This week in focus

Last week, Senate Speaker Prasobsook Boondech was assigned to mediate between the military and the People's Alliance for Democracy. Prasobsook is reported to have meet with Army chief General Anupong Paochinda on Saturday. The result of that meeting is not known.

Prasobsook will have tough talks with the PAD after it earlier announced it would negotiate only after Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej resigned.

Prasobsook holds a tripartite meeting today.

Tomorrow sees the Cabinet meet in Udon Thani. Last Friday, Deputy Interior Minister Supon Fongngam, Deputy Agriculture Minister Theerachai Saenkaew and interior deputy permanent secretary Peerapol Traitasawit met its governor at the provincial hall to prepare for tomorrow's meeting.

Samak will make a speech after the meeting.

There is a threat of clashes between the PAD and government supporters. The PAD and the Udon Lovers Club earlier had a stand off there.

The club told a local radio station it would not allow the PAD to rally or protest in Udon Thani during the Cabinet meeting. It threatened violence and legal action.

The Election Commission tomorrow decides on the disqualification of House Speaker Chai Chidchob, who was accused of violating the Constitution for holding shares in a mining company.

On Thursday, the commission starts investigating Democrat Party deputy leader Witoon Nambut.