Mushroom-Picking Couple’s Prison Term Reduced to 5 Years

By

Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

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2 May 2017, 11:01

Daeng Sirisorn and Udom Sirisorn are escorted by officers into a courtroom Tuesday morning in Kalasin province.

KALASIN — A middle-aged couple appealing harsh punishment for picking mushrooms from a protected forest had their sentences reduced by 10 years by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Udom Sirisorn and Daeng Sirisorn, 54 and 51 respectively, were handed down reduced sentences of five years by a court in Kalasin province, seven years after they were first convicted of illegal logging there.

In July 2010, the couple had gone into Kalasin’s Dong Radaeng Forest to collect wild mushrooms for cooking. They were arrested by police and quickly sentenced to 30 years in prison, which was reduced by half because they had confessed.

They first appealed in 2014 but a court upheld their original sentences, and the couple served 17 months in jail before being freed on bail. The controversial sentences for the couple spawned a campaign calling for their release online and complaints about the nation’s double-standard justice system.

Turbulence Injures 27 Aboard Aeroflot on Approach to BKK

By

Associated Press

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1 May 2017, 19:21

A Boeing 777 operated by Aeroflot at the Vnukovo International Airport outside Moscow. Photo: Papas Dos / Flickr

BANGKOK — Twenty-seven people have been injured, several with suspected spinal damage, after an Aeroflot Boeing 777-300 on which they were traveling from Moscow to Bangkok hit strong turbulence.

The Russian Embassy in Bangkok said in a statement that Flight SU270 hit an air pocket Monday on its approach to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, and that those injured had not been wearing seat belts.

A Russian diplomat who asked to be identified as the embassy duty officer said 15 remained hospitalized, but none had life-threatening injuries. According to a list issued by the embassy, all of the injured were all Russians ranging in age from about one to 69, except for three Thais.

Tokyo Jeweler Offers Gold Darth Vader Masks for $1.4 Million

By

Associated Press

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1 May 2017, 17:53

Tokyo gold jeweler Ginza Tanaka employee Momoko Marutani looks at the gold mask of Darth Vader at the jewelry shop in Tokyo, Monday. Photo: Koji Sasahara / AP.

TOKYO — Star Wars fans with deep pockets might consider it a golden opportunity.

A Tokyo jewelry store is offering life-size Darth Vader masks made of 24-karat gold at a hefty price of 154 million yen ($1.4 million) to mark the 40th anniversary of the release of the first Star Wars movie.

The creation measures 26.5 centimeters (10.4 inches) wide and 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) high.

The Ginza Tanaka store says the masks are not designed for wearing — at about 15 kilograms (33 pounds), they would be too heavy, and they have no opening for a head.

While the masks are its most expensive Star Wars memorabilia, the jeweler has made pricier products. In 2013, a gold Disney-themed Christmas tree was priced at 500 million yen ($4.5 million).

Marketing manager Hirotsugu Tsuchiya said it took 10 goldsmiths three months to mold and assemble the prototype.

“The most difficult aspect was that each section of the mask was created by a different gold craftsman and then assembled to make one Darth Vader mask,” Tsuchiya said.

Orders for the mask can be made at its main store in the glitzy Ginza shopping area where the prototype is on display. Customers will have to wait three months after ordering.

For those looking for less expensive options, gold coins engraved with Yoda or Luke Skywalker will also be available starting at 132,300 yen ($1,200). They will go on sale Thursday, which is May 4, celebrated by some fans as Star Wars day because “May the fourth” evokes the film’s iconic line, “May the force be with you.”

Story: Emily Wang

Man Busted for Selling Eagles Online in Samut Prakan

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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1 May 2017, 16:14

An adult eagle seized by wildlife officials Saturday when they raided Theerapong Bamrungchart’s house Saturday. Photo: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation / Facebook

SAMUT PRAKARN — A man was arrested and charged with possession and illegal sale of protected bird species Saturday, park officials said Monday.

Police and wildlife officials on Saturday raided the house of Theerapong Bamrungchart, 29, to find nine endangered species of eagles after tracking him down through online channels.

“He sold the adults for about 13,000 baht and eaglets for 3,000 baht. He would buy the birds from locals before selling them online,” Navee Changpirom, environmental academic from the national parks department said.

