Good morning,

The media may be giving maximum spin value to the new PADemocrat government but indications start to emerge that the failed right-wing policies it has used in the past will be given an new airing - disastrously so, given the extent of the economic crisis we are now facing. Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij has failed to outline what measures he will be taking to stimulate the economy except to talk about, as far as can be told, tax cuts for the middle classes. Of course, the junta’s constitution has some provisions limiting what ministers can say before measures are discussed in parliament but even so, Korn is being opaque at a time when real leadership is needed.

Temperatures continue at unexpectedly low levels and the cold is being blamed for two deaths in Thailand. One man was apparently found dead on his bed wearing only his underwear and possibly having enjoyed a drink the night before – the elements got to him, it is reported.

Things are now so bad in the economy that people are stopping eating instant noodles: even though these are probably the cheapest and most convenient form of food available. Market leader Mama is planning to invest in the production of lower cost noodle options (to 5 baht from 6 baht, for example). Noodles is very big business in these parts.

Back tomorrow.