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The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Referendum Under Attack By The Nation Published on September 5, 2008 The government's call for a referendum to end the ongoing political strife has met with stiff resistance, with almost all concerned parties saying it was unconstitutional and merely a delaying tactic. Opposition chief whip Sathit Wongnongtoey said any referendum to specific individuals or groups ran counter to Article 165 of the Constitution. "It's simply a tactic to buy some time," he said. The Cabinet decided yesterday to hold a national referendum as a way out of the political deadlock between the government and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Sathit said he was doubtful as to whether a referendum could help end the political unrest, since everything depended on the wording of the proposition. Biased questions would lead to an unfair outcome. He also expressed concern that tensions could spiral out of control before any referendum could be held. Samak is already a lame duck who should realize he has run out of options and must leave before he inflicts any more damage on the country, Sathit said. To conduct a referendum, the government needs the referendum bill that is still pending before the Senate. A date for the referendum is expected next month after the Senate passes the bill, said Government Spokesman Wichianchot Sukchotrat. Senate Speaker Prasobsook Boondech said he opposed a referendum, saying it would be held too late. The Senate will hold its first reading today on the referendum bill, and the entire process will take at least a month, he said. "We cannot wait for the bill. The present crisis requires immediate action to end it as soon as possible," the Speaker said. He said he hoped a crucial meeting today between House Speaker Chai Chidchob, Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and himself to plan a joint session of Parliament for a debate on the political crisis would ease the tension. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong, rector of the National Institute for Development Administration, said a referendum could not solve the crisis. The PAD probably would not accept the result, because it would have to be conducted under government mechanisms, he said. PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk said his group would not accept a referendum, because it was unconstitutional. It is wrong to conduct a referendum on whether the government should stay or go. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej held an urgent meeting of his ministers at Supreme Command Headquarters at 10.30am yesterday. This followed a radio address in which he asked the people to help chart the country's future by deciding whether to safeguard democracy or opt for the "new politics" advanced by the PAD and which he said would have dire consequences. Somsak Prissanananthakul, deputy Chart Thai Party leader and agriculture minister, proposed the idea to the Cabinet. "We should let the people decide whether they want the PAD's 'new politics' or an elected government," Somsak said. However, there is no clear referendum format. The Cabinet has instructed the Council of State to sort out pertinent legal issues to pave the way for the referendum. Under prescribed procedures, the Election Commission (EC) will be in charge of the voting. All six coalition parties have pinned their hopes on the referendum to end the crisis. Two Cabinet members, Culture Minister Somsak Kiartsuranont and Science Minister Wutthipong Chaisang, said Prime Minister Samak was optimistic the outcome of the referendum would put politics back on course and allow the country to move on. But in the lead-up to any referendum vote, uncertainty will likely persist. The PAD refuses to vacate Government House and has even threatened additional measures to oust Samak. The prime minister has vowed in turn to carry on with his job. With protesters occupying the seat of government, the Cabinet next Tuesday will begin a series of mobile meetings, starting in Udon Thani. Meanwhile, EC member Sodsri Satayathum said the EC was ready to conduct the referendum but that the government should make the questions clear. Questions like should an outsider be allowed to be prime minister or should MPs be 30-per-cent elected and 70-per-cent appointed are allowed. But ones like should the prime minister resign are unconstitutional, she said.

The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Two Ramkamhaeng University Students Shot on the way to PM's Residence Two Ramkamhaeng University students were shot as they and other students were marching to residence of prime minister in Buengkhum district. Ladprao police chief Pol Col Somsak Bunsaeng said two men on a motorcycle shot the students, injuring two. The injured were among about 100 students who marched to Samak's residence to protest against his government. The shooting happened although police have provided safety along the way. The march started from the university through Lamsalee Intersection to Soi Nawamin 81 where his residence is. ____________________ The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ 2 Students Shot When Marching to PM Home (BangkokPost.com) – Gunmen opened fire at a group of about 100 Ramkhamhaeng University students, injuring two, when they were marching to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej’s residence to demand for his resignation on Thursday night. According to deputy police commissioner Jongrak Juthanon, the students were gathering at a flat of the National Housing Authority on Soi Nawamin 6 to prepare for a march to Mr Samak’s home. Shortly after leaving the site, a motorcycle passed by and opened fire at the students at around 9.30pm. The victims were identified as Anusak Sieng-oon and Apichart Polrit, both 22. They were reportedly attacked when they were walking on Soi Nawamin 17. Mr Samak’s residence is on Soi 81. They were rushed to Sinpat hospital.

