White House: Trump Will Not Visit DMZ During Asia Trip

By

-

1 November 2017, 10:49

President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office on Wednesday at the White House in Washington. Photo: Andrew Harnik / Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The White House says President Donald Trump will not visit the Demilitarized Zone during his upcoming trip to Asia – a break from many previous administrations.

There’s not enough time in the president’s schedule to accommodate a visit to the heavily fortified border zone that has separated the North and South Korea for 64 years, a senior administration official told reporters during a White House background briefing Tuesday.

Trump will go to Camp Humphreys, a military base about 40 miles south of Seoul, to highlight the U.S.-South Korean partnership, instead.

Trump’s trip comes amid his escalating rhetoric and taunts against North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the country’s nuclear program. In a recent speech at the United Nations, Trump said he would “totally destroy” the nation, if necessary. He also derided Kim as “little Rocket Man.”

Every president but one since Ronald Reagan has visited the DMZ, often wearing bomber-style jackets and flanked by military officers. Trump’s predecessor, Barack Obama, visited during a 2012 trip to Seoul and told troops stationed at the border that “the contrast between South Korea and North Korea could not be clearer, could not be starker, both in terms of freedom but also in terms of prosperity.”

Numerous Trump administration officials, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Vice President Mike Pence have all made the trip. Pence said his trip let North Koreans “see our resolve in my face.”

The White House has played down the notion that the hesitance to visit the DMZ stemmed from security concerns, although experts on the region say a visit could have further inflamed tensions.

Trump will depart Friday for a trip that will take him to Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. He will attend several summits, hold a series of meetings, be feted at banquets and spend time golfing with Japanese President Shinzo Abe.

Trump will meet for the first time with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has been accused of human rights abuses, including killing suspected drug dealers. The White House has said that Trump could raise concerns about the program.

But the official said on Tuesday that Trump and Duterte shared a warm rapport during a telephone conversation. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to preview the president’s itinerary and aims on the record.

The White House said Trump spoke with Abe by phone on Monday to discuss the trip. They also discussed the importance of promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific region,” maintaining close ties, and maximizing pressure on the North.

Story: Jill Colvin

Dike Repaired as Prayuth Arrives in Flooded Khon Kaen

By

Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

-

31 October 2017, 17:38

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha arrives Oct. 31, 2017, to Khon Kaen province with members of his cabinet to inspect flood damage.

BANGKOK — Just a few hours before Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha touched down to survey flood-devastated Khon Kaen this afternoon, local officials repaired a key retaining wall that had been broken for four days.

Repairs to the 30-meter-wide embankment, which breached Saturday due to powerful flooding and immediately submerged over 5,000 rai of rice fields – were completed this morning as the junta chief scheduled an afternoon visit.

The flood crisis which has persisted for a month has killed 10 people and afflicted more than 325,000 people in 17 provinces, according to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.

flood 2 — A roadway embankment that functioned as a retaining wall was breached Saturday in Khon Kaen province.

Arriving around 3:30pm, Prayuth got a situation report from the provincial governor before heading to see the now-repaired wall.

Prior to boarding his plane, Prayuth told reporters the amount of water was the same as in 2011, when some of the worst flooding in modern history caused over a trillion baht in damages, affected more than 12 million people, killing more than 800.

Six years after 65 provinces were declared disaster zones, Prayuth said the amount of water today is the same, but his government was doing its best to limit the effect. Flood disasters have been declared in 17 provinces.

Prayuth’s trip comes after his government drew some fire over the persistent flooding. A spokesman for the opposition Pheu Thai party condemned the government Monday for being too slow to act or solve the situation. Acting deputy spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard urged Prayuth to go visit and bring aid to affected residents as soon as possible.

1509421279271 — The broken retaining wall in Khon Kaen province was successfully restored Tuesday prior to a visit by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Last week, Prayuth thanked farmers in the central heartland upstream from Bangkok for the “sacrifice” of their farmland and rice fields as buffers to absorb excess water. Doing so helped keep the capital dry during an elaborate funeral for the late King Bhumibol last week.

