Good morning,

Yesterday evening’s earthquake off the coast of Sumatra is being reported as having a force of anywhere between 7.8-8.4. A tsunami report for the whole region was triggered, although thankfully that did not materialize (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=121579). There have been several aftershocks in the Sumatra area and some deaths have been reported (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6992072.stm). There will, presumably, be more when a full assessment of the damage has been completed. People in high buildings in Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok evacuated and there was some mild panic, as might be imagined (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=121575). The latest news is that the tsunami warning has now been lifted (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/13/headlines/headlines_30048814.php).

Ten of the approximately 300 laid-off workers protesting at Government House stripped naked to raise the profile of their demonstration (http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=31578). The women, who were working at a clothing factory, are asking for the severance pay and compensation which is due to them by law. Hundreds more workers from the unions representing state transportation workers have also been protesting against the junta’s plans to liberalise the industry and open it to private sector competition (http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/13Sep2007_news04.php). When privatization plans were brought in by the democratically-elected Thai Rak Thai government, the papers were full of stories about selling Thailand to foreigners. Interesting how many policies have been continued by the junta – the only policies which have failed appear to be those introduced by the junta cronies now in charge.

Violence continues in the South, with drive-by shootings, bombs and school burnings a daily occurrence (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=121581). The army is reporting 14 insurgents as having been seized.

Back tomorrow.