Strange. I thought "intestate" meant major highways that go through several states in the USA, such as Intestate 10, Intestate 95, and so on . . . . . .

The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: _____ 5 Injured Following Collapse at 5 Star Hotel Construction Site Just after 10.30 on Thursday Morning, Police were called to a construction site of a new 5 Star Hotel in Soi 6 off the Pratamnak Road in South Pattaya, following reports of a partial collapse of the construction. Rescue Unit rushed to the scene following initial reports that persons were trapped within the wreckage and fatalities may have occurred. The Site manager quickly confirmed that everyone had been accounted for and 5 people were injured including a local journalist who hit a pole as he rushed around the site to get the first pictures of the collapse. Khun Prachar, the Governor of Chonburi also rushed to the scene fearing that fatalities had occurred. The construction is thought to be a Hotel with underground car park and according to Investigators; cement was being laid on the second floor when the collapse took place. Further investigations are now taking place and for now Police have ordered the construction site to be closed until a full safety review is undertaken.

THE NATION just reported a building collapse in Pattaya, with injuries. So far nothing has been said about which building, where, or what happened. I'll post more information when it becomes available. In the meantime, here is the one-sentence story as published: _____ A building of five-star hotel in Pattaya which is under construction collapse on Thursday morning, injuring many workers.

The Thai government is calling for a national referendum that in essence asks the populace whether they wish for the current government to remain in office or step down. At the time of this writing there has been no reaction yet from the PAD. There is also no word at this point as to when such a referendum will take place or what the Samak government will actually do if the referendum is not favorable to them. The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Referendum on the Crisis The government on Thursday approved an up-or-down national vote of confidence with a referendum that will ask every voting citizen the question: Do you want the government to continue in office? Minister of Culture Somsak Kiatsuranond briefed the media on the proposal after the special cabinet meeting. No date has been set for the vote, approved only in principle by the cabinet. The Council of State is to work out a ballot question and details of the referendum. He said the cabinet members see a referendum that asks several questions - even giving voters an opportunity to comment on the ongoing political crisis and standoff in Bangkok. Questions might include whether voters approve of the government, want it to resign, or favour a new election. "Prime Minister Samak (Sundaravej) sees this as the best solution," said Mr Somsak. The ballot will ask one simple question, whether voters want the government to stay in power, Mr Somsak said.

Have you tried those contraptions that consist of a small bowl filled with some sort of a liquid, that plugs into electrical outlets? I tried those in my home and they work beautifully for me. There is also a good, natural way that works. I don't know if they are available in Thailand, but if you can find either an Allspice tree or Bay Rum tree, if you take a bunch of leaves, crush them up, and spread them around in corners and closets, they repel mosquitoes as well as providing a wonderful odor in the house.

Until recently I would have thought there is virtually no chance. However, especially now with the tourist industry in such bad shape, considering Thailand's dependence on it I have real hope that changes will be made to re-attract tourists, including gay tourists. I don't know if we can ever expect things to be as they were twenty years ago, but I see no reason why they can't at least come close. One of the simplest things they can do that would please tourists would be to end this absurd 1:00AM venue closing rule. More difficult, but necessary I believe, would be to recruit more police officers and re-assign current police officers to combating serious crime, with emphasis on drug crimes, bag and gold chain snatching, pickpockets, break-ins, gangs, and those sorts of crimes. They also need to do something about dishonest baht bus drivers. This nonsense about police not lifting a finger to help unless they are bribed also needs to stop. In my opinion, one of the main factors that keep tourists away is fear of crime. Years ago, I felt completely safe in Pattaya no matter where I was and no matter what time it was. Now Pattaya has become a crime ridden city and that's a major part of the problem. I think that's also a major factor hitting the real estate market as well.

