U.S. Army Sergeant Bergdahl could face life sentence for endangering troops

By Colleen Jenkins

 

U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, accused of endangering fellow soldiers who searched for him after he walked off his combat outpost in Afghanistan in 2009 and was captured by the Taliban, pleaded guilty on Monday to desertion and misbehavior before the enemy.

 

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (Reuters) - U.S. Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl pleaded guilty on Monday to deserting his duties in Afghanistan in June 2009 and endangering the lives of fellow troops, a step toward resolving the politically charged case that could send him to prison for life.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007240-us-army-sergeant-bergdahl-could-face-life-sentence-for-endangering-troops/

 

Trump declares Obamacare 'dead,' urges Democratic help for short-term fix

By Roberta Rampton and Richard Cowan

 

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media with U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at his side in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, U.S., October 16, 2017. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday declared Obamacare "dead" and "gone," but urged Republicans and Democrats in Congress to craft a short-term fix of healthcare markets under the 7-year-old law that critics say he has effectively sabotaged.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007243-trump-declares-obamacare-dead-urges-democratic-help-for-short-term-fix/

 

Trucker in deadly Texas immigrant case pleads guilty, faces life sentence

By Jon Herskovitz

 

FILE PHOTO: Police officers work on a crime scene after eight people believed to be illegal immigrants being smuggled into the United States were found dead inside a sweltering 18-wheeler trailer parked behind a Walmart store in San Antonio, Texas, U.S. July 23, 2017. REUTERS/Ray Whitehouse/File Photo

 

AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - The driver of a truck packed with immigrants, 10 of whom died due to sweltering Texas heat in July, pleaded guilty on Monday to human smuggling charges and could face up to life in prison, prosecutors said.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007244-trucker-in-deadly-texas-immigrant-case-pleads-guilty-faces-life-sentence/

 

Loei’s Dan Sai town flooded by mountain run-offs

By The Nation

 

The business area in Loei’s Dan Sai district was flooded by the run-off from several mountains early Tuesday after hours of heavy rain.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007246-loei’s-dan-sai-town-flooded-by-mountain-run-offs/

 

Muslim man fatally shot in Yala

By The Nation

 

A Muslim man was fatally shot in his hut in Yala’s Bangnang Sata district late on Monday night, police said.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007247-muslim-man-fatally-shot-in-yala/

 

Wildfires kill at least 39 in Portugal and Spain

By Andrei Khalip and Raquel Castillo

 

Firefighters work to extinguish flames from a forest fire in Cabanoes near Lousa, Portugal, October 16, 2017. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

 

LISBON/MADRID (Reuters) - At least 36 people died in wildfires raging through parched farmlands and forests in Portugal and another three in neighbouring northwestern Spain on Sunday and Monday.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007248-wildfires-kill-at-least-39-in-portugal-and-spain/

 

U.S. not ruling out eventual direct talks with North Korea -deputy secretary of state

 

U.S Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan speaks during the OAS 47th General Assembly in Cancun, Mexico June 20, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso/Files

 

TOKYO (Reuters) - The United States is not ruling out the eventual possibility of direct talks with North Korea, Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan said on Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007249-us-not-ruling-out-eventual-direct-talks-with-north-korea-deputy-secretary-of-state/

 

Napoleon, tourists, divers and flu - flight opens up remote St. Helena

By Ed Cropley

 

A fire truck sprays water over the first ever commercial flight to land at St Helena airport near Jamestown, October 14, 2017. Picture taken October 14, 2017. REUTERS/Ed Cropley

 

JAMESTOWN, St. Helena (Reuters) - On St. Helena, the remote volcanic outcrop in the South Atlantic where Napoleon breathed his last, big changes are afoot - well, big by St. Helena standards.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007253-napoleon-tourists-divers-and-flu-flight-opens-up-remote st helena/

 

Patong nightclub operator sacked over shooting incident

Tanyaluk Sakoot

 

 A banner posted in front of what was formerly “Hollywood” reads, “Temporarily closed. (Location for rent)”. Photo: Preechawut Keesin 

 

PHUKET: The management of the Hollywood nightclub on Bangla Rd, Patong, has had its contract to operate the venue terminated following the shooting in the club in the early hours of last Thursday morning (Oct 12).

