News and commentary from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Bird flu, violence in Southern Thailand and continued corruption are current themes in this part of the world. You can also find out about my latest research and publications. Welcome to the Land of Smiles.
I was just blog-surfing and thought I'd see what your journal is about. You have great content, and I like your layout. Your text is a bit small, but otherwise, your blog looks great. 
I've added you to my blog list for the next update. 
Good morning,
Six more pro-democracy activists have been freed from police detention on bail, ten days after they were seized in the wake of a demonstration that turned to violence (those responsible for the outbreak of violence vary depending on whose testimony is believed) (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120689).
Junta cronies and leaders are lining up to enter politics if any elections are ever held. Bloodstained former junta leader Suchinda Kraprayoon is advising head soldier Sonthi Boonyaratkalin to stand for election (or at least appointment in the new senate, if approved) (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120689). You will know them by their friends. Rumours persist that a new political party will be established for junta henchmen to stand as a form of legitimisaiton of their role in the military coup last year and to make sure that power remains in the hands of rich (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30043866). The referendum on the new charter approaches, as it becomes clear exactly what it would mean: increased power for judges, behind the scenes elites and mob power a la Sonthi Limthongkul. Courts who opposed the previous democratic government appear to be rewarded with new powers, according to repsected law professor Vitit Munthaborn (http://www.bangkokpost.com/060807_News/06Aug2007_news14.php). Judges are running around defending their integrity and in no way licking their lips about new power (http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/07Aug2007_news11.php).
Between 10-15% of vocational students are being forced to drop out of their students because of failure of responsible agencies to make their student loan payments (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/07/national/national_30043971.php). This occurs in the wake of the crippling shortage of skilled workers in the country and the loss of thousands of low-skilled jobs in the garment and footwear industries. Not even the trains are running on time.
Today at
Not sure when I will be back as I am due to attend the ISGBED Conference in
See you then, then.
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