Opposition to push Abhisit as next PM, sensing an opportunity as TRT falters. The Democrat Party is mapping out strategies to become the next ruling party, in the hope that the waning popularity of the Thai Rak Thai Party leads to its downfall. The main opposition party organised a two-day seminar on the weekend in Nakhon Si Thammarat to focus on strengthening the party to be ready for the next general election and push for party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to become the next prime minister.

PM testy over party divisions

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra did not take kindly yesterday to journalists asking him to respond to reported expressions of displeasure by some Thai Rak Thai MPs over the government’s eroding popularity. Thaksin said he had read the newspaper reports in question, but had personally never heard any of his MPs express such concerns. “I want to see journalists reporting positive news that is beneficial to the country,” he said.

Road to the Senate: All in the family for senate hopefuls

Political critics tend not to be too convinced by senatorial runners with relatives in the government who promise to carry out their work free from any influence from their family ties.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:

Teachers’ warning

SCHOOL TRANSFERS: Teachers to burn TRT membership cards

About 100,000 expected to attend rally outside Parliament on Wednesday

200 inmates freed for King’s birthday

The Department of Corrections yesterday released 200 inmates convicted of minor offences to commemorate the 78th birthday of His Majesty the King. A total of 1,200 prisoners will be released from prisons across the country by December 9, officials said.

Floods recede in Chumphon

Floods in Chumphon over the past two months have caused damage totalling Bt350 million while the death toll from floods in Nakhon Si Thammarat has risen to six, officials said yesterday.

Alarm over plan to convert Security Funds into bank

The Social Security Office (SSO) has developed a plan to use Bt8 billion of Social Security Funds to set up a labour bank for the 8.3 million beneficiaries under the fund.

Chiang Mai hit by quake, no injuries

Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces were yesterday struck by an earthquake that measured 4.1 on the Richter scale, the Meteorological Department said.

32 more complaints over Easy Buy loans

Another 32 people with personal loans from Easy Buy yesterday lodged complaints with police, accusing the company of charging them excessive interest.