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007256-patong-nightclub-operator-sacked-over-shooting-incident/

 

Labor Ministry promoting Safety Thailand

 

 

BANGKOK, 17 October 2017 (NNT) – The Ministry of Labor is continuing to utilize the Pracharat mechanism to drive the Safety Thailand policy. 

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007257-labor-ministry-promoting-safety-thailand/

 

Ban Nam Pad school flooded for 10th time this year

By The Nation

 

 

The Ban Nam Pad School in Phitsanulok was hit by flooding again for the 10th time this year.

Mountain run-off caused the Nam Pad Canal to burst its banks and inundate the school in Moo 2 village in Tambon Chomphu of None Maprang district at 5am.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007258-ban-nam-pad-school-in-phitsanulok-flooded-for-10th-time-this-year/

 

Angsana Phuket appoints new Area General Manager

Phuket News

 

Australian national Michal Zitek has been appointed Area General Manager at Angsana Laguna Phuket.

 

PHUKET: Angsana Laguna Phuket has appointed Michal Zitek as Area General Manager to lead the strategic growth and oversee all of the Angsana brand operations in Phuket, including Angsana Laguna Phuket, Angsana Villas Resort Phuket, and Angsana Vacation Club.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007263-angsana-phuket-appoints-new-area-general-manager/

 

Commerce Ministry explains why US pork imports not yet allowed

 

 

BANGKOK, 17 October 2017 (NNT) – The Ministry of Commerce has made known it has yet to amend pork import regulations as requested by the United States, saying that even though compelled by treaty the change would have to be thoroughly studied first. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007266-thai-commerce-ministry-explains-why-us-pork-imports-not-yet-allowed/

 

DPM voices confidence in National Office of Buddhism

 

 

BANGKOK, 17 October 2017 (NNT) – The Deputy Prime Minister has voiced his confidence in the National Office of Buddhism and its operations, stating transfers within the office were not due to the temple fund corruption case. 

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007267-dpm-thanasak-voices-confidence-in-national-office-of-buddhism/

 

Facebook Founder To Visit Prayuth Later This Month

By Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

 

Mark Zuckerberg and Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha’s Facebook profile photos.

 

BANGKOK — Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg will be coming to Thailand later this month to meet Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the deputy prime minister said.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007274-facebook-founder-mark-zuckerberg-to-visit-pm-prayuth-later-this-month/

Reconciliation is top issue to unite divisive Thailand, says Anek

By Piyaporn Wongruang 
TheNation

 

Political reform committee chair, Anek.

 

Still an ideological peace advocate, Anek Laothamatas dreams of how best to forge reconciliation in divisive Thailand.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007277-reconciliation-is-top-issue-to-unite-divisive-thailand-says-anek/

 

Disaster zone declared as heavy rains crack open Lampang district

By Pratheep Nanthaparp 
The Nation

 

 

A swath of Mae Mo municipality in Lampang has been declared a disaster zone after days of heavy rain opened wide cracks in the earth, with erosion threatening eight homes.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007278-disaster-zone-declared-as-heavy-rains-crack-open-lampang-district/

U.S. buyers favor iPhone 7 over 8: research

BY REUTERS 

 

REUTERS/Edgar Su

 

(Reuters) – Apple Inc’s (AAPL.O) older iPhone 7 models are outselling the recently launched iPhone 8 ahead of the early November debut of the premium iPhone X, broker KeyBanc Capital Markets said, citing carrier store surveys.

 

Full story:  https://tech.thaivisa.com/u-s-buyers-favor-iphone-7-8-research/25019/

Bangkok expected to be hit by heavy rains again

By Coconuts Bangkok

 

Petchburi Road was submerged under water following downpours on Oct. 14, 2017. Photo: @UniqBoyd/ Twitter

 

Bangkokians woke up to flooding on Saturday morning and more downpours are expected to hit the lower region of Bangkok over the next few days. Due to this, the prime minister called a meeting yesterday to discuss the situation.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007279-bangkok-expected-to-be-hit-by-heavy-rains-again/

 

Netflix adds more subscribers than expected, shares hit record

BY REUTERS 

 

 

(Reuters) – Netflix Inc added more subscribers than expected around the world in the third quarter and projected growth in line with Wall Street forecasts, saying it had a head start on rivals as internet television explodes globally.

