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

wsj.com Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said that he will likely call early elections after the economy has firmly recovered. ''The likelihood is that there will be early elections once the economy is firmly grounded,'' Mr. Abhisit told Dow Jones Newswires. ''The early poll could be called any time,'' he said, declining to specify a timeframe.

Phuketwan Update Norwegian forensic scientists are continuing to probe the cause of death of Julie Bergheim, the young tourist who died with American Jill St Onge in mysterious circumstances on Phi Phi in May. Thai police were unable to determine the cause of death of the two, who stayed in adjoining rooms at Laleena Guesthouse. The Norwegians held a second autopsy on Miss Bergheim and are continuing a painstaking hunt for indicators.

hindu.co.in The forum of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation on Sunday pledged to promote ''balanced, inclusive, and sustainable growth'' to ensure a durable recovery. Leaders of 21 Apec economies, who concluded a two-day summit in Singapore, noted that ''the global economy has [now] begun to recover, with the Asia-Pacific region taking the lead.'' However, ''a new growth paradigm'' was needed to create ''a connected Asia-Pacific in the 21st century.''

Bangkok Post US President Barack Obama on Sunday told the Burmese junta to free pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi during an unusual face-to-face interaction with a top leader of the ruling military. Obama delivered the strong message during his summit with leaders of 10 Southeast Asian nations, which included Burma's Prime Minister General Thein Sein.

foxnews.com After meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President Obama said he accepted an invitation to visit the world's most populous Muslim nation next year. ''I am very excited about our prospects for deepening relations in the future, and I want to make sure everybody knows that I intend to be visiting Indonesia next year,'' Obama said.

miamiherald.com President Obama kicks off his visit to China with a town-hall meeting Monday in Shanghai, a rare chance for the Chinese people to communicate directly with a Western leader. Cold rain was pouring Sunday night when Obama landed in the mainland's most Western-influenced city. He gave a quick wave, but saved his words for the morning. After a town hall meeting, he is to fly to Beijing, where he has dinners, meetings and tours scheduled through Wednesday.

foodconsumer.org The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that the death toll from H1N1 may be four times higher than previously estimated. The CDC earlier estimated 1000 deaths associated with H1N1 flu. However, since then the agency has been scrupulously analysing data from each individual state. Additionally, they have included deaths from flu-related complications, such as pneumonia and other bacterial infections.

telegraph.co.uk Tourism ministers from more than 100 countries have strongly criticised the increase in Air Passenger Duty imposed by the British Government this month. The condemnation of the travel tax, which was raised on November 1 and is due to rise again in a year's time, came at a summit organised by the UN World Tourism Organisation in London. ''The British Government says it is committed to promoting development in poorer countries, yet it has introduced a tax that is a terrible blow to their development,'' one critic said.

The Nation Continuing a tradition that began in 1998, Kata Beach Resort and Spa will again be the host venue of the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, a record that brings immense pride to group chairman, Pamuke Achariyachai. This year, the closing day of the regatta coincides with His Majesty the King's birthday on December 5, and although there are plans for a special celebration, the chairman is keeping them close to his chest.

wsj.com The US Food and Drug Administration is taking aim at caffeinated alcoholic drinks, saying it will pull them off the market unless manufacturers can prove the beverages are safe. The FDA has sent letters to nearly 30 companies, giving them 30 days to provide evidence that their drinks don't pose health or safety risks. The FDA hasn't approved the use of caffeine in alcoholic beverages.

Associated Press Indonesian authorities say they are deporting 11 foreign Greenpeace activists for joining a protest against forest destruction. Immigration official Jumanter Lubis said the activists violated their tourist visas and are being sent home. Activists from Spain, Brazil, Germany, Thailand and the Philippines sought to draw attention to the massive destruction of peatland forests ahead of a key UN climate conference in Denmark. Indonesia's once abundant forests are being lopped at a rapid rate, threatening endangered wildlife.

bangkokpost.com Piya Sosothikul, Executive Vice President of Bangkok Bank, writes: From a banker's perspective, while the current slump is clearly a concern, we think long-term when making lending decisions. And long-term, the prospects for Thailands tourism sector are undeniably good. Our country continues to rank among the very top worldwide tourist destinations, maintaining our reputation for friendly and value-for-money service, cultural treasures, sun-kissed beaches, great food and great shopping. That's a gilt-edged advantage that won't easily be lost my personal view is that the economy is starting to improve and that the sector will be back on a strong footing by the third quarter of next year.