Revellers in Asia Prepare to Welcome New Year

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31 December 2014, 18:31

Thousands of New Year's Eve revellers with tents and tripods take up their positions early on the Sydney Harbour foreshore to watch tonight's New Year's Eve fireworks in Sydney, Australia, 31 December 2014. EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Sydney (dpa) – Sydney geared up for its annual New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza Wednesday, with thousands of residents and tourists reserving their spots days beforehand.

Some expectant revellers said they had arrived as early as Monday to see in 2015 at Sydney Harbour at midnight (1300 GMT).

More than 1 million people are expected the watch the fireworks along the city's iconic bridge.

For the first time, partygoers at official sites in Sydney will not be able to bring their own drinks, broadcaster ABC reported, with alcohol only available from a quarter of the sites, and only from on-site vendors.

In Melbourne, celebrations for families are set to focus on fireworks at 9.30 pm (1030 GMT), with local authorities expecting up to half a million people.

While it may be the first globally recognized celebration, the Sydney fireworks come three hours after Samoa (1000 GMT) says goodbye to 2014, and two hours after New Zealand (1100 GMT), where poor weather is expected to dampen celebrations, if not the mood.

Forecasters are predicting rain across much of the country.

Younger New Zealanders and tourists tend to flock to the beaches and resorts, while major cities Wellington and Christchurch will see a mix of bands, movies and a countdown to fireworks at midnight.

In Auckland, four tons of sand and almost as much musical talent have been shipped into the central business district for a "beach" party, where – like most other venues – a total liquor ban is in effect.

Across Japan, recession is expected to make more people than usual flock to shrines and temples to pray for happiness and prosperity during the first three days of the New Year.

As per tradition, temple bells are set to chime around midnight (1700 GMT).

The fall in the value of the yen is also expected to change travel habits this holiday.

The number of travellers through the Narita International Airport over the holiday period was expected to drop 4 per cent from a year earlier to about 1.24 million.

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Sakon Nakhon Man Wins 90 Million Baht Lotto

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31 December 2014, 17:23

SAKON NAKHON – A state employee in Sakon Nakhon province has been declared the biggest winner of the last lottery draw of the year 2014, reaping 90 million baht in prize money.

Phanuchit Srihaklang, 36, who works at the local Provincial Administrative Organisation, said he picked the government lottery ticket with the number 461704 because he was inspired by the license plate number of his car, 7104.

"I was driving to work at the PAO, but another vehicle crashed into the back of my car," Phanuchit said.

Phanuchit explained that he merely wanted to buy lottery tickets that end with the number "04," but he could only find the ones with the number 461704. He told reporters that he bought 15 copies of the ticket with that number for 2,500 baht.

According to Phanuchit, he intended to use the money to pay off his family's debts. He said he would also pay for the education fees of all of his young relatives with the prize money.

"I will still work at the PAO," Phanuchit said.

Many Thais choose lottery tickets based on the number that is involved in accidents, tragedies, or any other uncommon situations.

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Angry Southern Ranger Shoots Squadmate, Police Say

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31 December 2014, 16:23

Sayan Paksasorn as he was being led away by security officers, 30 December 2014

PATTANI – An army volunteer ranger is under arrest for allegedly shooting at his squadmate over a dispute in the restive southern province of Pattani.

Police say Sayan Paksasorn opened fire at Sgt. Manasak Pakchim at a checkpoint near Prom Prasit Temple in Panare district yesterday.

According to police, the two had a heated argument as they were manning the security checkpoint, and Sayan ended up using his firearm to shoot at Sgt. Manasak. The wounded sergeant was transported to Panare Hospital.

Sayan waited "calmly" for police officers to arrive and take him into custody, police say. It is not immediately clear if the suspect has been charged.

Tens of thousands of troops, policemen, and armed volunteer rangers, have been deployed in the southern border provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala, where separatist insurgents are attempting to create a breakaway Islamic sultanate.

More than 6,200 people have been killed since secessionist violence broke out in 2004. Many of the deaths are caused by roadside bombings and attacks on security force and civilians suspected of collaborating with the Thai state, though human rights activists have also documented many cases of brutality and abuse of power by security forces in the region.

In August, a volunteer ranger admitted to killing a local 14-year-old boy and planting a firearm on his body to falsely implicate him as an insurgent.

More recently, an army private shot at and killed three soldiers at their base in Pattani province in November. Police say the private was "drunk" at the time.

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Thai Human Rights Commission Slated For ‘Downgrading’

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31 December 2014, 14:44

Anti-coup activists criticize National Human Rights Commission at a Dec. 12, 2014, awards ceremony.