Officials seized one adult changeable hawk eagle, one adult Blyth’s hawk-eagle and seven Brahminy kite eaglets, worth a total of 52,300 baht from Theerapong, who would sell birds of prey on the Thai Pet Online, Talung Gimyong and Truck 2 Hand websites.

Navee, who was at the raid, said Theerapong kept the fledglings in baskets, while the adult birds would be tied to a perch from their feet.

“He said he fed them poultry because the thought pork had too many hormones for the birds, or something,” Navee said.

All three species of eagles are protected under Thai law, added Navee. Theerapong has been charged with illegal possession and trafficking of a protected species, a crime punishable by up to four years in jail and / or a 40,000 baht fine.

18198405 1788777251437175 5505308972365417045 n e1493629941996 — An adult eagle seized by wildlife officials Saturday when they raided Theerapong Bamrungchart’s house Saturday. Photo: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation / Facebook

18222226 1788777431437157 3398113118822323934 n e1493629969184 — The basket of eaglets seized by wildlife officials Saturday when they raided Theerapong Bamrungchart’s house Saturday. Photo: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation / Facebook

18195008 1788777794770454 6799821499629667514 n — Officials at Theerapong Bamrungchart’s house Saturday. Theerapong is the man in the gray shirt on the far right. Navee Changpirom, an environmental academic from the national parks department, is in the center wearing black. Photo: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation / Facebook

18199430 1788777121437188 1461522385154907041 n e1493630014817 — Officials raid Theerapong Bamrungchart’s house Saturday and confiscate nine eagles which he had been selling online. Photo: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation / Facebook

Forest Ranger Sacked For Poaching in His Own Forest

Wildlife Officials Hunt Poachers Who Shared Kills on Facebook

Game, Party, Feast at Dueling Events This Star Wars Day

By

Kaewta Ketbungkan, Staff Reporter

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1 May 2017, 15:58

BANGKOK — To celebrate the epic story of a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars fans are taking the whole “May the fourth be with you” thing to another level this year with several special events planned Thursday.

Although the biggest regional event will be May the 4th Be With You Festival in Singapore from Thursday to Saturday, fans in Thailand can celebrate the special day, which this year marks 40 years since the release of Star Wars: A New Hope, at the following venues.

1Gamers

Photo: Game Over Lounge Thailand / Facebook.

Gamers are invited to join forces, watch movies, play trivia games and chess before dancing to DJ Hexer’s tunes starting at 11pm. The best Star Wars costume will get a chance to win a special prize. Admission is free.

The event will start at 5:30pm at Game Over Lounge in Liberty Plaza, Thonglor. It can be reached by motorbike taxi from BTS Thong Lo’s Exit No. 3.

2Party People

Photo: Levels Club / Facebook.

Party people can shout the catchphrase and watch a special Star Wars dance performance while Darth Vader works the decks in the booth. So, prepare well by dressing as a Star Wars character for a chance to win prizes. Admission is free.

The fun starts at 9pm at Levels Club & Lounge in Soi Sukhumvit 11, which is a 15-minute walk from exit No. 3 of BTS Nana.

3Gourmet Lovers

Photo: Wine Pub / Facebook.

There would be no force without food. So, Pullman’s Wine Pub is preparing a special course for Star Wars fans on Thursday and Friday to celebrate both May the 4th Be With You and its would-be sequel – “The Revenge of the 5th … May.”

Dark Side Chips, Han Burgers, Chocolate Tie Fighters and Obi-Wan Kabob-ies will be all served for 999 baht. Cocktails are 250 baht each and visitors must choose a side, at least for drinks, drawing upon booze from the Dark Side, Blue Skywalker, Sith Cocktail and Yoda Soda.

Set your lightsabers to stun – wrong movie! – and wear the best costume to win a 3,000 baht cash voucher.

The tasty party will start at 6pm at Wine Pub, Pullman Bangkok King Power which is a five-minute walk from exit No. 2 of BTS Victory Monument.

Trump Invites Prayuth to White House

By

Lobsang Dundup Sherpa Subirana, Deputy Editor

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1 May 2017, 14:28

At left, then-candidate Donald Trump at a March campaign event. At right, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha in December. — At left, then-candidate Donald Trump at a March 2016 campaign event. At right, Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha last December.