Thursday, September 4 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.22 Euro: 49.54 British Pound: 60.645 Australian Dollar: 28.4225 Canadian Dollar: 32.1325 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.25 Euro: 49.63 British Pound: 60.95 Australian Dollar: 28.5575 Canadian Dollar: 32.2575

I don't think you've left out anything. I think your analysis is excellent. I agree with every word you wrote.

Despite the rumors that circulated yesterday, Prime Minister Samak announced he has no intention of resigning. The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Samak Denies He Plans to Resign Speaking live on Radio Thailand, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej denied that he planned to announce his resignation on radio Thursday morning. "How could I resign? I cannot resign," Samak said. "How could I resign? I cannot resign," Samak said. "I will stay on to protect democracy of this country. The whole world is watching us." The Nation __________ The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Samak Stays On Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Thursday dismissed claims he would resign. "Don't even think I am going to quit," he said. "The country needs a leader, and the world is watching us." Some media reports (not the Bangkok Post) featured reports that Mr Samak would step down to meet a demand from the 102-day street protest in Bangkok. During the first 20 minutes of his open-ended speech on nationwide radio, the prime minister was calm, as he reviewed events of recent days, and said that events would eventually become smooth "in order to protect democracy".

The tourism industry in Pattaya had plenty to fear in the first place, long before any of the present political turmoil got started. Business has been terrible for months. I was in some of the bars this evening. Plenty of boys, very few customers. Now, as a result of the current upheaval, things are expected to get much worse. The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: _____ Fears for the Pattaya Tourism Industry from Local Tourism Authority Chief On Wednesday we spoke with Khun Niti, Director of the Region 3 office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) regarding the effect on tourism in relation to the political crisis now occurring in Bangkok and other Provinces around Thailand. Many Embassies have now issued travel warnings for Thailand following the Emergency Decree in place for Bangkok. Khun Niti told us that official figures for Pattaya indicate a drop in Tourism by approximately 20% from this time last year. The TAT suggest that the High Season will also see a significant reduction of tourists coming to Pattaya regardless of whether a solution to the problems in Bangkok are found or not. We have also spoken to a number of business owners here in Pattaya who do not wish to be named and they suggest that without a good high season, their businesses will probably not survive. A number of bar owners tell us that this years low season was particularly bad compared to previous years and they do not expect a good High Season due to a combination of the problems occurring in Bangkok and the unfavorable exchange rates at this time and the global economic slowdown which is forcing some countries into recession, including the UK and other European Countries.

The news media has already published that the Foreign Minister handed in his resignation today. If the rumors about the Prime Minister are true, what happens next? Will there be an orderly transition of power or a power struggle? We'll know soon enough.

Maybe they give it back . . .

The White Night Buffet Restaurant SUNEE PLAZA, SOI V.C., PATTAYA Diary for September. NEW!! AIR CONDITIONED DINING. You now have the choice of an air conditioned dining room or the Soi side terrace. Every Week. For September we will be closed every Wednesday. The Months Menus. We are currently offering 14 menus. You can come and eat for 14 consecutive nights before a menu is repeated. As each menu offers at least 7 different main dishes as well as hot and cold accompaniments, salads and sweets, you have a wonderful selection to choose from. Tuesday 16th & 30th. One of my favorite menu’s. Asparagus Soup followed by Beef Stroganoff and Chicken A La King, with Potato Scallops and Mushroom Bake. I never manage a sweet. Sunday 14th & 28th. A lavish menu as a special Sunday treat. Includes Blue Cheese Soup, Roast Pork, Duck in Tamarind Sauce, Roast Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables in Mushroom Sauce, Chicken Meatloaf and the deserts include Bakewell Tart and Sherry Trifle!! Sunday 7th & 21st. Leek and Potato Soup, Roast Pork, Lemon Chicken, Duck and Bean Stew, Roast Potatoes, Bubble & Squeak. This is real comfort food! ADVANCE NOTICE!! Saturday 4th. & Sunday 5th. OCTOBER The White Night Restaurant and Bar La Cage present OCTOBER BEERFEST A weekend Beerfest with a selection of German Beers and wines on offer with traditional German delicacies including Bratwurst and Sauerkraut, Currywurst, Wienerwurst with Potato Salad! Umpa-pa music and lots of silliness guaranteed. Details soon. The White Night Buffet Restaurant, Sunee Plaza, 273/97 Soi V.C. In between Top Man and Bar La Cage. RESERVATIONS 0894028741 http://www.white-night-pattaya.com

