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| The new charter was unveiled. The 98-member Constitution Drafting Assembly voted unanimously to approve its provisions, paving the way for a national referendum on the new political system. Proponents and opponents of the junta-sponsored document commenced a flurry of activity designed to sway referendum votes. As preparations were in full swing to restore democratic rule, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra grabbed attention with two publicity stunts - the announcement of his control of Manchester City Football Club in England and the release of "Thaksin: Where Are You?" written by a female Army journalist and designed to snub the junta. The National Legislative Assembly approved the lifting of the ban on party-related activities, and allowed the resumption of new party registration. This led to a rekindled debate on whether the junta would try to cling to power via proxy parties. The plight of 5,000 laid-off garment workers raised awareness of exchange-rate woes. Thai Silp Southeast Asia Import and Export went out of business because of baht appreciation. The local unit broke a 10-year high at Bt34 to the United States dollar. The government introduced television-programme ratings, triggering vigorous debate between consumer advocates and programme producers over prime-time shows. The Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Wisut Boonkasemsanti for murdering his wife Phassaporn in 2001. The killing remains a mystery. Body parts said to belong to the victim were found in an underground sewage tank. Wisut remained silent to the end. He did later acknowledge his wife's death by naming his son as executor of the family estate. |
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