Good afternoon,

It is being speculated with increasing conviction that head of the junta General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin plans to continue his role in politics by standing for parliament, perhaps even becoming prime minister (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120059). A number of prominent military-related politicians have been positioning themselves for new parties, backing the coup-makers. This would follow the precedent of the 1991 coup leader General Suchinda, which is ominous indeed. Sonthi denies this at present (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=120064). Pro-democracy groups may spread their protests to those provinces in the north where martial law has been lifted (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120058). However, the only quotes come from coup henchmen who claim that (away from the cameras, obviously) democracy supporters are trying to provoke violence from the coup cronies and their soldiers.

Junta-appointed ‘cabinet’ has agreed to an amendment to the 1979 Traffic Act which while make it a crime to use a non-hands free mobile phone while driving (http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/11Jul2007_news03.php). As Cormac McCarthy wrote in No Country for Old Men, “… even a blind sow finds a acorn once in a while.”

China brushed Malaysia aside 5-1 last night, without looking very good apart from in finishing, while Indonesia rather surprisingly beat Bahrain 2-1 (http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/tournament/mtindex.asp?aid=48719&cid=1376&mt=12036&sec=105&ssec=246). Tonight, Saudi Arabia play South Korea (draw), while Iran take on Uzbekistan (Iran to win). The Chinese took advantage of some laissez-faire Malaysian defending and that should be enough to see them through to the next round (http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/tournament/mtindex.asp?aid=48765&cid=1375&mt=12030&amth=7&ayr=2007). I would fancy both the Saudis and the Koreans to finish above Indonesia, meanwhile, despite the boost they received under the stewardship of Peter With, after he was wrongly sacked by the Thai FA.

Back tomorrow.