD has selectively made salary adjustments for some generic schemes of service in August 2014 to close the gaps with the market and ensure that salaries remain competitive.”

Salaries which were found to be already market competitive were not adjusted.

“The civil service continues to face competition in the hiring market” given Singapore’s economic growth over the past two years and the continuing tight labour market, the PSD added.

Commerce To Expand Low-Priced Food Outlets Across The Country

BANGKOK: -- The Commerce Ministry will expand low-price fast-food outlets to cover every province next year. 

It is targeting 5,000 by next year from 1,000 shops in Bangkok and nearby provinces this year.

Director-general of the Internal Trade Department Jintana Chaiyawonnagal said the project to encourage food traders to sell dishes priced at 25-35 baht each would help consumers lower their spending.

The ministry will proceed further with the project if it gets a good response from consumers.

She said it will also support traders who join the project by supplying cheap rice, sugar, sauce, cooking oil, and other raw materials.

PM Lauds Japanese Investors For Their Strong Confidence In Thailand

BANGKOK : -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha lauded Japanese investors for their strong  confidence in the country's investment environment and for not relocating to other countries when Thailand faces its hard time. 

Gen Prayuth made known of his gratitude to strong partnership with Japan  when he met a major Japanese private firm to discuss the investment situation.

The top executives of Nidec Corporation, a Japanese electronic parts producer based in Thailand, paid a call on Gen Prayuth Thursday  for a talk on investment.

The group was led by the company’s chairman and CEO Shigenobu Nagamori, who also serves as an honorary investment advisor to the Board of Investment of Thailand.

At the meeting, Gen Prayuth thanked the  Japanese business operators for giving importance to their investments in Thailand and for maintaining the two nations’ close ties and long-standing friendship.

When Thailand was going through hard times, he recalled Japan was one of the countries that insisted on not moving their production bases elsewhere, he said.

Gen Prayuth  asked the visiting executives to allow some time for his government  to develop and reform itself.

He assured them that  various investment promotion measures were being adopted so as to regain their confidence.

Gen Prayuth also  acknowledged  suggestions, ranging from the adjustment of certain regulations that tend to cause business difficulties to the tackling of labor shortage and the issuance of proper work permits for foreign workers.

He assured that these suggestions would  be used to improve the business atmosphere in the country in order to attract  more investments in the future.

Oil Prices To Be Cut Sharply Midnight

BANGKOK :-- Oil prices is expected to go down from 1-3.89 baht per litre beginning midnight tonight after the National Energy Policy Committee met today to cut excise taxes collected from oil. 

The meeting is chaired by National Council for Peace and Order deputy chief overseeing economic affairs Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong.

The committee considered the cut following the declining  global oil prices.

It is expected that Gasoline 95 will be reduced by 3.89 baht, Gasohol 95 by  2.12 baht, Gasohol 91 by 1.86 baht, E20 by 1.00 baht. But for diesel, the price will rise by  0.14 baht.

The Department of Energy Business has offered its officials to check oil stocks at all patrol stations and has ordered petrol stations across the country to lower oil prices beginning midnight.

Surrogacy Law Expected To Be Promulgated End Of The Year

BANGKOK : -- The legislation concerning surrogacy should become effective by the end of the year, according to the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT).

Affirmation of the surrogacy legislation was made as the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT), the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) and the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists met Friday  to discuss the surrogacy issue.

MCT president Dr Somsak Lohleca  stated that the main articles in contention are Articles 21 and 22.

The three agencies agreed that the MCT shall remain as the main body in overseeing this legislation without having to define specifics to the articles as the social structure is expected to change drastically in the years to come.

The main concern should be legislation that prevents surrogacy from being a commercialized business.

The article draft will be presented to the National Legislative Assembly and should take affect within the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Dr  Tharet Karatnaiviwong, deputy secretary of the DHSS, disputed that the proposed article should be proposed as a ministerial regulation.

Surrogate mothers should only be a family member and that legislation should also hold doctors conducting the surrogacy to share in the burden of ensuring that the law is upheld, he said.

Dr Tharet said the legislation will for the first time, introduce legal protection of the surrogate mother and the child she bears similar, the case in point being “Nong Gammy”.

Here an Australian couple paid a Thai lady to bear a child on their behalf but when it turned out that she bore twins and that one of them, “Nong Gammy”, had been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, abandoned him leaving the burden of care to the surrogate mother. It is expected that members of the public will most likely help form and define the specifics of this legislation in due course.

In an update to the investigation of surrogacy involving a Japanese father Mr Shiketa Mitsutoki, his Thai lawyer Mr Kong Suriyamonthon on Friday disclosed that, Mr. Shiketa has requested to postpone his visit to investigators at the Ladprao police station  to submit a formal statement.

Mr Shiketa claims that he is still compiling his paperwork and did not propose an alternate date to make his statement.

The Royal Thai Police is now asking  Interpol to locate Mr. Shiketa who he is currently in Japan. At this stage his exact whereabouts is unknown.

On Friday, Mr Shiketa’s former lawyer Ratprathan Tulathorn  brought an eighth surrogate mother to give her statement at the Lumpini police station.

She said  she was paid 400,000 baht to be a surrogate mother.

The eighth Thai mother told police investigators that she was impregnated with a fetus by Dr Pisit Tantiwattanakul, the owner of the All IVF Clinic located in Ploenchit district of Bangkok.

Dr  Pisit earlier informed the police he would turn himself in to the police next week. The police said if he fails to show up, a warrant for his arrest will be issued.

