Road, rail links to commercial hub blocked as town faces possibility of worst flood ever. The southern commercial hub of Hat Yai plunged into a state of turmoil yesterday as rapidly rising floodwater stalled all business and residents scrambled for assistance.

WTO haggling results in ‘compromise deal’

The sixth World Trade Organisation’s ministerial conference ended yesterday in Hong Kong with a modest deal that saw members commit to eliminating all farm subsidies by 2013. The ministers agreed to establish modalities on agriculture by April 30 of next year in order to work toward the elimination of the subsidies.

Thaksin vows end to traffic jams and slums

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday promised to implement a number of grassroots projects and mega-projects aimed at restoring public faith in the party. A large number of the plans are designed for Bangkok, where the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party is suffering a serious popularity crisis.