Front-Runners Clinton and Trump Win NY Primary

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20 April 2016, 10:38

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a New York primary night campaign event, Tuesday, April 19, 2016, in New York. Photo: Julie Jacobson / Associated Press

NEW YORK — Front-runners Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton swept to victory with ease in Tuesday's New York primary, with Trump bouncing back from a difficult stretch in the Republican contest and Clinton pushing closer to locking up the Democratic nomination.

Trump's victory was a psychological boost for his campaign. He captured more than 50 percent of the vote in New York and was headed toward a big delegate haul in his home state, a commanding showing that keeps him on a path to the Republican nomination if he continues to win. He claimed at least half of the 95 delegates at stake, and was likely to add to his tally in individual congressional districts.

"We don't have much of a race anymore," he said during a victory rally in the lobby of the Manhattan tower bearing his name. He peppered his confident remarks with more references to the economy and other policy proposals than normal, reflecting the influence of a new team of advisers seeking to professionalize his campaign.

Clinton's triumph padded her delegate lead over rival Bernie Sanders, depriving him of a crucial opportunity to narrow the margin. Sanders vowed to compete through all of the voting contests, though his odds of overtaking Clinton at this stage in the race are low.

"The race for the nomination is in the home stretch, and victory is in sight," Clinton declared to cheering supporters.

With 247 delegates at stake, Clinton picked up at least 104 while Sanders gained at least 85. Many remained to be allocated, pending final vote tallies.

"We've got a shot to victory," Sanders said in an interview with The Associated Press. "We have come a very long way in the last 11 months, and we are going to fight this out until the end of the process."

Overall, Trump leads the Republican race with 804 delegates, ahead of Sen. Ted Cruz with 559 and Ohio Gov. John Kasich with 144. Securing the Republican nomination requires 1,237.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton points to members in the audience after speaking at the 2016 Legislative Conference of North America's Building Trades Unions in Washington, Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press

Among Democrats, Clinton has 1,862 delegates to Sen. Bernie Sanders' 1,161. Those totals include both pledged delegates from primaries and caucuses and superdelegates, the party insiders who can back the candidate of their choice regardless of how their state votes. It takes 2,383 to win the Democratic nomination.

Sanders spent Tuesday in Pennsylvania, as did Trump's main rival Cruz. The Texas senator panned Trump's win as little more than "a politician winning his home state," then implored Republicans to unite around his candidacy.

"We must unite the Republican Party because doing so is the first step in uniting all Americans," Cruz said in remarks read off a teleprompter.

The fight for New York's delegate haul consumed the presidential contenders for two weeks, an eternity in the fast-moving White House race. Candidates blanketed every corner of New York, bidding for votes from Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs to the working class cities and rural enclaves that dot the rest of the state.

Trump needed a strong showing to keep alive his chances of clinching the Republican nomination before the party's July convention — and to quiet critics who say the long primary season has exposed big deficiencies in his campaign effort.

Having spent months relying on a slim staff, Trump has started hiring more seasoned campaign veterans. He acknowledges that bringing new people into his orbit may cause some strife, but says the moves were necessary at this stage of the race.

Cruz is trying to stay close enough in the delegate count to push the Republican race to a contested convention. Cruz's campaign feels confident that it's mastered the complicated process of lining up individual delegates who could shift their support to the Texas senator after a first round of convention balloting.

Kasich, the only other Republican left in the race, was seeking to add to his scant delegate total and keep up his bid to play a long-shot spoiler at the convention. Kasich has refused to end his campaign despite winning only his home state.

Trump's political strength, though he boasts of drawing new members to the party, has left some Republicans concerned that his nomination could splinter the Republicans. Among Republican voters in New York, nearly 6 in 10 said the nominating contest is dividing the party, according to exit polls.

Story: Julie Pace and Jonathan Lemire / Associated Press

Frustration Boils Over at Rare, Brief Protest

By

Todd Ruiz, Editor

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19 April 2016, 19:40

Several protest leaders are taken away in a police truck at about 6pm on Tuesday at the Victory Monument in Bangkok.

By Todd Ruiz and Pravit Rojanaphruk

BANGKOK – Security forces surgically removed several activist leaders gathered at Victory Monument this evening, effectively nipping a planned protest in the bud.