Mangrove Forest Encroachment Now On Suppression List Under The Junta’s Returning Forest To The People

BANGKOK :-- The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s policy to return forest to the people is making headway as relevant government agencies are now back in action to implement the policy strictly. 

The latest action taken was the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) which is now checking on mangrove forests in all coastal provinces to see how much areas have been encroached and occupied for personal interest.

The department yesterday despatched personnel to take back encroached mangrove forests in Rayong province which have been turned into shrimp farms.

 The mission was undertaken by a combined force of staff from  Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR),  Royal Forest Department, Department of Special Investigation (DSI),  Internal Security Operations Command, and the police.

They inspected a number a shrimp farm in Nearn Kor sub-district, Klang district in Rayong province which revealed they had been established within protected mangrove forests.

An aerial inspection of the area revealed that part of the shrimp farm is within the protected mangrove forest. It seems that the shrimp farm was established in 1990 during the shrimp export boom.

The owner of the farm is a local businessman who holds a number land titles and deeds for seven plots of which over 150 rai  is within the protected mangrove forest.  

The ownership title also covers more than 500 rai of mangrove areas where dikes have been put up to keep the sea at bay. The area right next to the farm is a mangrove which shows evidence of it being developed for farming.

 According to Ms Cholthit Surasawasdi, director general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, there are about 500,000 rai of suspected encroachment areas which have now been occupied.

But authorities have inspected these areas and found that  about 300,000 rai  areas where  owners do hold land title deeds.

Under the NCPO’s instructions, authorities will prioritize  investigations on those titles that were issued before the protected areas were declared.

Only one of three mangrove areas that have encroached into protected areas. The special investigative team of the DMCR and other relevant agencies have advised farm owners in the area of their crime and the government’s intent to reclaim the encroached areas.

Criminal charges will be filed against two other farm owners in the area.

The two other farms take up over 250 acres of protected mangroves and the owners have not been able to prove their ownership rights to officers.

Being a popular tourist destination, encroachment within Rayong province is rampant where a number of choice areas have been turned into shrimp farms, resorts and restaurants.

 The  director general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources said authorities have handed over  evidence to the DSI for further investigation.

Warrants will be issued and property owners will be ordered to present their land titles and deeds to investigators. Those who are unable to present ownership papers will be charged.

 Yesterday’s  raid is the very first such action from the DMCR to reclaim encroached land despite years of blatant abuse to protected areas.

This is among the first of many investigations into encroachment issues which will span nationwide.

Mangrove forests are an important aspect to the ecosystem as it is the spawning areas for all forms of  sea life. 

They are also for newly hatched marine creatures and protects coastal areas from erosion as it shelters sea front areas from strong waves.

Thailand Must Get Out Of “Middle-Income” Trap In Less Than 12 Years

Thailand will have to speed up its development in order to step out of the “middle income trap” into the “high income” category in less than 12 years given the current capability, said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha during his weekly “Return Happiness” address to the nation Friday night. 

Being trapped in the middle-income country category, he explained that Thailand would not be able to compete with countries which have low labour costs and, at the same time, could not compete with developed countries which have high technology.

The arrival of Asean Economic Community next year and the fact that Thailand is one of the three economic pillars of the grouping pose a real challenge for Thailand in the way that it has to increase its competitiveness to level with its neighbouring countries which are both Thailand’s partners and competitors, said the prime minister.

He called on his countrymen not to be too worried with the issue of individuals, saying that the National Council for Peace and Order will work closely with the government and will keep checking each other to ensure transparency, honesty and fairness.

He stressed the need to strengthen all systems to combat corruption especially the government sector and private sector must cooperate to prepare themselves for reform and to bring about reform among the politicians so they will practice good governance.

Although corruption problem was not listed among the issues to be reformed, the prime minister assured that the NCPO had attached great importance to the problem and made it the top priority for reform.

PM Explains Why He Needs Several Military Officers In His Cabinet

BANGKOK : -- Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha last night defended his decision to bring several military officers into his cabinet and asked critics not to pre-judge them. 

In his weekly “Returning Happiness to the People” address, he argued that making several military officers cabinet ministers shouldn’t be a problem, saying that he had carefully thought out that their presence in the cabinet was necessary to ensure security.

He asked the public and critics not to be too suspicious of military officers otherwise there wouldn’t be good people willing to join the government.

“I am the one who made the decision.  Whatever one said or whatever one proposed, let us wait and see and if anyone underperforms, he or she will be removed.  The cabinet can be shuffled several times.  Those who are not good enough will be weeded out. 

Whoever who are corrupted will go to jail.  So why afraid?  This is democratic process,” said Prime Minister Prayuth.

“I am not a party member.  This is the party of all Thai people who will move forward.  There is no opposition or the government. 

I want everyone to focus on national interest.  Hence, we don’t want to see anyone to obstruct our performance of duty but would like to see more support from the public,” he said.

He admitted that sometimes he felt headache because there were so many proposals, so many issues that were accepted for consideration and discussions.  “Anything that can be done will be done and that is my style of working,” he said.

PM Prayuth Announces War On Corruption

Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha reiterated strong determination to fight corruption in all his announced eleven reform sectors with assurance that any cabinet minister who under performs  will be removed, while explaining  the need to have many generals in his cabinet is to deal with certain security matters. 

Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on his weekly TV programme,  “Returning Happiness to the People,” Friday night for the first time as the prime minister,  Gen Prayuth began his speech expressing  his deep gratitude for the King on appointing him as the prime minister.

“This has been the highest honour of my life – and not only for myself, but for my entire family,” Gen Prayuth said.

He said he was happy to bear the responsibility in moving the country towards a sustainable future.

