Tunisia's prized democracy 'will strike back' against terrorists
By Adrian Lancashire | With BEATRIZ BEIRAS, REUTERS



"We must help Tunisia's young democracy preserve peace in Tunisia, France and everywhere in the world!"

OSLO: -- Abdessattar Ben Moussa’s faith in democracy is unshakable.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877733-tunisias-prized-democracy-will-strike-back-against-terrorists/

Nobel Peace Prize accepted by Tunisian pro-democracy group
By Keith Walker



OSLO: -- The Nobel Peace Prize has been presented to a Tunisian pro-democracy group at a ceremony in the Norwegian capital Oslo.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877734-nobel-peace-prize-accepted-by-tunisian-pro-democracy-group/

Volkswagen blames 'small group' of employees for 'dieselgate' scandal



"We still believe that only a small number of employees was actually actively involved in the manipulation"

WOLFSBURG: -- Volkswagen says a “chain of errors” led to the emissions cheating scandal rather than a one-off mistake, adding that it struggled with deadlines to meet strict conditions on limits in the US when it launched a diesel promotion campaign ten years ago.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877735-volkswagen-blames-small-group-of-employees-for-dieselgate-scandal/

OPEC crude oil output rises to three-year high



PARIS: -- Unfazed by tumbling prices, undeterred by low demand, OPEC raised its production of crude oil to a three-year high in November.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877736-opec-crude-oil-output-rises-to-three-year-high/

First time asylum applications on the rise in the EU



BRUSSELS: -- The number of people claiming asylum in the EU has risen by 150 percent year-on-year, officials figures show.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877737-first-time-asylum-applications-on-the-rise-in-the-eu/

Who's investigating fake Chinese goods? Fake investigators
By ERIKA KINETZ

SHANGHAI (AP) — The woman called herself Flaming Lee, an English name she picked when she was 10 years old, long before she got into the dirty business of counterfeit goods. Her job as a private investigator sometimes took her to client meetings at Dubai's seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel. Otherwise, she lived in apparent simplicity.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877738-whos-investigating-fake-chinese-goods-fake-investigators/

US commandos say no to women in special operations jobs
By LOLITA C. BALDOR

WASHINGTON (AP) — The men in the U.S. military's most dangerous jobs care little about political correctness or gender equality. And they have a message for their political leadership.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877739-us-commandos-say-no-to-women-in-special-operations-jobs/

Geneva police hunting 4 suspects said to have IS ties
By JAMEY KEATEN

GENEVA (AP) — Working on a tip from the CIA, Geneva police were hunting for at least four suspects allegedly linked to the radical Islamic State group and believed to be plotting a "specific" attack in the city, Swiss officials said Thursday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877740-geneva-police-hunting-4-suspects-said-to-have-is-ties/

Obama's executive actions could open a door for successors
By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY

WASHINGTON (AP) — While the White House has condemned Donald Trump's call for a ban on Muslim immigrants as "disqualifying" and "toxic," President Barack Obama may have only himself to blame if a President Trump ever succeeds in putting his plan, or some version of it, into action.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877741-obamas-executive-actions-could-open-a-door-for-successors/

USAF claims key ISIL kills in Iraq
By Robert Hackwill



WASHINGTON: -- US air force pictures from the skies over Iraq give little idea of the effectiveness of air strikes against ISIL. The planes are here because something has been spotted, or intel is bringing them here to hit something specific.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877742-usaf-claims-key-isil-kills-in-iraq/

Laos' Hongsa Mine Mouth power plant launched



VIENTIANE: -- Hongsa Power Company, the developer of the US$3.7 billion Hongsa Mine Mouth Power Project in Xayaboury Province of Laos, officially opened its third generator yesterday in the presence of Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit and several other high-ranking officials from the government, According to Lao News Agency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877752-laos-hongsa-mine-mouth-power-plant-launched/

Indonesia calls for information sharing to tackle radicalization



JAKARTA: -- Indonesia is seeking comprehensive cooperation with other countries to counter radicalization, emphasizing information sharing as the main tool to prevent potential foreign fighters leaving their home countries, The Jakarta Post reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877753-indonesia-calls-for-information-sharing-to-tackle-radicalization/

Malaysian police to interview Justo in Bangkok Dec 15



KUALA LUMPUR: -- A special police investigative team led by Royal Malaysia Police deputy director for nvestigation and law Datuk Amar Singh will interview Xavier Andre Justo in Bangkok on Dec 15, according to The Star Online.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877755-malaysian-police-to-interview-justo-in-bangkok-dec-15/

Myanmar Parliament approves national ceasefire agreement

NAYPYIDAW: -- The Parliament of Myanmar has given its unanimous seal of approval to the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) signed by the government and eight ethnic armed groups on Oct 15, The Myanmar Times reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877759-myanmar-parliament-approves-national-ceasefire-agreement/

Electric, telecom wires to be put underground in Ho Chi Minh City



HO CHI MINH CITY: -- Electric and telecom wires in Ho Chi Minh City are being put underground, part of local authorities’ drive to improve the look of the streets, according to Tuoi Tre News.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877760-electric-telecom-wires-to-be-put-underground-in-ho-chi-minh-city/

Certain vessels prohibited from entering Chao Praya River for cyclists' safety

BANGKOK, 11 December 2015 (NNT)-Certain types of vessels will be temporarily prohibited from passing through the Chao Phraya River this afternoon for the safety of BIKE FOR DAD participants.

Cargo ships, tugboats and bamboo rafts are not allowed to come into close proximity with the northern side of Krung Thonburi and the southern of Somdej Phrajao Taksin Bridges from 2:00pm - 8:00pm.

