PM: I Am To Be Held Responsible If Reforms Fail

 

 

BANGKOK : -- Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha announced today that he would be the only person who would be held responsible if the attempts at national reform have failed. 

 

He also warned political elements not to stir up troubles while martial law is still in force, saying that all he has wanted is for the public give him moral support and understand him as he has no intention whatsoever to seek personal gains but to solve the country’s problems.

On the question of martial law whether it should be lifted, the prime minister answered back saying that if martial law is lifted and there are troubles making reform impossible “then who will take responsibility on my behalf.”

He stressed that his main responsibility was to make reform possible so that the country could move forward. 

And as far as he is concerned, he said that the Thai people must come first and their safety is paramount regardless of how the international community will think about the martial law.

General Prayuth made clear that it was not his business or the government’s business to negotiate with any political groups and to persuade them to cease their activities. “Why negotiate with them because they, as the people of this country, must obey the law.

The prime minister said that since he has to bear all the burdens and problems originated from previous governments he needed time and an opportunity to address all the problems. 

“Can you ask them (political groups) to stop their activities and give them for Thailand and the government to undertake the reforms,” he told the reporters.

PM: Martial Law To Be Eased Once Situation Returns To Normal

 

 

BANGKOK : -- Martial law will be gradually eased once the situation has returned to normal and the government has started national reforms, said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha today.

 

He also asked for an opportunity for his government to do its job and to move ahead with reforming the country.

He said that the government and the National Council for Peace and Order would work together in parallel to fulfill the five aspects of their strategy which include security, economic affairs, law and justice procedure, social affairs and special operations.

A joint meeting of the cabinet and the NCPO was held today at the Government House.  The meeting lasted about five hours.

The cabinet today endorsed the appointment of Mr Disathat Hotrakit as the new secretary-general of the Council of State.  The cabinet also appointed 12 resource persons for the committee for the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises.

HMC City Rejects Airport Expansion

 

 

Ho Chi Minh City has rejected plans to expand its airport on practicality grounds and instead wants work on a new airport in neighbouring Dong Nai Province speeded up. 

 

The 1,500-hectare Tan Son Nhat International Airport currently has nearly 590.5 hectares under civilian use and the rest for military activities, but is located in a very densely populated area, which raises questions about the wisdom of expanding it.

Its current capacity is around 20 million passengers per year, meaning the transportation system connecting the airport with the city is frequently overloaded, according to the city people’s committee.

If the airport’s annual capacity is to be raised to 50 million passengers, it will have to expand to the north, where around 640 hectares need to be cleared and 140,000 households moved. Expansion will cost an estimated US$9.15 billion if the land is acquired at official prices, and much higher if based on market rates, according to the city administration.

An expanded airport will surely worsen the noise and air pollution in one of the country’s most densely populated cities.  Urban development and airspace management by the Ministry of Defence will also be impacted, the people’s committee fears.

The city has urged the Ministry of Transport to soon begin work on Long Thanh Airport in Dong Nai instead.

Warning Out For Singaporeans Planning To Support Or Join ISIS

 

 

Singaporeans planning to join or help the Middle East terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) will face the full extent of the law, warned Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Tuesday. 

 

“Any Singaporean who assists, supports, promotes or joins violent organisations like Isil would have demonstrated a dangerous tendency to support the use of violence,” said Mr Teo, referring to the terrorist outfit by its other name – the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil).

“Such a person poses a real threat to Singapore’s national security, and will be dealt with in accordance with our laws.”

Singapore is a co-sponsor an anti-terrorist resolution approved by the United Nations Security Council. The resolution requires nations to adopt laws criminalising nationals that join extremist groups like Isis.

Mr Teo added that the Government’s approach will be “carefully calibrated” to the specifics of each case.

Where necessary, the Internal Security Act – which grants the Government the discretion to detain people without trial – will be used to pre-empt and neutralise terrorism threats that endanger the security of the country and its citizens.

Missing Thai Helicopter Found With All Occupants Alive

 

 

MYANMAR : -- A Thai helicopter enlisted in the hunt for two Myanmar mountain climbers has been found with all of its occupants surviving, some 10 days after the aircraft went missing in northern Kachin State, according to the foundation organizing search efforts, as reported by The Irrawaddy. 

 

The helicopter carrying three people went missing on Sept 27. Ground control lost contact with the aircraft about 20 minutes after it took off from Putao headed for Tahomdum village, where it was attempting to deliver supplies to a team participating in the search for the mountain climbers on Mount Hkakabo Razi.