“From now on, I will be responsible for moving the country and the people forward and working together in national development for the benefit of all, ” he said.

He thanked the National Legislative Assembly for selecting him as the PM and thanked Thais for having confidence in him.

He turned to corruption issue and said “corruption has been deep-rooted in Thai society. 

The problem needs to be seriously addressed now. In order to see concrete and rapid progress within one year, we need cooperation from all sectors, including the state and private sectors, civil society, and  ordinary people.”

He dismissed allegation that the National Council for Peace and Order has  ignored the corruption problems in the national reform plans.

He said he had heard  concerns from certain sectors that the NCPO has not included the prevention and tackling of corruption in the 11-point reform agenda.

” I wish to state here that the NCPO gives utmost priority  to this issue and see it as one of the first  that needs to be tackled by reforms,” he said.

The NCPO has  set corruption prevention as important condition for every reform agenda, including political and administration reforms, he said.

He then called on all sectors to join hands to fight against corruption.

He asked the public not to criticise many  retired generals in his cabinet much but to have confidence in their integrity as all would devote to work hard, not for any one but for the country.

Gen  Prayuth said that the presence of military figures in his cabinet was necessary to deal with certain security issues.

“I want everyone in the country to look at the country first and do not pay much attention on individuals,” he said.

But he said if any minister under perform, he was ready to remove if their performance is poor or moral standard is low.

Gen Prayuth declared, “any cabinet minister who does not work well will be replaced. There is no limit in the number of Cabinet reshuffle. Bad guys  will have to go and whoever is corrupt will be sent to jail. So please do not worry. This is my working style.

On the regional issue, Gen Prayuth says Thailand needs to increase competitiveness following AEC integration next year.

“We must raise our competitiveness to equal that of our neighbours, especially with some countries that can be considered to be both partners and significant economic competitors,” he said.

He also turned to the aged people with assurance that Thailand must speedily adjust the state social welfare system, so that the needs of the elderly will be looked after in an appropriate manner.

“It is an inherent Thai culture to take care of parents and the elderly as best we can,” he said.

Prayuth Cabinet List Goes To King

BANGKOK : -- The 29-member cabinet list of Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha was forwarded to His Majesty the King for royal endorsement yesterday evening.

The royal command announcing the endorsement  of the new cabinet is expected tonight.

The Prayuth Cabinet comprises 11  retired senior military officers, former commanders in chief of the three armed forces who retire end of September. 

It also  included former army commander-in-chief Gen Anupong Paochinda, and a retired  Royal Thai Police commissioner Pol Gen Adul Sangsingkaeo.

It also included former permanent secretaries of ministries, and also a former governor of Nakhon Ratchasima province Sutee Markboon.

Here is the full list of the Prayuth Cabinet.

1.  Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister and leader of the National Council for peace and Order.

2.  Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs, and Defence Minister.

3. Gen Tanasak Patimapragon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

4. M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.

5. Mr Yongyuth Yuthawong, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs, and Minister of Science.

6. Dr Wisanu Krue-Ngam, Deputy Prime Minister for Legal Affairs.

7. Admiral Narong Pipatanasai,  Minister of Education.

8. Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, Minister of Transport.

9. Mr Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Minister of Prime Minister’s Office in charge of Bureau of Budget.

10. Pol Gen Adul Sangsingkaeo, Minister of Social Development and Human Security.

11. Dr Narongchai Akrasanee, Minister of Energy.

12. Mr Sommai Phasee, Minister of Finance.

13. Mr Pornchai Rujiprapa, Minister of Information Technology and Communications.

14. Gen Phaiboon Khumchaya, Minister of Justice.

15. Gen Anupong Paochinda, Minister of Interior.

16. Gen Surasak Kanchanarat, Minister of Labour.

17. Gen Chatchai Sarikalya, Minister of Commerce.

18. Mr Chakramon Phasukavanich, Minister of Industry.

19. Mr Petipong Pungbun Na Ayudhya, Minister of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.

20. Gen Daopong Ratanasuwan, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

21. Mrs Kasama Worawan Na Ayutthaya, Minister of Education.

22. Prof Dr Rajata Rajatanavin, Minister of Public Health.

23. Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports.

24. Dr Apinan Posayananda, Minister of Culture.

25. Mrs Apiradee Thanthraporn, Minister of Commerce.

26. Mr Sutee Markboon, Deputy Minister of Interior.

27. Mr Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

28. Lt Gen Suraches Chaiwong. Deputy Minister of Education.

29.  Dr Somsak Chunharas, Deputy Minister of Public Health.

Court Sentences Former Democrat MP One Year In Prison

BANGKOK: -- The Criminal Court on Friday sentenced former Kanchanaburi MP of the Democrat party one year in prison after finding him guilty of illegal occupation of more than 1,000 rai of state land in Dan Makamtia and Suan Pueng districts of Ratchaburi province for personal interest.

The former MP, Pracha Popipit or widely known as Kamnan Sia, 71, was prosecuted by the state attorney in the Criminal Court after he was accused of illegal trespassing, burning forest areas, constructing buildings in more than 1,000 rai of state property in Dan Makamtia and Suan Pueng districts of Ratchaburi province since 1990 to 2004.

Evidence produced by the state attorney to the court was substantial enough to prove he was guilty.

The court then sentenced him to serve  one year in prison with no extension of jail term.

Pipit’s lawyer is applying for his release on a 100,000 baht cash as bail.

The former was earlier sentenced by the Criminal Court to five years in prison after finding him and other conspirators of price collusion in a government project.

However he appealed to the Appeals Court which later overruled the first court’s ruling and set him free.

