Malaysia says metal on Thai beach not from Flight 370 (Photo)

Malaysia confirmed Tuesday that the piece of metal found washed up on a Thai beach last week was not from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that went missing almost two years ago in one of aviation history's most enduring mysteries.

The confirmation came a day after a Japanese rocket maker said the piece is likely part of a rocket launched by Japan.

Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said in a statement that Malaysian and Thai experts examined the debris and ascertained that the numbers engraved on the body, the wire bundle and the bolts do not match those of a Boeing 777, which Flight 370 was operating.

- AP