The BMA and residents met yesterday to discuss the Bt1.68-billion project, but city officers would not say whether it would be halted.

After the meeting, the residents went to the Interior Ministry to hand over a petition to have the project halted.

Bangkok Deputy City Clerk Pichai Chaipotpanich said the contractor, TIP Autopart, clarified details of the project for the residents but they still insisted construction be stopped and the depot moved to another place far from any community area. - The Nation.

Asean leadership forum: Abhisit to stress global values

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva left for Indonesia yesterday to join an international forum where he planned to stress the need for transparency and public participation among younger leaders.

He said he would urge country members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to adopt global values, such as human rights, to help raise confidence in the grouping in the eyes of the world.

Abhisit is to attend the Asean 100 Leadership Forum in Jakarta, which began yesterday and ends today. - The Nation.

Suphan buri meeting: No deal with Banharn: Pinij

Caretaker Public Health Minister Pinij Charusombat denied he had a secret deal with Chat Thai party leader Banharn Silapa-archa after the pair met in Suphan Buri yesterday.

Pinij said last week he would not accept a portfolio in the next government. But in his meeting Banharn asked him to change his mind. "He has the ability to be a minister," he said.

Pinij told reporters that Banharn was kind, but there was no hidden agenda in the meeting - he was still a Thai Rak Thai member and insisted he would stay with caretaker PM Thaksin Shinawatra. - The Nation.