Chang and Eng’s descendants arrive for birthday celebrations

Photo by Chalinee Thirasupa

national May 11, 2018 01:00

By PHATARAWADEE PHATARANAWIK

THE NATION

SAMUT SONGKHRAM

DOZENS of descendants of Chang and Eng Bunker yesterday arrived in the hometown of the famous Siamese conjoined twins to celebrate the anniversary of their birth today in Samut Songkhram province more than two centuries ago.

 

The first gathering of fourth- and fifth-generation descendants is being organised jointly with the Foreign Ministry as part of the 185th anniversary of Thai-US relations.

Chang and Eng married two American sisters and fathered 21 children.

“I’m so excited to see the Siamese Twins’ statue. Our family would love to erect a similar bronze statue designed by an American sculptor in our city Mount Airy [in North Carolina],” Alex Sink, great granddaughter of Chang, told The Nation. “We are working on joining the two cities as ‘Sister Cities’ in order to boost exchange between two countries,” she added.

The replica statue is set to be unveiled in Mount Airy on May 28 when the city sees the 29th reunion of the Siamese twins’ descendants.

The Thai festival commemorating the 207th birth anniversary of the twins kicks off today in front of the twins’ statue in Muang’s Latyai sub-district and runs through Sunday. Today their descendants hold Buddhist rites before unveiling a new street named “Chang and Eng” where the statue is located.

The festival is co-hosted by the province and the Tourism Authority of Thailand with the aim of promoting Samut Songkhram as an international tourist destination.

The descendants also paid visits to the studio of renowned sculptor Sa-ngad Jaiprom, who created the statue, and to the Memorial Park of King Rama II, who commissioned the twins to join a diplomatic mission to Indochina in 1827. The twins shot to international fame as part of a world tour in 1829, before settling in the US a decade later.

Their descendants now number more than 1,500, many of whom continue to reside in the vicinity of Mount Airy, where the twins lived and worked for over 30 years before they died on January 17, 1874, at the age of 63.

Descendants of both brothers continue to hold joint reunions every last Saturday of May.

 

Source :  The Nation Multimedia

Return of Mahathir unlikely to alter the course of Thai peace process

Mara Patani group when they held a press conference in August 2015

ASEAN+ May 11, 2018 01:00

By THE NATION

THE RETURN of Mahathir Mohamad as prime minister in Malaysia should not significantly alter the ongoing peace dialogue between the Thai government and insurgent groups from the deep South, an academic said yesterday.

“The talks should be pursued as originally intended and in keeping with the policy direction, and Malaysia’s role as facilitator should not be changed,” said Jaran Maluleem, political science lecturer from Thammasat University.

There were some changes made by different Thai governments regarding pursuing the dialogue. However, Jaran did not think that Mahathir and Najib, as former and current heads of the United Malays National Organisation, would have a different approach when it comes to foreign policies.

In recent years, a dialogue aimed at resolving the long-running insurgency mainly in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces has been pursued by the Thai military-installed government and insurgent group Mara Patani.

 The Thai junta insists that talks are making “progress” although there was some conflicting information on the establishment of safety zones in the predominantly Muslim region.

Malaysia, as a country bordering the provinces, has always positioned itself as a facilitator of the dialogue, a position reluctantly conceded by Thailand.

Deputy PM and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said yesterday that the policy to pursue peace talks would not be altered but the road ahead should get clearer when the new Malaysian government was formed.

General Aksara Kerdphol, a lead Thai negotiator in the dialogue, also said that the policy should remain on a peaceful approach regardless of which party dominates parliament. “We should be firm on our stance and see their political direction first,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party acting secretary-general Phumtham Wechayachai contrasted Mahathir’s return to power via democratic election with the Thai junta grabbing power by staging a coup.

“Throughout the four years of this administration, you can’t prove yourself to be satisfactory to people with lack of transparency, especially on corruption,” Phumtham wrote on his Facebook status

“There is no open space for people to choose, stand up or express opinions. This is a bad sign for the current ruling power. It is only waiting to explode,” he said.

He called for the ruling junta to hold the election soon to “get a true answer without having to make it up”.

 

Source :  National Multimedia

Iraqi teams run into documents from Islamic State’s birthplace

Mosul (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi relief teams have run into documents belonging to the spot where Islamic State extremists declared their rule in 2014.

Brig. Gen. Kamel Ragi, from a joint team of relief and security forces in the city of Mosul, told AlGhad Press that the team has found “religious books and documents belonging to the Grand Nuri Mosque under the rubble”. He added that “some of the books are of archaeological importance, while documents are essential to the structure’s ownership”.

