Good morning,

The political situation is becoming clearer, although worse rather than better. Opposition to the draft constitution in the run up to the forthcoming referendum will be criminalized and then the army, under chief of the junta General Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, will form a party to ensure continued power after any subsequent election (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120007). The junta chief’s actions have come under scrutiny but nobody has any power to stop him (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/09/headlines/headlines_30039957.php). The political class already anticipates (with relish, sadly) the return to weak coalitions of middle-class interests in future governments with the poor and rural people again disenfranchised. Here is what the real prime minister has to say (http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Jul2007_news03.php).

Assets Examination Committee members are wondering why evidence of alleged corruption by Bangkok governor Apirak Kosalyodhin and other leading Democrats has not led to charges (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/09/politics/politics_30039960.php). That is because certain people have determined that one side of politics is to be destroyed, without justification, while the other is to be absolved of all of its crimes. Meanwhile, workshy quisling Abhisit Vejjajiva says it is time to relax capital controls (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/09/politics/politics_30039922.php) in a transparent attempt to ingratiate himself with foreign investors without having to bother to think up any real policies.

Thailand shared a 1-1 draw with Iraq on Saturday while the monsoon rains lashed down and the 2007 Asia Cup kicked off. Vietnam struck a blow for Southeast Asia with a valiant 2-0 win over the UAE. Meanwhile, the much-vaunted Australians, who have spent this week talking themselves up as anointed winners, were held 1-1 by mighty Oman (http://www.bangkokpost.com/Sports/09Jul2007_sport24.php). There’s a difference between one off games and entering a tournament as the favourite; we’ll see whether they can get themselves together to manage five games and five wins. The official website of the competition is: http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/.

Back tomorrow.