MILESTONES

ORDERED: By the State Railway of Thailand, more trains with more carriages for the coming, very long holiday weekend. SRT deputy governor Tanongsak Pongprasert said on Dec 30-31 and Jan 2-4, 10 additional trains will be added to the 164 already providing free rides between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Uttaradit.

ORDERED: By the general prime minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, that all trains run on time during the coming holidays.

DIED: At 95, in a hospital in his home state of Ohio, John Glenn. An original Nasa astronaut, Glenn piloted the Friendship 7 as the first American in space, in 1962. He served 24 years as a US senator, and in 1998, at 77, became the oldest person in space, aboard the Discovery shuttle.

ORDERED: By a 10-second session of the Japan High Court, deportation of Utinan Won. Born and raised in Japan, the 16-year-old high school student has been living since birth without a visa.

DIED: In a crash of his big motorcycle, popular car racing driver Jakrapong Nuamthong. Friends said he was among about 30 bikers heading from Bangkok to Bang Saen beach. He reportedly lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a power pole, breaking his neck in the process.

DIED: At 68 of cardiac arrest after a lengthy illness legendary film star (140 movies) and Tamil Nadu state minister, Jayalalithaa Jayaraman — Jaya or Amma to tens of millions. A powerful politician with five terms as governor, she never lacked enemies but had millions who adored her. She was carried in a glass casket so fans could see her last journey.