On Tuesday, the Htoo Foundation, whose patron Tay Za is one of Myanmar’s biggest tycoons, said the helicopter had been found with all three men on board still alive.

“Today (Tuesday) at 5 p.m., Tay Za met with all three people — the Thai pilot, Myanmar pilot and Shwe Yin Taw Gyi — at Lan Sarr village, and the required medical treatment for them has been arranged,” read a post on the foundation’s Facebook page.

The announcement was accompanied by several photos of the meeting, one in which Tay Za is pictured kissing the cheek of Shwe Yin Taw Gyi, who serves as the magnate’s personal assistance. The statement did not include details on the helicopter team’s ordeal.

Over the weekend, the Htoo Foundation said the search for the two missing climbers would continue, while acknowledging that it was increasingly unlikely that the men — Aung Myint Myat and Wai Yan Min Thu — would be found alive.

Tourist Murder Suspects Confess To Human Rights Commissioner

KOH TAO : -- Human rights commissioner said today (Tuesday) the two Myanmar migrant workers arrested on charges of murdering the two British backpackers on Koh Tao admitted to him that they committed the crime as charged.

 

The commissioner, Mr Prinya Sirisarakan, and his staff visited the two suspects at a prison on Koh Samui where they are being detained pending prosecution.

Commenting on the suspicion by netizens in the social media that the two suspects might be just scapegoats, Mr Prinya  suggested that the police should disclose more details about the case to clear up the air.

He said the two told him that they drank  beer and wine before they attacked the two British tourists and he suspected that they might be drunk at the time they committed the crime.

He went on saying that he would notify the police about their interpreter who was a Rohingya as the two suspects did not trust the interpreter and were afraid that they might not be treated fairly.

Meanwhile, Ms Pornpen Kongkachornkiat, director of Cross Cultural Foundation and a member of the subcommittee of the National Human Rights Commission and a representative of foreign migrant workers’ network called on Mr Paibul Artchavananthakul, Koh Samui public prosecutor, to follow up the case against the two Myanmar suspects, Win and Sorin.

She said that she felt relieved that the case was proceeding in accordance with procedures.

Walking Streets Planned In Bangkok

 

 

BANGKOK : -- More walking streets to promote tourism and help vendors to have spaces to do businesses. 

 

The plan for walking  streets  was revealed today by Pol Maj-Gen Vichai Sangpraphai, the assistant to the advisor of Bangkok governor.

He revealed the walking streets in Bangkok while inspecting the reorganisation of sidewalk vendors on Thanam Prannok pier in Bangkok Noi area under the policy of the military junta’s to return busy sidewalks to pedestrians.

The governor’s advisor said that after the sidewalk reorganisation and vendors were evicted, they should have places to sell otherwise they would be in trouble.

He said he planned to launch walking streets on Saturdays and Sundays so that these vendors would  be allowed to trade to made their living.

For example, China Town or Yaowaraj road which is well-known for Chinese food might be turned into walking streets for people to shop and dine on weekends, or Silom as a haven  for miscellaneous items will be turned a walking street for shopping, or Narng Lerng as a walking street for seafood dining.

He said vendors will then have rooms to sell, and it will also help promote tourism.

He added that the next target for sidewalk reorganisation will be on Silom road next week after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration received numerous complaints of vendors occupying sidewalk for trade thus forcing pedestrians to walk on the road instead causing safety concerns.

2010 Unrest: Japan Again Demands Answer Over Reporter's Death

BANGKOK — The Embassy of Japan in Thailand is still seeking answers from Thai authorities over the killing of a Japanese reporter during the 2010 political unrest in Bangkok.

Hiroyuki Muramoto, a camera who was working for Reuters, was shot dead while he was filming the clashes between Redshirt demonstrators and soldiers near Democracy Monument on the night of 10 April 2010.

Taishi Akimoto, first secretary of the Japanese embassy in Bangkok, met with Thai police yesterday and discussed the development of the inquiry into the reporter's death. The discussion took place at Crime Suppression Division HQ and lasted about 30 minutes.

According to Pol.Col. Prasopchoke Prommool, deputy commander of CSD, the Japanese diplomat wanted to know whether the recent arrest of five suspected “Blackshirt” militants has yielded any helpful information about Muramoto's death. The so-called “Blackshirts” are a group of gunmen allied to the Redshirt movement who were seen exchanging gunfire with security forces during the 2010 unrest.

