China, Southeast Asian Leaders Seek Greater Cooperation

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23 March 2016, 18:55

Junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha, left, shakes hands with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at the inaugural Lancang-Mekong Cooperation meeting in Sanya, China.

SANYA, China — Leaders from China and five neighboring Southeast Asian countries met in a southern Chinese resort city on Wednesday amid wariness but also hope for greater regional cooperation.

The inaugural Lancang-Mekong Cooperation meeting, named for the mighty waterway that begins in Tibet and discharges into the South China Sea in southern Vietnam, was framed by the Chinese and Thai co-hosts as a chance to deepen ties and cut trade deals in a fast-growing region.

The five Southeast Asian countries that run along the Mekong represent a key market for China under a sweeping strategy to boost trade and foreign investment called "One Belt, One Road." China has wooed the region with eye-catching projects including a textile-making hub in Cambodia, a deep sea port in Myanmar and new railways in Thailand.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who co-hosted the summit in the city of Sanya with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, called on participants from Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to improve mutual trust, enhance trade and "make this region an important force for stability."

A number of development and trade deals were expected to be signed.

However, several countries have expressed concern about their giant neighbor's rise, including Vietnam, which has competing maritime claims in the South China Sea.

Escalating territorial conflicts have complicated what has generally been a decades-long Chinese effort to court its neighbors, with Beijing concerned over signs those countries may be drawing closer to regional rival the United States.

Earlier this month China released water from the Lancang River — the segment of the Mekong River in southwestern China — to alleviate drought in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta as a diplomatic gesture ahead of the summit.

Story: Associated Press

Find Natural Bliss at Bangkok’s Suan Luang Rama IX

By

Cole Pennington

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23 March 2016, 18:34

Bangkok’s Rama IX Park in a recent photo

BANGKOK — Thailand’s capital is infamously lacking in options for those seeking respite under a verdant canopy and fresh air. There is the “Green Lung” of Bang Krachao, but development is beginning to creep in along with the hordes of weekend warriors pedaling through its swampy causeways.

For a lush and quiet alternative, head just east of downtown behind the Paradise Park mall on Srinakarin Road to find a green and serene expanse of over 80 hectares known as Suan Luang Rama IX, or Rama IX Park.

Best of all, visitors have little competition to enjoying its sprawling grounds. After paying the 10 baht entrance fee and cycling through the gate on a recent visit, I was surprised to be greeted by an empty parking lot.

Two cyclists ride through Suan Luang Rama IX

It’s the kind of park that seems to defy Bangkok norms. Staff, clad in perfectly pressed green uniforms, patrol the grounds and keep the trees and hedges neatly trimmed. Don’t be surprised by a friendly salute and smile as you pass. There are bins for trash at every turn, and guests don’t seem to even think about littering.

And there’s something mysterious about the massive plot of greenery that can fool guests into believing they’re hundreds of kilometers from Bangkok. It’s hard to put your finger on at first, but then it hits: the supreme air quality. The park is so large and so well maintained that it’s simply easier to breathe here than elsewhere in Bangkok.

A couple look across the park’s expansive lake toward its Ratchamangkala Pavilion

Visitors are likely to walk away with a blissful feeling from Rama IX Park, and they may also pick up some knowledge of the local flora, as most plant species are labeled with plaques denoting their scientific name and origin.

Also find a Chinese garden, an herb garden showcasing plants used in local cuisine, a pretty amazing cactus garden and a hedge maze that may leave its explorers disoriented.

Lilies choke the Chinese garden in Suan Luang Rama IX Park in a recent photo

Forget the Green Lung, head to Rama IX Park for natural tranquility far removed from the city. If you have children they are sure to enjoy the paddle boats on the large lake.

For the car-free, the Rama IX Park can be reached by taxi from Paradise Park Shopping Center. The closest rail line is BTS Udom Suk, from there take a taxi or buses No. 48 then 207 to reach the mall. Find some basic information in English on its non-updated website.

Body of Unknown Man Pulled from Chao Phraya

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Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

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23 March 2016, 17:57

Onlookers linger where a rescue boat retrieved the body of an unidentified middle-aged man Wednesday morning from Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River near the Rama V Bridge.