He said the materials were handed to security forces fearing their loss under wreckage.

The Grand Nuri Mosque was the place where Islamic State supreme leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared the establishment of the group’s rule over Iraq and Syria in 2014.

Islamic State militants blew up the medieval structure in June when Iraqi forces became closer to the recapture of Mosul, sparking condemnation from world heritage agencies.

Iraqi troops proclaimed a full recapture of Mosul in July, and a total victory over IS in Iraq in December.

 

Source :  Iraqi News

Iraqi Interior Ministry says 10 ‘dangerous’ Islamic State members arrested in Mosul

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Iraqi Interior Ministry has announced arresting ten Islamic State members in Mosul city, Nineveh.

In a statement on Thursday, Maj.Gen. Saad Maan, the ministry spokesperson, said “based on accurate information, Nineveh police command carried out a campaign to arrest Islamic State dangerous members who were wanted for judiciary in the eastern and western sides of Mosul.”

The campaign, according to the statement, “resulted in arresting 10IS members, including those who worked for the group’s Hisbah (vigilantism) department, others who executed security personnel and others who worked on manufacturing explosives.”

On Wednesday, the ministry said Iraqi security forces arrested the so-called Islamic State (IS) jailer in Sumer district in Mosul’s eastern side.

Thousands of Islamic State militants as well as Iraqi civilians were killed since the government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and the coalition was launched in October 2016 to fight the militant group, which declared a self-styled “caliphate” from Mosul in June 2014.

Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against security troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced, in December, full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members. The war against IS has displaced at least five million people.

 

Source :  Iraqi News

Paramilitary troops secure southwestern regions in Kirkuk, ahead of elections

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The pro-government paramilitary troops have announced securing southern western region in Kirkuk province ahead of parliamentary elections.

A statement by the media service of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) said, “troops started today security southwestern Kirkuk regions too secure the voting process.”

Special voting in the parliamentary elections started on Thursday in Baghdad and Iraqi provinces for security personnel.

The election is considered the first since victory was declared against Islamic State last year. It’s also the second since U.S. troops withdrawal from Iraq in 2011. Moreover, it’s the fourth time to hold elections since former president Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003.

Nearly 7,000 candidates are running for 329 seats in elections.

On Wednesday, the troops announced being on high alert ahead of the elections.

The Iraqi parliamentary elections is scheduled to take place on May 12. The elections were originally scheduled for September 2017, but were delayed due to the country’s fight against Islamic State.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced, in December, full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members. IHowever, slamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against security troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.

Source :  Iraqi News

Iraqi pro-gov’t troops shell Islamic State ‘pivotal’ locations in Syria

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The pro-government paramilitary troops have announced shelling Islamic State locations in Syria.

In a press release on Thursday, the media service of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) said “the artillery of the 29th brigade targeted, this evening, pivotal locations of Islamic State members at al-Atshana village in Syria.”

The artillery shelling, according to the troops, “inflicted losses among the enemy.”

Earlier this week, Iraqi warplanes launched a new wave of air raids against outposts of the Islamic State group in Syria.

In April, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi denied intentions to intervene within Syrian affairs, saying airstrikes against Islamic State will continue.

Iraq had previously announced launching airstrikes against IS locations in Syria. This came after Abadi said security troops will follow IS militants in the whole region, not only in Iraq.

The Iraqi-Syrian borders are under the control of joint troops of military and border guards.

Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.

Thousands of Islamic State militants as well as Iraqi civilians were killed since the government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and the coalition was launched in October 2016 to fight the militant group, which declared a self-styled “caliphate” from Mosul in June 2014.

 

Source :  Iraqi News

Two terrorists, including Islamic State’s main financier in Diyala arrested: Police

Diyala (IraqiNews.com) The police command in Diyala has announced arresting two terrorists, one of whom was the main financier of Islamic State cells in the province.

In remarks to Alghad Press on Thursday, Col. Ghaleb al-Attiyah, spokesperson for Diyala police, said, “security troops managed to arrest two terrorists, one of whom was the main funder of IS cells. He used to provide them with logistics and money at the northeastern region in Diyala.”

The arrested, according to Attiyah, “were transferred to security cell for investigations. Necessary measures were taken.”

Earlier this week, Brig. Gen. Yahia Rasool, spokesperson of the Security Media Center, said the intelligence troops, in collaboration with the army, arrested the administrative official of one of the regions within Islamic State’s so-called Diyala State.

Thousands of IS militants as well as Iraqi civilians were killed since the government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and the coalition, was launched in October 2016 to fight the militant group.

