Good afternoon,

Al Gore has cancelled his meeting with junta-appointed ‘prime minister’ General Surayud Chulanont, citing a heavy workload (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=120459). I hope that he thought twice about legitimizing the general’s military backed rule. This is what passes for political debate on Thai television (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/07/26/opinion/opinion_30042480.php).

More details about the August 19^th referendum on the junta-backed new constitution have been announced (http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=30698). Anyone ‘obstructing’ the charter or the poll in any way is going to be subject to heavy fines and imprisonment. Together with the sinister Internal Security bill, the junta has powers to silence any kind of political dissent.

Some good news: the 30 baht healthcare scheme, relentlessly criticized by the media during the previous administration for wasting money and buying votes, is to be substantially increased by the junta-appointed ‘government’ (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120465). This will lead to an expansion of the compulsory licensing system which breaks international patents on expensive pharmaceuticals which Thai people need at a much lower cost.

The semi-finals of the 2007 Asian Cup were rather disappointing, in my view, although parts of the Japan-Saudi Arabia game were quite exciting. The Saudis prevailed 3-2 when the Japanese could not quite muster enough energy and determination to force their third equalizer of the night, despite plenty of time and possession (http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/tournament/mtindex.asp?cid=1377&mt=12047). Saudi Arabia will be take on Iraq, who beat Korea on penalties after what was, by all accounts, a fairly dire game (http://www.afcasiancup.com/en/tournament/mtindex.asp?cid=1377&mt=12046). Perhaps the brave Iraqis can make history by winning the tournament.

Back tomorrow.