Princess Srirasm Visits Wounded Soldiers

BANGKOK: -- Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm, the Royal Consort to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, on Thursday  visited  a rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers under the jurisdiction of the Army’s Medical Department in Bang Pu area, Muang District, Samut Prakan Province. 

The state news agency , NNT, said the Princess, a day earlier, visited Phra Mongkutklao military Hospital in Bangkok.

The Princess made the visits in her capacity as the Director of the Family Medicine Office of the Royal Thai Army’s Medical Department, with her intention to use the information gained to improve assistance for military personnel and their families.

At the Bang Pu Convalescent Home and Resort of the Royal Thai Army, Her Royal Highness Princess Srirasm observed a special project drawn up to boost physical health of soldiers crippled mostly in their fights with southern insurgents. 

Under the project, disabled soldiers are given training to make them familiar with universal-design equipment created to accommodate their living, both at home and in work office. 

The project helps ensure readiness of the amputated soldiers for their return and raise their superior’s that they have the capacity to go back to work. Crippled soldiers are also given skill training in such fields as painting and electrical circuit board production, from which they can raise supplementary incomes for families.

The Princess also visited agricultural plantations developed by soldiers being treated at the center in accordance with the Sufficiency Economy concept of His Majesty the King. Produces from the plantations are sold to raise a revolving fund for the center.

Crowd Overwhelms GLO To Get Lottery Quota

BANGKOK : -- Tens of thousands of people flocked to the Government Lottery Office at Sanambin Nam in Nonthaburi province this morning to apply for lottery quota on the first day of the application for lottery quota distribution.

The presence of the large crowd of people eager to get their quota for the September 16 draw has overwhelmed the number of officials who appeared totally unprepared for such a crowd.

Many of them who are lottery retailers and newcomers were dissatisfied when they were told to wait not knowing whether they would receive the quota or not.

A total of 43 million lottery tickets plus an addition of two million are to be allocated to retailers, the disabled and foundations under a condition that the lottery tickets must be sold at 90 baht apiece or 92 baht at most.

  Anyone found out to have overpriced the lottery will have their quota forfeited and redistricted to the other retailers.  The tickets are priced at 74.4 baht and profit margin is 15-17 baht per ticket.

The GLO earlier planned to distribute lottery quota to 3,500 retailers a day.  The quota allocation will end on August 31.

Meanwhile, it was reported that lottery tickets with the last two digits numbering 92 and 29 are being hunted by retailers and buyers with price offering of 500 baht apiece.

 Number 29 relates to General Prayuth Chan-ocha being the 29^th prime minister.

Indonesia’s Car Exports To Jump 93% Next Year

INDONESIA : -- The Jakarta Globe reported that carmakers in Indonesia expect to see a 93 percent rise in exports next year, thanks to a higher volume of production, quoting an official at the Indonesia Automotive Industry Association.

Noegardjito, general secretary for the association known as Gaikindo, said Indonesia could export up to 386,000 cars by 2015, up from this year’s estimate of some 200,000 units.

“Car production next year is targeted at 1.61 million units. Around 386,000 is likely to be exported,” Noegardjito said during an automotive workshop in Bandung.

This year, car production is estimated at 1.3 million units. Southeast Asia’s largest economy has seen its domestic car sales pass the one million milestone, a feat that has drawn automobile producers to invest in the country.

Though most carmakers limit their stake to assembly plants, some Japanese car brands, including Indonesian favorite Toyota, have begun investing in full manufacturing plants.

Budi Darmadi, a director general at the Industry Ministry, said Indonesia currently exported some 15.4 percent of the cars it produces.  The ministry hopes to see that proportion increase to 24 percent next year.

New PM Vows To Devote Himself To Work With Integrity

BANGKOK : --  Thai newly-appointed Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha today pledged to devote himself to work for the country with integrity to achieve national unity.

He made the pledge during a live-televised speech after receiving the royal command appointing him the country’s 29th prime minister Monday.

He vowed to work with integrity to solve national problems with regard to the interest of the people and the country.

He expressed deep gratitude and said it was the greatest honour for his life to receive the royal appointment.

He said he would solve national problems at all perspectives no matter they be economic,  social, educational  and environmental, and devote himself to working to bring stability and unity to the country.

 

1.6 Million Ya Ba Pills Seized By Police

BANGKOK : -- Two suspected drug traffickers and 1.6 million methamphetamine tablets believed produced from the same source which supplied 800,000 pills seized earlier from a narcotic police were presented to the media this morning by Pol Gen Somyos Poompanmuang, the newly-appointed national police chief.

The huge haul of illicit drugs was seized in Boeng  Khlong Long district of Bung Karn province about a week ago but the seizure was kept confidential as narcotics police tried to use information gleaned from arrested suspects to bust more members of the trafficking gang.

Using the seized drugs which bear the 999 PAID brandname, undercover police set up a sting operation and contacted two suspected gang members, identified as Sunthorn Sawangpeng and Suchit Nudum, for acceptance of the drugs at a gas station in Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya on August 22.

When the two men showed up to accept the delivery, plainclothes policemen who had been waiting at the gas station pounded on them.

Pol Gen Somyos said that initial investigation showed that the 1.6 million ya ba tablets came from the same source which produced the 800,000 pills seized earlier from Pol Lt-Col Chamnan Poompaichit, former deputy superintendent of Chaiparakan police station in Chiang Mai.

Porn Star Charged With Computer Crime Act

BANGKOK : -- Porn actress who filmed herself having sex with a partner in a hospital bathroom last week has been charged with violating the Computer Crime Act, which carries a penalty of five years in prison.

