US WWII Vet Reunites With Wartime Girlfriend in Australia

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10 February 2016, 16:16

In this photo taken Nov. 6, 2015, Norwood Thomas, 93, talks with Joyce Morris via Skype from his home in Virginia Beach, Va. Photo: Bill Tiernan / The Virginian-Pilot / AP

SYDNEY — A 93-year-old World War II veteran from the United States embraced his wartime girlfriend in Australia in their reunion Wednesday after more than 70 years apart.

Norwood Thomas and 88-year-old Joyce Morris laughed as they wrapped their arms around each other after Thomas flew from Virginia to the southern Australian city of Adelaide to reconnect with his long-lost love.

"This is about the most wonderful thing that could have happened to me," Thomas said, in a reunion broadcast on Channel 10's "The Project."

"Good," Morris replied with a laugh. "We're going to have a wonderful fortnight."

Morris was a 17-year-old British girl and Thomas was a 21-year-old paratrooper when they first met in London shortly before D-Day. After the war, he returned to the United States. The pair wrote letters to each other, and Thomas asked Morris to come to the United States to marry him. But somehow Morris misunderstood and thought he'd found someone else, so she stopped writing.

Norwood Thomas holds up a photo of Joyce Morris Nov. 6 at his home in the state of Virginia. Photo: Bill Tiernan / The Virginian-Pilot / Associated Press

The two eventually married other people. Thomas' wife died in 2001; Morris divorced her husband after 30 years.

Last year, Morris asked one of her sons to look for Thomas online, and they found his name featured in an article about D-Day that ran in The Virginian-Pilot newspaper.

Thomas and Morris reconnected via Skype. After their story went public, hundreds of people made donations to help fund Thomas' trip to Australia from his hometown in Virginia Beach.

The two are planning to spend Valentine's Day together.

Story: Associated Press

Myanmar Military Plane Crash Kills 4

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Associated Press

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10 February 2016, 15:15

Military personnel inspect the wreckage of a Myanmar military aircraft that crashed in an area close to the airport in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. Photo: Aung Shine Oo / AP

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar — Four Myanmar military personnel were killed and one survived Wednesday when an air force utility aircraft crashed after taking off from the airport in the capital Naypyitaw, officials said.

An Information Ministry statement identified the aircraft, which crashed in a rice field about 1.6 kilometers from the airport, as a Beech 1900, a 19-passenger twin-engine turboprop no longer in production. Photos of the crashed plane showed that most of its fuselage had burned up.

The dead included a major, two captains and a corporal, said Gen. Aung Ye Win of the office of the Myanmar army commander. The sole survivor was another corporal who has been hospitalized.

A number of military personnel were feared dead after a small aircraft went down in a field near the airport. Photo: Aung Shine Oo / Associated Press

Maung Tin, a farmer, said he was working when he saw the plane crash, and ran over to it to try to break one of its windows with a spade in order to get the passengers out.

"As I cracked the glass window and pulled one of them out, fire was all over the plane," he told The Associated Press.

Villagers and military officers gather at a site of a Myanmar military aircraft that crashed in an area close to the airport in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. Photo: Aung Shine Oo / Associated Press

A military officer gestures by the wreckage of a Myanmar military aircraft that crashed in an area close to the airport in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016. Photo: Aung Shine Oo / Associated Press

Story: Associated Press

Khaosod English Reporter Named Finalist for Free Speech Award

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Khaosod English

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10 February 2016, 13:05

Previously held incommunicado twice, Pravit Rojanaphruk was summoned to a Bangkok Starbucks for a Feb. 3 meeting with representatives of the ruling junta.

BANGKOK — A Khaosod English reporter is one of five journalists shortlisted for a Freedom of Expression Award by a London-based nonprofit advocating for free speech around the world.

Pravit Rojanaphruk was named Tuesday as a finalist by the Index on Censorship’s Freedom of Expression Awards, given to individuals who have made a difference fighting censorship under adverse circumstances.

“The recognition deepens my conviction that the world is watching the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and democracy in Thailand,” Pravit said. “I feel honored and will continue to do my best with fortitude."

Pravit stands alongside finalists including Zaina Erhaim, a female Syrian reporter still working from her devastated country; an Egyptian news cooperative challenging their authoritarian government’s media hegemony; Pakistani television reporter Hamid Mir; and an independent Kurdish newspaper in Turkey that defies censorship to report on corruption.

