Greens dismiss it as a Trojan Horse for encroachment, while businessmen stick to their guns. The warring camps embroiled in a protracted argument over the planned construction of a cable car up to the top of Phu Kradueng plateau in Loei have dug in their heels, refusing to budge in their pro or con arguments.

Critics cry foul over PM’s latest shuffles

In a move lambasted by critics as an act of political expediency, the Cabinet yesterday approved the appointment of three top bureaucrats, including a brother-in-law of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Somchai Wongsawat, an in-law of Thaksin’s, will swap his position of permanent secretary for the Justice Ministry with Charupong Ruangsuwan, Labour Ministry permanent secretary.

Monk urges action on Supoj’s murder

Police chided for failing to arrest monk’s killer

METRO BRIEFS: Free admissions

Children can enjoy various free public activities on Saturday, to mark National Children’s Day.

BURNING ISSUE: FTA talks a rallying point for PM’s critics

Distrust of Thaksin himself - not just his trade policy - fuelling Chiang Mai protests

SAC decides it won’t discuss Suchon letter

Members of the State Audit Commission (SAC) yesterday refused to discuss a letter sent to them by Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrua suggesting that Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka be returned to the auditor-general’s post.

Sathit puts positive spin on Abhisit’s poll performance

An opinion poll released earlier this week showed that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not unbeatable and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva still had a chance to become prime minister in the next election, Democrat executive Sathit Wong-nongtoey said yesterday.

Four provinces to get Bt489m

The Cabinet approved a Bt489-million budget for a series of development projects in four northeastern provinces including Loei at its first mobile meeting in the province yesterday.

Pineapple growers looking for govt price intervention

Pineapple growers in Phitsanulok are planning a rally to encourage the government’s intervention after prices of the fruit dropped to Bt1 per kilo.

Bt9 bn sought for education

The Education Ministry is facing a budget shortfall of around Bt9 billion needed to fund several pressing education-reform projects, Education Minister Chaturon Chaisang said yesterday.

Road to Laos

The Transport Ministry will support construction of a road linking Thailand’s Northeast to Luang Prabang in Laos, Deputy Transport Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said yesterday. Bangkok supported Laos’ proposal that Thailand build a road to Luang Prabang because it would generate income for people living along the route, Phumtham said.

Bio-business course offered

The Thailand Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS) has launched a mini MBA programme in bio-science management, the first of its kind in the country.

Anti-HIV herb pills

After more than six years of joint research and an Bt80 million investment, Thai-China is to release an anti HIV antiviral medicinal supplement for people with HIV/Aids.

Negotiators sought IPR counsel

Thai negotiators discussing intellectual property rights (IPR) in free-trade talks with the US requested the presence of independent experts to assist them in understanding the technicalities related to the issue.

Labour slams trade talks

Labour leaders said yesterday that while the United States team negotiating the free trade agreement (FTA) with Thailand has met them on several occasions to discuss possible repercussions from the accord, the Thai government shuns them and rejects any consultation. As a consequence, they are calling for a halt to the trade talks.

FTA’s unlawful: senator

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs will try to file a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court to rule whether the Free Trade Agreement that Thailand has already signed with Australia, and the on-going negotiation with the United States over FTA’s, is constitutional or not.

Chalerm’s 3 sons to run in next election

Chalerm Yoobamrung plans to field his three sons in the next general election after his New Alternative Party is set up in one year.

Plan for PM’s anti-poverty trip

Government House yesterday released the itinerary for Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s visit to At Samat district in Roi Et on January 16-20, during which he will demonstrate how to solve poverty-related problems.

Sugar stocks released

Sugar millers and traders have agreed to distribute their stockpiles at the normal retail price starting today, Deputy Commerce Minister Preecha Laohapongchana said yesterday.

IMMIGRATION: Cabinet backs citizenship plan

Move could see about 2 million stateless residents of Kingdom becoming Thai