BANGKOK — A major international human rights body has flagged Thailand’s national human rights commission for a “downgrading,” citing its questionable role in tackling civil rights issues.

According to the report released today by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC), Thailand’s Office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should be downgraded from its current status of “A” to “B.”

The report of international rights commissions accreditation was compiled in October 2014.

The ICC notes that, due to a limited selection process, the NHRC composes of only “officials from a very small number of public institutions, with no clear representation, or a requirement for consultation with key stakeholder groups or
civil society.”

The committee also criticises the NHRC for delaying its report on the 2010 political unrest until three years have elapsed, despite the fact that more than 90 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the clashes between Redshirt demonstrators and the security force, and numerous human right abuses were reported throughout the turbulent period of April-May 2010.

Furthermore, the NHRC is yet to complete and publish a report into alleged serious human rights violations related to anti-government protests that erupted in late 2013, says the ICC, which is a global network of international national human rights commissions.

The independence of the NHRC is similarly questioned in the ICC report, with the committee expressing concern that ‘staff members of the NHRC were displaying publicly their political affiliations whilst undertaking official functions.”

The NHRC is required to follow all recommendations prescribed by the ICC in its report in the next year, or risk being downgraded in late 2015.

If the NHRC is actually downgraded to “B” status, the commission will not be able to vote or hold governance in ICC meetings, the ICC website warned. A “B” status will also strip the NHRC of its ability to take the floor under agenda items and submit to the United Nations’ Human Rights Council.

The ICC report followed a wave of criticism anti-coup activists have heaped on the NHRC in recent months, faulting the commission for its perceived collaboration with the military junta that seized power on 22 May 2014. Anti-coup activists say they are disappointed by the NHRC’s half-hearted rebuke of the coup and the junta’s subsequent crackdown on freedom of expression.

The commission’s responses are a stark contrast to other international human rights agencies, such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International, which have repeatedly criticised the junta’s suspension of civil liberties.

In her latest public speech, at the annual human rights award ceremony on 12 December, NHRC director Amara Pongsapitchaya did not explicitly condemn the junta’s ongoing ban on political expression, only noting that anti-coup activists and the junta view human rights differently.

“The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) thinks we have to sacrifice personal rights to protect the rights of all citizens, while the anti-coup faction believes personal rights and political rights cannot be infringed at all,” Amara said at the cerremony.

Critics of the NHRC also accuse the agency of harbouring a bias against the Redshirt movement, which supported the former government toppled in the coup.

The NHRC’s 2013 report about the military crackdown on Redshirt protesters in 2010 was slammed by Redshirt supporters and human rights activists for its glaring omission of security officers’ use of force against unarmed protesters, despite a number of court inquests blaming some of the civilian deaths on the soldiers.

Instead, according to the NHRC narrative, Redshirt protesters “violated human rights” by staging a protest in downtown Bangkok, which “forced” the government at the time to enact emergency laws and send in armed troops to disperse the rallies.

Correction: The original version of this article incorrectly identifies the United Nations (UN) as the publisher of the accreditation report. The report is in fact compiled by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC)

Thai Human Rights Commission Slated For 'Downgrading'

By

Khaosod English

-

31 December 2014, 14:44

Anti-coup activists criticize National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at an award ceremony on 12 Dec 2014.

BANGKOK – A major international human rights body has flagged Thailand's national human rights commission for a "downgrading," citing its questionable role in tackling civil rights issues.

According to the report released today by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC), Thailand's Office of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) should be downgraded from its current status of "A" to "B."

The report of international rights commissions accreditation was compiled in October 2014.

The ICC notes that, due to a limited selection process, the NHRC composes of only "officials from a very small number of public institutions, with no clear representation, or a requirement for consultation with key stakeholder groups or
civil society."

The committee also criticises the NHRC for delaying its report on the 2010 political unrest until three years have elapsed, despite the fact that more than 90 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the clashes between Redshirt demonstrators and the security force, and numerous human right abuses were reported throughout the turbulent period of April-May 2010.

Furthermore, the NHRC is yet to complete and publish a report into alleged serious human rights violations related to anti-government protests that erupted in late 2013, says the ICC, which is a global network of international national human rights commissions.

The independence of the NHRC is similarly questioned in the ICC report, with the committee expressing concern that 'staff members of the NHRC were displaying publicly their political affiliations whilst undertaking official functions."

The NHRC is required to follow all recommendations prescribed by the ICC in its report in the next year, or risk being downgraded in late 2015.