The actress, who is known by her nickname Nong Bow, posted the video on social media last week.

The director of Somdej Phra Buddha Loetla Hospital in Samut Prakarn province, Sutthipong Sirimai, met with police on 19 August and urged them to take legal action against Nong Bow, citing that the porn star’s actions negatively affected the reputation of the hospital.

Yesterday police confirmed that Nong Bow has been charged under the Computer Crime Act, which criminalises any action carried out via a computer system that defames others, transmits pornography, spreads false information, or threatens national security.

The actress surrendered herself to the police on 20 August and confessed to committing the lewd act at the hospital bathroom. She also apologised to the hospital director for her “reckless” actions.

Violating the Computer Crime Act carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a 100,000 baht fine.

The law was passed by Thailand’s post-coup government in 2007. Critics say the law’s sweeping scope is regularly abused to restrict freedom of speech.

In 2009, the editor of the online news site Prachatai was charged under the Computer Crime Act, among other laws, for comments that a reader posted on the website’s forum that were critical of the monarchy.

Police argued that the editor, Chiranuch Premchaiporn, failed to delete the comments “in a timely manner.” The court eventually sentenced her to a suspended eight month prison term.

Prayuth Set To Be PM

BANGKOK: -- THREE MONTHS after the military coup, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) will today vote on who is to become the country's 29th prime minister - a position that junta chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha is widely tipped to fill.

The NLA will today propose Prayuth as the sole candidate for the prime ministership, a source said, adding that he would be voted in unanimously. "We will discuss before the voting session about who will propose Prayuth to the meeting," the source said. "That person must be a senior military officer."

In public surveys over the past months, key members of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), leading professional politicians and a former prime minister have voiced their support for Prayuth, saying he is the only person suited to take up the post in the current political environment.

His NCPO deputies who helped him seize power on May 22 - General Paiboon Kumchaya and Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong - and many other members of the NLA said they would back his premiership.

Prayuth staged the coup when the country was suffering a deep political rift between the previous elected government under Yingluck Shinawatra and the opposition-backed People's Democratic Reform Committee led by Suthep Thaugsuban, who became a monk after the coup.

Prayuth will not join the NLA session today, but will attend a military ceremony at the 21st Infantry Regiment of the Queen's Guard in Chon Buri for commemoration of the regiment's 64th anniversary.

He began his military career in the regiment and used to be the commander of the unit.

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, said the May 22 coup was different from the most recent previous coups in 2006 and 1991. The one led by Prayuth was more similar to that of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, who served as prime minister after the 1957 coup, he said.

"Both coups have something in common in terms of trying to absolutely control the situation first. So the first phase of this junta's road map is longer when compared with the Suchinda [Kraprayoon] and Sonthi [Boonyaratglin] coups," Abhisit told The Nation.

Other coup-makers after Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, who became prime minister in 1963, did not take the position of PM themselves, but the leader of the latest coup is widely expected to be the next prime minister, he said.

The military coup in May was not welcomed by the international community, notably in Western countries. Abhisit said the international community has its standards on such matters.

"It's difficult to change their minds. But I think tomorrow the NCPO will choose to be achievement-oriented. They will choose [to follow] the path that will make them succeed," he said.

Prayuth, who is scheduled to retire as Army chief at the end of next month, is a blunt but determined person, as well as being conservative, according to Abhisit, who worked with him when he was prime minister.

The Democrat leader said he thought Prayuth was, however, a person who listened to other people and who used several channels to get information before finally making a decision by himself.

Somchai Sawaengkarn, secretary to the NLA whip, said he supported Prayuth to become the next PM.

NCPO deputy chief Paiboon said earlier that Prayuth had been virtually performing as prime minister by running the country without any flaws after leading the military coup in May.

The junta chief's performance has satisfied people, he said.

Air Force chief ACM Prajin, meanwhile, echoed the sentiment, backing Prayuth as the new premier, saying the junta supremo had shown he could run the country competently since the coup.

However, some NCPO officials earlier expressed concern about pressure on the Army chief if he tried to juggle the two key roles as head of the incoming government and the military regime.

Former Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said that whoever became the next PM must carry out reform in order to achieve national reconciliation. "I hope the new PM will not be obsessed with the position, power and interest of his own associates, otherwise the mission will fail," Surin added.

Myanmar Tests Local Man Travelling From Bangkok For Ebola

BANGKOK: -- A man traveled from Thailand to Myanmar has been suspected of catching the deadly Ebola virus, Myanmar's Ministry of Information reported Wednesday.

 On the ministry’s website that the patient, who used to work in Guinea and Liberia, arrived at the airport in Yangon from Bangkok at around 8 pm Tuesday with a high fever, China’s Xinhua news agency reported.

Myanmar’s Health Ministry meanwhile said the man has been transferred to Waibagi Hospital, in the suburbs of Yangon for further diagnosis, said the ministry. Laboratory investigation was also carried out for differential diagnosis of Ebola virus disease.

Four friends who are closed contacts with him with no symptoms were also in Waibagi Hospital for under observation and taking laboratory investigation for Ebola.

Co-pilot Of Budget Airline Passes Out During Flight And Later Dies

BANGKOK: -- A co-pilot of a budget airline collapsed during flight after taking off from Hat Yai for about 20 minutes to Bangkok on Wednesday.

The pilot of Lion Air flight SL 8537 then made an emergency return to Hat Yai Airport and rushed him to a hospital. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The co-pilot, a Dutch national, whose name was not revealed was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The flight had 152 passengers on board and all were safe.
 