NONTHABURI — A dead body was found floating again in the Chao Phraya River this morning near the Rama V Bridge.

Police are still searching for the relatives of an unidentified man of about 50 found in the same area part of a dismembered Spanish man was discovered in February.

No identification was found on the body of the white-haired man. He wore black pants and a Khaki shirt with a still-functional G-Shock watch.

The man probably died about three days ago, according to Lt. Piyanat Jiamrum of Nonthaburi Police Station. No injuries were found on the body which was taken to Thammasat University Hospital for further examination.

Court Battle for Baby Carmen Begins

By

Associated Press

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23 March 2016, 17:45

American Gordon Lake, left, and Manuel Santos, right, walk with their baby Carmen, center, at the Central Juvenile and Family Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / Associated Press

BANGKOK — An American-Spanish same-sex couple opened a high-profile custody battle on Wednesday for a baby girl born to a surrogate mother, who decided she wanted to keep the child when she found out they were gay.

The case is complicated by the fact that Thai law does not recognize same-sex marriages and also by a new law that bans commercial surrogacy, which took effect after baby Carmen's birth.

The couple — American Gordon Lake and Spaniard Manuel Santos, both 41 — have been stuck in Thailand since launching their legal battle after Carmen was born in January 2015.

"It's the day we've been waiting for — for a long, long time. Today is one of the most important days of our lives," Lake said outside Bangkok's Juvenile and Family Court. "The court should give us custody of Carmen because it's the right thing to do."

Lake is the biological father of baby Carmen, who is now 14 months old, while the egg came from an anonymous donor, not the Thai surrogate, Patidta Kusolsang.

When Carmen was born, Patidta handed over the baby to Lake and Santos, who left the hospital with the infant. But they say Patidta then changed her mind and refused to sign the documents to allow Carmen to get a passport so they could leave Thailand.

Lake and Santos were told she had thought they were an "ordinary family and that she worried for Carmen's upbringing," according to a message Lake posted on a crowd funding site that has raised USD$36,000 (1.25 million baht) to help cover the costs of the trial and staying in Thailand.

Patidta's lawyer declined to speak to reporters at the court Wednesday. Testimony from both sides is scheduled to end March 31.

Gordon Lake talks to reporters before trail at the Central Juvenile and Family Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Photo: Sakchai Lalit / Associated Press

Lake has said he doesn't know why the surrogate says she didn't know he was gay. He says he was clear about that from the start with their surrogacy agency, called New Life, which has branches in several countries.

The Bangkok-based New Life office has closed since commercial surrogacy was outlawed in Thailand in July 2015, following several high-profile scandals. There was a grace period provided for parents whose babies were already on the way, and Lake says he hopes the judge is sympathetic to them.

"It was always known it was a surrogacy agreement. We're the intended parents. We're the people that wanted to have a child," said Lake, who is originally from New Jersey. "We just want to go home and we just want to be a family. A normal boring family."

Carmen has lived with the couple since her birth, and they carried her into the court on Wednesday.

The couple's lawyer, Rachapol Sirikulchit, says he is confident they will be awarded custody and take the baby with them to Spain, where they live.

"Baby Carmen has the right to be with her biological father, who supports her financially and has cared for her since she was born," Rachapol said. "The priority is to consider the benefit for children and that they have the right to live with their biological parent."

Story: Ying Panyapon / Associated Press

Taxi Driver Ex-Con Accused of Robbing Chinese Tourists

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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23 March 2016, 16:41

Sirichai Srisuk’s driver ID card, the gun he allegedly used in Monday’s robbery in Pathum Thani province and some of his alleged victim’s possessions. Photo: Tourist Police

BANGKOK — Police arrested a taxi driver early this morning suspected of robbing two Chinese tourists at gunpoint in a northeastern suburb of the capital.

Sirichai Srisuk, 29, was arrested at around 1:30am early on Wednesday in Pathum Thani, Tourist Police announced, at which point most of the tourists’ stolen items were recovered.

Sirichai is accused of robbing the two tourists with a handgun at about 9:30pm on Monday after picking them up at BTS Mo Chit and driving them to Pathum Thani. After robbing them, he left them stranded on a road there, according to the police news release.

