EC to rule on Yongyuth case this week

EC to rule on Yongyuth case this week

(BangkokPost.com) – The Election Commission (EC) will continue its investigation on a vote-buying allegation against deputy leader of People Power party (PPP) Yongyuth Tiyapairat, Election Commissioner Sodsri Sattayatham said Wednesday.

The allegaton against Mr Yongyuth, who won the proportional representation system in zone 1, could lead to the dissolution of the PPP if it is found to have had a hand in the alleged poll fraud.

Mr Yongyuth, who was accused of bringing tambon and village heads from Chiang Rai to a meeting in Bangkok in October to discuss vote-buying plans, testified to the EC on Tuesday.

Only one more witness is scheduled to testify to the poll agency on Wednesday.

10:29 Jan 09, 2008


Surin : West should observe Asean

(BangkokPost.com) – New Asean secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan said he firmly believes Southeast Asia should serve an example on reconciliation for Western countries and Muslims in other parts of the world to follow.

Mr Surin, himself a Muslim, expressed confidence that the deepening division between the two sides will improve if the West and Muslim nations observe the existing cooperation among Asean countries.

"If you asked me whether the road to reconciliation between the West and Muslims cuts across Southeast Asia, my answer would definitely be, 'Yes'.

"Instead of using force, instead of turning to violence, I believe Asean relies on a unique model in dealing with Muslim communities and handling Muslim-related issues," Mr Surin said.

10:18 Jan 09, 2008


Tokyo stocks open lower on US declines

Tokyo (dpa) - The Tokyo stock market fell in Wednesday trading following the US market's overnight declines.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average lost 108.81 points, or 0.75 per cent, to 14,419.86 after hitting an intraday 18-month low.

The broader Topix index of all first-section issues was also down 0.91 points, or 0.06 per cent, at 1,402.15.

On currency markets at 9 am (0000 GMT), the dollar was quoted at 108.95-109.00 yen, down from Tuesday's 5 pm quote of 109.42-45 yen.

The euro was quoted at 1.4704-09 dollars, down from Tuesday's 5 pm quote of 1.4720-23 dollars, and at 160.25-30 yen, down from 161.10-14 yen.

09:41 Jan 09, 2008


Country marks 7th day of Princess' death

(BangkokPost.com) – Their Majesties the King and Queen are expected to arrive at Dusit Maha Prasart Throne Hall in the Grand Palace from Chitrlada Palace at approximately 5 pm Wednesday evening.

The visit is aimed at marking the 7-day anniversary of the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana who passed away on January 2.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn had already arrived at the palace early this morning to lead a merit-making ceremony where alms were given to eight Buddhist monks in honour of the late princess.

The ceremony took place as a large group of public mourners in black waited outside the Palace.

09:04 Jan 09, 2008