Nitya’s resignation sees shift in control of negotiations to Commerce Ministry. Now that Nitya Pibulsonggram has resigned as Thai-land’s chief negotiator in the Thai-US free-trade talks, the way is clear for Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatu-sripitak to consolidate his control over the crucial next phase of the negotiations over coming months.

Some win, others lose

To a homeless man PM is Buddha; for others, he’s another missed chance. Although Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s method of supporting the poor has been heavily criticised for lacking structure, for Chamnan Kasian, 31, homeless and wheelchair-bound, the premier is akin to Phra Vejsandorn, Buddha’s incarnation from the “Jakata” tale who gave all for his people.

Runway crack ‘not a problem’

Deputy Transport Minister General Chaiyanan Charoensiri said yesterday he had been falsely quoted as saying a crack in the west runway of Suvarnabhumi Airport would cause problems.

In Brief:

RAPE ALLEGATION: Police nab accused taxi driver whose tongue was bitten off

Dead pilot’s kin not offended by joke

Relatives of a light aircraft pilot killed in a crash on Wednesday said they did not take seriously Thaksin Shinawatra’s flippant aside on his live reality TV show about his death.

Warning on contacts

Wearing cosmetic contact lenses that make eyes sparkle could cause eye damage or even blindness, the Public Health Ministry warned yesterday.

Support for negotiator

The People’s Watch for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs Watch) expressed regret yesterday over the resignation of Nitya Pibulsonggram as chief negotiator for the Thai-US FTA.

Police chief moved

The Koh Samui police chief has been transferred to an inactive post for 180 days, beginning today.

Foreign diplomats join At Samat cast

About 24 foreign ambassadors and diplomats from 14 countries will tomorrow join “Backstage Show: The Prime Minister” in Roi Et’s At Samat district.

Letter from ROI ET: Premier basks in villagers’ praise

While many Bangkokians may dismiss Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s televised anti-poverty crusade to the Northeast as a shameless publicity stunt, there is no denying his popularity among villagers in Roi Et’s At Samat district.

No money? Have some of mine

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been giving locals cash from his own pocket ever since he arrived in Roi Et’s At Samat district to demonstrate to the country how to eradicate poverty.

BMA ALLEGATIONS: Police fail to win court approval for arrest warrants

Four ordered to face questioning only after incriminating evidence found in suspect road project bids

Wissanu announces new rules to prevent graft in e-auctions

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam yesterday unveiled his proposed new regulations for electronic auctions to prevent collusion among bidders and other corrupt practices in the tendering of government contracts worth Bt1 billion or more.

Analysis: DSI accused of political motive

Accusations of politicking have followed a misstep by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in seeking arrest warrants for four people suspected of involvement in corruption surrounding Bangkok Metropolitan Administration mega-projects.

Democrats’ popularity takes

a beating after scandal: poll

HEALTH MINISTRY: Pinij scraps computer purchase

Minister prefers a more comprehensive IT system, utilising mega-project funds

Massage parlour shut down

La Defense massage parlour on Rama 9 Road was closed for 30 days yesterday for employing underage girls and illegal immigrants as masseuses.

1,700 schools considered for transfer

Some 1,700 schools nationwide are being considered for transfer from the Education Ministry to local administrative bodies, a source at the Office of the Basic Education Commission said yesterday.

THAKSIN’S BACKSTAGE SHOW: Your say:The PM’s reality show

Omsin Kamkuanjam, 38, coffee-shop owner

ANTI-GOVT RALLY: TRT, police to turn out at Lumpini

Protest planned outside Thaksin’s house tonight