Channel 3 Reporter Passes Out In Between Railway Tracks

BANGKOK : -- A Channel 3 female reporter and announcer  passed out and fell in between the railway tracks while waiting to board the train at the BTS Morchit station this morning.

 

The incident happened at about 8.30 a.m. Tuesday.

The reporter identified later as Miss Warunrat Kalaphand, 27, was standing at the platform when she suddenly passed out and fell in between the rail tracks.

Fortunately she was seen by other passengers and security guards.

Power supply to the railroad was cut and a guard quickly ran to the tracks and  remove her  out before the train would arrive.

She was later admitted to Kasemrat Prachachuen hospital.

She was neither injured nor suffered any broken bones or bruises. But doctor advised her to stay overnight to check.

She told reporters that she boarded BTS train to work as usual but felt dizzy while waiting for the train.

She tried to walk back to the station but could not make it, and passed out.

Thailand Frees 16 Cambodian Traders To Ease Protest

THAILAND: -- Thai border authorities on Tuesday freed 16 Cambodian traders who were earlier arrested on charge of  smuggling counterfeit brand name merchandises into the Thai border last week. 

The arrest of the Cambodian smugglers triggered protest by hundreds of their colleagues who blockaded Aranyaprathet border and the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge and later forced Thai authorities to close the border temporarily last Friday.

The relates was witnessed by Sakaeo governor Pakathorn Thienchai.

The Thai authorities released all these smugglers after considering that they are just daily-waged workers who have no intention to smuggle counterfeit goods into Thailand, and because the case could be settled through compromises.

The Thai authorities also did not want the incident to explode out of control which could affect the relation of both countries.

Aranyaprathet-Poipet Border Reopens As Normal

ARANYAPRATHET- POIPET -- The  Cross border trading between Thailand and Cambodia resumes as normal after the Aranyaprathet-Poipet border point was reopened this morning.

Hundreds of Cambodians were seen gathering at the border checkpoint awaiting for border passes from the Thai immigration office to travel to Rong Klua market on the Thai side of the border.

The resumption of border trading followed the closure of the border on Saturday after a group of Cambodian traders rallied at the border to protest against the arrest of 18 Cambodians by Thai police and paramilitary rangers on smuggling charges on August 14.

The Thai authorities found smuggled goods hidden in sacks of second-hand garments brought into the Thai side of the border by the 18 Cambodians.

Later on, Cambodian immigration officials tried to bail out the 18 suspects but this was rejected by the Thai police claiming that the suspects would have to be tried in the court first.

Talk was later held between Sa Kaew governor Pakkarathorn Thienchai and his Cambodian counterpart of Bantey Meanchey.  It was reported that the Thai side would withhold the imposition of a new tax system and would not make any more arrests but the 18 detained Cambodians would face trial.

Tourist Arrivals Increase Gradually

BANGKOK : -- Department of Tourism says foreign tourists are returning to the country with arrivals last month gradually rose to 1.91 million from 1.56 million in June.

When compared with the same month in July last year, arrivals  still  fell 10.9%, it said.

Number of foreign  tourists arriving in Thailand in July this year fell 10.9% from a year earlier.

But compared with 1.56 million arrivals in  June this year, July’s arrivals  of 1.91 million represented  improved tourism situation.

Arrivals from China, the country’s single biggest visitor source accounting for 19% of all arrivals, tumbled 25.3% from July 2013.

For the first seven months of the year, arrivals totalled 13.62 million, down 10.7% from 15.26 million a year earlier, an even deeper drop than the first-half decline of 9.9%.

By region, arrivals from East Asia were down 17.6% for the first seven months of 2014 from a year earlier. Arrivals are up 3.1% from Europe and 9.6% from Africa. Declines were seen from the Americas (3.5%), the Middle East (6.9%), South Asia (10%) and Oceania (1.6%).

The lucrative tourist sector, which accounts for about 10% of the economy, suffered its biggest drop in visitors in June – the first full month after the army took power on May 22 in a bid to end tensions and get economic activity going again.

But tourism improved gradually  in following months after several measures were implemented by the military junta to  stimulate economy and bring back investors, and tourists’ confidence.

Gen Prayuth Pleads For Cooperation To Get Rid Of “Garbage” In Social Media

BANGKOK: -- The National Council for Peace and Order chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha pleads with members of the public to help in getting rid of what he called “garbage” in the social media sows the seed of hatred in this country.

In his weekly “Returning Happiness to the People” TV address, he described the “garbage” in the social media as hate speeches and false information in Facebook and other social media which were shared quickly by readers without a second thought whether they are true or not or accurate or not.

These false information or hate speeches are dangerous to the youths and have always the cause of conflicts in the Thai society, he noted and pleaded with the readers not to quickly share such “garbage” to their friends or others without first checking or double-checking their accuracy.

The army chief said that if such a situation is allowed to go on without public cooperation, the problem will become uncontrollable “then the country will suffer heavy damages, security will be neutralized and tourism will be affected.”
“I know that youths today love to play all the Apps.  But I am not familiar with that and I feel very uncomfortable after having read them,” said General Prayuth.

Border Protest Shuts Down Aranyaprathet Checkpoint

BANGKOK : -- Thai security officials ordered the temporary closure of the border checkpoint at Aranyapraythet Saturday after more than 300 Cambodian labour and border traders protested the Thai authorities over tightened checks on their second-hand merchandises wheeled in for sale at the Talad Rong Kluea market.

The protesters were angry at Thai authorities saying  the check was time consuming, thus causing pushcart traffic with their merchandises on board get stuck in a long queue of over a kilometre awaiting their turns for check before being allowed to cross over to the Thai side market  for sale.

