Good afternoon,

There seems to be some kind of power struggle going on concerning the nomination for leadership of the National Security Council (NSC), after the rapid transfer of previous incumbent Surapol Puen-Aiyaka. This is the essence of real power politics in Thailand – whose ally gets to control which important but largely invisible post and, therefore, whose hand signs the cheques and disburses the booty of office. When fools and charlatans criticise former PM Thaksin Shinawatra for ‘undermining checks and balances in the system,’ what they really mean is he tried to remove some of these army/establishment cronies and replace them with individuals with more of an incentive to protect democracy. We can see how that ended. Still, as Wolfie Smith used to say, “Come the glorious day ….”

The police are, apparently, no more than a few weeks away from laying charges in the seizure of the two international airports last year – a bizarre seven months later. It will be interesting to see whether any of the vile PAD leadership will be charged (obviously they should be as these are open and shut cases). At the time, the PAD was protected by certain very highly placed people it is not possible to name but the yellow shirts seem to have lost the favour since then. Let’s see – and let’s see if any of them threaten to reveal certain truths if they are finally threatened with richly-deserved terms in prison.

Muay Thai is in trouble and promoters at the two principal stadiums (or stadia if you prefer) are organizing an unprecedented joint tournament for this Friday at Lumpini. Star fighter Sanchai Sor Kingstar will fight two opponents – rounds alternately will be contested against Saketdao Petphayathai and Pethbunchu F.A. Group, which sounds a little unfair but what do I know.

Back tomorrow.

And so, farewell, Kevin Doyle!

You only cost 78,000 quid

And scored 54 goals. Who will be next?

By E.J. Thribb.