Mixing military, social development could compromise country’s interests: Chula academic. Thailand could end up comprising its national security by mixing military modernisation with mega-project investments because the two issues are not only incompatible but could prove very costly in the long run, a leading expert said yesterday.

Poll points to growing influence of Pojaman

Pojaman Shinawatra, the prime minister’s wife, has become a major influence in Thai politics, a poll revealed yesterday. More than 45 per cent of those surveyed said Pojaman wielded the most political clout of any Thai woman this year, according to results of an Abac Poll released by Assumption University. Agriculture Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan came second with 27.7 per cent of votes followed by Pavena Hongsakul with 14.1 per cent.

Five tsunami memorial designs shortlisted

Years from now, the tsunami that struck the Andaman beaches will be remembered in the form of a multi-million-baht memorial to be built in Khao Lak Lamru National Park. The tsunami memorial committee said yesterday that it had shortlisted five of the 379 entries received from 43 countries since the government announced the design competition in September. The designs – from China, the United States, Finland, Spain and Australia – were chosen by a special jury for the final selection stage.