BAR LA CAGE SOI V.C. PATTAYA Diary for September. Every Day. Happy hour until 9pm. BOGOF! Buy One Get One Free! (Beer Chang = 32.5 baht! Gin & Tonic = 40 baht!) Every Sunday. Chill out with popular Classical Music until 9pm. Friday 12th. Wine & Cheese Special. From 9pm. Come and enjoy a selection of International wines and cheeses. Sample as many of the wines that you fancy then enjoy a glass for just 150 baht. and help yourself to the free cheese board. Saturday 13th. We are off to the Mahidol University, Bangkok, to hear the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra perform Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Just about room for one more in the minibus. Friday 19th. NAME THAT TUNE. From 9pm. Beat the intro and name the tune to win prizes. Test your memory of those pop hits of the 60’s and 70’s. 50 baht entry fee per person. Play individually or in small teams. Saturday 27th. The last concert of the season at the Mahidol University. Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Three seats in the minibus are available. ADVANCE NOTICE!! Saturday 4th. & Sunday 5th. OCTOBER Bar La Cage and the White Night Restaurant present OCTOBER BEERFEST A weekend Beerfest with a selection of German Beers and wines on offer with traditional German delicacies including Bratwurst and Sauerkraut, Currywurst, Wienerwurst with Potato Salad! Umpa-pa music and lots of silliness guaranteed. Details soon. All our ‘special’ nights are charity fund raisers for The Mercy Centre. Since January the total raised to date (27.06.08) is 31,890 Bar La Cage. (Mikes Bar.) That popular little bar next to the White Night and Top Man. Soi V.C. 273/98. 0894028741 http://www.lacage-pattaya.com

I wonder what those "secret chemicals" are. Probably a combination of Thai moonshine and hot peppers would do the trick . . . .

Tuesday, September 3 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.23 Euro: 49.555 British Pound: 60.895 Australian Dollar: 28.3575 Canadian Dollar: 31.885 _____ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.288 Euro: 49.285 British Pound: 60.525 Australian Dollar: 28.14 Canadian Dollar: 31.7825

There's one way to find out. Go to Immigration and ask.

The following appears in PATTAYA ONE: Click on the link for photos: http://www.pattayaone.net/news_01_09_51.html _____ Water-Powered Car Developed by Local Engineer. On Sunday Afternoon, we attended a presentation of a motor-vehicle which has been modified so it runs on water. The car has been developed by Khun Tanaert who realized that with the higher cost of petrol, alternative energy sources for motor vehicles were important and could make him a lot of money. The presentation was made at a garage located on the Sukumvit Road near Soi Kow Noi and used secret chemicals mixed with normal water to power the vehicle. We understand that the power output of the vehicle fitted with the new system is slightly lower than a conventional vehicle; however the cost of running the vehicle is much lower. Khun Tanaert is now applying for a license to fit cars with the new system which he says will cost around 20,000 Baht. If you would like further information on the new system please call Khun Tanaert on 082 208 9626-8.

