Lampang, Phitsanulok act as shortages see prices hit Bt20/kg in parts of Kingdom. Lampang and Phitsanulok have put sugar on the list of price-controlled commodities after irregular movements in retail prices across the nation saw sugar being sold for as much as Bt20 per kilo in some provinces.

Road toll beats forecast

With two days left, the number of road deaths around the Kingdom during the New Year week stood at 342, lower than the government’s forecast of 456 deaths. The 59 deaths on January 2 was considerably lower than the forecast of 75 deaths. The majority of those who died were males between 30 and 39.

Narathiwat defence volunteer shot dead

Suspected militants shot dead a village defence volunteer and critically wounded his colleague yesterday in the restive South despite assurances from top political leaders that violence would be curbed and the situation would soon be under control.

Focus on prevention

The Bt30 medical-care scheme will concentrate on health promotion and prevention this year in the hope that more immunisations and screenings would reduce the cost of future treatments.

Abandoned baby has winning smile

An abandoned new-born baby was found in Rayong yesterday, the third such child to be found in the first three days of 2006.

ANALYSIS: Shin keeps free speech on hold

Bt400m case likely to set precedent on wave of suits against government critics

Call to involve public in amendment plan

Government chief whip Pongthep Thepkanchana yesterday suggested public involvement was needed if the push for charter amendments was to succeed.

Panel to recommend 15 changes to Constitution

The Senate committee overseeing revisions to the Constitution is poised to submit its report, which recommends 15 changes.

Bangkok EC to be named soon

The process of selecting the Bangkok Election Commission’s new director and five commissioners will be completed by January 20 so the new workers can be trained by outgoing staff in time for the Senate election in April.

ON THE HORIZON: a year dominated by the essential elements

What is waiting for us this year? How will the country’s economy perform? Will there be a new prime minister? Is there any good news for us in 2006? International Astrology president, Pinyo Pongjareon, Astrological Association of Thailand chief Tonakorn Singasem, plus famous astrologers Kitja Thaveekulkij and Kengkaj Jongjaipra tell us what’s in store for the next 12 months. Compiled by Budsarakham Sinlapalavan and Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra

Get serious about poverty, govt told

The government’s policies to eradicate poverty will not succeed if it does not collaborate with the people, Gothom Arya, chairman of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council, said yesterday.

Varathep denies gambling bid

The government is not trying to keep the country in the dark about its plans to legalise gambling, Deputy Finance Minister Varathep Ratanakorn insisted yesterday.

NCCC ‘to act on Klong Dan’

The National Counter Corruption Commission said yesterday the legal time limit for prosecuting politicians and civil servants involved in irregularities in the graft-plagued Klong Dan wastewater treatment project would end this year.

Overhaul of rules for special allowances

The government is drafting standard payment rules for special allowances to eliminate any inequities between government agencies and independent organisations.

Floods affected millions

More than 2.8 million people were affected by 11 major floods last year, a source at the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said yesterday.