Interviews of Thai refugees standard practice, official says, as Thai and Malaysian diplomats enter the fray

Senators to seek Asa’s advice

Senators will this week seek advice from His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary Asa Sarasin to find a way out of the impasse over the auditor-general’s position. Senator Winyu Urankul (Sak-hon Nakhon) said he has drafted a letter seeking a meeting with Asa to tentatively ask him what the protocol is if the appointment of Visut Montriwat fails to receive royal endorsement.

US DISASTER: Thailand pledges to help US

HM the King sends condolences to President Bush. His Majesty the King has sent a message of condolence to US President George W Bush acknowledging the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, which killed thousands of people and left many homeless and desperate for help in the southern Gulf states.