US, Vietnam Committed to Rule of Law in South China Sea

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26 October 2016, 11:10

Vietnamese Executive Secretary Dinh The Huyn with Secretary of State John Kerry, speaks Tuesday to reporters in the Treaty Room at the State Department in Washington. Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State John Kerry says the U.S. and Vietnam share a commitment to rule of law in the disputed South China Sea.

Kerry was speaking ahead of talks Tuesday with a top figure in Vietnam’s ruling communist party, Executive Secretary Dinh The Huynh (din tay hwin).

Vietnam is among governments claiming territory in the South China Sea, where China’s assertive behavior and land reclamation has stirred tension.

The meeting comes five months after President Barack Obama visited Vietnam and lifted restrictions on arms sales to the former U.S. enemy. It also takes place as longstanding U.S. ally in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, is strengthening its ties with China.

Kerry said he and Huynh will also discuss human rights — still a sore point in U.S.-Vietnam relations.

Story: Matthew Pennington

Prince Harry ‘Grateful’ for Chance to Return to Caribbean

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Associated Press

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26 October 2016, 11:00

Prince Harry seen here in 2015 during his trip to New South Wales, Australia. Photo: Eva Rinaldi / Flickr

LONDON — Prince Harry will return next month to Barbados, where he previously charmed locals with his dance moves.

On his last official visit to the island, in 2010, the prince was keen to embrace local culture and attempted the Calypso at a fund-raising event.

His Caribbean island tour, where he will be representing his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, will include visits to Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia.

Kensington Palace said Tuesday that Harry is grateful for the chance to visit nations which have “extended such warmth” to his family over the years.

The palace also said that Prince William will make an official visit to Vietnam next month. A strong supporter of conservation charities, William is to attend a conference on the illegal wildlife trade.

As Sales Fall, Apple Pins 2017 Hopes on iPhone 7

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Associated Press

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26 October 2016, 10:32

Apple CEO Tim Cook announces the new iPhone 7 during an event to announce new products on Sept. 7 in San Francisco. Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO — After stumbling in 2016, Apple is betting on a better year ahead.

The Silicon Valley tech giant is forecasting a return to growth in iPhone sales this winter, after a rare slump that dropped a wet blanket on Apple’s revenue and stock performance over the last three quarters.

The company is also set to unveil new Mac computers later this week, hoping to boost lagging interest in a set of products that are symbolically significant even if they’re less financially important to the company than the iPhone.

Read: iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, Apple Watch 2 Go On Sale Today

Apple has been struggling with shrinking demand for its signature products at a time when analysts say it’s increasingly difficult for tech companies to come up with dramatically new features. Many consumers are holding onto their old smartphones and PCs for longer, seeing little reason to buy a new model that’s only slightly better.

One consequence: Apple sold 45.5 million iPhones in the quarter that ended in September. That was slightly more than the 45 million that Wall Street expected, but still 5 percent fewer than the 48 million iPhones it sold in the same period a year earlier.

Renewed Interest in iPhones

Still, analysts say consumers are showing renewed interest in Apple’s latest iPhone models. Based on early sales, AppleChief Financial Officer Luca Maestri told The Associated Press, “We feel very good about the momentum of the 7 and 7 Plus.”

The 7 and 7 Plus models aren’t a radical change from the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which were wildly popular when they were introduced two years ago. But analyst Patrick Moorhead said the new phones have enough improvements, including new camera systems, longer battery life and water resistance, to fare better than last year’s lackluster 6S and 6S Plus.

Apple could also benefit because many iPhone 6 owners may be ready to replace their two-year-old phones.

The company only started selling the new iPhone 7 models last month, which means it had less than two weeks of sales in the quarter. But Apple’s revenue forecast calls for sales of USD$76 billion to $78 billion in the December quarter. That’s higher than the Wall Street estimate, which was just under $75 billion.

Apple’s forecast also represents a modest increase over the $75.8 billion in sales that Apple reported for the December quarter last year, and it suggests the company expects to beat last year’s record of 74.8 million iPhones sold in that period, which is traditionally Apple’s biggest quarter for sales.

Maestri wouldn’t comment on how many iPhones Apple expects to sell in December quarter, but Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster estimated the company’s revenue forecast suggests it will sell 78.5 million iPhones.

But Still iPhone-Dependent

Apple shares closed Tuesday at $118.25, but fell two percent in late trading. The stock had been gaining in recent weeks after wallowing below $100 for much of the spring and summer.

Reporting on its fiscal fourth quarter, which ended Sept. 24, Apple said revenue declined 9 percent to $46.8 billion, while profit fell 19 percent to $9 billion profit. Earnings amounted to $1.67 a share, compared with Wall Street estimates of $1.66 a share on revenue of $47 billion.