If the NHRC is actually downgraded to "B" status, the commission will not be able to vote or hold governance in ICC meetings, the ICC website warned. A "B" status will also strip the NHRC of its ability to take the floor under agenda items and submit to the United Nations' Human Rights Council.

The ICC report followed a wave of criticism anti-coup activists have heaped on the NHRC in recent months, faulting the commission for its perceived collaboration with the military junta that seized power on 22 May 2014. Anti-coup activists say they are disappointed by the NHRC's half-hearted rebuke of the coup and the junta's subsequent crackdown on freedom of expression.

Anti-coup activists protesting the NHRC on 12 December 2014. One sign read: "You are fired, NHRC." Another mockingly asked, "Are you still alive, Amara?"

The commission's responses are a stark contrast to other international human rights agencies, such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International, which have repeatedly criticised the junta’s suspension of civil liberties.

In her latest public speech, at the annual human rights award ceremony on 12 December, NHRC director Amara Pongsapitchaya did not explicitly condemn the junta’s ongoing ban on political expression, only noting that anti-coup activists and the junta view human rights differently.

"The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) thinks we have to sacrifice personal rights to protect the rights of all citizens, while the anti-coup faction believes personal rights and political rights cannot be infringed at all," Amara said at the cerremony.

Critics of the NHRC also accuse the agency of harbouring a bias against the Redshirt movement, which supported the former government toppled in the coup.

The NHRC's 2013 report about the military crackdown on Redshirt protesters in 2010 was slammed by Redshirt supporters and human rights activists for its glaring omission of security officers' use of force against unarmed protesters, despite a number of court inquests blaming some of the civilian deaths on the soldiers.

Instead, according to the NHRC narrative, Redshirt protesters "violated human rights" by staging a protest in downtown Bangkok, which "forced" the government at the time to enact emergency laws and send in armed troops to disperse the rallies.

Correction: The original version of this article incorrectly identifies the United Nations (UN) as the publisher of the accreditation report. The report is in fact compiled by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC)

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'New Year Party Invitation' Leads to Fatal Shootings

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31 December 2014, 11:03

CHONBURI – A gunman reportedly opened fire on a group of New Year party-goers in Chonburi because he was angered by the way they invited him to join the party.

Two people were killed in the shootings, which took place at around 6.30 pm in front of a house in Phanat Nikhom district last night.

One of the victims was the owner of the house where the New Year party was taking place, police say, while the other victim has not been yet identified. Two more people were injured by the gunfire.

According to an eyewitness, the victims were drinking and celebrating New Year when a car passed by the party.

One of the party-goers thought the driver was one of the guests, so he went to the car and asked the driver, "Hey you, are you going to join us at the party or what?" said the eyewitness, who identified himself as Lue.

"The man in the car, who was dressed like a volunteer police officer, shouted back [angrily]: 'Who the hell did you 'hey you' at?'" Lue said, "So I wai him in apology. Then he drove away."

However, the man later returned to the party, got out of his car, and fired "many shots" at the party-goers, according to the witnesses. The perpetrator reportedly "calmly" left the scene afterward.

Police say they are looking for the suspect.

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Director Arrested For Filming 'Tsunami Ghost' Movies

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30 December 2014, 19:58

Arnon Mingkwanta (centre) at Tha Chat Chai Police Station, 30 December 2014.

PHUKET – A film director was arrested by police in Phuket for breaking into an abandoned hotel and shooting horror movies based on the tsunami that hit the island ten years ago.

Arnon Mingkwanta, 48, was detained at Phuket International Airport yesterday.

Phuket police say Mr. Arnon, who is better known by his stage name Poj Arnon, is wanted by the authorities on charges of illegal entry because of his intrusion into an abandoned building at Nai Yang Crown Hotel in Talang province between the period of 17-25 June 2014.

According to Pol.Lt.Col. Chalermchai Hernsawasdi, Arnon first applied for a permission from the hotel administration to shoot a film called "Daring to Face Tsunami Ghost" in its premises, but the hotel managers turned down the director's request.

However, Arnon and his crew broke into the hotel and used the location to shoot the film for more than a week, Pol.Lt.Col. Chalermchai said.

"He told the security guards that he had the permission to film at that location," Pol.Lt.Col. Chalermchai said, "Later, the managers know about it, so they … filed charges with Tha Chat Chai Police Station." The arrest warrant on Arnon was approved by the court on 26 December 20

Arnon denied the charges and was released on the bail of 100,000 baht.