 

Full story: https://tech.thaivisa.com/netflix-adds-subscribers-expected-shares-hit-record/25022/

Overflowing Chee river causes havoc to many northeastern provinces

By Thai PBS

 

 

Heavy rain continues to cause havoc to many northeastern provinces along the Chee river after it overflows and submerges farmlands and houses.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007280-overflowing-chee-river-causes-havoc-to-many-northeastern-provinces/

 

No smoking? Now Hua Hin police get tough with beach booze ban

 

Picture: Thaivisa

 

HUA HIN: -- Just when it was expected that signage would begin to go up to ban smoking on Hua Hin's beach comes an altogether different directive.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007286-no-smoking-now-hua-hin-police-get-tough-with-beach-booze-ban/

 

Two Nigerian men arrested with fake passports in Nong Khai

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Nong Khai immigration police on Monday arrested two Nigerian men who were found to be using fake passports.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007290-two-nigerian-men-arrested-with-fake-passports-in-nong-khai/

 

UPDATE:

 

Ministry says 30 dignitaries confirm attendance of Royal Cremation on December 26

By Thai PBS

 

 

The Foreign Ministry says 30 dignitaries have confirmed to attend the Royal Cremation Ceremony of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 26.

 

Full story:  https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/980183-royal-cremation-of-the-late-king-bhumibol-adulyadej-is-set-on-october-26/?do=findComment&comment=12367720

 

Southern security forces too complacent, says deputy minister

By The Nation

 

 

The deputy minister of Defence has suggested that security forces manning checkpoints in the southernmost province have become too easy a target for insurgents.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007295-southern-security-forces-too-complacent-says-deputy-minister/

 

Wildlife sanctuary chief killed in flood

By The Nation

 

 

The director of a Phetchabun wildlife sanctuary was killed on Tuesday morning when his pickup truck was caught in whirling floodwaters.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007298-phetchabun-wildlife-sanctuary-chief-killed-in-flood/

 

China state media attacks Western democracy ahead of Congress

 

Paramilitary policemen march as people attend a flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square a day before the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China begins in Beijing, China, October 17, 2017. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

 

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's official Xinhua news agency attacked Western democracy as divisive and confrontational on Tuesday, praising on the eve of a key Communist Party Congress the harmony and cooperative nature of the Chinese system.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007300-china-state-media-attacks-western-democracy-ahead-of-congress/

 

Macau plans 'simulated attacks' in security ramp-up after Vegas shooting

 

FILE PHOTO: MGM Macau (in three colours) and Grand Lisboa (C) casinos are seen in Macau March 17, 2015. REUTERS/Bobby Yip/File Photo

 

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Authorities in the Chinese territory of Macau have ramped up security measures following the deadly Las Vegas shooting this month and unveiled plans for a series of mock attacks and crisis training to safeguard the world's largest gambling hub.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007301-macau-plans-simulated-attacks-in-security-ramp-up-after-vegas-shooting/

 

Microsoft responded quietly after detecting secret database hack in 2013

BY REUTERS

 

REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

 

(Reuters) – Microsoft Corp’s secret internal database for tracking bugs in its own software was broken into by a highly sophisticated hacking group more than four years ago, according to five former employees, in only the second known breach of such a corporate database.

 

Full story: https://tech.thaivisa.com/microsoft-responded-quietly-detecting-secret-database-hack-2013/25026/

UPDATE:

 

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to meet Prayuth in Thailand

By Coconuts Bangkok 

 

A Facebook photo of Mark Zuckerberg.

 

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO and co-founder of Facebook, will visit Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in Thailand later this month.

 

Full story: https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/1007274-facebook-founder-mark-zuckerberg-to-visit-pm-prayuth-later-this-month/?do=findComment&comment=12367874