Thai Coup Leader Summons 114 Military and Political Figures

Thai soldiers stand guard with their weapons at the Army Club in BangkokReuters

Thai coup leader General Prayuth Chan-ocha has summoned 114 key figures from the country's polity and military following the army takeover of power.

The army chief, who proclaimed himself as the prime minister until a new coup-appointed administration is in place, has asked Thailand's senior-most figures to report at the Royal Thai Army auditorium in Bangkok at 10:00am local time on Friday (23 May).

The list includes high-ranking military figures, politicians and protest leaders.

After the talks with the leaders, Prayuth will be meeting foreign ambassadors, attachés and representatives of international organisations to brief them about the situation.

Thai officials including former acting prime minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan have already begun reporting to Prayuth.

The announcement from the National Peace and Order Maintaining Council (NPOMC), of which Prayuth is the chief, said: "As some laws stipulate that 'the prime minister' authorises actions under the law, the NPOMC leader or his assigned individuals will uphold that authority for the time being."

Television channels have been off air but come on only to broadcast the army's occasional announcements. The print media, internet and mobile phone communications have not been affected as yet.

World condemns coup

Meanwhile, the military's coup d'état has attracted sharp criticism from many corners of the world.

"There is no justification for this military coup. This act will have negative implications for the US-Thai relationship, especially for our relationship with the Thai military. We are reviewing our military and other assistance and engagements, consistent with US law," said US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Australia's foreign minister Julie Bishop said her country was "gravely concerned", adding: "We are monitoring it closely but people need to pay close attention to their personal security and their travel plans."

A statement from the spokesperson for UN chief Ban Ki-moon read: "The secretary-general is seriously concerned by the military takeover in Thailand. He appeals for a prompt return to constitutional, civilian, democratic rule and an all-inclusive dialogue that will pave the way for long-term peace and prosperity in Thailand."

France and Germany have also expressed similar concern.

Somalia: Senior Al-Shabaab Commander Vows to Take Holy War to Kenya

A police officer holds a flag hung by Muslim youths at Masjid Mussa Mosque in Mombasa.Reuters

A senior commander of the Islamist group al-Shabaab has declared that its holy war will move to the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

Fuad Mohamed Khalaf, a Somali-Swedish national, warned in a speech posted on www.somalimemo.net that the group will hit the city with a wave of teenage suicide bombers.

"We have transferred the war to inside Nairobi," said Khalaf in the speech.

"If they kill a Somali girl we kill a Kenyan girl. Kenyans, wait for Muslim teenage suicide bombers, explosions and battles."

The commander, who is viewed as only second in importance to al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, made a plea to Kenyan Muslims to join al-Shabaab in its fight against Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta's government.

"When their soldiers and war planes kill your people, God permits you to retaliate accordingly, we will fight the Kenyans," he said.

Kenyan officials are yet to comment on the terror group's latest declaration of intent.

The group are waging an insurgency against the Kenyan government to gain revenge for the presence of Kenyan troops in neighbouring Somalia.

Last week, twin bombings hit a Nairobi market killing 10 people just two miles from al-Shabaab's Eastleigh suburb stronghold, otherwise known as "Little Mogadishu".

Eastleigh is almost entirely inhabited by Somali nationals and most of the businesses are owned by Somalis, which experts say allows al-Shabaab -- a predominantly Somali outfit -- to gain a foothold in the capital.

The group was responsible for the siege of Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi in September in which 67 people were killed.

Sanju Samson: India's Rising Cricket Star Tipped to Emulate MS Dhoni

Rajasthan Royals' wicket-keeping batsman Sanju Samson has the abilities to succeed MS Dhoni.Ron Gaunt/CLT20/SPORTZPICS

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have given us some amazing moments ever since winning the inaugural IPL in 2007, and now they could have given us India's next big star.

Sanju Samson, a right-handed batsman and a wicket-keeper, plays a similar role to that of the current Indian skipper MS Dhoni, and his performances over the last two years suggest the 19-year-old could one day emulate the current national captain.

In 2013, Samson's breakthrough season, he became the youngest player in the competition's history to score a half-century and slammed 192 runs in six matches, including a blistering 63 runs from 41 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

His performances last season made RR shell out INR 40m prior to this year's auction to retain the youngster on their roster for the 2014 campaign - and, so far, it looks a wise investment.