The political turmoil in Thailand is starting to take its toll on the baht. Yesterday the baht closed at 34.11 against the US dollar. For the next several days I'll post the opening and closing rates on this thread. As always, I will edit the post at the end of the day to include the closing rates: Monday, September 2 Opening Rates: US Dollar: 34.27 Euro: 49.88 British Pound: 61.405 Australian Dollar: 29.0025 Canadian Dollar: 31.9425 __________ Closing Rates: US Dollar: 34.29 Euro: 49.62 British Pound: 60.995 Australian Dollar: 28.40 Canadian Dollar: 31.89

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Army Called Out After Death at Govt House Clash The army interevened early on Tuesday after pro-government demonstrators attacked opponents occupying Government House and killed at least one protester from the People's Alliance for Democracy. Another 21 people were injured in the clashes, and the army commander ordered four companies of Army troops - about 400 soldiers - to the scene. "Soldiers must leave the barracks to help restore peace," said army commander Anupong Paojinda. Troops were armed with batons and shields as they arrived at the scene. The dead man was shot in the chest and beaten around the head, reporters at the scene said. Friends said he was a PAD supporters from Nakhon Ratchasima, who had only arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday with a busload of friends, to support the demonstrations aimed at forcing the government to resign. The condition of the other, injured protesters could not immediately be learned. The clash occurred when police yet again failed to hold their lines separating pro- and anti-government protesters near Government House. Shortly before 2am, attacking groups trying to oust the PAD crowds from Government House broke through the police lines to confront PAD guards. Both sides were mostly wearing motorcycle helmets and carrying sticks, clubs and PVC pipes. After the army appeared on the scene quickly, order was restored and the two sides retreated. ____________________ And this: _____ Nationwide Strikes By Post Reporters Forty-three state enterprise labour unions under control of People's Alliance for Democracy organisers have agreed to stage strikes and to selectively cut water and electricity, halt Bangkok buses and delay all Thai International Airways flights beginning on Wednesday. The aim is to help PAD to force the government out of office. Sawit Kaewwan, secretary-general of the State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation and a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said the unions will begin by cutting water and electricity supplies to provincial police offices - and then to other selected targets. Telephone lines to government agencies and the homes of cabinet ministers will be cut. Flights of Thai International flights will be delayed nationwide and about 80 per cent of Bangkok buses will stop running. In a reversal of the policy, train service was restored yesterday to the Northeast and North. A union representative told the union meeting that the 7,500 staff of the Government Savings Bank will "follow the confederation's resolution." Mr Sawit claimed the plan to cut essential services was in response to the use of force against PAD supporters. Fellow PAD radical Sirichai Mai-ngam, president of the labour union at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, said the announcement of the confederation was only a threat, but then immediately said it would be put into action. The moves by the PAD-friendly labour unions were intended to protect the interests of the nation and were not for the benefit of state enterprise workers. The confederation has 43 state enterprise labour unions with more than 200,000 members, Mr Sirichai said. "Today is our D-Day. We have given them [the government] many chances. "If the government does not resign, we will continue our operations until it quits," Mr Sawit said. Boonma Pongma, vice-president of the BMTA's union, said there will be only 800 free red-cream buses left to serve Bangkok commuters, or about 20% of the whole fleet. Somsak Manop, vice-president of Thai Airways International's union, said the union will delay the arrival and departure times of THAI aircraft and will reduce the number of flights. Thammarat Ramkwan, president of the Provincial Waterworks Authority's union, said the union will initially cut water supplies to police stations across the country. Phien Yongnoo, president of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority's labour union, said the union was considering cutting off the power supply to help the PAD pressure the government. However, the power supply cut would be applied to government agencies whose bills were overdue by one month. "We will hold a discussion to consider whether the cut-off period could be shorter than one month. It should be one week or whatever. We will do everything to achieve our goal of pressuring the government," he said. However, at least three labour unions from state-run banks disagreed with the planned strike. Kusol Boonklom, president of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives' labour union, said members of the BAAC union needed to discuss the planned strike among themselves first. Natthapat Yimyai, president of the Government Savings Bank's labour union, said his members had varying views on whether to join the strike. Somsak Boonthong, chairman of the SRT's board, said the board is considering whether to resign following the stoppages by railway workers. "The move by the SRT union to stop rail services was wrong, so we are considering resigning and taking responsibility," he said. The board is expected to make a decision in two days, he said. Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej called an urgent meeting yesterday to discuss the union stance with leaders of the People Power party. PM's Office Minister Chusak Sirinil said the prime minister stressed the importance of legal means to deal with the protesters. Meanwhile, northern and northeastern train services resumed yesterday after hundreds of railway workers went on strike last week and paralysed the country's rail system. In Nakhon Ratchasima province, State Railway of Thailand governor Yutthana Sapcharoen held talks with railway workers and persuaded them to cancel the strike. The first northeastern train, on the Nakhon Ratchasima-Surin route, left at 6pm, while northeastern-bound services from Bangkok were expected to resume last night.

