President Barack Obama calls for more military support in fight against ISIL



WASHINGTON: -- President Barack Obama is calling for more military contribution for the coalition in the fight against the so-called Islamic State terrorists and revealed the US Defense Secretary Ash Carter would travel to the Middle East on Tuesday to secure more support.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878709-president-barack-obama-calls-for-more-military-support-in-fight-against-isil/

Teacher retracts ISIL accusation in Paris nursery school stabbing
By Robert Hackwill



PARIS: -- A French nursery school teacher who was stabbed early on Monday morning in his school near Paris, and who claimed his assailant said the attack was a warning from ISIL, has retracted his statement.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878710-teacher-retracts-isil-accusation-in-paris-nursery-school-stabbing/

Sweden jails two men for life for crimes in Syria
By Robert Hackwill



GOTHENBURG: Two men have been jailed for life in Sweden for committing acts of murder in Syria. They are the first to be jailed for terrorist crimes committed in the country.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878711-sweden-jails-two-men-for-life-for-crimes-in-syria/

Argentine bus crash kills at least 42



SALTA: -- A fatal crash in Argentina has left at least 42 dead when a bus careered over a cliff and into a ravine.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878712-argentine-bus-crash-kills-at-least-42/

US and UK dominate global arms industry, says report



STOCKHOLM: -- A Swedish report on global arms sales ranks defence firms from the United States and Western Europe as dominating the industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878713-us-and-uk-dominate-global-arms-industry-says-report/

British ESA astronaut Peake says pressure suits him just fine
By Adrian Lancashire | With ESA, NASA



"The training has prepared us for everything. There'll be moments of apprehension, of course."

PARIS: -- Survival training in a frozen Russian forest provided a last taste of fresh air for British astronaut Tim Peake (ESA) and his team mates the American Tim Kopra (NASA) and Russian Yuri Malenchenko (Roscosmos). They are set to go into orbit this Tuesday to re-crew the International Space Station (ISS).

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878714-british-esa-astronaut-peake-says-pressure-suits-him-just-fine/

UPDATE:

Germany to ‘noticeably reduce’ migrant influx, says Merkel



"We want to and we will noticeably reduce the number of refugees because it's in everyone's interest."

KARLSRUHE: -- The German chancellor has promised to “noticeably reduce” the number of migrants entering Germany.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878510-merkel-wants-to-drastically-reduce-refugee-arrivals-in-germany/page-2?p=10193188#entry10193188

Peshawar prepares for sad memories of Army School massacre
By Robert Hackwill



PESCHAWAR: -- The first anniversary is approaching of the terrible army school massacre in Peshawar. Last year nine heavily-armed Islamic extremists scaled the walls of the school and killed more than 140 people, 134 of them children, before being killed or blowing themselves up.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878715-peshawar-prepares-for-sad-memories-of-army-school-massacre/

Expert warns of danger to COP 21 treaty from fossil fuel giants
Produced by Beatriz Beiras



PARIS: -- The details of the Paris accord are now being scrutinised by climate experts. Joining euronews for his take on the outcome is Professor David Mond, of Warwick University in England.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878716-expert-warns-of-danger-to-cop-21-treaty-from-fossil-fuel-giants/

UPDATE:

Nurofen pulled from shelves as British maker found cheating in Australia
By Robert Hackwill



"I think consumers will be frankly extremely concerned that a company would make these claims when they're not true"

PARIS: -- A British pharmaceuticals giant has been forced to pull a bestselling product from the shelves in Australia after a court order.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878442-nurofen-painkillers-to-be-pulled-in-australia-over-misleading-claims/#entry10193219

Opposition rebel MP fires smoke bomb in Kosovo parliament



PRISTINA: -- An opposition lawmaker in Kosovo appears to have set off a smoke bomb in parliament to disrupt a session.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878721-opposition-rebel-mp-fires-smoke-bomb-in-kosovo-parliament/

Hitting where it hurts: Russia and Turkey disagree over the impact of sanctions



Turkish economy will lose billions of euros – Moscow
Fresh produce, textiles and tourist industry reportedly suffering
Dispute prompted by downing of Su-24 military jet and death of pilot
Turkish president downplays impact of Russian restrictions

PARIS: -- Moscow is warning the array of economic sanctions it has imposed on Turkish goods and services following the downing of one of its military jets will cost Ankara billions of euros in lost revenue.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878723-hitting-where-it-hurts-russia-and-turkey-disagree-over-the-impact-of-sanctions/

His Majesty grants audience to new judges



BANGKOK: -- His Majesty the King granted an audience to Supreme Court President Weerapol Tungsuwan to lead new judges of court of justice, new Constitutional Court judges, new Military Court judges and new public prosecutors to be sworn in at the HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Hall at the Siriraj Hospital at 5:05 pm Monday.