Unlike Dhoni, who took a somewhat circuitous route to the top, Samson showed glimpses of his talent from an early age. He was a star of the India Under-19 team and holds record for being the youngest cricketer ever to represent his home state, Kerala, at first-class level, making his debut at the age of just 16.

Despite facing massive competition from India U-19 wicket-keeper Ankush Bains and the uncapped 30-year-old Dishant Yagnik, he has managed to land a regular berth in the Royals' starting XI this season.

Samson has even received praise from the Royals' mentor and former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid said after one of his half-centuries: "Sanju is learning and growing fast as a good batsman. He has taken his chances to flourish."

The right-handed batsman's time on the field this year has not gone unnoticed, as former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja considers him a player with a 'serious potential', for the Indian cricket team in the future.

"Sanju Samson is very talented and there are quite a few other batsmen who are good to watch. I think you have got to admire the 19 and 20-year-olds. I would say that Sanju has got some serious potential," Raja explained.

Will Samson steal the march on Dinesh Karthik and claim MS Dhoni's place in the future?Getty

Idolising South Africa's AB de Villiers as a batsman and wicket-keeper, Samson could even emulate the great South African one day.

However, if he is to fulfil his promise, the young prodigy will have to oust MS Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik from the national team. But, given all he has achieved so far, don't bet against Samson doing it.

Russia and China Veto UN Resolution to Refer Syria Crisis to ICC

Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin votes in the United Nations Security Council against referring the Syrian crisis to the International Criminal Court for investigation of possible war crimesReuters

Russia and China have been condemned for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution to refer the Syrian crisis to the International Criminal Court (ICC) for a probe into possible war crimes.

In a move deemed as "callous" and disgraceful by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, the two Assad allies have used their veto power as permanent council members for the fourth time to push back any action against the Syrian regime.

The French-backed resolution, which did not specifically target either the government or the opposition, was signed by more than 60 countries and approved by the other 13 Security Council members. It condemned the "widespread violation" of human rights and international humanitarian law by Syrian authorities as well as abuses and violations by "non-state armed groups" in the last three years.

UN deputy secretary-general Jan Eliasson urged council members to find unity and "put an end to this long nightmare". But Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin joked with reporters that he was "going to be boringly predictable", and called the resolution a "publicity stunt".

Since Syria is not part of the Rome Statute that set up the ICC, the only way it can be referred to The Hague tribunal is by the Security Council. Syria UN Ambassador Bashar Ja'afari delivered a letter asking countries not to support the resolution and claimed the proposal was "biased" and an effort to "sabotage any chance of peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis led by the Syrian people themselves". The only time the Security Council has agreed on Syria was on the disposal of chemical weapons and to demand access for the delivery of humanitarian aid. However, the terms of the latter are being openly flouted.

Amnesty International called the vetoes a "callous political move that betrays suffering people in Syria", while Human Rights Watch branded Russia and China's vote for "continued impunity" a "disgrace".

Thailand Military Coup in Pictures: Protesters Head Home as Army Imposes Curfew in Bangkok

Thailand's military has seized power in a bloodless coup, dissolving the government, suspending the constitution and dispersing pro- and anti-govenment protesters.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha announced the takeover in a statement broadcast on national television. A nationwide curfew has been imposed from 10pm to 5am.

Thai soldiers stand outside the Army Club where Thailand's army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha took control of the governmentReuters

Thailand's army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha leaves the Army Club after a meeting with all rival factions failedReuters

Although the military insisted it isn't taking sides, its ousting of the government met the key goal of anti-government protesters.

Pro-government "Red Shirt" supporters had earlier said they wouldn't tolerate a coup, but there were no signs of resistance or reports of violence. The military provided hundreds of buses to take the protesters home.

