Pol Maj found guilty of Somchai's abduction

PM Thaksin foreshadows a strong year for economy

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday predicted that government stimulus measures would ensure economic growth of at least 5 per cent this year and that problems lingering from 2005 would subside. Thailand’s economy would continue to grow after expanding an estimated 4.7 per cent in 2005, Thaksin told 481 business persons attending the “Growth for the Future” forum at Government House after detailing economic stimulus measures his government plans to implement this year. “What you all have to do is group together and brainstorm [to single out opportunities and obstacles].

Sweden in further bid to entice deal on jets

With a decision on the procurement of new jetfighters for the Royal Thai Air Force reportedly having come down to either Russian or US aircraft, Sweden, the other prospective vendor, was pressing the case for its aircraft yesterday. Lars Danielsson, deputy minister of the Swedish Prime Minister’s Office, in Bangkok yesterday, said that Sweden would also throw in a hi-tech radar system for the 12 Gripen JAS 39 jetfighters as well as complete technology transfer – including source codes for the planes – that would allow Thailand to customise its air defence technology to suit its needs.

Torched ‘homeless’ woman hailed from a well-to-do family

The case of the homeless woman who was burned to death at Lumpini Park took a twist yesterday when a police investigation found that she belonged to a well-to-do family.

Protesters declare ‘victory’

Thousands of free-trade protesters yesterday retreated after declaring an initial “victory”, claiming their two days of rallying had raised public awareness about the “threat” the Thai-US trade pact poses to Thailand.

THAI-US FTA TALKS: Stumbling block

Thai negotiators say US demands on drug patents are an unacceptable extension of WTO position. The Thai-US free-trade talks hit a snag yesterday after the head Thai negotiator for intellectual-property rights declared demands by the US for Thailand to tighten up drug patenting as “unacceptable”.