Apple ended its fiscal year with annual sales of $215.6 billion and profit of $45.7 billion. Most companies would be thrilled with those numbers. But some analysts warn Apple relies too heavily on a single product line, the iPhone, which contributed nearly two thirds of Apple’s revenue.

“Management hasn’t diversified the revenue stream,” said BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis, who noted that Apple faces a host of competitors in a global smartphone market that’s seeing slower growth overall. “Counting phones is a horrible way to live and die every quarter.”

Samsung’s Bad News is Good News

Some of Apple’s growth in coming months may come at the expense of its biggest rival. South Korea’s Samsung was forced this month to recall its entire output of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, which it introduced this fall to compete with Apple’s newest iPhones. As consumers look for alternatives, analysts say that could boost iPhone unit sales by 5 million or more in the coming year.

Apple had its own setbacks this year, though on a lesser scale. While notoriously tight-lipped about future plans, Apple is widely believed to be working on new products in areas like virtual reality and self-driving cars. But the company recently shifted gears on its automotive ambitions, deciding to focus on creating technology for autonomous vehicles, rather than take on the more daunting task of building an entirely new car. According to news reports, the shift led Apple to cut jobs and trim its auto division.

Other Hits Still Elusive

Another new product, the Apple Watch, has drawn lukewarm consumer interest since it launched in 2015. Apple doesn’t break out watch sales figures, but market researchers at IDC estimate the company shipped 1.1 million units in the last quarter. While that’s still more than any other smartwatch maker, it’s down significantly from IDC’s estimate that Appleshipped 3.9 million watches a year earlier.

Revenue in Apple’s “Other Products” category, which includes the Apple Watch and the iPod music player, fell 22 percent to $2.4 billion in the July-September quarter. Apple recently updated the watch and Maestri said he expects strong sales in coming months.

Apple’s also hoping to reverse a yearlong decline in sales of its Mac computers – its original product line – by unveiling updated Macbook and desktop iMacs later this week. Apple sold 4.9 million Macs in the three months ending Sept. 24, down 14 percent from a year earlier.

As in other recent quarters, Apple continued to show strength in its “Services” business, which includes iTunes, the App Store, Apple Pay and other digital services. Apple said revenue in that category rose 24 percent to $6.3 billion in the quarter.

Story: Brandon Bailey

Junta Condemns ‘Free Hugs’ Offered to Mourners

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Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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25 October 2016, 20:39

Teerawat Pinpanichakorn, at left, holds up a 'Free Hugs' sign Thursday at the Sanam Luang. At left, an unidentified woman holds a similar sign in an image spread online Sunday.

BANGKOK — A man offering “free hugs” to comfort mourners was forced to apologize after an image of a woman doing the same exploded over social media during the past two days, inviting the military regime Tuesday to condemn it as inappropriate.

Teerawat Pinpanichakarn stepped forward Monday to claim responsibility for the unexpected “free hugs” drama, which he said began in Siam Square on Oct. 17, three days after the death of His Majesty King Bhumibol. Saying it met a positive response, he continued offering free hugs throughout the city until Sunday, when at the Sanam Luang, a woman joined him for about three minutes.

It was the image of the unidentified woman offering hugs to strangers that set the internet aflame and prompted the authorities to decry it as inappropriate.

Saying Teerawat had “good intentions but inappropriate results,” junta spokesman Piyapong Klinpan took exception to a woman offering hugs, suggesting such affection could be considered sexual.

“A hug is not always a sign of love. Love flows from the heart. This activity would be different if an elderly person or a man was doing it – instead of a woman,” Col. Piyapong said.

Teerawat said he was called in by authorities who asked him why he was “including the King” in his activity. He said he was trying to spread a message of love in response to episodes of intolerance.

Teerawat Pinpanichakarn and friends offer 'Free Hugs' in Bangkok. Photo: Different Ways Are Good / Facebook — Teerawat Pinpanichakarn and friends offer ‘Free Hugs’ in Bangkok. Photo: Different Ways Are Good / Facebook

“Do you remember the witch hunting about wearing black? That’s creating division,” he wrote on Facebook later Sunday. “Let’s do what the King taught us and love each other instead.”

Teerawat insisted he had no ulterior motives and apologized for any discomfort caused. He also urged the public not to hound the woman seen in the photo.

“This was my idea, and I take responsibility for my actions,” he said. “She has nothing to do with this.”

Teerawat said he and some friends were inspired by the the Free Hugs social movement started by Australian Juan Mann.

