Insurgents kill Muslim man in South

Insurgents kill Muslim man in South

(BangkokPost.com) - A Muslim villager was shot at close range and killed by suspected insurgents in Yala province on Wednesday, police said.

Two insurgents chase Abdullah Sulong, 34, when he was riding a motorcycle in Yaha district.

The victim was shot twice, once in the head, and was killed instantly.

16:48 Jan 09, 2008


PM : Potjaman action will reveal her intention

(BangkokPost.com) - Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont refuses to criticise whether the return of Potjaman Shinawatra has political implications, saying only that her actions will reveal the real intention behind her coming back.

His response came after the ousted premier Thaksin posted a statement on his website, www.truethaksin.com, giving the reasons for his wife's return. He said she came home to pay respects to the late Princess Galyani Vadhana on behalf of the family. She was also willing to fight corruption cases against her and prove her innocence under the rule of law.

"Words can be proved through actions," Gen Surayud told reporters. "We will have to see whether she acts like he has said."

Political analysts have said that her return has political implications, and that her presence could facilitate and accelerate negotiations on the forming of a coalition government between People Power party (PPP) and its potential allies.

When asked if Mr Thaksin requested a meeting with Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda to mend conflict, Gen Surayud said he does not know whether the reports are accurate.

The premier said Gen Prem will decide for himself whether to allow Mr Thaksin to meet him, adding that it is hard to predict the privy council president's decision.

15:46 Jan 09, 2008


Pope expresses sorrow for Princess' death

(BangkokPost.com) - A representative of Pope Benedict XVI signed a condolence book on the death of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana on Wednesday morning.

The representative said the pope passed condolences to Their Majesties the King and Queen, members of the royal family and the Thai people for the Princess' death.

Wednesday morning is the last day the general public are allowed to sign the condolence book and pay their respects to the Princess' portrait at the Grand Palace.

Their Majesties the King and Queen will preside over the merit-making ceremony marking the seven-day anniversary of the Princess' death this evening.

People started gathering around the entrance of the Grand Palace since this morning, waiting for the arrival of Their Majesties the King and Queen.

14:16 Jan 09, 2008