Apirak objects to ruling party’s ‘interference’, goes on counter-blitz. The ruling Thai Rak Thai Party’s attempt to bolster its flagging popularity in Bangkok yesterday turned into a face-off with the opposition Democrat party.

Flood of new boats following tsunami depletes fish stocks

Fishermen warn shrinking supply could spark fights. In an ironic twist of fate, fish stocks are being depleted as a consequence of the tsunami last year. Hit hard by the giant swells on December 26, they’re now being ravaged once again by an over-abundance of brand new fleets of fishing boats. “Too many boats are competing for too few fish,” says fisherman Manit Komsan from Ranong’s Suksamran subdistrict.

Conditions worsen in rain-lashed provinces

The monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc in six “disaster-zone” provinces in the South, affecting hundreds of thousands of villagers.