Press Association PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has agreed to hold face-to-face talks with red protesters to "restore peace and minimise the chance of violence."

bangkokpost.com PM Abhisit will meet for talks with United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship leaders at King Prajadhipok's Institute at 4pm. It is believed that Veera Musikapong, Jatuporn Prompan, Natthawut Saikua and Weng Tojirakarn will represent the UDD.


A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media.

nationmultimedia.com Two television stations became targets of bomb attacks last night in the most violent day since the red shirts began their rally two weeks ago. Nearing 7pm, an M67 grenade was lobbed at the Army-run Channel 5 studio, wounding seven people, four of them seriously. About 9.30pm, an M79 grenade was fired into the state-run NBT (Channel 11) studio on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road. The bomb exploded at the tent where soldiers were on guard, wounding four.

afp Thai troops have withdrawn from several security posts in Bangkok, under pressure from some 80,000 jubilant red-shirted protesters who mounted a new rally to demand fresh elections. Suthep Thaugsuban, the deputy prime minister in charge of national security, downplayed the withdrawal as an "adjustment" and said the troops would return later in the day.

voanews.com Thailand's tourism industry has taken a hit as thousands of anti-government protesters have taken to the streets to force fresh elections. The Association of Thai Travel Agents said international visitor arrivals fell between 20 and 30 percent in March, when the protests began. Andrew Cornelio, director of sales and marketing at the Dusit Thani Hotel, said the travel advisories from more than 30 countries also contributed to the dip.

Phuketwan Update FIVE TOP Phuket spas are wanted to send representatives to join a Thai trade mission in Tokyo at the end of May. Fumika Kawakubo of the Department of Export Promotion 6, Asean-Japan Centre, is keen to have the spas involved to boost spa tourism on the island. ''I have been told told by Japanese tourists who come to Thailand that they rate Phuket's spas as the best,'' she said. Representatives from spas wishing to learn more about the trade mission and its potential benefits should contact Sompong On-Prasert, Director of the Office of Commercial Affairs, Phuket, on 081 9797627.

afp British Airways cabin crew have launched a four-day strike, forcing the cancellation of numerous flights as they stage their second walkout in a week over an increasingly bitter dispute. BA said about 70 percent of its long-haul flights and up to 55 percent of its short-haul flights were operating on Saturday during the strike by the Unite union, even more than during last weekend's three-day action.

reuters.com Singer Tom Jones has postponed Singapore and Manila concerts due to laryngitis, his website said, another blow to a new $4.4 billion resort and casino complex in Singapore. Jones began a concert at the newly opened Resorts World Sentosa in the city-state on Friday night but left the stage after two songs, the Straits Times newspaper reported. The casino and entertainment complex is operated by Genting Singapore.

thedailystar.net The New York Times, BBC, and al-Jazeera English all published the news on the basis of a report released by Paul Critchley, the Medecins Sans Frontiers head of mission in Bangladesh. Quoting Critchley, the New York Times wrote: "They (Rohingyas) cannot receive general food distribution. It is illegal for them to work. All they can legally do in Bangladesh is to starve to death."

cnn.com Myanmar's junta chief spoke Saturday of pending political and economic change even as an ostentatious parade served as a reminder of the isolated nation's military might. In his annual Armed Forces Day national speech, Senior General Than Shwe signaled that transition would soon be under way though he gave no date for upcoming national elections, the first such vote in two decades.



Until March 28 Local Phuket Food Festival, Saphan Hin, Phuket City
April 3 Attempt on the mass dive record, Thai Muang, Phang Nga, 11am. Details: 076-411388.
April 9-13 Phuket Bike Week, including tattoo competitions, island rides and the Miss Phuket Bike Week contest.
April 14-18 Phuket Cricket Sixes, Karon Sports Stadium.
May 31-June 5 Eight-nation football tournament for players over 55 at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City. Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, Iran, Armenia competing.
May Annual Phuket seafood festival.
May Date to be finalised for Muay Thai kickboxing competition at Laguna Phuket.
May 21-23 Paragliding on Phuket.
June 4-13 Phuket International Film Festival, Coliseum Cineplex, Phuket City.
December 4-11 Phuket King's Cup Regatta