Protesters, many wearing white T-shirts, had melded into the busy crowd of rush-hour commuters Tuesday but were apparently left without a clear plan of action after at least four organizers were whisked away by police.

Siriwith Seritiwat of the New Democracy Movement, Arnon Nampa of Resistant Citizen, Aramis Akahad and Wannakit Chusuwan were smiling and waving as they were taken away in a police truck.

Hear from the protesters and see the activists taken away in three live broadcasts we made from the scene here, here and here.

Raising three-fingers in a salute associated with defiance to the military regime, several dozen protesters shouted “Free Watana” until they were cleared out by crowd control officers, who numbered in the hundreds, with numerous police vehicles waiting nearby. No uniformed military personnel were visible.

There were no reports of injuries or further incidents, while some protesters went on to hold a candlelight vigil outside the Phaya Thai Police Station where those arrested were believed taken.

What was the largest demonstration since May 2015 – the first anniversary of the coup – was called Tuesday morning to protest the ongoing detention of former Pheu Thai Party MP Watana Muangsook.

Frustration was an oft-cited motivation by those who chose to attend.

Paisarn Janparn, who has driven a taxi for 30 years in Bangkok since moving from his native Khon Kaen, said he was not afraid of facing arrest.

“I don’t expect anything from this government. But we want our rights, liberties and justice. We’re not going to let the country regress more than it already has. It’s been nearly two years now and it was such a waste of time for the country.”

A 45-year-old office worker identifying herself only as “Nuuk Hatyai” said she was among those feeling frustrated.

“I had to come here to show that people are not satisfied about the situation. Our feelings have been building up,” she said. “It’s not just about Watana, it’s about every Thai.”

A man identifying himself as a singer and Redshirt from Nakhon Si Thammarat said a lot of frustrations were being vented, but he didn’t expect the time had come to overthrow the junta.

“I’ve been feeling uncomfortable with the repression for a long time now,” said the man using the name Alek RSiam. “Being here isn’t just about Watana, but also the right to vote no against the draft charter.”

Watana turned himself into the junta Monday after he was summoned over stating his opposition to the proposed charter.

Todd Ruiz can be reached at [email protected].

Follow Khaosod English on Facebook and Twitter for news, politics and more from Thailand. To reach Khaosod English about this article or another matter, please contact us by e-mail at [email protected].

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Confusion Over Controversial New Immigration Form

By

Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

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19 April 2016, 18:14

Customers this afternoon at One Stop service Center for Visa and Work Permit in Chamchuri Square

BANGKOK — Sebastien edged up to the counter and handed the form to the immigration officer. A few breaths later, it was accepted despite a lot of unanswered questions.

In recent days alarm has been raised over a new immigration form asking foreigners to provide the government with their bank details and where they hang out online and offline.

An immigration officer working at the building where the document is currently in circulation said Tuesday it is not mandatory to answer every question.

“We definitely need them to fill in as much information as they can,” said the Immigration Bureau’s Phurita Ruangpankaew at the One-Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit located inside Chamchuri Square Building. “But if they don’t want to fill in a space, then [they can] put a dash in the blank space.”

Sebastien, a French national who has been living in the kingdom for 10 years, said this was the first time that he was asked to provide this kind of personal information.

“It’s useless,”said the French national. “Why do they need to know my social media account, my bank account or my parent's names?”

He didn't complete the form.

“I didn’t fill anything and here it is,” he said, showing the permission for an extended stay he had just been granted.

But there seem to be mixed messages regarding the controversial form which went into effect April 4.

An agent working for a company who helps process work permit applications for foreigners said he has instructed more than 10 of his clients to fill in every detail on the form.

“They all came here to work. I do think it is weird to ask about information such as their parents’ names,” Sedtawut Kijraksa said. “It might be an effect from the fear of terrorism.”

Sedtawut said he never asked the officers whether it was necessary for his clients to answer all questions.

Foreigners hand in the new forms Tuesday afternoon at One Stop service Center for Visa and Work Permit in Chamchuri Square

Steve Herman, Voice of America’s Southeast Asia bureau chief, said a member of his staff was told by an officer at the same service center Tuesday morning that 90-day reports would not be processed until the new form was completed and filed.

