A just-launched website has the ambitious goals of exposing graft and promoting better government. This week’s launch of the Corruption Watch website (www.corruptionwatch.net) is a big idea whose time has come.

THAI TALK: Thaksin’s big setback for 2006: (dis)trust

The biggest problem for PM Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006 – The Year of the Ferocious Dog – doesn’t involve politics, whether it’s the threat from the main opposition party or various pressure groups or rebellions from within. Nor is it related to economic performance. It’s not even about whether he can tackle corruption.

BANGKOKIAN: Will Charoen take a leaf from PM’s book?

Liquor tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi is a merchant in the strictest sense. He would like to list his liquor, beer and beverage business on the Thai stock market. If listed, the market capitalisation of Thai Beverage Plc would amount to Bt200 billion to Bt300 billion.