Good afternoon,

The repressive military/PADemocrat Abhhisit government has launched new attacks on free speech by closing down a number of community radio stations, which are being accused of transgressing some regulation or other. This new attack on dissidence follows on the heels of denials by the army-appointed PM of human rights abuses, significant increases in the use of lese majeste laws to suppress dissident websites (more than 10,000 are now listed) and continued manipulation of the compliant media. PM’s Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey denied the charge that political bias would be used in the selection of which radio stations would be closed.

Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat has been accused of vote buying – it is said that he attached his business card to 500 baht notes which were then distributed to villagers in Chokechai district of Nakhon Ratchasima. The evidence for this should be easy to establish – although Mr Boonjong denies having done anything wrong: “Meanwhile, Mr. Boonjong said he is confident that he can defend himself against the accusation, saying what he had done was to benefit 200 villagers in Nakhon Ratchasima's Chokechai district.” It is expected that the relevant agencies will behave with perfect impartiality in determining his guilt if any and that previous precedents will not be shown to have been politically motivated.

Right.

Star striker Teeratep Leesaw Winothai has returned from Belgium where he plays (possibly not all that often) for second division team Lierse in order to help his team mates in the forthcoming match against Iran. This will be the second game in the qualifying section for the 2011 Asian Cup – Thailand got a 0-0 draw in Jordan in the first round while Iran beat Singapore 6-0. A draw at home would be a good result but I would expect Iran to win.

Back tomorrow.

An own goal is as good as any other – even one by Mr Ghost. Rehire the Open-Topped Bus now!