Foreign nationals residing in Thailand on valid work permits must update the Immigration Bureau on their status every three months.

Comments online have been unsparing, ranging from the befuddled to the bemused.

Facebook user Andreas Holmer, commenting yesterday on a Khaosod English article, claimed that he left most questions on the new form unanswered and encountered no problems at immigration last week.

"I did hear however that when this form was introduced a few weeks back, the officers would actually refuse to see you unless you completed the form," Holmer wrote. "They soon had to ease up on those restrictions.”

A human resource officer from a company called Raja Ochano, who would only identify herself as Hong, said she discovered the new form today. She said she needed to return to her office to discuss with a foreign staff member there how comfortable he is with filling it out.

“I asked the officer,” she said. “But you know, they don’t really explain much.”

While the form was a concern for some expats, a Bangladeshi man who has been working in Thailand for two years said he has no problem with it.

“It helps to get more information,” Muhbul Hasan said. “It will benefit both us and the government.”

Chatchawan Wachirapaneekhun, the Immigration Bureau deputy commissioner who designed the form said Monday that it would help solve problems, such as the difficulty in tracking down foreigners who commit a crime. He insisted providing the information was not mandatory.

“We want to collect as much information as we can. And it actually increases the work for the Immigration Bureau,” police Maj. Gen. Chatchawan said. “But it will benefit the country.”

Govt Hints ‘No’ Vote Could Restart Charter Process Third Time

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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19 April 2016, 16:09

Puangthong, second from left join other academics at a press conference at Thammasat on Sunday to announce their opposition to the charter draft. Photo: Matichon

By Pravit Rojanaphruk
Senior Staff Writer

BANGKOK — A deputy prime minister yesterday played down the possibility of recycling a previous constitution in part or full should the public reject the junta-backed charter.

Wissanu Kreangam said Monday it would not make sense to revive or cobble together old charters for adoption if the public rejects the current proposal championed by the junta. Instead, he said it would make more sense to begin the whole process anew for a third time.

Wissanu’s comments, made to reporters at the Government House in Bangkok, were the first indication of what might happen if the charter goes down in defeat, an outcome the military government has been tight-lipped about.

In response, critics of the present draft charter say rejecting it would be an act of rejection against the junta and whatever legitimacy it’s perceived to hold.

“They can try to go ahead with a third or fourth drafting process, but [society] will become fed up and it will lead to something,” said Sawatree Suksri, a member of the Nitirat group of law lecturers.

A first proposed charter died in utero this past September when a junta-appointed council rejected it before it could go to a public vote.

Earlier this month, Nitirat declared its opposition to the charter in a statement decrying it as undemocratic.

Sawatree, a Thammasat University lecturer, said she hopes the “endgame” plays out with the junta yielding to popular will and allowing an independent process for empanelling a new set of drafters to get to work.

It would be mistaken, she warned, to assume that endorsing the proposed charter is the quickest means of removing the self-styled National Council for Peace and Order, or NCPO.

That’s because it would empower the military to select a majority of the members serving in the upper house of parliament.

Those who drafted the charter say it is a bitter pill designed to immunize the democratic process from corruption and a “tyranny of the majority.”

“No matter what you do, they will stay on longer. Voting to endorse the charter draft would enable [the junta] to stay on through legitimate means under the constitution,” she said.

Puangthong Pawakapan of the Network of Academics for Civil Rights and an associate professor of political science at Chulalongkorn University agreed.

While there’s no way to predict what the endgame will be, she said the junta knows that the public defying its will and rejecting the charter would be tantamount to rejecting the junta itself.

That would seriously affect their perceived legitimacy to rule, Puangthong said. Her group, which counts more than 450 members from about a dozen universities nationwide, announced its opposition to the charter Sunday at Thammasat University.

“We may not be able to oust the junta, but we can make them gradually lose their legitimacy. They know that rejecting the charter draft is equal to rejecting them. If the draft charter isn’t approved through the referendum, it’s not our problem. It’s the NCPO’s problem.”

She also warned that those fed up with the junta and eager for an election will be in for a big disappointment if the charter is adopted because it offers less than an even halfway democratic system.

