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

bbc.co.uk Sandra Gregory, the Briton sentenced to death then later jailed in Thailand for drug smuggling, has been held at Bangkok airport after trying to enter the country, the BBC understands. The 44-year-old spent four-and-a-half years in the notorious ''Bangkok Hilton'' for smuggling heroin before being transferred to a jail in Kent.

xinhua Two Chinese tourists died in a speed-boat-clash on Wednesday off Pattaya, while at least another 14 people on board were injured. The Chinese travel agency that organised the tour group identified the two men who drowned, and an injured tourist said the accident happened about 100 meters offshore when two single-engine speed boats, Ta-wat-chai-nam-chok and New Friend, collided.

canadianpress Thai supermarkets and other retailers that sell and advertise popular holiday gift baskets have been warned that stocking them with alcohol could result in steep fines and up to a year in jail. Section 30 of the Alcohol Beverage Control Act of February 2008 makes ''selling alcoholic beverages attached with other products illegal,'' said deputy health minister Manit Nopamornbodee.

cnn.com Golfer Tiger Woods has apologised for ''transgressions'' that let his family down. ''I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves,'' he said in a statement on his official Web site. Woods did not admit to an affair and offered no details about the ''transgressions'' in his statement.

afp Five British yachtsmen joyfully decked their vessel with UAE flags as they reached Dubai after Iran accepted they had strayed accidentally into the country's waters and released them. Wearing white shirts with ''crew'' on the back, the men were all smiles as they came ashore, shaking hands and embracing waiting friends.

straitstimes.com A stronger currency and a rise in inflation have made Singapore a more expensive place for expatriates to live in, a survey has found. Singapore jumped three spots from a year ago to become the ninth priciest Asian city in the latest cost of living ranking by human resource company ECA International. It beat Taipei and Shenzhen and Guangzhou, but remained cheaper than Tokyo and Yokohama, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

abcnews.go.com Indonesia's censors have banned 'Balibo,' an Australian-made film about five Western journalists who were killed by Indonesian troops during the 1975 invasion of East Timor. The killing of the so-called Balibo Five has been a point of friction between Jakarta and Canberra for years.

afp.com A Malaysian transsexual fighting deportation from Britain will be punished for bringing ''great shame'' on the country, Malaysian authorities said Mohammed Fazdil Min Bahari, a pre-operative transsexual known as Fatine, married a British man in a civil ceremony but has been refused a permanent visa on technical grounds, according to reports in British newspapers.

radioaustralianews.net.au India's Navy says it will strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean in response to China's growing regional influence. ''We have identified what are our maritime interests are in the region and we are looking to convert it into capabilities that we like to have to control our sea areas,'' Navy Chief, Admiral Nirmal Verma, said. China has been developing a string of Indian Ocean assets, from Pakistan to Burma.

asiaone.com A controversial virtual-tour service by Google has arrived in Singapore and it has polarised Internet users on whether it infringes privacy. Street View is now accessible for free in more than 100 cities in the world. Singapore is the first country in South-east Asia to get the service. Privacy advocates complain that images featuring private gardens as well as people sun-tanning, leaving strip clubs or falling off their bikes are made available to all and sundry.


TONIGHT Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa holds an Infinity Sunset Session, partnered by Jim Thompson and noted international DJ Jose Padilla, to mark the start of Phuket's high season in ''sensational chill-out style''. The innovative Mai Kao beach resort's fashion and music presentation features fine beach wear and accessories. At twilight this ''unmissable'' sunset session takes off in refreshing island style by the infinity pool and beachside lounging area. Tickets range from 1200 baht to 2700 baht. Telephone 076 336100 or e:phuket@anantara.com

AFTER THE successful launch of the Family Festival in Phuket's monsoon season, Laguna Phuket will now extend the program for activities based in and around the resort from December 16 with a heavy focus on children's activities. A 'Fun Zone' will be operated by the energetic staff at Quest Adventure from 2.30-5pm four days a week, followed by a Night Market and Beer Garden at Canal Village on Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm to 10.30pm, with plenty for children to do.