Footage apparently taken inside the mall during the attack showed people running from stalls to take cover. “It was about 5pm that I heard the gunfire,” said Uam. “Then a crowd started running. I could see it clearly because I was in front of the mall. I saw him shooting and I saw him moving in front of the parking lot where he later took a selfie that he posted on Facebook.” … [Read more...] about Thai PM defends security at military base after soldier’s killing spree
Asia pacific
Three million Hong Kong residents ‘eligible’ for UK citizenship
On Thursday Raab announced that he would “set in train” arrangements enabling passport holders to come to the UK for longer than the current six-month period and apply for extendable periods of 12 months to work and study – providing a “pathway to citizenship”. … [Read more...] about Three million Hong Kong residents ‘eligible’ for UK citizenship
Hong Kong officials lash out at Trump plan to strip city of special status
“Many of us ... have deep ties to this city and with Hong Kong people. We love Hong Kong and it’s a sad day,” she said, adding the chamber would continue to work with its members to maintain Hong Kong’s status as a vital business centre. this week approved a decision to create laws for Hong Kong to curb sedition, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. Mainland security and intelligence agents may be stationed in the city for the first time – moves critics say put the city’s extensive freedoms at risk. … [Read more...] about Hong Kong officials lash out at Trump plan to strip city of special status
Thailand closes ‘overcrowded’ Koh Tachai island to tourists
“Thanks to its beauty, Koh Tachai has become a popular tourist site for both Thai and foreign tourists. This has resulted in overcrowding and the degradation of natural resources and the environment,” Tunya Netithammakul, the director general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation, told the paper. … [Read more...] about Thailand closes ‘overcrowded’ Koh Tachai island to tourists
Japan takes the high ground over its outlying islands
Can China and Japan bury the hatchet? How to deal with Pyongyang? The North Korean conflict remains a contentious issue between China and Japan. While Japan wants a complete denuclearization of the North, China remains the biggest backer of the Kim regime in the region. On October 26, 2018, PM Abe said his country is committed to normalizing ties with Pyongyang, but several issues, including North Korea's kidnapping of Japanese citizens, must be resolved first. … [Read more...] about Japan takes the high ground over its outlying islands