Anxiety over the “unknown” aspect of the charter endgame is something the junta is counting on, she said.

“The NCPO is playing on fears [of an unknown future],” Puangthong said. “But letting the draft charter be approved would only allow them to stay longer in power and in a legitimate manner.”

Govt, Police Deny Top Bangkok Cop’s Job Jeopardized by Factional Strife

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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19 April 2016, 15:52

Bangkok police chief Sanit Mahathavorn oversees a police operation to catch potential visa overstayers in Bangkok on March 19.

BANGKOK — Top police and government figures have denied reports a high-level fissure is about to cost the commander of Bangkok police his job.

Deputy junta chairman Prawit Wongsuwan and national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda dismissed stories they were plotting to sack interim Bangkok police chief Sanit Mahathavorn as works of fiction.

“There won’t be any. We won’t replace anyone. Why would we replace him?” Gen. Prawit, who holds the authority to appoint or remove police chiefs, told reporters Tuesday. “As for this rumor, how it started, I don’t know. I don’t know who came up with it. Now that the media knows it’s a rumor, why would you report it as news?”

Reports about Sanit, who is described as a favorite of junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha, appeared Saturday and Monday.

Chakthip also dismissed the notion as unfounded rumor.

“This is wasting my time, I’d rather focus on work. There is much work to do,” Gen. Chakthip told a reporter Monday who had asked if he would track down the rumor’s source.

Matichon reported on Saturday of an imminent showdown in the top echelon of the police. The article identified Sanit and Chakthip as close aides of Prayuth and Prawit, respectively. The piece also hinted that Prayuth and Prawit were battling for control over the police force via their proxies: Sanit and Chakthip.

“Widespread rumors of the national police chief and Bangkok police commander having each other’s positions sabotaged is rocking the khaki circle again, and this time it is extraordinary!” the Matichon article said.

A similar report appeared on Manager’s Monday edition in an article titled “Examining the Strength of the Proxy War of 2 Ps.”

“This has become a proxy war of those in power,” the article said. “Police Lt. Gen. Sanit ‘the Old Uncle’ Mahathavorn … has Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, Prime Minister, as his shadow, while Police Gen. Chakthip Chaijinda … has the shadow of Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, deputy prime minister, as the one who dictates and pushes him into the battle.”

There have been persistent rumors of a conflict between Prayuth and Prawit in some media and activist circles for months, leading to cycles of speculation about a possible counter-coup against Prayuth by Prawit. Manager published an article voicing such speculation in January.

In Monday’s news conference, Chakthip said there’s no factional dispute, and that he respected Sanit like his own sibling.

“There’s nothing. I am [like] a younger brother, how can I pick a fight with anyone?” the national police chief said.

Counter-Coup Rumor Suspect Charged With Lese Majeste

Teeranai Charuvastra can be reached at [email protected] and @Teeranai_C.

‘Songs of Rice’ to Kick Off ASEAN Film Fest

By

Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

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19 April 2016, 14:14

“The Songs of Rice” (2014) directed by Uruphong Raksasad

BANGKOK — Sights and sounds from the rice basket of Thailand will be featured among 13 films sourced from all 10 ASEAN nations to screen for free later this month.

“The Songs of Rice” (2014), a documentary on Thai rice farmers and their music, will lead the Bangkok ASEAN Film Festival, a Southeast Asian cinema series to show at four Bangkok cinemas.

“The Songs of Rice” won Supannahong Awards for best documentary and cinematography last month, as well as the International Federation of Film Critics Prize in 2014 at the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

The festival opens Thursday at CentralWorld’s SF World Cinema.

From Vietnam comes “Bitcoins Heist,” a 21st century action-comedy about a gang of criminals who team up to hunt down Interpol's most-wanted hacker.

Survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines attempt to put their lives back together in “Taklub” (2015), among other offerings at the festival.

The festival starts Thursday and films will screen through April 26 at CentralWorld’s SF World Cinema.

The full roster of films is available online. The festival was organized by the Culture Ministry and the Federation of National Film Associations.