Many areas in the central and northeastern region have been flooded for over a month.

While insisting his government was doing its best to push water into the gulf before a storm surge expected today through Friday, Prayuth said it was also preparing for the same in the south.

Yesterday, Prayuth went to Ang Thong province to visit flooded residents, some of whom evacuated. He repeated the claim that the flooding was as bad as 2011 and took credit for it not being worse, saying it was because of his superior management.

He also advised Ang Thong’s governor to encourage farmers there generate alternative income by taking up fishing.

Storm Warning For Bangkok as Flood Crisis Deepens in Provinces, 7 Dead

After Floods, Veggie Prices Soar as Festival Begins

Rescuers Unable to Free Elephant Swept Into Creek by Flash Flood

Why Was Bangkok Not Warned of Flooding?

Rain Check: Another Wet Week, Flooding Continues

As North Floods, Major Dam at 100% Capacity

Boat With Fleeing Rohingya Sinks, at Least 4 Drown

By

Associated Press

-

31 October 2017, 15:16

Rohingya refugee Zannet Ullah, 20, covered in mud after installing latrines in the camp, walks back to his new shelter Sunday in Kutupalong extension camp, in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Photo: Bernat Armangue / Associated Press

DHAKA, Bangladesh — A boat carrying up to 45 Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar capsized in the Bay of Bengal on Tuesday morning, and a Bangladeshi official said four bodies were recovered.

It was not clear how many people were missing.

Mohammed Mikaruzzaman, local government administrator at Ukhiya, said some 23 people were rescued and a dozen of them were being treated.

The boat capsized Tuesday morning near Inani beach in Cox’s Bazar district, which borders Myanmar.

More than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have reached refugee camps in Bangladesh since Myanmar’s security forces launched operations Aug. 25 that the United Nations and others have described as “ethnic cleansing.”

About 190 people trying to flee have died in boat accidents in the Bay of Bengal or nearby waterways.

Welfare Model: Looking Good Online Doesn’t Mean I’m Rich

By

Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

-

31 October 2017, 13:30

Wachrin Tankuranant poses with a MacBook in a rice field in a photo posted to his Facebook account on Oct. 2.

BANGKOK — Next to an 11,000-baht Garmin Forerunner watch, an expensive cup of coffee and a smartphone displaying a lovely photo of himself, Wachrin Tankuranant placed his public welfare card.

He then took a photo of it all and shared it on social media with a caption about how proud he was to live far below the poverty line.

23131061 10154769355981933 46898190 o — Wachrin Tankuranant posted a photo of his welfare card to his Twitter account.

Not only did the internet bathe him in fire for the picture, but it turned out his other posted photos showed a very comfortable-looking life, sparking doubts that a man with a Louis Vuitton shopping bag and a big motorcycle could be eligible for benefits reserved for the poorest of Thais.

It also turned out Wachrin works as a model. On Instagram and Twitter, he posted revealing photos of himself and advertised his services for reviewing products.

Responding to intense criticism, he insists that posting nice photos doesn’t mean he isn’t poor.

Read: New Welfare Cards a Boost For Rich or Poor?

Under the military government’s welfare program, low-income people registered for cash cards with a monthly stipend that can be used for travel and some living expenses. Commonly called “poor cards,” they were just handed out to 11.6 million people this month.

To qualify, applicants could not have over 100,000 baht – either in the bank or bonds. They must live in homes smaller than 100sqm or multi-family housing under 35sqm. Landowners cannot possess more than 1 rai (1,600sqm) or 10 rai of farmland.

Wachrin’s case erupted online Sunday, with the hashtag #BroHasReasons trending through today.

In an interview with Amarin TV, Wachrin said photos don’t always reflect reality. The model insisted he is indeed poor, as he has no assets or collateral. He said his only monthly income from reviewing products online was unreliable.

“I post only beautiful photos to my Twitter and Instagram. Everyone does that,” he said. “I was just someone who wanted to post nice-looking pictures.”

Wachrin said the lifestyle people see in his pictures didn’t come from his money but rather a that of a friend.

