Local facilities, personnel ideal to take advantage of lucrative industry. Despite being a small country with limited funds, Thailand is determined get on the fast-accelerating biotech bandwagon by asserting itself in the field of clinical research and becoming a significant player in global drug development.

Thai MPs, warts and all

Exhibition on the history of the Kingdom’s politics serves as a wake-up call. Democracy in Thailand has gone through many years of turbulence, with military dictators and democratic leaders taking turns to grab power. It seems that following the ousting of General Suchinda Kraprayoon’s government in 1992, the military has returned permanently to its barracks, and the present Constitution, drafted by representatives of the people, burdens all Thais with the duty to vote at elections.

His Holiness bestows blessings

More than 1,000 Buddhists gathered at Wat Bowonnivet Vihara yesterday to pay respects to their beloved spiritual leader the Supreme Patriarch, who was described by his doctor as being in good health for a 92-year-old. His Majesty the King will send Privy Councillor Thanin Kraivixien to bring flowers to His Holiness at Wat Bowonnivet today. Yesterday saw His Holiness grant his second public audience in a little over a year as part of the three-day ceremony to mark his birthday. The celebration ends today, when he turns 92.