Chinese Tourists Say Taxi Robbed Them at Gunpoint

The two tourists, Guo Huan and Cheng Xie Yi,, sought help from residents in the area, who later brought them to a police station.

Srichai reportedly took the tourists’ bags, three mobile phones, 23,000 baht and travel documents. All but the passports have been recovered, the report said.

Sirichai had a prior conviction on drug-related charges for which he spent two years behind bars before being released in early 2015, it said.

Taxi Driver Busted for Stealing Tourists' Bags at BKK Airport

Tourists Robbed By Tuk-Tuk Driver and Motorcyclist Duo

Pattaya Man Reportedly Shot For Chasing Tourist-Robbing Teenagers

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

Belgian Broadcaster Identifies 2 Suspects in Attacks

By

Associated Press

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23 March 2016, 15:15

In this image provided by the Belgian Federal Police in Brussels on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 of three men who are suspected of taking part in the attacks at Belgium's Zaventem Airport. The man at right is still being sought by the police and two others in the photo that the police issued were according to a the Belgian Prosecutors 'probably' suicide bombers. Photo: Belgian Federal Police / Associated Press

BRUSSELS — Belgian authorities were searching Wednesday for a top suspect in the country's deadliest attacks in decades, as the European Union's capital awoke under guard and with limited public transport after 34 were killed in bombings on the Brussels airport and a subway station.

Police conducted raids into the night and circulated a photo of three men seen in the airport suspected of involvement in Tuesday's attacks.

Belgian state broadcaster RTBF has identified two of the attackers as brothers Khalid and Brahim Bakraoui. They are believed to have blown themselves up in the attacks.

The third man is at large and has not been identified.

The report Wednesday says the brothers were known to police for past crimes, but nothing relating to terrorism. RTBF says Khalid El Bakraoui had rented an apartment which was raided by police last week in an operation that led authorities to top Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam.

Last week, Belgian police said they were hunting for a suspected Abdeslam accomplice, Najim Laachraoui. He is believed to have made the suicide vests used in the November attacks in Paris, in which 130 people were killed, according to a French police official who said Laachraoui's DNA was found on all of them and in a Brussels apartment where they were made.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is continuing.

The airport and several Brussels metro stations remain closed Wednesday. Security forces stood guard around the neighborhood housing headquarters of EU institutions, as nervous Brussels residents began returning to school and work under a misty rain.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attacks.

People holding a banner reading "I am Brussels" behind flowers and candles to mourn for the victims at Place de la Bourse in the center of Brussels, Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Photo: Martin Meissner

Story: Associated Press

Zebra Runs Amok in Japanese Golf Course, Dies in Lake

By

Associated Press

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23 March 2016, 12:38

An animal doctor uses a tranquilizer dart to capture an zebra on a golf course in Toki, Gifu prefecture, central Japan Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Photo: Naoya Osato / Kyodo News / Associated Press

TOKYO — A zebra that was on the loose on a Japanese golf course for hours has died after it was chased around by a dozen men including police officers, likely drowning after being shot by tranquilizer dart and plunging into a lake.

Police say the 2-year-old male zebra escaped late Tuesday from a horseback riding club. It had belonged to a farm in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan.

By Wednesday morning, it had wandered onto a nearby golf course in Gifu Prefecture, with TV news footage showing it zipping from hole to hole.

People were chasing the animal around the golf course, some holding lassos, trying to capture it, but with little luck. The animal would let them get close, then would dash off when they tried to rein it in.

It was shot with a tranquilizer dart, but then ran into a lake.

It was rescued within minutes, but its heart had stopped, and attempts to resuscitate it failed, said Takahiro Taniguchi of Tajimi police in Gifu.

Although the cause of death was unclear, as it may have died from the tranquilizer medication, it likely drowned, Taniguchi said. A veterinarian on scene said the zebra appeared to have drowned, he said.

“We pulled it out, but its heart had stopped,” he said.

A zebra is pulled from a lake in Toki, Gifu prefecture, central Japan Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Photo: Naoya Osato / Kyodo News / Associated Press

Story: Yuri Kageyama

Motorist Survives Rama IV Road Assassins

By

Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

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23 March 2016, 12:18

A tight cluster of seven bullet holes on the driver’s side of a Toyota Vios shot up early Wednesday morning on Rama IV Road near Khlong Toei Junction in Bangkok. Six shots hit the driver inside.