The restriction will be enforced by the Marine Department to ensure safety for bike riders while they are passing over Phra Buddha Yodfa, Somdet Phra Pinklao, Somdej Phrajao Taksin and Rama 8 Bridges.

Those found violating the restriction will face a maximum fine of 5,000 baht and have their operating license suspended for a maximum period of six months.


-- NNT 2015-12-11

Bollywood star Salman Khan cleared of culpable homicide



MUMBAI: -- A court in the Indian city of Mumbai has overturned a hit-and-run conviction of one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877765-bollywood-star-salman-khan-cleared-of-culpable-homicide/

Cameron delays decision on new airport runway for London
DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Prime Minister David Cameron's government delayed a decision on whether to build a new runway at Heathrow Airport on Thursday, arguing that it needs more time to study the impact on air quality, noise and other environmental concerns.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877772-cameron-delays-decision-on-new-airport-runway-for-londons-heathrow-airport/

Partner of killed German seeks justice in Phuket
Phuket Gazette


Police failed to conduct a blood alcohol test on the driver, who allegedly had admitted to drinking prior to the fatal accident. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- A woman severely injured in a Phuket traffic accident is demanding justice for her dead German partner, following police failing to conduct a blood alcohol test on a man who allegedly had admitted to drinking prior to the fatal accident on December 3.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877778-partner-of-killed-german-seeks-justice-in-phuket/

SET down 2.07 points at opening /Bangkok Post

16th Thai Silk Festival 2015 kicks off in Nakhon Ratchasima

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 11 December 2015 (NNT) - The Ministry of Industry is hosting the 16th Thai Silk Festival 2015 in Nakhon Ratchasima province to promote knowledge of traditional Thai silk.

The festival is also aimed at raising the popularity of Thai silk overseas and transforming the country into a silk hub. The event is now taking place until December 15 at Chalerm Prakiat 48 Pansa Park in Pak Thong Chai district.

Two exhibitions have been held at the festival, where one is in honor of Their Majesties the King and Queen and the other displays the history of Thai silk production. Visitors also have an opportunity to see how silk is currently being made in the community, which achieves royally recognized standards.


-- NNT 2015-12-11

Top cop orders investigation into officer's alleged reckless driving
Phuket Gazette


The Samkong intersection has long been a dangerous area for drivers, especially since the start of construction on the underpass. Photo: PR Dept

PHUKET: -- The island's top cop has ordered an investigation into the reckless driving of an alleged uniformed police officer, who was caught on video driving erratically near the Samkong Underpass construction site on Tuesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877796-phukets-top-cop-orders-investigation-into-officers-alleged-reckless-driving/

Anand's jab returns to haunt junta
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Critics of the Prayut government started sharing a quote of former prime minister Anand Panyarachun on Facebook again to attack the interim administration.

Anand made the quote during an interview with Matichon in June. The critics, including Thantham Jitsuchon, dug up the quote for sharing again.

"Now, there are efforts to gag the people. People cannot say anything. The society has become a closed one. When the society became a closed society, there is no transparency and good governance has disappeared. There is no sense of responsibility and there are no democratic elements," Anand said in the interview.

"I think we are not trying to find the real causes of conflicts," Anand added.

The quote was shared after dissatisfaction against tight control by the National Council for Peace and Order and the interim government on political opinions was seen growing.

Thantam said in his post that how the real causes of conflicts could be found when the people could not express their opinions.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Anands-jab-returns-to-haunt-junta-30274706.html


-- The Nation 2015-12-11

Phuket tuk-tuk driver returns Brit's cash-stuffed wallet
Phuket Gazette


Tuk-tuk driver Nimit Weladee returned the wallet containing more than 10,000 baht. Photo: Kritsada Mueanhawong

PHUKET: -- The driver of one of the infamous Patong tuk-tuks returned a wallet containing more than 10,000 baht cash to a British tourist in Phuket’s primary party town on Wednesday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877804-phuket-tuk-tuk-driver-returns-brits-cash-stuffed-wallet/

Car booking rises to over 20,000 at Motor Expo



BANGKOK: -- Thailand's 32nd Motor Expo entered the ninth day with car bookings rising steadily to 23,893 and Toyota still leading the total cars booked.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877805-car-booking-rises-to-over-20000-at-thailands-motor-expo/

Thailand gun death rate TWICE as high as US
By Coconuts Bangkok



BANGKOK: -- The violent gun death rate in Thailand is more than TWICE as high as that of the United States, according to a US network of public radio broadcasters.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877806-thailand-gun-death-rate-twice-as-high-as-us/

TORONTO (AP) - The first Canadian government plane carrying Syrian refugees has arrived in Toronto.

Syria: opposition 'milestone' agreement paves way for government talks



"This was an important milestone in getting to a place where, in early January, they can actually begin to have political negotiations with the regime. This was a critical first step of getting there"

RIYADH: -- Powerful rebel group Ahrar al-Sham has reportedly signed up to a Syrian opposition statement after two days of negotiations in Riyadh.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877829-syria-opposition-milestone-agreement-paves-way-for-government-talks/

COP21: new draft accord raises hopes of sealing climate deal



"We want an agreement. We are close to the goal... It's time to conclude"

PARIS: -- The heat is on to seal a deal on the final day of the COP21 climate conference in Paris.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877833-cop21-new-draft-accord-raises-hopes-of-sealing-climate-deal/

Assistant Secretary of State Russel to visit Thailand Dec 16
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel will travel to Bangkok on December 16 and 17, the US embassy announced.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/877834-assistant-secretary-of-state-russel-to-visit-thailand-dec-16/