Good morning,

Nightly demonstrations against the junta at Sanam Luang are growing, with estimates of yesterday’s attendance varying between 8-20,000 (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=119300). Accurately identifying correct numbers at demonstrations is notoriously difficult and subject to spin. However, it is clear that the numbers are increasing. In response, the junta is deploying its ‘elite’ forces in Bangkok as well as in the South (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-06/07/content_6212573.htm). Chief Junta henchman General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin has denied reports that junta troops are shadowing former Thai Rak Thai leaders (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-06/08/content_6215394.htm). There is no evidence of mobilisation of farmers or other desperate people to justify the scrambling of planes around the country, although that is what is happening (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=119294).

Isan politicians are planning to create a stronger network of alliances if the promised elections do actually arrive (http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Jun2007_news01.php). The number of MPs involved have always given the Isan contingent a degree of influence in the political world. The question is now whether there is some individual or set of people who can unite the Isan alliance with other interest groups in the country to create a coalition that will provide electoral success. The alternative is for minority government, which will go back to the bad old days. There is no chance that people will vote for workshy fop Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Democrat Party since he has no policies and is unfit for political office.

Scotland Yard has been active here searching for the would-be cyber-criminal mastermind who has been trying to blackmail Tesco (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/08/headlines/headlines_30036327.php). A blackmail note, apparently signed by one John Smith, was allegedly issued from an internet café here in the City of Angels.

New content is available at www.aseanaffairs.com.

Back on Monday.