Polish researchers extend composer’s genealogical tree further into the past. Piotr Myslakowski, the genealogist from Poland, has made ground-breaking research into the genealogy of Polish composer Frederic Chopin (1810-1849), tracing the roots of his French-born father to the Alps and the Polish branch of his mother to the 18th century.

AUDITOR-GENERAL ROW: Senate split on next move

Debate rages ahead of SAC meeting tomorrow on whether to reinstate Jaruvan, find new candidate, or go back to senators. Senators were split yesterday on a possible new selection process to appoint an auditor-general after the Constitution Court ruled that Visut Montriwat’s nomination to replace Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka was legal.

THE EDUCATION RACE: cram schools rake in billions

Skilled tutors can demand exorbitant fees as students compete frantically for places at prestigious universities. If you’re a star tutor at one of Bangkok’s popular cram schools, you stand a good chance of earning millions of baht yearly.

Blooming business expected for orchid

A Thai orchid-breeder has developed a unique new strain, which he expects to fetch Bt1 million a bloom.

Murdered woman’s boyfriend identified

Police in Hong Kong yesterday revealed the identity of an Australian photographer whose Thai girlfriend was found murdered there last month.

Taxi driver held over suspected rape attempt

Police have arrested a taxi driver suspected of attempting to lure a woman into a lane with the intention of assaulting her. However, a witness rescued the office worker and the driver has denied the charges, claiming he was only trying to find a shortcut.

DSI set on hacker’s trail

A special board of the Department of Special Investigation yesterday authorised a probe into a recent hacking into a website of the Justice Ministry, the first approval of its kind against cyber crime.

Stop switching lawyers in Somchai case: rights body

The constant change of prosecuting attorneys for the case against five police officers charged with the abduction of human-rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit will only jeopardise the chances of justice, the Asian Human Rights Commis-sion (AHRC) said on Friday.

Uthai slams PM’s remarks

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s remark after his party’s by-election loss flies in the face of good governance, according to Uthai Pimchaichon, former adviser to Thai Rak Thai Party.