"I have told the First Secretary that based on the investigation into the Blackshirt suspects, there is no evidence that they are involved in Muramoto's death," Pol.Col. Prasopchoke said.

The police officer also informed Akimoto that the CSD is only responsible for the criminal investigation into the alleged possession of military-grade weapons by the arrested Blackshirt suspects, while the Division of Special Investigation (DSI) is launching a separate inquiry into the death of the Japanese reporter and other casualties during the crackdown.

200 Policemen Deployed To Guard Two Myanmar Men On Koh Tao

KOH TAO: -- About 200 policemen were deployed to guard two Myanmar suspects during a reenactment of their alleged murder of two British tourists. BANGKOK, Oct 3 -- National police chief Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung is scheduled to take two Myanmar nationals suspected of murdering two British tourists nearly three weeks ago for a reenactment at the crime scene on Ko Tao, the small island in the Gulf of Thailand and off the coast of the southern province of Surat Thani, on Friday.


About 1,000 residents of Koh Tao turned up to look at the suspects during the reenactment at 11 am. Police had to stand surrounding the suspects to guard them.

More than 200 anti-riot and plainclothes police will be deployed during the reenactment which will be held after a press conference.

Police said a third Myanmar man, believed to be a close friend of those two suspects, will be asked to stand as a witness because he did not join in the rape and murder.

The reenactment of the crime will be held after police said results of DNA tests on semen found on Hannah Victoria Witheridge, 23, matched with the two suspects.

Ms Witheridge and David William Miller, 24, were brutally murdered on a Ko Tao beach early on September 15.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan told journalists that the suspects were "not scapegoats" and evidence obtained by police showed that they were connected with the murder.

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said he had received information from the police that three Myanmar nationals had been arrested by police.

Deep South The Graveyard Of Thai Leaders' Ambitions

BANGKOK: -- For whatever strange reasons, the Thai media keep getting it wrong, according to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Prayut says the media misunderstood him when he stated that how a woman dresses could leave her vulnerable to a crime like rape. He later apologised to anyone who might have been offended by the "bikini" remark.

Just days ago, he pledged to bring peace to the restive southernmost provinces, where a decade-old insurgency has claimed 6,000 lives. The vow came as part of a prepared statement delivered to troops at the Vajiravudh Army Camp in Nakhon Si Thammarat as he bid farewell to his career in the military and turned his full focus to running the country.

But a day later, Prayut backtracked, saying he had again been misunderstood. What he meant to say, he explained, was that he hoped a peace process would be in place by the end of next year.

To be fair to the junta chief, the clarification had a positive ring to it. After a decade of almost daily violence, any gesture towards peace is welcome.

However, we should not lose sight of the fact that peace efforts in the South are nothing new. The Thai military has been talking to separatist groups on and off for years, depending on the circumstances and the level of conflict.

Until a decade ago, peace efforts were exclusively the work of the Army, but the latest wave of insurgency in Thailand's Malay-speaking deep South has seen civilians become more involved in peace initiatives, albeit without much success.

In 15 months Prayut is hoping all the separatist groups will join Thai government representatives around the table to make progress on securing peace. Thailand will enter the Asean Economic Community in 15 months and Prayut is aware that it would be a major embarrassment for the country if the Muslim-majority South were still in turmoil at the time of regional integration.

However, wishful thinking won't be enough. A lasting solution requires some understanding of the nature of the problem on the part of the national leaders involved.

Prayut has expressed worry over the possibility of Islamist movements entering this highly contested region. Such concern is welcome, since it shows he is sensitive to how events in other parts of the world, like the Middle East, could have an impact on Thailand.

But to demonstrate that he truly understands the nature of the conflict, he could say something about the fact that its roots lie in the issue of state-minority relations.

A comfort level was established between the state and the Malay-speaking residents of the South during the five decades after the region came under direct rule of Siam/Thailand. But, since then, a series of ultra-nationalist policies has shattered that mutual accommodation.

Moreover, declaring a deadline for the peace process could result in the state making unnecessary compromises and premature agreements that cannot be sustained in the long run.

This has always been a problem with Thailand's leaders, whether elected or not: They are eager to bring an end to the conflict while they're in office, yet they ignore the fact that a long-term outlook is needed if genuine peace is to be achieved.