The hall is located on the 14th floor of the Chalermprakiart Building of the hospital.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/His-Majesty-grants-audience-to-new-judges-30274931.html


-- The Nation 2015-12-15

Trump at center stage, but Cruz in spotlight at GOP debate
By JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump will be standing at center stage, but Ted Cruz will be in the spotlight at Tuesday night's Republican presidential debate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878726-trump-at-center-stage-but-cruz-in-spotlight-at-gop-debate/

AP report on slave-peeled shrimp spurs calls for boycott
By MARTHA MENDOZA

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. officials and human rights activists called on Americans to stop buying fish and shrimp tied to supply chains in Thailand, where The Associated Press has found slaves are forced to work in the seafood industry.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878728-ap-report-on-slave-peeled-shrimp-spurs-calls-for-boycott/

Bergdahl to face desertion charge in general court-martial
By DEB RIECHMANN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was held captive by the Taliban for five years and freed in exchange for five detainees in Guantanamo Bay, will face charges of desertion and misbehavior before the enemy in a general court-martial, the Army announced on Monday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878742-bowe-bergdahl-to-face-desertion-charge-in-general-court-martial/

UPDATE:

Geminids Meteor Showers brought 240 stars per hour

BANGKOK, 15 December 2015 (NNT) –The Geminids Meteor Showers have gained nationwide interest, with the highest shower rate being counted at 240 stars per hour.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878421-watch-out-for-meteor-shower-on-the-night-of-december-14/page-2?p=10193619#entry10193619

PRD's Music in the Garden features classic hits

BANGKOK, 15 December 2015, (NNT) – The Government Public Relations Department (PRD) is scheduled to hold its 49th ‘Music in the Garden’ event in the Public Relations Department (PRD) auditorium at Soi Ari in Bangkok on Thursday (December 24th, 2015) between 4:00-8:00 p.m.

This week’s concert features the famous national artist Ruangthong Thonglanthom with her classic hits (see video below). Her songs were used in many Thai accredited TV series; her songs are very much recognized by all generations including the youth of today. Her entrancing songs promise to create a most enjoyable event.

‘Music in the Garden’ will be held at the PRD Conference Hall in Soi Areesampan, Rama 6 Road, Phayathai District, Bangkok; beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday. Admission to the concert is free of charge.


-- NNT 2015-12-15

Cosby says 7 women who sued him made false accusations

BOSTON (AP) — Bill Cosby is firing back at seven women who are suing him for defamation, accusing them of making false accusations of sexual misconduct for financial gain.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878748-bill-cosby-sues-sexual-misconduct-accusers/

Nigerian Shiites say soldiers have killed hundreds
MICHELLE FAUL, Associated Press
GODWIN ISENYO, Associated Press

KADUNA, Nigeria (AP) — Soldiers killed hundreds of Shiite Muslims this weekend after their group opened fire on the convoy of Nigeria's army chief, the Shia Islamic Movement and military reports said Monday. Other reports put the number of dead at about 20.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878749-nigerian-shiites-say-soldiers-have-killed-hundreds/

Trump supporters shrug off the fuss, say he gets it
By JILL COLVIN and BILL BARROW

GREER, S.C. (AP) — The fuss over Donald Trump seems largely lost on many of those who support him. Where his critics see bigotry, they see common sense.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878751-trump-supporters-shrug-off-the-fuss-say-he-gets-it/

Massive Aceh floods kill six



JAKARTA: The Jakarta Globe reported that at least six people were killed after eight districts in Aceh were hit by massive floods that began on Saturday, citing the Disaster Mitigation Agency.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878753-massive-aceh-floods-kill-six/

1,500 police to guard Medan churches during holidays



JAKARTA: -- Police in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, will deploy 1,500 officers to guard churches in the province during Christmas and New Year celebrations, The Jakarta Globe reported.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878754-indonesia-1500-police-to-guard-medan-churches-during-holidays/

14 companies to share ideas on Malaysia-Singapore high-speed rail



SINGAPORE: -- Some 14 companies, including China Railway have been invited to present their views and ideas to Malaysia and Singapore for the development of the high speed rail (HSR), according to New Straits Times.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878756-14-companies-to-share-ideas-on-malaysia-singapore-high-speed-rail/

700,000 people evacuated in typhoon-affected Philippines provinces



MANILA: -- More than 700,000 people in coastal and low-lying areas in the Bicol region and in Northern Samar of the Philippines have been preemptively evacuated due to the threat from typhoon Melor (locally called Nona), according to Manila Bulletin.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878757-700000-people-evacuated-in-typhoon-affected-philippines-provinces/

SET up 9.35 points at opening /Bangkok Post

Vietnam workers in Algeria say ill-treated by Chinese contractor, wish to return



HANOI: -- Nineteen Vietnamese workers working for a Chinese contractor in Algeria have struck work since Wednesday and want to return home, Thanh Nien News reported, citing a news website.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878760-vietnam-workers-in-algeria-say-ill-treated-by-chinese-contractor-wish-to-return/

OBEC compensates student for train accident

BANGKOK: -- The Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) yesterday paid more than 600,000 baht as well as 7.5% interest as compensation to a student who was crippled after falling out of a running train in 2012.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878761-obec-compensates-student-for-train-accident/

London, Edinburgh to strengthen cooperation on security
English.news.cn

LONDON, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon agreed on Monday to strengthen cooperation on security and the anti-terror drive.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878762-london-edinburgh-to-strengthen-cooperation-on-security/

Saudi Arabia forms coalition of 34 Islamic countries to fight terrorism
BY BNO NEWS

RIYADH: -- Saudi Arabia has formed a military coalition of 34 Islamic countries to combat terrorism, the Saudi government announced on early Tuesday morning, but only few details were immediately released.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/878763-saudi-arabia-forms-coalition-of-34-islamic-countries-to-fight-terrorism/