Civil organisations plan to revive green flags as they push to amend charter. Civic groups will use green flags, once a symbol of support for enactment of the current Constitution, once again to pressure politicians to amend the charter – this time to curb the powers of the prime minister.

Fewer than 30% of Thai babies breastfed

Fewer than three in every 10 Thai mothers breastfeed their babies, despite the practice’s proven health benefits to infants, the Public Health Ministry said yesterday. The World Health Organisation recommends that mothers breastfeed their babies for at least six months after birth. Yet a recent Thai study has found that fewer than 30 per cent of Thai mothers continue breastfeeding their babies until the fourth month after birth, Dr Pratch Boonyawongsaviroj, the ministry’s acting permanent-secretary, said.

Kongsak: Sondhi’s information dubious

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana said yesterday that media tycoon Sondhi Limthong-kul’s allegations could be the result of international political interference in Thai affairs, as companies from the US, Sweden and Russia all want to sell military supplies to the country.

Chuwit promises to grill govt over airport rail-link project

Chat Thai Party deputy leader Chuwit Kamolvisit yesterday threatened to grill the government over alleged irregularities in the Bt25.9-billion airport rail link project when the opposition opens a no-confidence debate next year.

Newin seeks funds to back rubber price

PM’s Office Minister Newin Chidchob will ask the government to approve Bt137 million in funding for an operation to shore up the price of rubber sheets in three southern border provinces with a view to increasing incomes for poor people there.

Long way to go on labour rights

Thai workers are still being consistently abused, largely due to the government’s lack of commitment to solving the problem, a seminar on labourer’s rights heard yesterday.

Surayud calls for equality in society

All parties should learn from history and work to reduce differences in society in order to create a harmonious, peaceful society, Privy Councillor General Surayud Chulanont said yesterday.

Farmers bring forest bill grievance to city

Thousands of farmers from the North will rally in Bangkok this week to demand that Parliament pass a “people’s version” of a community forest bill.

Peeraphan faces lawsuit

The Democrats are planning to file a lawsuit tomorrow against Peeraphan Prempooti, a former secretary-general of the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), on charges of malfeasance, party deputy spokesman Sathit Pitutecha said yesterday.

SONDHI SAGA: ‘I’m not motivated by business concerns’

Outspoken critic insists he’s fighting Thaksin’s ‘abuse of power’ for the common good

Democrats: Rice-survey firms should be probed

The Democrat Party yesterday alleged that a politician and a senior commerce official had set up two rice-survey firms with apparent intent to profit from the government’s rice-pledging programme.

Govt’s frugal New Year

Public officials will be advised against offering New Year gifts to the prime minister and other Cabinet members, a Government House source said yesterday.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:

School transfer amendment considered