BANGKOK — President Donald Trump spoke to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Sunday and invited him to the White House, a Thai government spokesman said.

Prayuth took the call from Trump on Sunday night at the Government House, during which he expressed his commitment to enhance bilateral commitments between the two nations, Lt. Gen. Werachon Sukondhapatipak said.

“[Prayuth] expressed his appreciation to the president for his confidence in the Thai government and in Thailand,” Werachon said.

Trump also extended the same invitation to Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The call between Prayuth and Trump came one day after the U.S. president stunned many in Washington by inviting another authoritarian Southeast Asian leader, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, to visit the White House.

According to the New York Times, the calls were focused on the threat posed by North Korea, and sources in the White House said Trump called Duterte, Lee and Gen. Prayuth “after picking up signs that they felt neglected because of Trump’s intense focus on China, Japan and tensions over North Korea.”

In what was the first official conversation between Prayuth and Trump since the latter took office in late January, Prayuth congratulated the president on winning the election and his first 100 days in office. For his part, Trump offered his condolences on the passing of King Bhumibol.

Last month U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Jakarta on a brief tour of the Asia-Pacific region, visiting traditional allies that have enjoyed warming ties with Beijing. He signaled that Trump may join ASEAN’s annual summit in the Philippines.

According to the Thai government spokesman, both Trump and Prayuth accepted their mutual invitations but did not set dates for either.

Relations between Thailand and the United States have chilled since the 2014 coup d’etat, as the Obama government raised concerns about the state of human rights under the junta. They reached a low mark in 2015 when U.S. ambassador Glyn Davies was investigated for remarks he made about the monarchy.

Trump has been criticized for his silence on human rights issues as he lavishes praise on dictators, such as telling Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi, who took power in a coup and jailed thousands of his opponents, that he was doing a “fantastic job” last month.

Additional Reporting: Todd Ruiz

Sri Lanka Navy Seizes Boat with 30 from Myanmar, 2 Indians

By

Associated Press

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1 May 2017, 13:01

Migrants including Myanmar Rohingya Muslims sit on a boat as they wait to be rescued by Aceh fishermen May 20, 2015, in the sea off East Aceh, Indonesia, after being pushed back to sea by Thailand. Photo: S. Yulinnas / Associated Press

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka’s navy has arrested 32 people suspected to be Rohingya refugees and their Indian traffickers off the country’s northern coast.

Navy spokesman Chaminda Walakuluge says a coast guard patrol observed the boat entering Sri Lankan waters Sunday. The 30 passengers from Myanmar included 16 children, including an infant just 15 days old and a 4-month-old baby. The two Indians were suspected to be their traffickers.

Walakuluge said that the suspects have been handed over to police for further inquiries.

Nepal’s Top Judge Suspended After Impeachment Motion Filed

By

Associated Press

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1 May 2017, 12:29

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Sushila Karki, right, and Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal observe a minute's silence during Democracy Day in February in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo: Niranjan Shrestha / Associated Press

KATHMANDU, Nepal — The first female judge to head Nepal’s Supreme Court was suspended after Parliament members filed an impeachment motion accusing her of bias and interfering with executive powers.

Sushila Karki was suspended automatically after the motion signed by nearly half the members in Parliament was registered, Supreme Court spokesman Mahendra Nath Upadhaya said Monday.

As chief justice, Karki held one of the highest positions ever held by a woman in Nepal.

She was known for zero tolerance against corruption. The motion filed late Sunday and signed by members of Nepal’s two largest ruling parties accused Karki of interfering with executive powers and issuing biased decisions.

It cited the court’s order overturning the government’s appointment of the police chief.

The motion would first be debated in Parliament and then would require two-thirds of votes in the 601-seat Parliament for it to be approved.

Karki was appointed the chief justice in April 2016. She was due to retire next month.

On Thainet, Facebook Marks ‘No Wonder We’re an Undeveloped Country’ as Spam

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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1 May 2017, 12:21

Original images about a slightly ironic phrase being barred from Facebook by Athipon Vijittrissadee / Facebook and @Seeme5555 / Twitter

BANGKOK — Facebook classified a self-deprecating phrase on the state of Thailand’s development as spam in the early hours of Labor Day.