“I wanted to comfort Thais in this time of mourning and help encourage everyone,” he said.

That didn’t satisfy military government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd. Sansern on Tuesday dismissed the behavior as un-Thai.

“Is the activity appropriate to our glorious Thai culture and the current mourning period?” Lt. Gen. Sansern said. “Instead of offering free hugs, youths should hold other, more appropriate activities.”

Col. Piyapong advised youth to “give love” in other ways, such as with free food or inhalers.

Higher Smoking Age, Tobacco Advertising Ban Approved

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Khaosod English

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25 October 2016, 17:57

One of a number of government-mandated visual warnings which have been printed on packs of cigarettes sold in Thailand.

BANGKOK — The interim cabinet on Tuesday approved a measure to raise the minimum smoking age to 20 from 18.

The increase was approved along with a raft of related measures to effectively ban all forms of advertising for the industry.

It also expanded the legal definition of tobacco products to apply to electronic devices and water pipes known locally as barakoo.

For more than a decade, cigarette use has declined in Thailand through concerted private- and public-sector efforts.

The measures will go to the interim legislature for adoption.

How to Find the Victory Monument Vans (Now That They’re Gone)

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Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

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25 October 2016, 17:33

A shuttle bus departs from Victory Monument to the northern bus terminal at Mo Chit Tuesday.

BANGKOK — Instead of walking straight to Rajavithi Hospital from where his van stops at Victory Monument, Prasit Ngeyong on Tuesday had to add a 20-minute taxi ride to reach his regular doctor’s appointment.

Years of effort in ending the use of the iconic traffic circle as a national transit hub appeared to prevail this morning, with interprovincial vans now operating out of the northern bus terminal.

Despite notice in July that privately operated vans used to travel to and from other provinces would no longer be allowed to park there, some commuters, including Prasit, had no idea until Tuesday.

“I don’t agree with the policy,” said the 58-year-old, who travels from his native Rayong several times per month for treatment of his glaucoma. “The farther distance means I have more traveling expenses.”

Read: Junta Takes Another Go at Clearing Vans From Victory Monument

More than 4,000 vans which service destinations up to 300 kilometers from Bangkok were ordered out from Victory Monument as part of the junta’s campaign to improve traffic flow.

A few van stands which take commuters to suburban locations in greater metro Bangkok were allowed to continue parking there.

The vans which for decades had converged on the monument have been rerouted to three the capital’s three bus terminals: northern (north, northeastern and central provinces), eastern (eastern provinces) and southern (western and southern provinces).

To help commuters reach those locations, free shuttles now depart Victory Monument every 20 minutes. Shuttles to the northern and southern terminals leave from the northwest corner of the roundabout. Find the shuttle to the eastern terminal at the northeast corner – or just take the Skytrain to BTS Ekkamai.

Many signs were visible Tuesday around Victory Monument offering information for commuters, as were transit officials and military officers.

Also present was Deputy Transport Minister Omsin Chiwaphruek, who said everything seemed to be going smoothly. He also pledged ongoing support of the free shuttle service.

“The free shuttle bus will continue indefinitely,” he said.

In the opinion of one transit official from the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, traffic was moving better.

“But we still cannot make a real comparison until schools open again,” said Chamnan Yoosa-ard, who arrived at 5am to provide information to commuters.

The vans to the central, north and northeastern regions can now be found at the Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak, aka the Mo Chit bus terminal, behind the main building.

Chamnan said most people were understanding of the change, including those from the provinces who did not know about the change until they arrived and had to modify their routes.

Some commuters said they found it inconvenient.

A woman who refused to give her name due to fear of repercussions for criticizing the junta’s policy said Victory Monument had been an convenient interchange for travel between other provinces via Bangkok.

Instead of hopping out of one van and into another, she said the new system added a nearly 20-kilometer trip between the eastern and northern bus terminals to continue her journey between Chonburi to Lopburi provinces.

Although the move appeared successful today, it was a long time in coming. Soon after seizing power in 2014, the military regime tried and failed to relocate the interprovincial vans to a space under Airport Rail Link Makkasan.

However, they successfully introduced some regulations, such as requiring ticket booths to display consistent information and uniforms for drivers.

Tingthong Ngubootton operates vans between Bangkok and Lopburi province. He said his customers dropped by almost half Tuesday, the first day of the move.

Tingthong Ngubootton manages vans running to Lopburi province. He said his customers dropped by 40 percent today.

“It should be back to normal by next month, when everyone learns about the change,” he said.

The 70-year-old manager said his only concern was that the ticket booth at Mo Chit was located far from where the vans park. He said it was inconvenient for passengers with luggage.

