A daily wrap of Thailand news from national and international media, including translations into English from Thai dailies.

The Nation: Army Commander in Chief Gen Anupong Paojinda says cartridges from M-16 assault rifles found at the scene of the assassination attempt on Sondhi Limthongkul were from an army division in the First Army Region. PM Abhisit should perhaps be grateful to ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who ordered the purchase of three bulletproof Mercedes for 25 million baht each.

Bangkok Post: The government's handling of the red-shirt riots was restrained and lawful, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva told a joint session of Parliament. Mr Abhisit called on lawmakers to help Thailand find a way out of the crisis through political reforms. Bangkok residents produce as much carbon dioxide as New Yorkers, a UN-sponsored study has found. The more carbon dioxide is released, the warmer the climate could become, which could put the city at increased risk of natural disasters, the study says.


FT.com: A US senator has accused Malaysian officials of complicity in the human trafficking of Burmese refugees who have been sold into prostitution and other kinds of forced labour. Richard Lugar, the top Republican on the foreign relations committee, has handed the Malaysian government a report on a year-long investigation which alleges that refugees who fled the Burmese junta for Malaysia had been handed over to traffickers on the Malaysia-Thailand border. The report, which was obtained by the FT, highlights the plight of Burmese migrants who crossed Thailand into Malaysia in the hope of registering with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) then being resettled in a third country. According to the investigation, Malaysian officials have transported migrants - including some who had registered with UNHCR - from detention centres to the Thai border for deportation. At the border, however, migrants are handed to traffickers unless they can pay a ransom.

Daily News: In Samutsakorn Province, protests for any reason by and color have been banned. A stage has been set up behind Provincial Hall where people can gather and make speeches if they wish, but under supervision. The Governor of Bangkok, Sukompan Boripat is asking for another 200 million baht for tourism promotion, on top of the intial one billion baht the government is giving.

AFP news agency: Liverpool will play pre-season friendlies in Thailand and Singapore in July, the club has announced. Rafael Benitez's side will face Thailand in Bangkok on July 22 before flying to Singapore to take on the national team on July 26. It will be the first time the Reds have visited Thailand since 2003.

Asiatimes.com: Introduction of new political and social forces often comes with serious disruptions, as are now occurring in Thailand. But hopefully in the long run they will be accommodated in a new, more legitimate and democratic social contract that will endure long after the current political players have departed, says a commentator.

Kom Chad Luek: More old people in Thailand need eyeglasses and a project headed by Princess Chakri Sirindhorn aims to help supply them. An extra 30,000 nurses are needed throughout Thailand to meet WHO standards of one nurse for every 500 people. At present, Isarn provinces average one nurse for every 1200 people.

Bloomberg.com Thailand's central bank says the economy may shrink more than expected as political chaos that led to an emergency decree in Bangkok may thwart government spending plans. Gross domestic product may contract as much as 3.5 percent this year, a forecast that may be cut because it does not account for anti-government protests that led to two deaths in Bangkok last week.

Thai Rath: Hail is predicted for some parts of Thailand today because of the climatic conditions that should also trigger heavy rain. The Environment Ministry wants plastic bags and bottles banned for 45 days to reduce carbon dioxide, it was announced on Earth Day. An extra 14,532 teachers are needed around the country and applications are invited today and tomorrow to the Ministry of Education. Pawn shops report and increase of goods from parents seeking money for school reopening.

Matichon: Katoeys, lesbian couples and homosexual couples should not imagine that everyone will accept public displays of their lifestyles, the newspaper says in an editorial following anger about one gay parade in Chiang Mai. Gays interviewed by Matichon said they would like to be accepted as they are, with ''open hearts.'' Thais, competing against 59 other countries, are again hoping to do well in the world cheerleader competition in Bangkok from April 24.


Will and the Electric Guitar Elephant Dream
Latest Phuket attracts its share of dreamers and eccentrics, but an Australian man, planning to come to the island for a pachydermal rock-out, is among the most unusual.
Will and the Electric Guitar Elephant Dream

Villagers Block Surin Streets: Tourists Complain
Latest Villagers blocked a main road near Surin beach tonight to protest about the slow speed of official action in a shooting investigation.
Villagers Block Surin Streets: Tourists Complain

Phi Phi-Krabi Ferries Sink in 30m Baht Blaze
Latest Krabi Town's dreams of a marina suffer a setback as two large ferry boats burn and sink at the local pier. The ferries plied a regular service to popular Phi Phi.
Phi Phi-Krabi Ferries Sink in 30m Baht Blaze

Media Jet to Phuket as AoT Board Meets
Latest The Airports of Thailand board is to meet on Phuket to consider the island's attractions and the plan for airport expansion. With Asean coming in June, security will be an issue too.
Media Jet to Phuket as AoT Board Meets

More Than 7200 Sex Workers on Phuket
Latest A glimpse into the world of Phuket's girlie bars and karaokes comes with the revelation that more that 7000 people on the island admit to being sex workers.
More Than 7200 Sex Workers on Phuket


Phuketwan MEDIAWATCH Wednesday News Update
Latest Interest centres on what the red shirts might do next, and the Asean summit appears to be almost certainly heading Phuket's way. A US film is banned, too.
Phuketwan MEDIAWATCH Today's News Update

Phuketwan MEDIAWATCH Tuesday News Update
Latest The focus is very much still on political outcomes and the Sondhi shooting but some police are finding time to visit Internet cafes to eyeball the violent games that young people play.
Phuketwan MEDIAWATCH Today's News Update

Phuketwan MEDIAWATCH Monday News Update
Introducing a new feature: a newsy wrap of the latest reports from around the national and local media. Look for it every day on Phuketwan
Phuketwan MEDIAWATCH Today's News Update