Turkey's Beko Eyes Thai Hub For Asean

BANGKOK: -- TURKEY-BASED BEKO, the second-largest home-appliance player in Europe, is setting up business in Thailand with an eye to making this country the brand's regional manufacturing hub in Asean. "We are seriously considering investing in Thailand to manufacture major home appliances such as refrigerators, air-conditioners and washing machines. The plant will cost about US$100 million initially, and the decision will be made by the end of this year," Levent Cakiroglu, chief executive of Arcelik, the owner of the Beko brand, said yesterday.

The company is studying options for the region, he said.

It researched the Thai market for about three years before coming here.

Thailand has many strengths as a potential manufacturing centre for Asean, including a central location, developed transport and infrastructure, established supporting industries, business-friendly environment and sizeable domestic market.

Thailand is also one of the most attractive investment locations in the world, he said.

Beko operates about 14 factories in Europe, China and South Africa.

The brand's debut here would spearhead its regional ambition to become a favourite brand of consumers in the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

It aims to replicate in the AEC its phenomenal success throughout Europe, where its washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers and cooking appliances have become market leaders.

"In the coming three years, we expect to achieve a 5-per-cent market share in the region, including Thailand," he said.

"We also aim to achieve $500 million in sales in the Asean region in the next three years, of which 10-12 per cent will be from Thailand."

Beko has been active in more than 100 countries. In Asean, its products are already available in Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Thailand, as well as farther away in Australia, New Zealand and China.

It plans to market in other countries in Asean by next year, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

"The Asian consumer is as sophisticated and demanding as the European consumer. Our cutting-edge technology and responsiveness to consumer needs have enabled Beko to grow rapidly in Europe in a market that is crowded with well-established global brands.

"We are confident that the demanding Thai consumer will respond positively to Beko's sensational offer to do more, and to do it better with the best technology," Cakiroglu said.

Ebola Crisis: Liberia To Prosecute Man In US Hospital'

The Liberian authorities say they will prosecute the man diagnosed with Ebola in the US, accusing him of lying over his contact with an infected relative.

When he left the country last month, Liberian national Thomas Eric Duncan filled in a questionnaire saying that none of his relatives were sick.

But Liberia's assistant health minister said he had taken a sick relative to a clinic in a wheelbarrow.

Mr Duncan is in a serious condition in a Dallas hospital.

His is the first case of Ebola to be diagnosed on US soil, where as many as 100 people are being checked for exposure to Ebola.

More than 3,330 people have died in the Ebola outbreak in four West African countries.

Hong Kong Protests: CY Leung Refuses To Quit As Leader

(BBC) Hong Kong's Chief Executive CY Leung says he will not resign, but has offered talks between his government and pro-democracy protesters.

The leaders of mass demonstrations have welcomed proposed talks, but still insist that Mr Leung should step down.

The protesters are angry at China's plan to vet candidates for elections in 2017, and say they want full democracy.

They have surrounded two Hong Kong government buildings, but have been warned not to try and occupy them.

At a news conference shortly before the protesters' midnight deadline for his resignation, the chief executive said attempting to occupy building would lead to "serious consequences".

He said the territory's top civil servant, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, would open a dialogue with student leaders as soon as possible.

"Tonight, the Hong Kong Federation of Students issued an open letter asking for a meeting with the chief secretary, representing the Hong Kong government, to discuss one item - and this is the constitutional development of Hong Kong," Mr Leung told reporters.

Obama: America Will Continue To Lead In Uncertain World

US leadership is not confined to the fight against the Islamic State

WASHINGTON: -- American leadership is the one constant in an uncertain world. As Americans, we see the future not as something beyond our control, but as something we can shape for the better through concerted and collective effort. That was true this week, as we mobilised the world to confront some of our most urgent challenges.

America is leading the world in the fight to degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as ISIL. This group has terrorised all who they come across in Iraq and Syria. In the most horrific crimes imaginable, innocent human beings have been beheaded, with videos of the atrocity distributed to shock the conscience of the world. There can be no reason, no negotiation, with this brand of evil. The only language understood by killers like this is the language of force.

In this effort, we do not act alone. Nor do we intend to send American troops to occupy foreign lands. Instead, we will support Iraqis and Syrians fighting to reclaim their communities. We will use our military might in a campaign of air strikes to roll back ISIL, and we will be joined by friends and partners, including Arab nations. We will train and equip forces fighting against these terrorists on the ground. We will work to cut off their financing, and to stop the flow of fighters into and out of the region. Already, over 40 nations have offered to join the coalition against ISIL, and at the United Nations in New York, I worked to build more support for this coalition.