Thai netizens who stayed up late into the early hours of Monday morning realized Facebook wouldn’t allow them to type “No Wonder We’re an Undeveloped Country” (som leaw tee pen phrathet doi phattana) in Thai characters as their status, since the social media platform classified it as spam.

Others pointed out that the Facebook system of spam prevention might have been triggered when people started posting the phrase as their status to test if it was really forbidden.

Although it is no longer blocked, the temporary banning of the mildly sarcastic comment prompted introspection on the nation’s development.

This post by the official page of the 1932 Revolution Plaque accompanies the viral phrase with a custom graphic contrasting the number of constitutions between 1932 and 2017.

Amorn Srisang wrote on Facebook, “Around 50 years ago, we were an underdeveloped country. Then 30 years ago, we became a developing country. Now, we’re back to being underdeveloped.”

#NoWonderWe’reAnUndevelopedCountry was the top trending tweet as of Monday morning. Some tweets found creative ways to play with the phase, such as this Disney-themed one.

Ver. Disney #สมแล้วที่เป็นประเทศด้อยพัฒนา pic.twitter.com/pLh4jNJ9CV

— หมีพูห์ต้องติดเตรียม (@_ppoohboy) April 30, 2017

‘Som leaw tee phen phrathet doi phattanaaaaaaa ingonyama bagathiiii babaaaaaaa,’ tweeted @_Ppoohboy, tacking onto the trending phrase the opening lyrics of ‘Circle of Life’ from ‘The Lion King.‘

Facebook user Umaporn Sirivansinkul pointed out that Facebook might have classified the phrase as spam because many users were posting it to verify whether it was really blocked. The phrase couldn’t be posted even with a Virtual Private Network, or VPN.

‘You’ve become a forbidden word,’ captions the popular Facebook meme page Underground Karaoke, which adds karaoke subtitles to images of popular happenings.

#สมแล้วที่เป็นประยุทธด้อยพัฒนา

— ซีมี (@seeme55555) April 30, 2017

‘No wonder it’s Prayuth, so underdeveloped,’ tweeted @Seeme55555

Asian Stocks Mostly Higher, Some Markets Closed on Labor Day

By

Associated Press

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1 May 2017, 11:02

An investor stares at a stock price board at a stock trading hall in 2016 in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province. Photo: Long Wei / Associated Press

TOKYO — Asian shares were mostly higher Monday despite worries over regional tensions after a North Korea missile launch failed over the weekend.

Keeping score

Many markets in Asia and Europe were closed for Labor Day. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 gained 0.4 percent in the morning session to 19,274.99. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up nearly 0.1 percent to 5,927.60.

Wall Street

U.S. stocks closed modestly lower Friday. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index slipped 4.57 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,384.20. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 40.82 points, or 0.2 percent, to 20,940.51. The Nasdaq composite lost 1.33 points, or 0.02 percent, to 6,047.61.

North Korea

The failed attempt to launch a mid-range ballistic missile on Saturday added to regional uncertainty. President Donald Trump has warned that the U.S. “can’t allow” North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to develop better missiles.

The Quote

“The market mood remains relatively cautious ahead of a big news week that will include the French election and U.S. jobs data,” said Ric Spooner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets.

U.S. Economy

U.S. jobs data are scheduled to be released later this week. The Labor Department said last week the U.S. economy turned in its weakest performance in three years in the January-March quarter, reflecting a slowdown in consumer spending. Growth, as measured by gross domestic product, amounted to 0.7 percent in the first quarter, less than what economists were expecting.

France Factor

A runoff election is set for Sunday for the French presidency between centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen. There are worries about growing nationalism.

Energy

Benchmark U.S. crude fell 8 cents to USD $49.25 a barrel. It rose 36 cents, or 0.7 percent, to settle late Friday at USD $49.33 per barrel in New York. Brent crude, used to price international oils, fell 16 cents to USD $51.89 a barrel in London.

Currencies

The euro edged down to USD $1.0906 from USD $1.0924 late Friday in Asia. The dollar strengthened to 111.65 yen from 111.44 yen.

Story: Yuri Kageyama

1Gamers

2Party People

3Gourmet Lovers

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