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Published on July 26, 2007

The report "recommends neutral results along with certain advice", he said.

The ministry will rely mainly on the conclusions of its own panel, while also considering the results of a parallel investigation soon to be completed by the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

The report will then be forwarded to Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya for a final decision on the case, Phongphayome said. - The Nation

Public television : Bill on fast-track to completion

The National Legislative Assembly has put a public television bill on a fast-track to completion in about two months so that the country will see its first public broadcasting service by early next year.

"The formation of the country's first public television station is part of the media reforms," NLA member Somchai Sawaengkarn said yesterday.

Somchai confirmed TITV would be transformed into a public broadcasting service after the new law comes into effect.

Once the public broadcasting service is activated, it will be financed by an annual budget of about Bt2 billion allocated from excise revenues from alcoholic drinks and cigarettes. The programmes will be produced by independent content providers.

Draft provisions are being vetted by a 22-member panel chaired by PM's Office minister Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan. - The Nation

Muslim leader : Chularatchamontri taken ill

The Chularatchamontri, Sawas Sumalayasak, was taken ill on Tuesday with breathing difficulties, flu and pulmonary oedema, the Disease Control Department said yesterday.

The spiritual leader of Thai Muslims sent his representative to preside over the vaccination of Muslim pilgrims while he was undergoing treatment at Bangkok's Nawamin Hospital, department spokesman Dr Apichat Mekmasin said. - The Nation

Global warming : Gore's Bangkok trip 'in doubt'

Former US vice president Al Gore's plan to visit Bangkok on August 8 and give a dinner speech on global warming is said to be in doubt, though the organiser has confirmed that the schedule will not be disrupted.

Vachara Phanchet, vice president of the Pacific Basin Economic Council, the main organiser of the event, insisted yesterday the schedule would go ahead as planned.

A well-informed source said an aide of Gore had sent a message that Gore has declined a visit to Bangkok. He did not cite the reason.

"I confirm that Gore definitely will visit Bangkok and deliver his speech at the event. At this time nothing has changed. If there are any changes I will alert the media as soon as possible," Vachara said by phone. - The Nation