Anti-government protesters celebrate at their camp outside Government House after Thailand's army chief announced that the armed forces were seizing powerAFP

Thai anti-government protesters cheer at their camp outside Government House after the army seized powerAFP

Anti-government protesters leave their camp outside Government House after Thailand's army chief announced that the armed forces were seizing powerAFP

Thai soldiers watch as anti-government protesters board a bus to head home, from the Royal Plaza in BangkokReuters

Members of the pro-government "red shirt" group carry their belongings as leave their encampment on the outskirts of BangkokReuters

A Thai soldier holds hands with a member of the pro-government "red shirt" group at an encampment in Nakhon Pathom provinceReuters

Long queues formed at the city's elevated train, subway and bus stations as panicked office workers tried to rush home before the curfew.

Commuters pack a bus as they rush home after a curfew was imposed in Bangkok following the Thai army chief's announcement that armed forces were seizing powerAFP

The army ordered the suspension of all television broadcasting and replaced programming with patriotic music to fill airtime between announcements. CNN, BBC and other cable news channels were also taken off the air.

A Thai soldier stands guard at the Democracy Monument in Bangkok after a coupReuters

Thai soldiers stand guard after army chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha met with anti-government and pro-government leaders at the Army Club in BangkokAFP

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Bullish Bets on Indian Rupee Surge as Bets on Thai Baht Turn Sour

Bullish bets on the Indian rupee surge while bets on the Thai baht turn sour.Reuters

Investors have placed the largest bullish bets on the Indian rupee in more than two years in recent weeks, whereas bets on the Thai baht turned the most bearish in three months, amid political upheaval in both nations.

Sentiment on the rupee has risen to the most optimistic since February 2012 over the last two weeks, according to a Reuters survey of 12 currency analysts. The surge in upbeat sentiment follows a decisive election victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is largely viewed as pro-business.

By contrast, investors stacked up the most bearish short bets on the Thai baht in three months as the nation's prolonged political crisis has intensified.

For India, investors expect that business-friendly Prime Minister-Elect Narendra Modi will shepherd a stable government, which can revive economic growth from a decade's low.

Thai Crisis

In Thailand, army chief general Prayuth Chan-ocha has declared that the military is taking control of the country's government in a coup d'etat.

The military leader has said that the army will "restore order and push through political reform".

Earlier this week, the Thai military declared martial law to restore the security situation and shut down the country's main television stations, divesting the government of its power to maintain peace.

The baht and Thai stocks suffered declines after the army's move.

On 19 May, the Indian currency hit an 11-month high as strong foreign inflows buoyed domestic equities to record highs.

The partially convertible rupee closed at 58.59/60 to the US dollar on 19 May, after hitting 58.32 that day, its highest since 18 June, 2013. The rupee finished at 58.79/80 to the greenback on 16 May, the day India counted votes.

The Thai military action follows six months of violent protests between opponents and supporters of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Thailand Military 'Takes Control' of Government in Coup D'Etat

The Thai military announced its takeover of the country's government in a televised statement.Reuters

Thailand's army chief has declared that the military is taking control of the country's government in a coup d'etat.

The military leader said in a televised statement that the army would "restore order and push through political reform".

The leaders of both the pro-government "Red Shirt" and People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) factions were detained inside an army club where negotiations between the two were taking place.

Earlier this week, the military declared martial law to restore the security situation and shut down the country's main television stations, divesting the government of its power to maintain peace.

General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the army had been forced to take action after six months of violent protests between opponents and supports of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

"We are concerned that this violence could harm the country's security in general," he said after declaring martial law.

"In order to restore law and order to the country, we have declared martial law. I'm asking all those activist groups to stop all activities and cooperate with us in seeking a way out of this crisis."

A senior army official said that the military is to deploy troops and vehicles to remove protesters from large anti-government rally sites in Bangkok.

Ongoing unrest

The unrest began after former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra - sister of deposed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - dissolved the lower house of the Thai parliament last year.

The anti-government movement is opposed to the involvement of anyone associated with Yingluck's brother Thaksin who was removed from office in 2006.

An interim prime minister, Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan, was installed earlier this month after a court ordered Yingluck's removal for abuse of power.

However, the leader of the pro-government "Red Shirts" - or Puea Thai party - Jatuporn Prompan had previously warned that there would be civil war if the government was removed.

"It's fine . . . our position is the same. If soldiers appoint a prime minister then we will escalate our rally. Stay calm, there has been no coup yet," he said.

The European Union had called for "a clear timetable" for new elections in Thailand before the coup.

