Energy experts dismayed at lack of expertise on interim panel to oversee industry; ‘it’s a court ploy.’ Energy industry experts were dismayed yesterday by the Cabinet’s decision to appoint mostly un-qualified panellists to a seven-member interim committee charged with overseeing regulations covering the country’s energy policy.

Aussies launch work-holiday visas

The Australian Embassy in Bangkok granted the new Work and Holiday Visa to the first young Thai recipient yesterday. The aim of the new visa programme is to allow Thai and Australian nationals aged between 18 and 30 to work in each other’s countries while on holidays so that they can better enjoy the cultural experience. The programme is part of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. “The scheme will boost understanding between the two countries,” said Australian Ambassador to Thailand William Paterson.

‘AUTONOMY’ not a good word, both sides agree

Calls for autonomy for the mainly Muslim deep South will from now on be taboo. And the “megaphone” diplomacy between Thai and Malaysian officials will be toned down to more civil discussions. These two agreements were made in two separate meetings between former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who is on a visit to Thailand, and Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday and National Reconciliation Commission head Anand Panyarachun yesterday.

France to offer Bt300 million a year to Thai filmmakers

Thai filmmakers could be set to enjoy financial benefits of around Bt300 million a year from the French government’s financial assistance programme.