Thai border security stepped up checks on merchandises from Cambodia to sell at Talad Rong Kluea market after they seized huge volume of counterfeit brand-name merchandises hidden among cargoes the Cambodian traders declared as second hand clothes on Thursday.

The counterfeit goods were contained in bags loaded in pushcarts wheeled across the border from Poi Pet to Aranyaprathet’s Talad Rong Kluea market.

The protest started in the morning when Cambodian labour blockaded the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge and demanded the release of their colleagues arrested Thursday on charge of smuggling counterfeit brand name goods into Thailand.

The blockade of the bridge stranded several cargo trucks from Thailand to Cambodia, and also trucks from Cambodia.

But talk could not start as both sides could not communicate because they didn’t understand their languages.

The governor of Poi Pet was alerted and came to negotiate.

However the talk failed when the Cambodian labour insisted on the release of their colleagues and also demand the easing of the stricter check on their cargoes by Thai Customs officials.

The Cambodian labour and border traders then blocked the Aranyaprathet checkpoint on the Cambodian side with  more pushcarts.

The blockade forced Thai border authorities to close the checkpoint immediately and ban all entries.

They also told Thai tourists with plan to visit Poi Pet to call off their travels, and Thai gamblers at Poi Pet to return to the Thai border for safety reason.

Many tourist cars and cargo trucks  were also stranded at Poi Pet while Cambodian cars were also stranded on the Thai side.

By night fall, it was not known if the protesters remained on the closed bridge or not, as Thai authorities have shut all entrances, and exits to Cambodia from the border.

However the angry protesters were heard shouting abuses on Thai authorities.

Authorities advised late in the evening that Thai tourists put off their scheduled travels  to Cambodia through Aranyaprathet checkpoint temporarily until the situation returns normal.

shocking discovery at Lard Prao 130 condominium

BANGKOK: -- Authorities and police were shocked again after they found another 21 surrogate babies at the same ID Niche condominium on Lard Prao 130 where they earlier found and brought nine surrogate babies with the same father out to take care of by the state-owned Parkkred nursery home.

The 21 children found at another room in The Niche ID condo on Lard Prao 130, 12 are male, and the rest are female. Their ages ranged from four-month old to about 10-month-old.

A room located near a Room No 466/1551 on the seventh floor of this luxury condominium room where authorities found nine surrogate babies with same father.


Authorities said of the latest find, all the surrogate babies have foreign parents - western and Japanese nationals – as shown by the family names of the babies in the household registration document which has Mr Samran, a 41-year-old man, as the owner.

But it was not immediately known if how many of the babies have same fathers. Most of the babies look western with a few look Japanese, authorities said.

Police are looking for Mr Samran for questioning as they are very suspicious why he has to take care of so many children in his room.

According to Channel 3 today, of the 21 babies, there are also triplet babies, and three twin babies.

Escapee Will Be Arrested Soon

BANGKOK: -- A criminal who escaped on Thursday from medical custody at Police General Hospital should be recaptured soon, a senior police officer said yesterday.

Police have made good progress in tracking down Buntham Thabthimnark, 25, through a joint investigation by three Bangkok-based police units and expect to recapture him by next week, said Pol Colonel Ruechakorn Jorrajewut, a deputy commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6.

Buntham was able to slip out of a shackle fastened to his bed because he had become much thinner during his hospital stay, said Pol Lt-Colonel Phanom Chuethong, a senior officer at Pathum Wan station.

Buntham was admitted to the hospital on July 25 with gunshot wounds to the right arm after engaging in a gunfight with police from two stations as they attempted to arrest him.

The escape has attracted much interest on social media as Buntham, a repeat narcotics and firearms offender, was seen walking from his bed and later swapping his hospital clothes for another outfit before leaving the hospital compound.

Phanom said Buntham was assisted by people who brought the new clothes.

The incident has prompted an internal investigation involving the Pathum Wan policemen on duty at the hospital at the time of the escape and other criminals in medical custody at the facility, which is located in the jurisdiction of Pathum

Wan police and Division 6 police.

Preng police in Samut Prakan and Jorrakey Noi police in Bangkok engaged in the gunfight with Buntham, who was treated at the hospital based on standard procedures.

The charges against him include the attempted murder of policemen on duty.

First car deal defaults jump 25 folds

BANGKOK: -- The number of first-time car buyers who have failed to continue paying instalments to leasing companies has increased sharply from 10-20 cases last year to over 500 cases this year or a jump of 25 folds, said Mr Somchai Poonsawat, director-general of Excise Department.

He added that there are over 12,000 cases at risk of defaults and their cars seized by leasing companies after the car buyers under the government-sponsored first-car purchase programme have failed to pay several instalments.

As for the buyers who have already claimed tax refund from the Excise Department and have defaulted their instalment payments, Mr Somchai said his department had asked the Comptroller Department to file lawsuits against 21 buyers to reclaim the excise tax.

Although the first car purchase programme ended in 2012, there are about 114,000 potential buyers who have entered the programme but who have not exercised their right due to financial constraint, Mr Somchai said that they could still exercise their right to buy their first cars.

Altogether 1.25 million people have registered to enter the programme and 1.06 million of them have bought their first cars and have claimed tax refund from the government.

Bangkok Bank Branch Attacked With M 79 Grenades

BANGKOK : -- Armed men fired four M79 grenades into Bangkok Bank Rama III branch on Rama 3 road but the grenades missed and landed at a nearby factory.

The bank building, however, suffered broken glass windows on the third floor.

The attack happened at about 10.00 p.m. Tuesday night.
The security guards of the bank thought the explosion was caused by an electrical transformer.