"The EU has consistently called for dialogue, a peaceful resolution of the political crisis and respect for democratic principles in Thailand," said Baroness Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief.

28 people have been killed in clashes since the unrest began in December last year.

Vietnam Threatens Legal Action Over South China Sea Dispute

Anti-Vietnam protesters hold posters with slogans and a picture showing a map of the South China Sea including the Paracel Islands.(Reuters)

Vietnamese prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung said his government is weighing a number of defence options after China deployed an oil rig in disputed waters in the South China Sea, according to an exclusive report from Reuters.

In a written statement sent to the news agency, Dung revealed for the first time that Hanoi was considering legal measures against Beijing.

"Vietnam is considering various defence options, including legal actions in accordance with international law," Dung said in the statement on Wednesday. "I wish to underscore that Vietnam will resolutely defend its sovereignty and legitimate interests because territorial sovereignty, including sovereignty of its maritime zones and islands, is sacred."

The move is likely to incense Beijing, which has refused to participate in a separate case brought to an arbitration tribunal in The Hague by the Philippines in March.

The case marks the first time China has been brought before an international court over its territorial claims to the South China Sea.

Beijing claims almost all of the sea for itself, overlapping with other countries' claims to the potentially energy-rich waters.

Anti-China riots erupted across Vietnam last week after a Chinese oil rig was deployed in waters close to the Paracel islands, an area also claimed by Vietnam. Thousands attacked businesses and factories across Vietnam, leaving four people dead.

Vietnam said the Chinese rig is parked within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, while China said the rig was operating entirely within its waters.

The countries' navies clashed near to the islands two weeks ago, both sides accusing the other of ramming the others' ships and firing water cannons.

The United States responded to the skirmishes with a message of support for its ally Vietnam, describing China's actions as "provocative."

US Secretary of State spoke with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh on Wednesday, during which Kerry invited Minh to visit Washington.

While China claims around 90% of the South China Sea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have claims to parts.

Hot Shots Photos of the Day: Wingsuits, Mermaids, Amsterdam Fashion Show

Jon DeVore, Jeff Provenzano, Amy Chmelecki and Sean MacCormac of the Red Bull Air Force fly above the Freedom Tower during a wingsuit flight over Manhattan skyline in the build-up to next week's Bethpage Air Show at Jones BeachGetty

Jon DeVore, Jeff Provenzano, Amy Chmelecki and Sean MacCormac of the Red Bull Air Force take part in a wingsuit flight over ManhattanGetty

An RAF Eurofighter Typhoon and RAF Spitfire perform a flypast during the unveiling of the commemorative D-Day Eurofighter Typhoon jet at RAF Coningsby. This year commemorates the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings on 6 JuneGetty

A stewardess poses in the bar of the business class of an Emirates Airbus A380 during the International Air Show ILA in Schoenefeld near BerlinAFP

Models Sammy Jo Manbodh and Selina Sandberg present swimwear by Gottex on a boat during the Canal Catwalk, held for the opening of the World Fashion Festival in AmsterdamReuters

A model dressed as a mermaid poses in front of the Eiffel Tower at dawnAFP

Alison Moffitt holds the Commonwealth Games Baton at the Giants Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, during the Glasgow 2014 Baton RelayGetty

A dwarf walks in between mushroom-shaped houses after performing at the "Kingdom of The Dwarves" at Kunming World Butterflies Garden, Yunnan province, ChinaReuters

David Mora is gored by a bull during a bullfight at the Las Ventas bullring in MadridAFP

Sharon Stone seems to have forgotten her trousers as she poses on the red carpet for the screening of the film "The Search" in competition at the 67th Cannes Film FestivalReuters

A guest takes a picture with a mobile phone in a Chanel cover as he arrives for the screening of the film "L'homme qu'on aimait trop" (In the Name of My Daughter) at the Cannes Film FestivalReuters

Jennifer Lopez takes a selfie during the American Idol XIII 2014 Finale in Los AngelesReuters

Prince Charles tries on Google Glass as he visits Innovation Alley in Winnipeg, CanadaGetty

Maori Party MP, Rangi McLean, poses during a portrait shoot at the Manurewa Marae in Auckland, New ZealandGetty