The awards are bestowed in the categories of journalism, the arts, online activism and campaigning. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges including a Nobel laureate in literature and announced April 13 in London.

“Some in the news media believe that, at this challenging time for expression, we should mute or soften our voices and wait for a more convenient time to be heard,” said Todd Ruiz, Khaosod English editor. “It’s actually when the courage to speak matters most, and we’re gratified to see Pravit recognized for taking only one side: that of our readers.”

Pravit joined Khaosod English last year after being forced out of The Nation newspaper, where he had worked since 1992, following his second secret detention by Thailand’s military government. On Feb. 3, he was summoned for a meeting with soldiers dispatched by the junta to express their dissatisfaction with his writing.

Pravit covers politics and government, and his stories often bring to attention the ongoing suppression of human rights under the junta which seized power in 2014. He also pens a weekly column.

Khaosod English is part of the Matichon Group, which also publishes flagship newspaper Matichon, mass-circulation Khaosod and Prachachat Business.

Samui Merchants Give Up on Govt, Repair Own Road

By

Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Staff Reporter

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10 February 2016, 12:43

Souvenir merchant Samran Lungkum, at right, and Chaweng Beach locals come together Monday to repair their road. Photo: Samran Lungkum / Facebook

SAMUI — Tired of waiting for the authorities to repair a small chasm in their road, a group of merchants on Koh Samui on Monday took matters into their own hands.

Located at a three-way junction near Chaweng beach, the 50-centimeter by 1-meter hole has caused many road accidents for local residents and tourists, which spurred local merchants to finally do it themselves.

“Many accidents happened here. I’ve seen many tourists injured from this, and I felt bad for them,” said Samran Lungkum, a 52-year-old souvenir merchant. “So I and other merchants living nearby spent 400 baht on asphalt.”

It’s money well-spent, she said.

“If we don’t have tourists, we won’t be able to make a living,” Samran said. “I’m happy that there won’t be any road accidents here anymore.”

A leather merchant, who asked only to be identified as Natthakan, said some tourists lack motorcycle-riding skills and often fall.

“We waited too long for the municipality to repair the road,” Natthakan said.

There have not been any road accidents in the area since the road was repaired, Samran said.

Koh Samui municipal officials could not be reached for comment.

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

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].

Police Trace Steps of Suspected Spanish Killer

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Sasiwan Mokkhasen, Staff Reporter

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10 February 2016, 12:27

A freezer seen Tuesday in a Soi Ramkhamhaeng 174 home rented by Spanish murder suspect, Artur Segarra, 36. Police believe he used it to store the remains of David Bernat.

BANGKOK — Police will seek court approval today to continue holding Spanish murder suspect Artur Segarra while they continue to build their case against him.

Though some evidence including the freezer police believe he used to store the remains of victim David Bernat was found Tuesday at a residence he rented, the 36-year-old suspect maintains he is innocent of killing and dismembering the 39-year-old fellow Spaniard, whose body parts were found in Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.

Segarra will be brought Wednesday afternoon to the Criminal Court on Ratchada Road to seek approval for further detention.

Despite earlier believing Bernat was killed by a group of conspirators, lead investigator police Gen. Panya Maman said Tuesday they are now convinced Segarra carried out the murder alone.

On Tuesday police searched a canal located behind the PG Rama 9 Condominium where Segarra was renting a unit. It is believed Bernat was held against his will and killed in the residence. Police suspected the knives used to carry out the crime might have been disposed of in the canal, though no evidence was found.

Traces of blood were reportedly found on a restroom wall inside the condo and collected for further examination.

Segarra was taken into Thai custody Monday when he was handed over by Cambodian police who captured him in Sihanoukville province. Police speculate he abducted and murdered Bernat to steal about 37 million baht which he transferred to his own bank account and then and tried to withdraw in large amounts from various ATMs.

Police took Segarra’s girlfriend, Pridsana “Ploy” Seanubon, to a house he had recently rented in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 174 where it’s suspected he dismembered Bernat before dumping his remains in the river. There they found the freezer she had described earlier.

Segarra reportedly ordered the freezer for delivery Jan. 17 to his condo and then had it moved to the Ramkhamhaeng house.

Police also led Pridsana to a location at the entrance of Soi Ramkhamhaeng 156 where they suspect Segarra disposed of a box containing knives used in the crime.