In December, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members. However, Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.

The war against IS has displaced at least five million people.

Source :  Iraqi News

Paramilitary troops intensify efforts to secure borders with Syria ahead of elections

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The pro-government paramilitary have announced intensifying efforts to secure borders regions between Iraq and Syria, ahead of parliamentary elections.

A statement issued on the website of al-Hashd al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization Forces) said “troops of the first brigade started patrols to secure the border regions between Iraq and Syria, ahead of parliamentary elections.”

The troops, according to the statement, “are totally ready to confront dangers that could target Iraq.”

The election is considered the first since victory was declared against Islamic State last year. It’s also the second since U.S. troops withdrawal from Iraq in 2011. Moreover, it’s the fourth time to hold elections since former president Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003.

Nearly 7,000 candidates are running for 329 seats in elections.

On Wednesday, the troops announced being on high alert ahead of the elections.

The Iraqi parliamentary elections is scheduled to take place on May 12. The elections were originally scheduled for September 2017, but were delayed due to the country’s fight against Islamic State.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced, in December, full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.

Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against security troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses threat against stability in the country.

 

Source :  Iraqi News

VFS Global opens attestation centre at Wafi Mall in Dubai

Sarwat Nasir/Dubai

Filed on May 10, 2018 | Last updated on May 10, 2018 at 04.52 pm

VFS Global is an outsourcing services company for government and diplomatic missions.- KT file photo

The services are being provided under one roof and in a very comfortable environment.

Need to see a court judge to legally attest your marriage, divorce or other personal status certificates? Don’t bother going to court, head to Wafi Mall instead.

VFS Global, an outsourcing services company for government and diplomatic missions, is now handling several Dubai government services, including for the Ministry of Health, Dubai Courts and the DIFC Wills and Probate Registry.

Residents can register their wills legally at DIFC, carry out a full health checkup for an Emirates ID card at Ibn Batutta Mall and International City, as well us Dubai Courts services – ranging from amicable settlement of disputes, notary public services and attestation of personal status services.

Vinay Malhotra, the COO of VFS Global, told Khaleej Times: “When it comes to Dubai Courts, we are offering services at the Wafi Mall, which is a one-stop shop for multiple services related to the court, legal system and legislative procedures.

“These services are being provided under one roof and in a very comfortable environment. We offer notary and public services, settlement of disputes and personal status authentication. At this centre, there are 16 judicial mediation offices, four public notary offices and a number of legal offices, including a judge of personal status court who are based and seated at this centre. The goal is to offer these services under one roof and in an extremely comfortable and posh environment.”

Sean Hird, director of DIFC Wills Service Centre, said: “Our partnership with VFS Global comes as a strategic step towards providing our Virtual Registry customers, who may be located anywhere in the world, enhanced convenience and ease when completing their Wills registration process.”

The Ministry of Health and Prevention have also outsourced some of their services to VFS Global in partnership with Nakheel Malls. The initiative is part of the ministry’s strategy to outsource health screening services to expatriate workers in partnership with the private sector.

The centre in Ibn Battuta is meant to reduce customer waiting time by issuing fitness certificates within 48 hours. The centre also sends the results directly to the concerned authorities to complete the residence application.

“We are still working very closely (with the ministry) and we are confident in receiving more contracts from them in the future,” Malhotra said.

VFS Global’s vast network of centres, are based in 137 countries across the globe.

sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

 

Source :  The Khaleej Times

Emirati employers pay for Filipina’s Dh25,000 Dubai hospital bill

Web Report/Dubai

Filed on May 11, 2018 | Last updated on May 11, 2018 at 12.16 am

“They did not hesitate to help. They did not abandon me,” she said of her employers.

When this overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Dubai was diagnosed with stones in her gallbladder in 2013, her Emirati employers came to her aide and shouldered her medical expenses.

Imelda Devera Pacheco, a single mom was advised by doctors at Mediclinic City Hospital for an emergency endoscopy procedure which would cost her over 350,000 Philippine pesos (Dh25,000 approx).

Pacheco was all heartbroken to know that the medical procedure would cost her a huge amount and she would be not be able to send money back home to her children.

But, Pacheco’s kind Emirati employers jumped in to help her and expressed willingness to shoulder her medical expenses, she told Filipino Times.

Pacheco shudders to think what would have happened if her employers had not helped her then. She concludes with gratitude for employers who played Good Samaritans during her trying times.

“The time I needed the surgery, they did not hesitate to help. They did not abandon me,” she said.

 

Source :  The Khaleej Times