In my annual address to the UN, I also challenged the world - especially Muslim communities - to explicitly, forcefully and consistently reject the ideology of al-Qaeda and ISIL. No children, anywhere, should be educated to hate other people. We must cut off the funding that fuels violent hatred, and contest the space that terrorists occupy, including the Internet and social media. At the same time, countries must do more to offer an alternative vision, and to tap the extraordinary potential of their young people.

American leadership is not confined to the fight against ISIL. We are leading the effort to rally the world against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Along with our allies, we will support the people of Ukraine as they develop their democracy and economy. We will reinforce our Nato allies, and uphold our commitment to collective defence. We will impose a cost on Russia for aggression, and counter falsehoods with the truth. And this week, I called upon even more nations to join us on the right side of history.

America is leading the fight to contain and combat the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. We're deploying our doctors and scientists - supported by our military - to help fight the outbreak and pursue new treatments. From the United Kingdom and Germany to Senegal and France, other nations are stepping up their efforts, too, by sending money, supplies and personnel. But we need an even broader effort to stop a disease that could kill hundreds of thousands, inflict horrific suffering, destabilise economies, and ultimately spread across borders. That's why we will continue to rally other countries to join us in making concrete commitments to fight this disease, and enhance global health security for the long term.

America is engaging more allies and partners to confront the growing threat of climate change before it's too late. At home, we've taken historic steps to invest in clean energy, cut carbon pollution, and create new jobs in the process. Abroad, our climate assistance now reaches more than 120 nations. But we can only succeed in combating climate change if we are joined in this effort by every major power. So on Tuesday, I called on every nation - developed and developing alike - to join us in this effort for the sake of future generations.

America will do what it takes to meet the tests of this moment. Because despite all the challenges of this new century, there is no nation on Earth better positioned to seize the future than ours. The people of the world still look to us to lead. And we welcome that responsibility. We are heirs to a proud legacy of freedom, and as we showed the world this week, we are prepared to do what is necessary to secure that legacy for generations to come.

DNA Testing Matches Two Migrant Workers

 

 

BANGKOK : -- The DNA testings of two of the three Myanmar migrant workers arrested by the police yesterday matched the DNA collected from the body of the British tourist raped and killed in Koh Tao on September 15. 

 

Deputy commissioner of the Royal Thai Police Pol Gen Jakthip Chaichinda, head of the investigation team, said Friday that DNA results of two of the three suspects were confirmed to match the DNA samples collected from the body of Ms Hannah Witheridge, 23.

He said the results showed strongly that two of them are murderers.

He said the police would use this scientific evidence to formally ask the Criminal Court to issue warrants for the arrest of the suspects today.

Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha was notified of the latest result.

Royal Thai Police commissioner Pol Gen Somyos Phumphanmuang was expected to hold a press conference before noon today in Koh Tao to report the finding and the latest investigation if more suspects in addition to the three were involved.

He said latest DNA testings confirmed the two suspects, Newin or Win, and Cho, are the murderers, while the third suspect known as Mao confessed only he played guitar with the two on the log near the scene.

Mao said he left before the murder took place as he had an appointment with his girl friend.

Both Win and Cho also said Mao was not involved, he said.

However Mao would be kept as key witness, he said.

The three are flown from Surat Thani to Koh Tao to reenact the crime late this morning.

VN’s Foreign Visitor Arrivals Multiply

 

 

HA NOI : -- Vietnam welcomed more than 6 million international arrivals during the first nine months of 2014, up by 10.42 per cent compared to the same period last year. 

 

The number of domestic tourists hit 32.4 million during the same period, an increase of 7.6 per cent, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).  Tourism has generated VND179 trillion (US$8.44 billion) so far this year, a year-on-year rise of 19.24 per cent.

The launch of a brand new hydro-plane service earlier this month linking Ha Noi and Ha Long Bay, a World Natural Heritage site, is expected to attract more tourists to the country.

The Hai Au Aviation Joint Stock Company has scheduled one to three flights between Ha Noi and Ha Long City per day, and five to ten daily sightseeing flights over Ha Long Bay.

The company is planning to open new routes from HCM City in the near future, including to Mui Ne in Binh Thuan Province, Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province, Con Dao Island in Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province and Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province.

During the nine-month period, Ha Noi received nearly 1.5 million tourists, up 17.1 per cent year-on-year.

