Prasit Phothasuthon, a partner in the Paradise Resort, is the Thai Minister of Agriculture's brother and a respected businessman.

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Several other agreements are expected to be signed during the two-day summit in South Africa's coastal resort city of Durban, including in defense, education, energy, science and technology, agriculture and transport, according to South African President Jacob Zuma.

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The White Springs, West Virginia, resort declared bankruptcy in 2009, and new owner Jim Justice, a local coal-and-agriculture baron, is trying to bring the 6, 750-acre property into the modern era of luxury--and extend its appeal beyond a graying demographic.

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