Suspect’s girlfriend, Pridsana “Ploy” Seanubon, shows the spot at the entrance of Ramkhamhaeng 156 where she claims the knives were disposed.

Cambodia to Hand Over Spanish Murder Suspect

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Police Puzzled After Body Parts Fished Out of Chao Phraya

Junta Threatens to Summon Critics of Charter Draft

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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10 February 2016, 11:48

Junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha speaks at a Feb. 2 meeting at Government House in Bangkok.

BANGKOK — Anyone who criticizes the new constitution drafted recently by a junta-appointed body risks being summoned for a “discussion” with the military junta, a spokesman warned yesterday.

The warning Tuesday from junta spokesman Piyapong Klinpan came at the same time military forces are being dispatched to local communities across the country to tout the new charter draft, which will go to a vote in July.

While discussion of the draft constitution is allowed, Col. Piyapong said anyone who attempts to “distort” the issue will be summoned for a talk.

“We will invite them for discussions to create understanding, for the sake of a reconciliatory atmosphere,” Piyapong told reporters. “We will invite them for a talk on a personal basis. In the past, we have talked with many people, and they gave us good cooperation.”

Although Piyapong did not name anyone at the news conference, several activist groups have criticized the junta-sponsored charter draft on social media, including members of the student-led New Democracy Movement and iLaw, an online legal rights watchdog.

Leaders of the Redshirt movement, which is allied to the elected government toppled by the junta in May 2014, have vowed to urge their supporters to vote it down.

Political campaigns and protests of any kind have been banned in Thailand since the current junta took power. To enforce the ban, the junta has summoned dissidents for “attitude adjustment,” while activists who pose public challenges have been sent to stand trial in military court.

Another junta spokesman, Col. Winthai Suvaree, said Tuesday that discussions about the charter must strictly remain within “appropriate boundaries.”

“I’d like to ask for cooperation from certain individuals and certain comments to adjust their style and method of presentation, into a constructive manner within appropriate boundaries and hypotheses,” said Winthai who, like Piyapong, did not mention anyone by name.

Piyapong said physical harm was not part of the strategy.

“We will issue them a warning without using any violence,” he said of those whose comments are deemed inappropriate.

He also urged critics of the charter to submit their opinions to the junta through approved channels, such as government complaint centers and soldiers in charge of the charter PR campaign in their respective provinces.

Winthai was referring to a recent decision by the junta to dispatch soldiers and young reservists on a nationwide campaign to publicize about the new constitution draft.

The Good, Bad and Ugly of Junta’s ‘Anti-Corruption’ Constitution

Charter Gets Broadcast Boost, But Criticism Will Not be Televised

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

US Senate Confirms Obama's Choice for Ambassador to Myanmar

By

Associated Press

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10 February 2016, 11:08

In this Nov. 5, 2009 file photo, Scot Alan Marciel speaks in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Apichart Weerawong / AP

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Barack Obama's nominee to serve as ambassador to Myanmar.

The vote on Tuesday was 90-0 for a career Foreign Service officer, Scot Alan Marciel, who has served in Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Turkey, Brazil and Hong Kong. Marciel has been principal deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs since 2013.

Marciel will replace Derek Mitchell as Myanmar makes the transition to a democratically elected government.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Mitchell's tenure and welcomed his successor in remarks prior to the vote.

The Kentucky Republican traveled to Myanmar in 2012 and says its transition from military rule to a democracy is an "important mark of reform in a country with a long and troubled history."

Story: Associated Press.

Fries With That? Man Accused of Tossing Gator at Drive-Thru

By

Associated Press

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10 February 2016, 10:35

This Oct. 12, 2015 photo shows an alligator in the kitchen of a Wendy's Restaurant in Loxahatchee, Fla. Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission / AP

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — Alligators have been used as shoes, briefcases, university mascots, lunch and now, authorities say, a deadly weapon.

Joshua James, 24, was arrested Monday and charged with assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill after Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officials say he threw a 1-meter alligator through a Palm Beach County Wendy's drive-thru window in October. He's also charged with illegally possessing an alligator and petty theft. Jail records show he was released on USD$6,000 (212, 370 baht) bail Tuesday. He was ordered to have no contact with animals.

