Bangkok gubernatorial race tentatively set for October 5

Incumbent Apirak Kosayodhin's four-year term expires on August 29, and by law the poll for his successor must be held within 45 days afterwards.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said Apirak had told the party he would seek re-election under its banner and that the party would endorse his candidacy.

The Democrats will finalise the decision on the governor's race after they elect a new executive board on July 15, Abhisit said.

The party will also wait for the National Counter Corruption Commission to decide next Wednesday whether to indict Apirak for the fire-truck procurement scandal, he said. - The Nation

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Chaiya scheduled to hear court verdicts in two cases next week

The Central Administrative Court will rule on Monday in the contempt-of-court case against Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap, Judge Somchai Vattanakaroon said yesterday.

Chaiya testified about an interview he gave that could be considered critical of a court ruling against his decision to revamp the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation's board.

Meanwhile, Chaiya will attend a Constitution Court hearing next Wednesday to learn if he will be disqualified for concealing financial assets. His wife stands accused of violating the 5-per-cent cap on shareholding in a company. - The Nation

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Australia to accept 20 Hmong refugees sheltering in Thailand

Australia will take 20 Hmong refugees being sheltered in Thailand for resettlement, visiting Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said yesterday.

Smith reiterated to his Thai counterpart, Noppadon Pattama, that his country would take those Hmong who are assessed by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees as being eligible for humanitarian protection or refugee status in Australia.

Those eligible insist they are having difficulties with the Lao government, he said.

Some 8,000 Hmong have taken refuge in Ban Huay Nam Khao in Phetchabun province.

Thailand is in the process of screening the Hmong to assess whether they are genuine refugees or economic migrants. Those classified as economic migrants will be repatriated. - The Nation

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Minister Chaovarat books personal Q2 financial loss

Social Development and Human Security Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul has seen his wealth dip by Bt200 million in the past three months.

He was deputy public-health minister from February 6 to May 23 before moving to his present post. During that time, his net worth plummeted Bt198 million, while his wife became Bt15.7-million poorer, both victims of bearish markets.

The National Counter Corruption Commission yesterday released the financial statement filed by Chaovarat one month after he switched his job. - The Nation