Remotely detonated bomb claims policemen inspecting railroad track; 1 injured. Fresh violence occurred in the deep South yesterday when a bomb explosion in southernmost Songkhla province killed two policemen and injured one other person. The bomb, probably detonated remotely by mobile phone, exploded at about 6am as a group of policemen was inspecting a railway track in Songkhla’s Chana district.

Suwat: Lampang needs reservoirs

Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop yesterday said four additional reservoirs were needed to tackle future flooding in Lampang, where the recent floods have caused damage worth Bt530 million. Lampang Governor Amornthat Niratisayakul reported to Suwat - who visited the province yesterday to give moral support to officials and volunteers battling the floods - that 80 villages in 53 tambon had been damaged and that the financial cost was initially estimated at Bt530 million.

AUDITOR-GENERAL SAGA: Bid for debate in Senate quashed

Motion to have Jaruvan’s status reviewed ‘unconstitutional’, screening panel says

Bt24 bn sought for ‘sanook’ provinces

The Cabinet is to consider an economic master plan for four upper northeastern provinces tomorrow which aims to boost their agricultural production and make them an economic gateway to Indochina.

Cattle vow could cost TRT Isaan

The ruling Thai Rak Thai party could lose its popularity in the Northeast because it is unable to keep its word on the One Million Cattle project, Democrat Party deputy leader Witoon Nambutr said yesterday.

Early retirements pushed

The government wants about 50,000 civil servants to opt for early retirement before October 2006, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said yesterday.

Famed uprising singer dies at 50

Legendary singer Kittipong “Tee Kammachon” Boonprasit died yesterday after succumbing to heart and kidney failure.

Prime minister joins global condemnation

The Thai government yesterday joined the international community in expressing condolences to victims of the bombings on the Indonesian island of Bali and condemning this latest act of terror.

Chiang Rai tries new approach to teaching teens about safe sex

In a bid to curb a rising rate of HIV infection among young people, Chiang Rai has come up with the idea of opening a “peer-to-peer club” to effectively promote safe sex.

Paralysed boy finds new hope at renowned Chiang Rai centre

With a disease that paralysed him from the waist down and ruined his education, it’s easy to see why Kamol Khamwilai once found it difficult to accept fate and get on with his life.

Debtors still struggling despite govt assistance: poll

Many debtors owed off-system loans and although most registered for help from the government, their debt problems remain unsolved, a recent survey has revealed.

Bankruptcy plan ‘not suited to teachers’

In a meeting on Saturday with top government officials, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra relaunched campaigns to portray a proactive image of his government. But fears have been raised that they could rebound on the very people they are supposed to benefit.

ROAD TO SENATE 'CHIANG MAI': Contenders take a head start

Former MP, social activist, provincial officials line up for what is expected to be a tough battle for seats in northern province

Democrat Assembly to tap public input

The timing of the first meeting of the Democrat Party’s long-planned assembly this weekend seems opportune – many national problems remain unsolved, trust in the government has been shaken and the people have doubts about the independence of state-monitoring bodies and the media.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

thaksin faces grilling over health transfers