Locals accuse authorities of doing more for those in the city centre than for people whose homes were flooded; more rain predicted all along the southeast coast. As the floodwater slowly receded around Hat Yai yesterday, locals began to voice upset that the authorities’ efforts centred on protecting the “business zone” in the centre of town, while neglecting residents.

Ministry plans ‘maid miracle’

The Labour Ministry is to help local employers by training and supplying high-quality maids from early next year, Minister Somsak Thepsuthin said yesterday. The “maid miracle”, as the programme is called, aims to produce maids who can answer phones, handle queries, and serve drinks and meals. It is part of a bid to lighten the burden on employers, Somsak said.

BURNING ISSUE: Police seek to smear pornthip, Again

Govt’s choice of forensic chief to oversee new victim ID centre triggers war of words

MP denies adultery, vows to sue Chuwit

A Thai Rak Thai MP publicly accused of adultery by Chat Thai MP Chuwit Kamolvisit yesterday summoned reporters to a press conference at 2.30am at the three-star Emerald Hotel to deny the allegations.

AUDITOR-GENERAL ROW: SAC’s caretaker plan ‘against law’

Senators and top activist say a ‘fill-in’ for Jaruvan would breach Constitution

‘No conflict in Maritime plan’

Deputy Transport Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said he would proceed with the privatisation of Thai Maritime Navigation Co Ltd and denied claims that vested interests were behind the move.

Nothing final on Russia jet deal

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra denied yesterday that the government has decided to buy 12 Su-30 MKs from Russia, saying he had only signed a note of interest in the jet fighters.

Next year ‘crucial for PM’

The country is facing a number of political crises that could force Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to resign or dissolve the House next year, academics predicted yesterday.

Broadcast watchdog appeal filed

The PM’s Office yesterday submitted its appellate argument which seeks to overturn a lower court’s decision to nullify the selection of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Promotions, harassment on Cabinet agenda

The Cabinet will use its final meeting of the year on Tuesday to consider promotions and pay rises for outstanding civil servants, and restrictions against government officers serving as executive members or staff of political parties.

In Brief:

SENATE ELECTIONS: EC issues warning to dissolve parties if MPs introduce candidates

Phase 3 of HIV trials

Registration of volunteers for the third phase of human trials of an HIV-Aids vaccine has been completed after kicking off on September 26, 2003, a senior public-health official said yesterday.

Tsunami one year on: Relatives in endless search for closure

12 months after the tsunami, families are still desperately trying to locate or even identify the remains of loved ones

BTS, subway to run 24 hrs

Bangkok’s Skytrain and subway systems will operate around the clock from New Year’s Eve through New Year’s Day, officials said yesterday.

Thaksin to intervene in conflict between Pornthip and police

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday said he would sort out the fresh conflict between the police and leading forensic pathologist Khunying Pornthip Rojanasunand.