Wildlife officer Nicholas Guerin said in his report that James drove his pickup truck to the window at about 1:20 a.m. Oct. 11. After an employee handed James his drink, he threw the alligator through the window and drove off. No one was hurt. Guerin captured the alligator and released it into the wild. Guerin said James was tracked down through video surveillance and a purchase at a neighboring convenience store.

Guerin wrote that James admitted throwing the alligator in a December interview. He said James told him he had found the alligator on the side of the road and put it in his truck.

Story: Terry Spencer / Associated Press

Police to Combat Bad Airport Taxis With Lecture and Sticker

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

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9 February 2016, 18:27

Police officers award “Friendly Taxi” stickers to cabbies who participate in Tuesday’s lecture.

SAMUT PRAKARN — Where mass public pledges, complaint hotlines and a smartphone app have failed, police said they have come up with a new measure to discourage abusive behavior among taxi drivers at Bangkok’s airports: a lecture and sticker.

Under the “Friendly Taxi” campaign, police officers today delivered a lecture encouraging taxi drivers to obey the law and refrain from ripping off, refusing, fooling and threatening passengers as found in many complaints on social media. Participating taxi drivers will get a “Friendly Taxi” sticker to display on their window.

More than 200 taxi drivers stationed at Suvarnabhumi Airport were the first batch of cabbies to join the briefing today, said Thana Chuwong, deputy commander of the First Region Police, whose jurisdiction covers the airport.

“We urged them to understand principles of servicing foreign tourists,” Maj. Gen. Thana said. “We started at Suvarnabhumi Airport first because it’s the face of our country.”

According to Thana, the project will expand to other provinces that cater to tourists, such as in Nonthaburi, where many taxi drivers can be found who service the nearby Don Mueang Airport, and Ayutthaya, a historic site that once served as capital city of the Siamese kingdom.

“We want to encourage taxi drivers to join the activity, so that they will be ambassadors of hospitality who impress foreign guests of our country,” Thana said.

Although the rest of Bangkok is not included in the “Friendly Taxi” program, the officer said that authorities there can implement a similar program.

Complaints about airport taxis range from long lines and expensive surcharges to some taxi drivers’ tendency to overcharge foreign tourists or refuse to take Thai passengers.

In January 2015, a Japanese man posted an account to Facebook of a taxi driver who demanded an expensive flat rate for his trip, and the post soon went viral on the internet. Netizens’ condemnation of the incident led airport authorities to ban the driver in question from the premises and pledge to improve quality of taxi service there.

Measures launched in the past year included the introduction of an online taxi complaint application called DLT Check In, mass arrests of taxis that refuse to pick up passengers in downtown Bangkok and lectures about service mindedness.

A recent Bangkok Post report quoted an official saying that 720 complaints about Suvarnabhumi Airport taxis were received in 2015 of the three million trips made by the 5,000 taxis registered there.

Taxi Association Condemns 'No Japanese Passengers' Sign

Thai Govt Releases Taxi Rating App

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

Death Toll in German Train Crash Rises to 8

By

Associated Press

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9 February 2016, 18:03

Police stand beside two trains that collided head-on near Bad Aibling, southern Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016. Photo: Uwe Lein / AP

BERLIN — German police say the death toll in the train crash in southern Germany has risen to eight. Police spokesman Stefan Sonntag said 150 people were injured in the Tuesday morning crash, including 50 severely.

The two trains crashed head-on into each other shortly before 7 a.m. on the single line that runs next to the Mangfall river in Bad Aibling, Bavaria.

Injured people are being carried by helicopter and boat from the inaccessible site of a train crash in southern Germany.

Rescue helicopters are carrying people on a rope across the Mangfall river to ambulances waiting on the other side, four hours after the two trains crashed head-on. Federal police spokesman Stefan Brandl says the stretch of line on which the two trains crashed is squeezed between the Mangfall river on one side and a forest on the other, which is making rescue operations very difficult.

A German news agency reported that the rail line is used by commuters going to Munich for work. Usually schoolchildren also take the trains, but they are currently on winter vacation.

The operator of the two trains that crashed, Bayerische Oberlandbahn, says on its website that the trains of the so-called Meridian line both partially derailed and are wedged into each other.

Both the trains' operator and federal police in Bavaria have activated phone hotlines for family and relatives.

The statement did not address the cause of the crash, and officials decline to comment on it.

Story: Associated Press

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