Bangkok governor resigns over firetruck scandal

The governor of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, has resigned amid a US$190 million corruption case. The nation’s anti-corruption commission found Apirak Kosayodhin had a case to answer over irregularities in the purchase of hundreds of fire trucks and boats. While resigning, the governor continues to protest his innocence.

Thaksin continues to dodge extradition to Thailand

Over this past weekend, it was confirmed that Britain had revoked the visas of fugitive former Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, and his wife – barring them from re-entering the UK. The billionaire had been living in London after skipping bail in August to avoid corruption charges in Thailand. On Monday, the Reuters news agency … Continue reading “Thaksin continues to dodge extradition to Thailand”

Rights abuser up for office in Indonesia

In the same week that a major report on Indonesian military involvement in human rights abuses in East Timor, another former Indonesian military commander has announced his candidacy for next year’s presidential election. Both Prabowo Subianto and the current president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, entered Indonesia’s Military Academy at the same time, and both became three-star … Continue reading “Rights abuser up for office in Indonesia”

New head of Beijing Olympics’ risky role

A newspaper report from Hong Kong says the man expected to be China’s next leader has been brought-in to oversee Beijing’s Olympic preparations. The South China Morning Post says Xi Jinping will take charge of crisis management in human rights issues, air pollution strategies and security planning for the Games. But the position could be … Continue reading “New head of Beijing Olympics’ risky role”