Members of a vigilante group of traditional hunters pose for a picture at their camp in Maiduguri as they volunteer to hunt for Boko HaramReuters

Around 250 African migrants are hoisted onto a landing craft of the Italian Navy ship San Giorgio after being rescued in open international waters in the Mediterranean Sea between the Italian and the Libyan coastsReuters

Workers from Haiti's Ministry of Public Health spray chemicals to exterminate mosquitoes in Port-au-PrinceAFP

Vietnam Offers Help to Companies After Deadly Anti-China Riots

A protester gestures as he marches during an anti-China protest in Vietnam's southern Ho Chi Minh city(Reuters)

Vietnam will compensate businesses hit by anti-China riots which exploded across the country last week over a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

Factories were torched and at least four workers were killed, according to the Metallurgical Corporation of China, after thousands of people attacked factories and businesses in Vietnam.

Hanoi has promised to provide financial assistance to the businesses affected by the violence, including tax relief, rent waivers and early lines of credit, according to a government statement late Wednesday.

The tax relief measures will include a maximum 30% cut in special consumption tax for 2014, as well as a two year delay in payments for taxes that were arose before this month, the government said.

Vietnam will also remove barriers to hiring foreign workers and allow early credits for affected businesses, it added.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has already called on the finance ministry to push insurance firms to accelerate damage assessments and payments to affected companies.

Anti-China riots erupted last week after Beijing deployed a massive oil rig in a disputed part of the South China Sea that Hanoi also claims.

A number of Taiwanese firms were mistakenly attacked because the crowds mistook them for mainland Chinese firms.

Thousands of Chinese and Taiwanese workers were evacuated from the country amid the violence, although most companies based in the affected areas have now resumed operations.

Drugmaker Roche Says Authorities Visited its Office in China's Hangzhou City

Drugmaker Roche says authorities visited its office in China's Hangzhou city.Reuters

Swiss drugmaker Roche has said Chinese authorities visited its offices in eastern China, making it the second Swiss pharmaceutical firm in the country to attract government scrutiny amid a crackdown on pharmaceutical sector corruption.

"We are aware that local government authorities visited Roche's office in Hangzhou [city] on May 21, and the details of the visit are not clear," Lei Bao, Roche's Shanghai-based director of communications, told Bloomberg.

"We will collaborate fully with authorities for any inquiries," Lei added.

Earlier in the week, a Chinese newspaper, run by the ruling Communist Party's Commission for Political and Legal Affairs, accused GlaxoSmithKline's China unit of evading £9.53m in taxes in its HIV treatment protocols. Britain's largest pharma company is already battling corruption charges against its executives in China.

In an unrelated case, on 18 May, the chairman of Harbin Pharmaceutical Group Sanjing Pharmaceutical jumped to his death amid a probe by anticorruption officials.

Chinese prosecutors formally initiated an investigation of Sanjing Pharma late last week.

State-run news agency Xinhua said last week that Beijing's corruption charges against GSK's former China boss, Mark Reilly, and two others is a major warning sign to multi-nationals that are looking or have set up shop in the country.

In an English language editorial piece Xinhua, which is viewed as the mouthpiece for the People's Republic of China, said that the scandal could also do irreparable damage to GSK's Chinese operations, and foreign corporate integrity overall.

Last week, China formally announced charges against Reilly and two other executives, Zhang Guowei and Zhao Hongyan, following claims that they routed 3bn yuan ($481m, £285m, €352m) in bribes to doctors through 700 travel agencies and consultancies over six years.

Booming Market

Drugmakers invested heavily in the China over the past decade as rising incomes made healthcare more affordable to many people.

Foreign and local pharmaceutical companies compete intensely with each other in a bid to enlarge their market share in China's booming pharma sector.

Their business practices drew government scrutiny in the wake of the alleged GSK bribery scandal.

NDRC Crackdown

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planning body that regulates prices, in 2013 initiated investigations of 60 foreign and local pharmaceutical firms over price-fixing following the high-profile GSK bribery scandal..

Swiss drugmaker Novartis, Britain's AstraZeneca, US drugmaker Eli Lilly, France's Sanofi, German drugmaker Bayer, Danish firms Novo Nordisk and H. Lundbeck, and Belgian firm UCB have all been targeted in probes by China.