“Starbucks … is it fancy? Well I always liked this brand, so I didn’t think about it much,” he said of a photo in Starbucks. “When my friends invited me to Starbucks, I asked to take a picture to post. I didn’t pay for it.”

The Fiscal Policy Office said Monday it will investigate Wachrin. If found to be ineligible, his welfare card will be revoked.

“We trust people report their information sincerely,” agency director Suwitchaya Rotchanawanich said. “We were confident our verification process was careful.”

Suwitchaya added that the Revenue Department was responsible for verifying income and bank accounts while the Interior Ministry took the lead in verifying land ownership.

The process, which relied on self-reporting information, has been criticized as inefficient, especially after 2.5 million people who registered were later found to be ineligible.

Somchai Jitsuchon of Thailand Development Research Institute said in an interview last month there were better ways to establish poverty rather than self-reporting, such as by integrating information with banks and the tax department.

“How could we keep track if the cardholders are no longer poor next year,” said the inclusive development research director. “Unlike some foreign countries, poverty is not taboo for Thais. We are not shy to report ourselves.”

Welfare Cardholders May Get 800 Baht For Staples

Poorest Thais to Get 2,750 Baht Cash Cards

700,000 Ineligible for Junta Welfare Program

Confusion Over Benefits as Poorest Thais Register for Junta Welfare

Final Extension of Free Bus And Train Service?

Stricter Junta Welfare Program Unclear on Benefits

Gov’t Approves 3,000 Baht for Thailand’s Poorest

No Details About 42 Fugitives Arrested at Royal Funeral

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

-

31 October 2017, 13:04

Police officers stand guard close to Meru Mas crematorium complex on Friday morning

BANGKOK — Police declined to say Tuesday whether 42 people arrested at security checkpoints around the royal cremation grounds last week include any charged with royal defamation.

The authorities said 42 people were separately detained at different checkpoints after police officers scanned their ID cards and found they were wanted on existing warrants. Military and police reps would not elaborate on the nature of the charges or what types of crimes they were looking for.

“They were wanted in different criminal cases,” police spokesman Dechnarong Suthicharnbancha said Tuesday.

Security was tight Thursday when His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol was cremated in an elaborate ritual, marking the end of his 70-year reign. Organizers estimate roughly 150,000 people were in and around the Sanam Luang to pay their respects.

Asked whether the arrests included suspects in lese majeste and national security cases, Dechnarong said, “We are still checking.”

Deputy police commissioner Srivara Ransibrahmanakul likewise declined to identify the charges when reporters put the question to him earlier today. The police general would only say all 42 suspects had been taken to the courts for prosecution.

Defense spokesman Kongcheep Tantravanich said Monday those arrested did not intend to cause unrest inside the controlled area about Sanam Luang.

“Don’t say they tried to infiltrate the area. It wasn’t like that,” Maj. Gen. Kongcheep said. “Don’t turn it into big news.”

Mourners making their way toward the royal cremation ground on Thursday were told to hold up their national ID cards to security cameras installed at the various checkpoints. Kongcheep said each checkpoint was equipped with a system that could instantly scan ID cards and run them against a criminal database.

Kongcheep added that he admired the spirit of the alleged fugitives for risking the checkpoints to be close to the late king.

“If you look at it in a positive way, you can see that even though these people did something wrong in the past, they were still loyal to the king,” the spokesman said. “They tried to come and pay their respects.”

They didn’t make it inside but were immediately taken into custody.

Police said a force of 60,000 officers were deployed around the Sanam Luang for the funeral. Security was ramped up following threats by radical republicans to cause disruption, though no violence occurred that day.

‘House of Cards’ Canceled as Fallout Continues for Spacey

By

Associated Press

-

31 October 2017, 12:46

In this June 11, 2017, file photo, Kevin Spacey arrives at the 71st annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Spacey says he is “beyond horrified” by allegations that he made sexual advances on a teen boy in 1986. Photo: Evan Agostini / Invision / Associated Press

NEW YORK — The fallout facing Kevin Spacey widened Monday following an accusation that he allegedly made sexual advances on a teen boy, with Netflix pulling the plug on his hit show “House of Cards” and “deeply troubled” producers of the political thriller arriving on set to comfort cast mates.