After the Bangkok run, 10 of the films will travel to other parts of Thailand: April 28 – May 4 at CentralPlaza Khon Kaen, May 6 – May 12 at CentralPlaza Surat Thani, and May 13 – May 19 at SFX Cinema Maya in Chiang Mai.

Screenings are free at all locations with subtitles in both English and Thai. Cinephiles are advised to pick up their tickets 30 minutes before showtime.

Meet the Woman Who Wants to be 1st Female Air Force Pilot

By

Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

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19 April 2016, 12:19

Suwattana ‘Mai’ Chanthalert, 23, applies for one of five women pilot positions Monday at the Royal Thai Air Force in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — For the first time since it was founded just over a century ago, the Royal Thai Air Force has opened the cockpit to female pilots.

Suwattana “Mai” Chanthalert, 23, was the first woman in line to apply for one of five positions set aside for women.

“Now men and women have equal potential,” she said. “It is not necessary to divide people by their gender.”

'Redhot' Jet Pilot Soars Beyond Glass Ceiling

Suwattana said her inspiration to join the force sparked in 2005 when she lost her father in the southern insurgency. Two years later she participated in a youth program organized by the air force. Then 14, Mai was gripped by all the amazing planes she saw at an Air Force Museum.

Although pilot positions with commercial airlines have been open to women, they are still underrepresented. As of 2014, only 5 percent of AirAsia pilots were women.

While this is the first chance for women to fly for the military, it may be less appealing to some.

“Compared to working for the commercial airlines, the payment is less,” Mai said. “But what we get is honor and dignity.”

From 2003 to 2016, only 92 women have earned commercial pilot licenses compared to 5,000 men, according to numbers from the Office of Civil Aviation in a Thai PBS report.

There has been some movement of late to increase opportunities for women in the security forces. Late last month the metropolitan police force announced it would elevate three policewomen to station chiefs for the first time in history.

Single, Thai women 18 to 28 with a commercial pilot’s license – but no visible tattoos – interested in the five air force pilot positions have until April 24 to apply.

Meet Thailand’s Top Gun

'Redhot' Jet Pilot Soars Beyond Glass Ceiling

Meet the Woman Who Wants to be 1st Female Air Force Pilot

By

Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

-

19 April 2016, 12:19

BANGKOK — For the first time since it was founded just over a century ago, the Royal Thai Air Force has opened the cockpit to female pilots.

Suwattana “Mai” Chanthalert, 23, was the first woman in line to apply for one of five positions set aside for women.

“Now men and women have equal potential,” she said. “It is not necessary to divide people by their gender.”

'Redhot' Jet Pilot Soars Beyond Glass Ceiling

Suwattana said her inspiration to join the force sparked in 2005 when she lost her father in the southern insurgency. Two years later she participated in a youth program organized by the air force. Then 14, Mai was gripped by all the amazing planes she saw at an Air Force Museum.

Although pilot positions with commercial airlines have been open to women, they are still underrepresented. As of 2014, only 5 percent of AirAsia pilots were women.

While this is the first chance for women to fly for the military, it may be less appealing to some.

“Compared to working for the commercial airlines, the payment is less,” Mai said. “But what we get is honor and dignity.”

From 2003 to 2016, only 92 women have earned commercial pilot licenses compared to 5,000 men, according to numbers from the Office of Civil Aviation in a Thai PBS report.

There has been some movement of late to increase opportunities for women in the security forces. Late last month the metropolitan police force announced it would elevate three policewomen to station chiefs for the first time in history.

Single, Thai women 18 to 28 with a commercial pilot’s license – but no visible tattoos – interested in the five air force pilot positions have until April 24 to apply.

Meet Thailand’s Top Gun

'Redhot' Jet Pilot Soars Beyond Glass Ceiling

Activists Promise Protest if Watana Not Released by Military

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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19 April 2016, 11:55

Watana Muangsook greets soldiers as he surrenders to the military on Monday at the 11th Army Circle headquarters in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — Former Pheu Thai MP Watana Muangsook was held a second day today at an undisclosed military base, prompting activists to threaten a public protest if he is not soon released.

The Pheu Thai Party on Tuesday issued a statement demanding Watana’s unconditional release, while junta leaders justified detaining the veteran politician without charge on the grounds that his opposition to the junta’s draft constitution amounts to inciting unrest.