But after an inspection of the scene in the morning, it was found that several glass windows on the third floor of the building which is close to a factory were broken and many small metal pellets were scattered on the floor.

They then alerted Bang Pong Pang police who later requested the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) police to inspect.

EOD police said they suspected the grenades were fired from a flyover in front of the bank’s computer and training center.

But the grenades missed and landed on the roof of the nearby factory instead.

It was not immediately known the motive of the attack ground but there has been earlier accusation that the bank gave support to anti-government protest.

Hydrofoil Route To Resume Operations

Hydrofoils used on the HCM City-Vung Tau route are slated to resume service after an over six-month suspension due to safety issues.

The resumption of service, however, will depend on another round of inspections by the Ministry of Transport, according to Viet Nam News.

The resumption will depend on repair work and registrations that help ensure that hydrofoils will ensure safe services,” said Nguyen Van Thuan, head of the Safety Transportation Department, at a meeting in HCM City on Monday.

Operators have been ordered to make all repairs and equip their hydrofoils with more fire-fighting devices.  Thuan said the hydrofoils would resume service if they passed inspection.

Bui Cong Trung, chairman of Vina Express, said the hydrofoil operator had paid over VND200 million (US$9,400) per month in salary for the company’s staff, and VND200 million in docking, office and maintenance costs because of the prolonged service suspensions.

Airline Strands 300 Chinese Tourists At Airport

PHUKET : -- Three hundred Chinese tourists have been stranded in Phuket since Sunday (August 9) when the charter aircraft that was supposed to pick them up broke down in Bangkok.\

The aircraft is operated by City Airways, a small airline owned by a group of Thai, Chinese and Hong Kong investors. The airline’s first flight took place in October 2012, the start of a charter service between Hong Kong and Bangkok, using a 170-seat Boeing 737-400 aircraft. It now has five of these aircraft.

Alerted by the director of the Phuket Tourism & Sports office, Santi Pawai, the recently appointed Chinese Consul in Phuket, Wang Huijuan, is now in discussions with the airline.

“We know about this issue," one of her staff told The Phuket News. "We are already cooperating with the airline to get these people home.

Two hundred of the passengers have been put up in hotels in Phuket at the airline’s expense, and are going on free tours while the airline tries to sort out the problem. Another 100 are still at the airport hoping to be on the first available flight out.

All 300 were originally due to fly out between Sunday and today (August 12).






 

Department eyes On 111 Items Of Soft Drink

BANGKOK : -- The Excise Department is ready to collect excise tax on green tea drinks if the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) agrees.

Director-general of the department Mr Somchai Poolsavadi said collection of excise tax on green tea and coffee drinks is the proposal of the Fiscal Policy Office and also is in the roadmap of the Finance Ministry proposed to the NCPO for approval under its reform plan.

He said if the proposal receives approval, the department is then ready to act immediately.

He added the Excise Department officials have recently asked business operators about the excise tax collection and they all voiced agreement to the collection.

Mr Somchai said the Excise Department is also monitoring  111 items of drinks which are exempted from excise tax to see whether these drinks will contribute to promoting farmers or not and are not harmful to health.

Excise officials have also been ordered to closely and strictly check new soft drink plants  if they meet industrial standards, and are licensed by  the Food and Drug Administration or not.

Also they were ordered to check if any chilled soft drinks  in fridges are not licensed for sales.

Family Of Sevenoaks Schoolgirls Went Missing In Thailand

SEVENOAKS: -- The grandparents of two sisters who went missing and are believed to have been abducted while they were in Thailand 72 days ago are pleading for Sevenoaks holiday makers to keep their eyes peeled for the girls.

Aleena and Ananya Day, aged 6 and 11, arrived with their father in Pattaya on May 25 and spent several days visiting their 33-year-old mother, Onwarat Gamlem formerly known as both Wiganda Day and Onwarat Suphikunphong.

Missing seven oaks girlsThe alarm was raised when Mrs Gamlem failed to take the two girls to the airport on June 1 so that they could fly home with their father and there has been no sign of them since.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Mrs Gamlem on suspicion of abducting her daughters.

Grandmother Betty Day, who lives with her husband, son and granddaughters in Chipstead, told the Chronicle: Its been nine weeks and we still havent heard anything.

My son, Robert, is still in Thailand searching for them.

He has made so many enquiries hes doing everything he can think of. Its really very hard.

His funds have run out so were helping to support him. He wont come home until hes got them back.

Both children were born in Thailand but have been raised in Sevenoaks since their parents divorced in 2010.

Mr Day was awarded full custody of his daughters and they visit their mother once a year.

In new steps to try to trace them, billboards displaying photographs of Ananya known as Annie and Aleena, as well as wanted posters for their mother, have been attached to vehicles now being driven around paraded across the resort of Pattaya with a loudspeaker.

Airlines serving Thai airports have also been alerted to prevent attempts to flee the country.

The police think that Onwarats new husbands visa will soon run out hes from Norway, Mrs Day said.

Nobody knows where he is either but there could be warrants for his arrest soon too when his visa runs out.

She added: Both girls missed the end of the school term. Annie is starting at Trinity School in September. Theyve assured us her place is secure. We can only hope that shell be back by then.

If anyone has family or friends there or they are on holiday to Thailand, please keep raising awareness.

We all want the girls back home.

In an online plea for information, the girls father said: They have missed so much birthdays, end of year outings, the end of primary school party and induction day at senior school.

Someone out there must know something that will help the police with their inquiries.

Everyone is working so hard to find them but to date there has been no breakthrough.