Executives from Netflix and the show’s producer, Media Rights Capital, said they arrived in Baltimore, where the show is shot, on Monday afternoon to make sure actors and crew “continue to feel safe and supported.” Spacey was not scheduled to be on set on Monday.

Though the decision to end the series was announced on Monday, it was made several months ago, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the decision.

Spacey is the latest Hollywood man to be named in widening allegations of sexual harassment and abuse in entertainment, media and other industries. The avalanche of allegations began earlier this month after the New York Times published a story alleging that producer Harvey Weinstein had sexually harassed numerous women.

On Monday, NBC fired political journalist Mark Halperin after multiple allegations of sexual harassment, and The New Republic said it had launched an investigation after publisher and president Hamilton Fish was accused of harassing women.

The New York Times on Monday also published new allegations against Weinstein, including the account of a woman who said Weinstein of raping her in the late 1970s and a dancer’s account of Weinstein misconduct in 2004 that led to a $100,000 settlement. Weinstein’s representative Sallie Hofmeister has said the Oscar winner denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.

The Producers Guild of America also announced it had instituted a lifetime ban on Weinstein from holding membership in the organization. The move came after Weinstein, 65, resigned his membership, the group said.

“This unprecedented step is a reflection of the seriousness with which the Guild regards the numerous reports of Mr. Weinstein’s decades of reprehensible conduct,” the guild said in a statement. “Sexual harassment can no longer be tolerated in our industry or within the ranks of producers guild membership. ”

In an interview published by BuzzFeed News on Sunday, actor Anthony Rapp alleged that he was attending a party at Spacey’s apartment in 1986 when an inebriated 26-year-old Spacey picked him up, placed him on his bed, and climbed on top of him. Rapp, then 14, was able to get away without any physical harm.

Spacey responded on Twitter by saying he doesn’t remember the alleged encounter but if he acted the way Rapp alleges, “I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior.”

Spacey then said Rapp’s story “encouraged” him to address long-simmering rumors about his sexuality. He wrote that he’s had romantic relationships with both men and women in the past but is now living “as a gay man” and wanted to be honest so he could examine “my own behavior.” Requests for comment went unanswered Monday.

The two-paragraph statement — an apology in the first for a 31-year-old alleged assault and a self-outing in the second — struck many as an odd time for Spacey to address his sexuality or even an attempt to deflect blame. Worse, he seemed to make a connection between being gay and sexual abuse of minors.

“Kevin Spacey really tried to throw the entire LGBT community under a bus and call it solidarity in an effort to mask his personal failings,” wrote civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson on Twitter.

Actor Zachary Quinto called Spacey’s outing “a calculated manipulation to deflect attention from the very serious accusations.” Musician Lance Bass added on Twitter: “Being gay should never be equated with sexual assault or pedophilia. Thanks for giving the homophobes more ammo.”

Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of the gay rights group GLAAD said in a statement that the story was really about unwanted sexual advances on Rapp not Spacey’s sexuality. “Coming out stories should not be used to deflect from allegations of sexual assault,” she said.

Rapp cited the dozens of Weinstein accusers as the reason he recounted his encounter with Spacey.

“I came forward with my story, standing on the shoulders of the many courageous women and men who have been speaking out to shine a light and hopefully make a difference, as they have done for me,” he wrote on Twitter. Rapp, who starred on Broadway in “Rent,” currently stars in “Star Trek: Discovery.”

Many Hollywood figures came to Rapp’s side, including fellow “Discovery” co-star Wilson Cruz and Rose McGowan, one of the leading voices against sexual harassment in Hollywood, who said of Spacey: “It’s your turn to cry.”

Two comedians offered withering criticism: “You do not get to ‘choose’ to hide under the rainbow!” Wanda Sykes, outspoken member of the LGBT community, wrote on Twitter. Billy Eichner also blasted the move: “Kevin Spacey has just invented something that has never existed before: a bad time to come out.”