The 48-year-old director is well-known in Thailand for his comedy films that feature transgender or gay individuals in the plot line.

On 26 December, residents in Phuket and other southern provinces of Thailand commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami that killed more than 100,000 people in the region.

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Gangs and Grenades Shock South Pattaya Community

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30 December 2014, 19:27

Police inspect the crime scene in South Pattaya, 30 December 2014

(Pattaya One)

Just before 3am on Tuesday, local residents in a South Pattaya community were awoken by the sounds of an explosion and the sound of many motorbikes and men shouting

Police rushed to the scene in Soi Khopai 1 off the South Pattaya Road, led by Police Colonel Supatee, the Chief of Pattaya Police who is currently dealing with an upsurge in gang-related violence as groups of youths attend the Pattaya Countdown Festival in South Pattaya.

Read full story here: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/162103/gangs-and-grenades-shock-south-pattaya-community/

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Debris, Bodies Found in Search for AirAsia Plane

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30 December 2014, 18:02

Indonesian Air Force members look the cockpit windows of C-130 Hercules plane during a search and rescue operation as they search for the missing AirAsia plane over Bangka Island, Indonesia. The search for a missing AirAsia plane that left Indonesia with 162 people on board expanded, with more aircraft and ships sent to scour a wider area. EPA/ADI WEDA +++(c) dpa

Jakarta (dpa) – Floating debris, a possible fuselage, and several bodies were spotted Tuesday by rescuers searching for an AirAsia plane with 162 people on board, as officials said they were nearly certain they had found the remains of flight QZ8501.

Local television reported that six bodies were found and at least three of them had been retrieved from waters about 100 nautical miles south-west of Pangkalan Bun in Central Kalimantan province.

"I can say with 95 per cent certainty that debris and objects spotted in the sea are from the aircraft," search and rescue chief Bambang Sulistyo told reporters.

Objects spotted included some believed to be a life vest, a seat and an emergency slide, officials said.

AirAsia Indonesia flight QZ8501 disappeared from radar over the Java Sea after taking off from Surabaya in Indonesia's East Java province en route to Singapore on Sunday morning.

Rescue chief Bambang also said an Indonesian Air Force aircraft spotted an object under the sea in the shape of an aircraft off the coast of Borneo island.

Local Air Force commander Dwi Putranto said the debris was found about 10 kilometres from the plane's last known location.

"My heart is filled with sadness for all the families involved in QZ 8501," AirAsia chief executive Tony Fernandes said in a tweet posted after the discovery of the debris and bodies.

"On behalf of AirAsia my condolences to all," he said. "Words cannot express how sorry I am."

Relatives of the passengers who had gathered at Juanda Airport in Surabaya, Indonesia's second largest city, broke down after hearing the news, television images showed.

Some fainted and were rushed to a nearby clinic.

Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini was seen trying to console the weeping relatives of the passengers.

The search was expanded Tuesday, with more aircraft and ships scouring a wider area, after operations on Tuesday yielded no positive results.

The Airbus A320-200 last made contact with air traffic control in Jakarta to request permission to ascend to an altitude of 38,000 feet from 32,000 feet to avoid bad weather, said Wahyu Daryono, director for safety at Airnav Indonesia, the state-owned company that provides air navigation services.

Traffic control did not immediately approve the request because other aircraft were in the way, but when it contacted the plane a few minutes later to tell the pilots that they could ascend to 34,000 feet, there was no response, Wisnu said.

AirAsia said 155 of the people on board were Indonesians. The others included three from South Korea, and one each from Singapore, Malaysia, France and Britain.

The company said the pilot, an Indonesian named Iriyanto, had 20,537 flying hours, 6,100 of them logged with AirAsia. The co-pilot was a French national with 2,275 flying hours.

On Monday Fernandes defended AirAsia's safety record, saying it has carried 220 million passengers in 13 years and never lost a life before.

The AirAsia flight's disappearance is the third air travel disaster this year linked to Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 carrying 239 people vanished almost without a trace on March 8, one hour after departing Kuala Lumpur for Beijing.

On July 17, Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 went down over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 passengers and crew on board the flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

Indonesia has experienced several fatal air accidents in the past decade.

It took Indonesian searchers 10 days to start finding debris from an Adam Air jet that crashed into the sea off Makassar in South Sulawesi in January 2007, killing all 102 people on board.

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Debris, Bodies Found in Search for AirAsia Plane

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30 December 2014, 18:02

A man pointing at an electronic display showing the arriving flights with the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 at the Changi Airport in Singapore, 28 December 2014. EPA/WALLACE WOON