The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ Foreign Concerns As signs of violence continue to emerge between the People's Alliance for Democracy and the administration of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, there is one group hoping for a miracle of peaceful reconciliation - the diplomatic corps. Analysis By Achara Ashayagachat The ambassadors, consuls and embassy officers stationed in Bangkok believe Thailand cannot afford to hurt its core, income-generating sectors that are intricately linked to the outside world, such as the tourism industry and foreign direct investment (FDI). Like the Thai public, two foreign representatives are tensely watching if this political battle will turn the clock of Thailand's democracy backwards, in which case they would have to accept the Thai people's choice with pity. A Nordic ambassador said it was still too early to draw conclusions regarding the medium- and long-term impact on the FDI. For now, foreign investors are following Thailand's political situation very closely and will in due course make up their minds whether Thailand is still a good country for them to invest in. Since the ouster of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, there has been no major dangerous signs until the past several days, when clashes between police and demonstrators took place. According to the ambassador, the latest disturbances were the two bomb blasts in the protest vicinity that are starting to shatter the fragile confidence of the tourism sector. Inevitably, Thailand depends largely on the revenue from this sector. If there are more incidents of violence and more bombs go off on either side, both the tourists and foreign investors will unfortunately be scared away, the diplomat said. The anti-government PAD's siege of the Government House has gone on for about a week now. And there is no sign they would consider retreating. At the same time, the pro-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has given its marching orders and is moving ever closer to the encamped PAD demonstrators - a move that is causing people to worry about violent clashes. Meanwhile, the special joint session of parliament, aimed at resolving the ongoing political turmoil, provided meager, if any, hope of achieving a solution. The increasingly grim outlook has caused another wave of concern among the diplomatic corps, who have only restored recognition of Thailand since the Dec 23 election when the country managed to have a democratically elected government once again, after more than a year under military coup. Quite a few diplomats are puzzled by the very fact that there are strong voices among the Thai people, led by the PAD, calling for another military intervention and a shift from the one-man-one-vote, to a mostly-appointed representative system. The division in Thai society is so deep, the Nordic ambassador observed. It was supposed to become less but has instead become more pronounced. Differing views are not being taken into account and it seems there is not much room for compromise in this stand-off. The Sept 19, 2006 coup failed to solve the rift within Thai society, let alone the political problems. Italian ambassador Ignazio di Pace agreed that the country's political developments are turning to a dangerous corner, as the two opposing groups might confront each other and accidents can occur any time. "The longer the confrontation is allowed to go on with no agreement, the more sensitive the situation will become. This can have a great implication for Thailand and it is a great sadness for me, after three years here, to see the on-going situation," Mr di Pace said. The Italian ambassador yesterday went to see with his own eyes how the PAD demonstrators were sticking to their battleground. He said Thailand was now being featured on the BBC and CNN's main news coverage and the issue is in the international fora. Certainly, it's not a good image that is being presented. For example, tourists are trapped at Phuket international airport while the center of national administration, Government House, has been seized. "This is very unique," he said. The Nordic ambassador added that in other countries it would be unimaginable for demonstrators to seize Government House and for the governing administration to allow such an incident to take place, either. Still, he hoped there would be some peaceful way to iron out the differences. The basic principle to start with is to respect the court process and the rule of law. If the former or present premier is accused of being corrupt, the public should work to ensure that they are punished by the courts. "It should be like that, shouldn't it?" the ambassador asked. But before talking about the legalities, he suggested that a commission be established to defuse the situation and bring the country back from the brink and from potentially violent clashes. However, the idea of a mediator or mediating committee will only work if both sides accept the person or persons chosen for the task, he said. "Unless the PAD gives up or the premier agrees to step down, both sides will remain locked in an impasse. But if one agrees to slip away from that point and allow parliament to choose a new leader from the ruling or coalition parties, will that be acceptable for the Thais?" he asked. The Italian ambassador remained hopeful that a peaceful way to reconcile still existed, a way to solve the problem that was consistent with the rule of law. "It is certainly the business of the Thai people, but as a friend of Thailand, I want to ensure that democracy remains the best system despite some shortcomings," said Mr di Pace. Clearly, he said, there is an attempt to go back from the electoral system to a semi-appointment system, but he doubted if Thailand could afford to reverse the system it has been implementing for several decades. Like the Nordic diplomat, the Italian ambassador also confirmed that should parliament appoint a new government, or even if the Thais eventually choose to try a different system other than electoral, "I'm still Thailand's friend." "But I just doubt if that would work for Thailand," he said. Sunai Phasuk, representative of Human Rights Watch, conceded that members of the international community may be scratching their heads when it comes to the current political situation in Thailand. Thailand has had experience with ideological conflicts before, Mr Sunai said. "During the Oct 1973 or May 1992 incidents, we learned that once one camp starts to dehumanize the other, the conflict would end in blood. We need crisis envoys or a commission to stop that," he said. At this point, university rectors are discussing if it is possible to offer some choices that are acceptable to both conflicting camps and to ask them to come to the negotiating table. There they can debate and review what went wrong with the current electoral system and what can be done. It remains to be seen whether such a proposal will find an audience amid the ever louder protest calls.

