Good afternoon,

The referendum on the junta’s new constitution is fast approaching and people are planning how to return to their home provinces to vote. Some overseas Thais have begun quite small-scale campaigns to reject the constitution (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/15/politics/politics_30045068.php) since it is being held while martial law prevails in many parts of the country, seriously hindering proper political debate. The criminalization of political opposition continues with a new (and rather bizarre) story about money coming from a casino over the Burmese border being used to pay voters to vote against the charter, as if they would only do so if bribed (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=120874). A new law is being considered which would further criminalize political rallies without permission from an agency composed of army, police and junta cronies and henchmen. One ex-charter writer points out that it will lead to weaker political parties and hence more disunity and the opportunity for further coups in the future (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=120881).

Trans-gender beauty queen Yollada Krerkkong Suanyot is establishing the TG Group in Thailand to give transsexuals the right to call themselves ‘miss’ and to have the full rights of women (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/08/15/headlines/headlines_30045065.php). It seems likely that this measure will pass in due course.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand fell a further 1.4% yesterday (http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/15Aug2007_biz32.php) and at the moment is another 14 points to 780 as I write this. The problems stem not just from the economic crisis here but the sub-prime issue in the USA, which is likely to lead to further fallout over the coming days.

Today’s story at Suite 101 is about improvements in the Infrastructure of the Greater Mekong subregion and its unintended effects, including boosting the possibility of human trafficking (http://laos.suite101.com/article.cfm/greater_mekong_infrastructure).

Back tomorrow.