Watana Defiant as He Turns Himself in at Army Base

“At this moment, 70 million people are happy,” deputy junta chairman Prawit Wongsuwan said Tuesday. “We aren’t using any double standard. Anything causing damage or conflict in this land cannot be done.”

Watana turned himself in Monday in response to a military summons last week for what was described as an “attitude adjustment” session. The summons came after he posted on Facebook that he would vote against the draft charter when it goes to voters in a referendum currently planned for August. Watana turned himself in at the 11th Army Circle headquarters in Bangkok after first saying he was unavailable due to the Thai New Year holidays.

Unnamed junta sources have been quoted in media reports saying that Watana has been moved to another military facility in the outskirts of the capital.

Soldiers took Watana Muangsook into custody Monday

Arnon Nampha, leader of pro-democracy group Resistant Citizens, wrote online Tuesday that if Watana is not released by noon, his group will defy the junta’s ban on protests and stage a rally at 6pm at Victory Monument.

“6pm, white shirts, together at Victory Monument,” Arnon wrote.

Asked by a reporter when Watana will be released, Gen. Prawit, the deputy junta leader, replied that he doesn’t have a clue.

“I don’t know. Come on, just let them do their work,” Gen. Prawit said of the security forces.

In an English-language statement released Monday evening, the Pheu Thai Party said Watana’s detention violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and demanded his immediate, unconditional release.

“Mr. Watana’s action, or similar actions by any other persons, should not be claimed by the NCPO as posing a danger to the national security or disrupt peace and those persons should not be detained without charges,” the statement said. “Therefore, Mr. Watana’s detainment, on whatever pretext, is to be considered an extreme violation of his basis [sic] rights and of the human rights.”

Pheu Thai’s Watana Promises to Surrender by Monday

Watana Wanted for ‘Attitude Adjustment’ Again

Politico Accuses Soldier of Punching Him

Teeranai Charuvastra can be reached at [email protected] and @Teeranai_C.

China Extending Anti-Graft Measures to Officials' Families

By

Associated Press

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19 April 2016, 11:24

<br />In this Thursday, April 14, 2016 photo, a Chinese national flag flutters against the office buildings at the Shanghai Bund shrouded by pollution and fog in Shanghai, China. Photo: Andy Wong / Associated Press — In this Thursday, April 14, 2016 photo, a Chinese national flag flutters against the office buildings at the Shanghai Bund shrouded by pollution and fog in Shanghai, China. Photo: Andy Wong / Associated Press

BEIJING — Seeking to further reduce opportunities for corruption, China will include additional cities and regions in a pilot program begun in the financial hub of Shanghai that restricts the business dealings of officials' spouses and children, the government said Tuesday.

The move follows revelations in the Panama Papers document leak showing family members of eight past or present leading officials owned shell companies registered abroad.

While no Chinese laws are known to have been broken, such arrangements can be used to launder money or evade taxes. The revelations highlighted the ability of officials' extended families to profit in China's often opaque financial and legal environment where ownership of valuable assets can be easily obscured.

Rules piloted in the financial hub of Shanghai last year will be extended to the capital Beijing, economically vibrant Guangdong province, the mega-city of Chongqing and the resource-rich northwestern Xinjiang region, state media cited President Xi Jinping telling officials at a Monday meeting on government reforms.

The rules ban the spouses of high-level officials from serving as managers of private Chinese or foreign-invested companies. Officials' children and their children's spouses are also forbidden from engaging in business in the administrative jurisdictions in which a parent holds office.

Xi has made fighting corruption a hallmark of his three years in office and investigators from the ruling Communist Party's graft-busting agency have scrutinized the financial affairs of thousands of officials in the bureaucracy, military and state-run industries. Top generals and a former member of the ruling Communist Party's all-powerful politburo standing committee have been among the high-profile targets.

China has long sought to reign in rent seeking among top officials and their family members, but such directives generally lack specific penalties and have often been ignored.

It's not clear what sanctions can be used against those who violate the new rules, although the official China Daily newspaper said 10 Shanghai officials have been removed from their posts or transferred to other departments since they were imposed almost a year ago.

Story: Associated Press

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