Good afternoon,

The junta-appointed ‘government’ is being urged to do something about the continued high level of the baht (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/16/business/business_30041013.php). The ‘government’s’ response is to tell exporters to reduce their costs (http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=30526).

The seven army rangers and one village headman detained by Laotian authorities on the border have been released, as previously promised (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=120211).

At times of tribulation, we often look to the world of sport for a moment to thrill the spirits and lift the heart. And so, ladies and gentlemen, I bring you he very best result in the history of competitive international sport this century: Iraq 3 Australia 1.

That will be, Iraq 3 (three) Australia 1 (http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/tournament/mtindex.asp?cid=1373&mt=12021).

John Howard, Rolfie Harris, Kylie Minogue, Ned Kelly, Stevie Waugh, Rupert Murdoch, that dodgy Bond bloke, Nick Cave, Skippy the Bush Kangaroo, your boys took a hell of a beating.

Tonight, the final group games will see Thailand take on Australia, who will be without the charming Lucas ‘Loyalty’ Neill, whose second yellow card for dissent against Iraq means he is banned for the game (http://www.bangkokpost.com/Sports/16Jul2007_sport01.php). Oman will play Iraq, who need a draw to ensure qualification for the next round. Australia must beat Thailand by at least two goals and hope for the best. In other groups, Bahrain surprised South Korea 2-1 (http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/tournament/mtindex.asp?cid=1376&mt=12039) while China and Iran fought out an entertaining 2-2 draw (http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/tournament/mtindex.asp?cid=1375&mt=12033). On Saturday night I managed to watch most of the second half of the Uzbekistan (5) Malaysia (0) game – glad to see the Central Asians getting a little better. There is plenty of potential there.

Back tomorrow.