Cabinet ministers will today review a new package of tax breaks and stimulus programmes worth as much as 40 billion baht as the government seeks to boost economic growth.
POLITICS
Constitution Court judge Jarun Pukditanakul yesterday strongly criticised new attempts to amend the charter by the People Power party (PPP).
GULF OF THAILAND
Coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand are deteriorating rapidly while the sea turtle population is also shrinking as a result of destructive tourism activity, a study by the Marine and Coastal Resources Department has found.
PREAH VIHEAR
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday asked the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to bring criminal charges against the Samak cabinet over the Preah Vihear temple row.
SOUTHERN UNREST
SONGKHLA : All 11 teachers at a school in Songkhla's Thepha district moved out of the area yesterday after a bomb blast killed a ranger volunteer assigned to protect them. Korlaenang school suspended classes indefinitely after the attack.
POVERTY
Activists voiced opposition to the government's coupon programme for low-income residents yesterday, but suggested instead discounts be offered on public utilities, accommodation and children's education.
HEALTH
RANONG : Ranong public health authority has declared the province a malaria zone after a sharp rise in the number of people infected in the province.
ENGINE MODIFICATIONS
PHICHIT : Officials are warning motorists in the province about gangs which are conning drivers into buying fake certificates for engine modifications.
ANTI-GRAFT AGENCY
Four civil groups have called for an investigation into alleged malfeasance by the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC).
COOKING SHOWS
The Constitution Court yesterday gave Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej more time to defend himself against allegations he violated the charter by hosting two TV cooking shows.
The Democrat party's deputy leader in the Northeast, Vithoon Nambutr, who is facing an electoral fraud investigation, looks likely to lose his post when the opposition reveals its new line-up today, a party source said yesterday.
BRIBE INQUIRY
The House committee to counter corruption has begun its investigation into the alleged bribe paid for the awarding of a drainage tunnel contract in Bangkok.
COMMENTARY
The news that the messy divorce trial of Christie Brinkley and Peter Cook ended with a settlement last week came a little too late for the two parties. The ugliness of the case was best-captured by the news alert posted by the Associated Press announcing the settlement: "Christie Brinkley settles NY divorce with husband who had teen mistress, online porn habit."
EDITORIAL
Successive governments of Indonesia over the past six years deserve extensive credit for their suppression of regional terrorism. Not only has the government defeated the top echelons of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and brought its bombers to justice, it has gained the support of the country to keep the pressure on.
Desperate to clinch a new global trade deal, World Trade Organisation chief Pascal Lamy is planning to convene a "mini-ministerial" meeting in the third week of July.
SHADOW BOXING
The Democrat party's internal elections today come at a pivotal time; a time when sweeping political change is needed to tackle increasing economic challenges facing Thailand's frail economy.
SPOTLIGHT
Things finally came to a head last Thursday when Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama walked firmly to a podium set up at the Foreign Ministry and announced his resignation, taking responsibility for allegedly mishandling the controversial Preah Vihear issue.
ON THE Record
Pongpol Adireksarn, the chairman of the National World Heritage Committee, talked to the Post after returning from Quebec where the Preah Vihear issue was discussed.
PostBag
I totally disagree with Paul who said that Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Democrat shadow ministers are the ones who need to be impeached ("Democrats are the guilty party", Postbag, July 13).
InMedia
It is likely Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will dissolve the House of Representatives after the budget bill is approved by parliament.
Dharmayatra, the ultra-nationalistic Thai group which is trying to reclaim the Preah Vihear ruins for Thailand, announced it will launch a hunger strike to try to pressure the government to take action on the temple issue.