Gen Prayuth Bids Farewell To Troops

 

 

BANGKOK : -- Army  Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha bade farewell to his subordinates and passed on the army top post to his successor Gen Udomdej Seetabutr in a colourful farewell ceremony and parade of his troops at the headquarters of the Royal Thai Army. 

 

The emotional event was  an important date for  General Prayuth, also the prime minister and head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), because it marked  his retirement from four years of  active duty as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army and 38 years in the Army career.

Three regiments of  infantry, cavalry and artillery troops  paraded to say farewell to their former commander Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

He was the 37th commander-in-chief  of the Army and from today October 1, he will be succeeded by General Udomdej Seetabutr.

In his farewell address to his subordinates, he stated that his 38 years of active military career has been the proudest moments in his life.

He reiterated  that the defence of the nation, religion, the monarchy and the people was the highest honour he has been given as a military man.

He expressed his confidence in the abilities of his successor and was confident that he will be able to lead the Army very competently.

Although the farewell ceremony for the former commander-in-chief  of the Army was comparatively low key, but  it was one filled with prestige and honour and the General Prayuth was very elegant as he said his farewell to his troops from every rank and file.

Each and every one of his subordinates stated that they were sad to see such a fine commander go.

“The general was a straight forward and loyal man and always taught us all to be responsible and loyal to the country, ”  Master Sergeant Nopphasit Pattana-sithipong said.

“The general always looked after the welfare of all of his troops. He was always approachable and extremely competent. I love him and will miss him very much, ” Sergeant Apinya Appicha Assawaporn said.

Gen Prayuth, or ‘Big Tu’, is only the second man after General Surayuth Chulanont to complete a full four year term as commander-in-chief of the Army.

Besides, he is also the only commanding general of the Chonburi-based  Queen’s Guards Division  in history to rise to  the top position of the administration  of the country.

Hackers Cut Deals

 

 

PHNOM PENH : -- Two members of “hacktivist” group Anonymous Cambodia convicted of computer hacking yesterday will be spared further jail time. Instead, they have been ordered to put their “excellent” IT skills to use combating cybercrime in the Ministry of Interior, The Phnom Penh Post reported. 

 

Bun King Mongkolpanha, 21, alias “Black Cyber”, and Chou Songheng, 20, alias “Zoro”, were found guilty of IT offences under two articles of the criminal code at Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday morning and sentenced to two years in prison.

But their sentences were reduced to five months and 20 days – the amount of time they have already spent in prison since being arrested in April – and they are to be released today.

The two former SETEC Institute students are to soon begin paid work fighting cybercrime with the same Interior Ministry department that worked with the FBI to arrest them after an eight-month investigation.

Anonymous Cambodia – the local arm of the international collective – had hacked 30 government websites following last year’s disputed national election as part of what it called “Operation Cambodia Freedom”.

Cambodia Likely Miss AEC Date

 

 

PHNOM PENH : - - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cast fresh doubt over the region’s ability to meet the ASEAN Economic Community’s (AEC) self-imposed 2015 deadline, The Phnom source reported.

According to the ADB’s 2014 Economic Update, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand have all effectively reduced tariff rates to almost zero and are now poised to introduce a one-stop shop to expedite customs clearance within ASEAN – called the ASEAN Single Window – by 2015.

Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, however, are all lagging, the ADB’s September 25 update said.

“ASEAN members are progressing toward establishing an economic community.

Yet many challenges must be overcome for the ASEAN Economic Community to become a reality as scheduled at the end of 2015,” the update said.

The ADB’s lead economist for the office of Regional Economic Integration, Jayant Menon, said that while Cambodia is lagging behind some of its more developed neighbours, it remains ahead of Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar in terms of overall preparedness.

“Cambodia needs to speed up its customs reform and to press ahead with automating processes in order to reduce trade costs and minimise the opportunities for corruption, and to be ready for live implementation of its National Single Window by 2015,” Menon said.

The Last Total Lunar Eclipse On October 8

BANGKOK: - - The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand ( NARIT) has invited Thai people to watch the last total lunar eclipse of this year on October 8, saying the next such eclipse will be in April next year. 

The NARIT said the eclipse will develop between 15:15 pm to 20:33 pm and the period of total eclipse will last from 17:25 pm – 18:24 pm.

The total lunar eclipse will  be visible across Thailand.

Live broadcasts will be held at Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chacheongsao.

In addition, observers can see the eclipse on the website if the institute.

It said after this eclipse,  the next total lunar eclipse is forecast for April 4, 2015.