I'm a little interested in the answer to that question too. I've never heard of this particular language school. What sets it apart from others?

Our dear friends and guests, Please be informed of our new Gourmet Set Menu serving from September 1. through 15 available at Casa Pascal Only Weekly Set Menu serving from September 2 ~ 15 available at both Casa Pascal and Poseidon. September 1. – 15. Gourmet Set Menu House Champagne *** Amuse Bouche *** White Wine Cackle Berry Chardonnay, Australia 2004 French Fine de Claire Oyster & Alaska King Crab Leg *** Chicken Cream Soup with three Beans and smoked Salmon Tatar *** Tian of Sardines, Egg Plants and Tomatoes *** Lime Sherbet *** Red Wine Sea Horse Bay, Shiraz, Australia,2006 *** Almond crusted Pacific Dory on creamy Pesto Angel Hairs or Chicken Ballotine stuffed with Truffles and potted Apples Lentils and Brussel Sprouts *** Mango Parfait with Coconut Ice Cream or Selection of premium international Cheese *** Coffee or Tea Calvados, Grappa, Remy Martin, Williams Food only 1,450 Baht net (31.60 Є), Menu with Unlimited Beverages 2,900 Baht net (63.20 Є) <Weekly Special September 2. – Sep. 8. > APPETIZER Apple, Celery and Chicken Salad on Lemon Mayonnaise Dressing SOUP Spinach Cream Soup with Quail Egg MAIN COURSE Burgundy Beef Stew with Potato Dumpling or Risotto with Squid & Clams DESSERT Crème brûlée or Coffee or Tea <Weekly Special September 9. – Sep. 15. > APPETIZER White Asparagus with Black Forest Ham SOUP Tomato Cream Soup MAIN COURSE Pork Steak in Mushroom Cream Sauce and Buttered Noodles or Chicken Cordon Bleu, French Fries and green Salad DESSERT Amaretto Ice Cream Cake or Coffee or Tea WINES White Wine : Monte Vino Bianco, Italy Red Wine : Monte Vino Rosso, Italy Food only: 3-Course @ 580 Baht net 4-Course @ 680 Baht net Food & unlimited Wine: 3-Course @ 950 Baht net 4-Course @ 1,300 Baht net *** All prices are including 7% VAT. Service tip is at your own discretion ***