BANGKOK — Police are seeking two suspects who opened fire on a vehicle early this morning, shooting its driver six times near a busy Bangkok market.

Suvit Anannateechai, 47, is in stable condition at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital after two men attacked him as he was reportedly on his way to Khlong Toei Market at about 5:30am on Wednesday morning with his girlfriend, Lt. Col. Yanyong Suwansa-ard of Tha Ruea Police Station said.

Five bullets hit Suvit’s torso and one went through his hand. The woman, who was not identified, was uninjured in the attack.

Chanin Saengmangmee, a security guard in the market’s parking lot, said he saw two men in jackets and jeans ride up on a motorcycle to the victim’s Toyota Vios and fire into the vehicle through the windshield.

The guard said he saw them flee by Sunthorn Kosa Road toward the Na Ranong intersection.

Acting metro police chief Sanit Mahatavorn said the attackers have been identified from security camera footage. Police are investigating the attack, Sanit said.

Chayanit Itthipongmaetee can be reached at[email protected] and @chayaniti92.

Charter Drafters Say They Accept Some Contentious Junta Points

By

Reuters

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23 March 2016, 11:30

Prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha arrives at a weekly cabinet meeting at Government House in Bangok, Feb. 2, 2016. Photo: Chaiwat Subprasom / Reuters

By Aukkarapon Niyomyat
Reuters

BANGKOK — Thailand's constitution drafters said on Tuesday they had accepted proposals from the ruling junta that critics say are designed to prolong the military's hold on power.

The generals running Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy have vowed to restore stability and hold a general election in 2017.

But critics, including main political parties, oppose some provisions in a new constitution they fear will dilute the power of parties and enshrine the military's influence.

Those provisions include a 250-member unelected upper house Senate and the appointment of civil servants, including top military commanders, to the Senate.

"There will be 250 unelected senators with power to protect the constitution and push reforms," Norachit Sinhaseni, a spokesman for the Constitution Drafting Committee, told reporters.

"About 2.5 percent of the Senate can be civil servants, or by my calculations, about six people," he said.

The military ousted the elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in a 2014 coup, its second takeover in eight years of sporadic turmoil generated by conflict between populist political forces and the royalist-military establishment.

The junta discarded the previous constitution and has defended its drafting of a new one saying it wants to promote stability and good government, not prolong its power.

But even parties allied with the establishment and favorable toward the junta have criticized some of the charter provisions saying they would give the armed forces legislative control.
The then army chief who staged the 2014 coup, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, said the junta's proposals for the constitution were aimed at helping future governments.

"Everything we do is for the next government," he said.

The draft constitution will be put to a referendum in July. Prayuth, apparently mindful of investor concerns about prolonged political deadlock if the charter is rejected, has said an election will be held in 2017 no matter what.

Democrat Slams 3 Years of Education Written Out of Constitution

Public Can Register for Right to Speak Out on Draft Charter

Constitution Debate To Be Televised

Elephant Kills Longtime Mahout at Chiang Mai Zoo

By

Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

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23 March 2016, 11:23

Elephants cool off March 13 at Chiang Mai Zoo. Photo: Chiang Mai Zoo / Facebook

CHIANG MAI — A mahout was killed by an elephant yesterday at Chiang Mai Zoo.

Somsak Panna was herding bull elephant Billy back to his corral to feed him breakfast Tuesday morning when the 25-year-old pachyderm gored the keeper with his tusk.

“Another worker attempted to stop the elephant, but it was too late,” according to a statement from the zoo published Tuesday evening.

Nipon Wicghairat, director of Chiang Mai Zoo, said Billy had showed signs of musth, a hormonally aggressive mating state, including stomping things, for over two weeks. He played down the possibility high temperatures were a factor, saying the zoo has been spraying the elephants with water to keep them cool.

Somsak, 52, reportedly worked for the zoo 21 years and was close to Billy.

Billy is now reportedly being kept in a private corral.

Elephant Kills Scotsman, Injures Teen Daughter

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