Former “House of Cards” showrunner Beau Willimon, who also serves as the president of the Writers Guild of America, East, called Rapp’s story “deeply troubling.”

In a statement, Willmon said: “During the time I worked with Kevin Spacey on ‘House of Cards,’ I neither witnessed nor was aware of any inappropriate behavior on set or off. That said, I take reports of such behavior seriously and this is no exception. I feel for Mr. Rapp and I support his courage.”

While much of the sexual harassment scandal has focused on top Hollywood names such as Weinstein and Spacey, a broader discussion of treatment of women in the industry has emerged. On Monday, a former worker on “The Bachelor” and its spinoffs sued Warner Bros. Entertainment and the show’s producers alleging she was subjected to persistent questioning about her sex life when she was promoted to a segment producer role in 2016.

Becky Steenhoek’s sexual harassment lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court alleges producers continued the questioning even though she was visibly uncomfortable with it. She eventually complained, and within a week Steenhoek’s suit states she was no longer allowed to meaningfully participate in the show, and an offer to work on a later “Bachelor” spinoff show was rescinded.

Steenhoek was told by a producer that “this is the way of the industry and world that we work in,” her lawsuit states.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and its allegations have been denied by Warner Bros.

“These allegations were brought to our attention and were thoroughly investigated earlier this year,” the company said in a statement. “Our findings did not support the plaintiff’s characterization of the events claimed to have taken place, which is why we are disappointed by the filing of this lawsuit.”

Story: Mark Kennedy

Prayuth Has No Time to Consider Lifting Politics Ban: Aide

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

-

31 October 2017, 12:43

Junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks Monday to those affected by flood in Ang Thong province

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha is too busy responding to the long-running flood crisis to consider lifting his junta’s ban on political activities, one of his subordinates said Tuesday.

Responding to calls the 3.5-year-old ban be lifted following the late king’s funeral and announcement of elections in one year, a member of the National Security Council, Gen. Walllop Raksanoh, said the junta leader was preoccupied.

Read: Parties Can Only Campaign for Election Next Year

The remark was made in reaction to politicians eager to prepare for elections promised by the junta for November 2018, four years after it seized power in May 2014.

After deputy junta leader Prawit Wongsuwan punted on the question and deferred to Prayuth, a reporter put it to the junta leader himself Tuesday morning while he was walking at the Government House. Prayuth walked off without responding.

“If the ban is not lifted by the end of the year, there will be problems,” said Deputy Democrat Party leader Nipit Intarasombat.

Nipit said he would be open to partially lifting the ban, which has been used to jail critics and persecute outspoken politicians.

Nipit added that if the military junta and Prayuth are uncomfortable with a total lift of the ban, they could raise it partially by allowing politicians and political parties to meet and register members to form new parties and elect their executive boards.

“Political gatherings [for other purposes] could then wait until 150 days before the election,” he said.

Pro-democracy activist Sirawith Seritiwat said Prayuth is buying time.

“It’s like tossing the object round and round. So far there is no confidence anyway,” Sirawith said of promised elections. “Let see what they will cite next to stall it further. There probably won’t be elections next year, and there will never be elections unless pro-democracy forces pressure them,” he said.

On Monday, former Pheu Thai MP Watana Muangsook said the time has come to lift the ban and accused the junta of resorting to delaying tactics.

“They have cost many lost opportunities. Try to do something good for the people, so in the future the people may be merciful and forgive you,” Watana wrote online.

Thai Elections in November 2018, Prayuth Promises

With No Elections in Sight, Why is Prayuth Campaigning So Hard?

Have a Low-Key Loy Krathong Friday or Face Arrest

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

-

31 October 2017, 12:19

Miss Grand International contestants raise a sky lantern September 2014 in Sukhothai province.

BANGKOK — Festivities for Friday’s Loy Krathong will be low-key with the usual fireworks, sparklers and sky lanterns prohibited.

