Good morning,

Thousands of workers have taken to the streets after being thrown out of their jobs without notice with the closure of the Thai Silp Southeast Asia Import Export Co (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/12/headlines/headlines_30040482.php). Factory owners have blamed the strong baht but failed to explain why they could not have consulted with workers before now. The human cost of job loss, especially among women supporting children and aged parents, is clear from this piece (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/12/national/national_30040463.php). The Labour Minister Aphai Chanthanachulaka reported that workers had blocked some roads around the factory area (http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=30442).

The Assembly of the Poor is threatening to force open the sluice gates on the Pak Moon Dam after the unelected, unaccountable junta-appointed ‘government’ has refused to listen to legitimate concerns for months, breaking many promises (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120094). Democracy activists fear the fate of their fellow worker Sombat who was taken into detention last week, denied access to a lawyer or family and faced with threats. Only urgent lobbying secured his release. The future is green, alas (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120095) – khaki green, that is.

South Korea and Saudi Arabia finished with a 1-1 draw (as foretold by your correspondent) last night in a match held up for 25 minutes for a power failure just five minutes from the end (http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/tournament/mtindex.asp?aid=48939&cid=1376&mt=12037&sec=105&ssec=246). Iran, meanwhile, beat Uzbekistan (also foreseen by your correspondent) 2-1 (I don’t do scores) (http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/tournament/mtindex.asp?aid=48962&cid=1375&mt=12031&sec=105&ssec=246). The Iranians had to come from behind to win, which is often a good thing for a team at the beginning of the tournament- let’s see how the Australians respond to their very lucky escape from the Mighty Omani Football Machine. Tonight is the big one here, as Thailand take on the Mighty OFM at 5:20 – which I doubt I will be able to see. This will be followed by Qatar against Vietnam. Both games are difficult to predict accurately – I hope Vietnam beat Qatar because they try to play a good attacking game and it would be a reward for them establishing a proper domestic league (unlike here). And, being patriotic, so to speak, let’s go for the crowd support (and quite possibly a monsoon) being enough for Thailand to squeak ahead of Oman.

Back tomorrow.