Sumet Jumsai, the well-known architect and historian, talks to Nation editor Pana Janviroj on our understanding of the national anthem, one of the centrepieces of the Thai national identity.

Baby starves to death after mother kills herself

A woman has died in an apparent suicide after fighting with her husband, and leaving her one-month-old son to starve to death in Pathum Thani’s Klong Luang district, police said yesterday.

AIRPORT SCANDAL: Censure ready by Wednesday

Opposition only needs to iron out final details

TAT halts efforts to promote deep South

A local office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has decided to suspend promotional plans for tourism in the violence-plagued southern provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala.

Bodyguard uses muscle in corporate plans

The man who served as the bodyguard for Miss Universe 2004 is preparing to launch a security company in Thailand.

Ministers to push Kolok bridge plan

Ministers from Thailand and Malaysia yesterday vowed to push ahead with the construction of a bridge across the Kolok River after a delay of eight months in order to boost peace efforts in Thailand’s restive South.

Health workers claim intimidation by officials

Two village health volunteers have been reprimanded by senior officials for telling The Nation that their lives were at risk while taking chicken specimens without proper training and equipment during government operations to control bird flu last October.

Army vet comes clean on civic duty

Sumrith Malai has swept a 10-kilometre stretch of Ayutthaya’s streets six days a week for two decades. He is not a city worker and his service is gladly done for free.

Agencies help tsunami-hit villages get back to sea

The fishermen of Phang Nga and Ranong provinces have plenty to do now thanks to the financial and organisational aid of two agencies that want to help tsunami-stricken communities back on their feet and into the sea.

Krabi to spend Bt32m on disaster, terrorist prevention

Krabi province is investing millions of baht in disaster warning towers and closed-circuit television systems to restore the confidence of locals and tourists who remain concerned about danger from tsunamis and terrorism.

Fire causes Bt30m damage to factory

A fire, thought to have been sparked by a short-circuit, roared through a plastics factory in Nakhon Pathom’s Sam Phran district yesterday causing damage estimated at almost Bt30 million.

Refugees complain about German NGO

A large group of Burmese people displaced by fighting near the border with Thailand and living in a border camp in Mae Hong Son has complained to provincial authorities and the UN High

Malaria, dengue ‘will be under control in 6 weeks’

Disease control officials said yesterday outbreaks of dengue fever and malaria will be put under control in six weeks, and that the overall situation has improved in seven affected southern provinces, especially Chumphon, Ranong and Phang Nga.

Ruling in Wisut case on July 4

The Appeals Court is to announce its ruling on an appeal filed by convicted wife-killer Dr Wisut Boonkasemsanti on July 4.

Man hurt defending girl in rape attempt

A university student was seriously injured when he tried to save his girlfriend from a rape attempt, police said yesterday.

LEANER GOVERNMENT: Merger for ICT, Science ministries

Overlapping responsibilities and lack of focus slated as reasons for team-up