Bangkok Gov. Aswin Kwanmuang said Monday that only “polite celebrations” can be organized for this year’s festival, which comes just days after mourning for King Rama IX ended. Anyone who ignites fireworks, sparklers or other prohibited items face up to three years in prison and a 60,000 baht fine.

“Lumphini Park and other BMA parks will be open for people to float their krathong, but there will be no fairs or festivals held,” Urewan Taonoi, a spokeswoman for Lumphini Park said by phone Tuesday.

Urewan confirmed there will be no fireworks or other tell-tale signs of festivities at Bangkok’s public parks. Lumphini Park, usually closed by 9pm, will stay open until midnight.

Similarly scaled-down Loy Krathong events will be held in 30 other capital city public parks. The main celebration will be 5pm to midnight in the Bang Phlat district, under the Thonburi side of the Rama VIII Bridge.

People will not be allowed to float krathong at the Nongbon Water Sports Center and King Rama IX, Queen Sirikit, Benjakitti and Vachara Phirom parks.

Aswin also made the usual appeal for people to float krathongs made of organic materials such as bread, banana and corn stalks rather than foam, and limit themselves to one krathong per household, since the morning-after flotsam clogs waterways year after year.

One year ago, festivities were completely canceled and the holiday reduced to only floating krathongs in the wake of King Bhumibol’s death.

Already gotten in the festival’s romantic spirit? Attend a viral meme event where you can float krathong at the Rama VIII Bridge until someone asks if you’ve come alone.

If hooking up with strangers isn’t your bag, then feel free to cue a Loy Krathong playlist at home.

Bangkok Wakes to Less Loy Krathong Mess Than Usual

Festivities Canceled This Loy Krathong

Illegal Clinic Owner to Be Charged in Death of Transwoman

By

Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

-

31 October 2017, 12:07

The Divine Clinic in Lampang province was operating illegally when 22-year-old Jiratchaya Kampoon paid 35,000 for a breast implant procedure.

LAMPANG — Public health officials in Lampang province were preparing to file charges Tuesday against an unlicensed beauty clinic which conducted a breast augmentation on a young transgender woman who died the next day.

An autopsy found that Jiratchaya Kampoon died Sunday night of brain asphyxia after a lung collapsed, according to Prasert Kitsuwanrat, a physician with the Lampang Public Health Office.

On Saturday, she had gone to the Divine Clinic and paid 35,000 baht for silicone gel-filled breast implants. After a three-hour operation, 22-year-old Jiratchaya woke up briefly before falling unconscious a few minutes later.

Divine Clinic, opened in May, did not have a license from the Lampang Public Health Office, according to Lt. Col. Taranong Srikamwang, deputy chief of Kelang Nakhon police. The clinic sought a license in early May but was rejected.

Taranong said police and medical officials will further examine Jiratchaya’s body. Although Jiratchaya signed a consent form provided by the clinic, it is liable for operating without a permit.

Police are still weighing charges against clinic owner Janjira Thiwong-ngeon.

Col. Jittapol Wongwan said Janjira could be charged with homicide, the maximum penalty for which is capital punishment. A count of manslaughter would be punishable by up to 15 years in jail, while negligent homicide is 10-year jail term or less.

Tokyo Man’s Apartment Filled With Kitty Litter-Covered Corpses

By

Associated Press

-

31 October 2017, 11:30

TOKYO — Tokyo police have arrested a man after finding “multiple” dismembered bodies in coolers in his apartment in a city southwest of the capital.

The 27-year-old suspect, Takahiro Shiraishi, confessed to cutting up the bodies and hiding them in cold-storage cases, covered with cat litter, a police spokesman said Tuesday.

Investigators found the bodies while searching for a 23-year-old woman who had disappeared, the spokesman said. He did not give his name, in line with police policy.

The national broadcaster NHK and other media said police believed the bodies of eight women and one man were hidden in the apartment. The missing woman is thought to be one of them.

They said the woman had contacted the man via social media seeking someone for a suicide pact.

Local media said police first found the severed heads of two victims in coolers in the apartment’s entryway. The reports cited the man’s neighbors as saying they had notice foul smells near the apartment.

Hot News

LATEST NEWS