For more information contact the Transport Ministry hotline at 1490 for service in Thai or English.

Free shuttle bus service launched Tuesday from the Victory Monument to the three bus terminals where van service can now be found.

6 Dead in Malaysia Hospital Fire

By

Associated Press

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25 October 2016, 16:20

People watch firefighters putting out fire which broke out Tuesday on the second floor of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Hospital Sultanah Aminah in Johor Bahru in southern state of Johor, Malaysia. Photo: Associated Press

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A fire at a Malaysian government hospital killed six patients and injured 11 others early Tuesday, officials said.

Hundreds of people were evacuated from the hospital in southern Johor state after the fire raged through the second floor of its intensive care unit.

Health Minister S. Subramaniam said six patients trapped in the building died. Another patient was rescued but suffered burn injuries while 10 hospital staff also suffered injuries, he said.

Johor police official Sulaiman Salleh said the bodies of four women and two men have been recovered from the hospital.

He said an initial probe showed that faulty wiring may have started the fire.

Russian Smashes Cars in Drunken Rampage: Police

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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25 October 2016, 16:18

One of the aggrieved parties points to damage allegedly inflicted on a Honda Jazz by an intoxicated Russian tourist early Tuesday morning.

PHUKET — Police said a brick-wielding Russian woman went on a rampage early Tuesday morning on Phuket, smashing two cars in a fit of drunken desperation.

Irina Bravova, 45, was asked to pay 63,000 baht in damages after allegedly bashing two vehicles with a loose brick at about 3am while seeking her missing wallet.

Bravova had stopped her motorcycle on Patak Road across from a resort and began knocking on residents’ doors while yelling about the wallet, according to witnesses. Some residents called for police, but while Bravova was waiting, she allegedly flew into a rage and smashed two cars parked there.

The brick Bravova allegedly used to smash two vehicles in a drunken rage early Tuesday morning.

“With Russians, if it’s not fun-drunk, it’s angry-drunk,” Col. Sanya Tongsawat said of the incident, in which Bravova allegedly damaged several windows on a Honda Jazz and put some dents into a minivan.

Police arrived and took her to the Karon district police station. Sanya said Bravova remained distraught but had admitted to damaging the vehicles, which belonged to family members of a community leader there.

Sanya said the owners were seeking 63,000 baht for the damage, a settlement that would see Bravova avoid criminal charges. Police said she had lost her wallet and was being helped by a local taxi driver.

“She is a tourist that comes every year to Phuket,” Sanya said. “The Thai taxi driver is probably her boyfriend, since he is helping to pay for her.”

Altercations involving Russians and alcohol happen often on Phuket, Sanya said, explaining that just Sunday there was a drunken brawl between a number of Thais and Russians.

Australian Gets 15 years Prison for Abusing Girls in Bali

By

Associated Press

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25 October 2016, 16:16

Australian retiree Robert Andrew Fiddes Ellis sits in a courtroom Tuesday during his verdict trial at Denpasar District Court in Bali, Indonesia. Photo: Firdia Lisnawati / Associated Press

BALI, Indonesia — An Indonesian court has sentenced an Australian retiree to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing 11 girls on the tourist island of Bali.

Robert Andrew Fiddes Ellis was found guilty Tuesday by the Denpasar District Court of violating Indonesia’s Child Protection Law.

Ellis, who was arrested in January, was accused of abusing 11 girls aged 8 to 17 in 2014 and 2015.

Some of the victims said Ellis gave them small amounts of money in exchange for letting him bathe them.

The 70-year-old Ellis has denied doing anything wrong.

The panel of judges, led by Wayan Sukanila, also fined Ellis 2 billion rupiah (USD $153,000) or a further six months in prison.

3 Vietnamese Sailors Freed by Somali Pirates Return Home

By

Associated Press

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25 October 2016, 16:10

Sailors who had been held hostage by pirates for more than four years, walk to board an airplane Sunday after being released in Galkayo, Somalia. Photo: Associated Press

HANOI, Vietnam — Three Vietnamese sailors who were held hostage by Somali pirates for more than four years have returned home.

They were among 26 Asian sailors whose Taiwan-owned fishing vessel was seized in March 2012. They were released on Sunday.

The sailors appeared in good health when they emerged from a flight from Nairobi, Kenya, to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi on Tuesday and were greeted by relatives before having their health checked at a hospital.

Phan Xuan Linh, father of sailor Phan Xuan Phuong, said his son only called the family three times in the first year asking for help and then did not have any contact with him.

Linh said that the family had faint hope that his son would eventually return home.

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