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| The interim government faced a scandal after the discovery three Cabinet members had violated the 5-per-cent cap on equity stakes under anti-graft laws enacted in 2000. Although the interim ministers were exempt from the rules, many questioned their ethical standards. Interior Minister Aree Wongsearaya, Information and Communication Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom, Deputy Commerce Minister Oranuj Osathananda resigned. Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri quit after finding out that he, too, violated the cap. Bangkok hotels improved safety measures after a blaze injured 16 foreign guests at the downtown Mandarin Hotel. The fire was the worst incident in 10 years for the hotel industry. Following months of wild speculation, junta leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin picked General Anupong Paochinda to succeed him as Army commander-in-chief. The handing over of the Army torch was seen as a bid to deter a politicised armed forces in the post-coup period. One-Two-Go budget airline Flight 269 crashed while landing at Phuket International Airport, killing 90 passengers and crew, including 55 foreigners. Some 42 sustained injuries. The accident happened amid bad weather, triggering conflicting theories on the cause. |
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