Our directory (here) contains links to help you research and find information about Korat and the rest of Thailand, as well as about other subjects, i.e., sports, business, government, law, etc.
See all maps on directory page, Education section. Main Korat municipality map link at left.

เว็บไซต์ของเดอะ โคราชโพสต์เป็นอิสระแยกออกจากหนังสือพิมพ์ เดอะ โคราช โพสต์โดยสิ้นเชิง แม้ว่าเนื้อหาบทบรรณาธิการอาจจะมีการแลกเปลี่ยนกันบ้าง เจ้าของและบรรณาธิการของหนังสือพิมพ์ เดอะ โคราชโพสต์ไม่ได้มีส่วนจัดการรือไม่ได้ตั้งใจที่จะละเลยการติดตามเฝ้าสังเกตดูเนื้อหาของเว็บไซต์ออนไลน์
ของเดอะ โคราชแต่อย่างใด และเพราะฉะนั้นจะไม่รับผิดชอบในเนื้อหาหรือคอนเทนท์ต่างๆในเว็บดังกล่าว

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Audio editorial (3 MB, MP3) 20 March 2007 Iraq and Bush

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Policeman calls it an accident A young Thai police officer denies cutting off the arm of a young woman he allegedly chased on a motorcycle. 23 March 2007 Korat Post Online A policeman based in Saraburi was yesterday suspended from duty pending an investigation into his alleged role in last month's attack on a woman whose arm was chopped off after she refused to share a table with him and two security volunteers at a local restaurant. Pol Lance Corporal Nirut Thammasap has been charged with attempted murder and causing serious injuries, along with carrying a government-owned firearm while off duty. The alleged attack on Suphansa Wichanant took place on February 25 after he and the two other men chased her on two motorcycles when she was escaping from them. more	Police officer: "I want justice." At right, the victim, Suphansa Wichanantas, seen on Channel 3 TV 23 March 2007 giving her version of the incident. She alleges her arm was cut off intentionally by police officer and accomplices. Local senior police officers at the station where the incident was reported are also being given disciplinary action for helping to falsify report details to make it appear as if it was an accident.

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YALA, March 21, 2007
(TNA)

Volunteers Needed...

The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) plans to ask the government to recruit another 1,000 defense volunteers in the violence-plagued southernmost provinces, according to Pranai Suwannarat, head of the centre. more

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"Driver is to blame..."

21 March 2007
Agencies

Saraburi
Twenty-nine passengers burned to death and 31 others were injured when an air-conditioned bus went up in flames on the Friendship Highway in Muak Lek district yesterday afternoon. The bus, which belonged to Sa-nguan Yan Yon Co, had about 60 passengers on board heading to Bangkok from Yasothon province. Seventeen of the injured were sent to Saraburi hospital, 10 were rushed to Muak Lek hospital and four taken to Pak Chong hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima. It took firefighters about 10 minutes to douse the flames when they reached the scene. The bodies of the dead were so badly burned they could not be identified. Pol Col Nisakorn Boontanont, Muak Lek district police chief, said passengers who survived the accident reported having seen flames streaming from the rear of the bus. The passengers had alerted the driver to the fire, but he had not stopped the bus to allow them to get off, Pol Col Nisakorn said. Some of the passengers had decided to jump out of the bus while it was still moving. The driver eventually lost control of the vehicle which skidded off the highway and was engulfed in flames. Passengers said the bus had a brake problem earlier when it was in Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima. The driver stopped there to get the problem fixed. But when the bus was in Saraburi a wheel caught fire and the blaze spread to the engine. The brakes then failed to work.
In a 21 March 2007 phone call to Thai Army 5 TV channel, Jae Kiew (Suchinda Cherdcahi, owner of Thailand's largest passenger transport company, indicated "If the brakes were not good, or the bus was not in shape to drive, the driver should not have taken it out." The issue of responsibility by the transport company in allowing a faulty bus on the road was not raised.

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20 March 2007
The Nation

Thai Rice Patent Protection, None for Abbot Drugs?

Thai, international health groups incensed at firm's withdrawal of licence applications Bangkok-based health advocacy groups yesterday began a mass public campaign to boycott giant US drug-maker Abbott Laboratories and vowed to bring the campaign to a global level. The company withdrew its applications for registration of its new drugs in Thailand in protest at the government's decision to use compulsory licensing for the company's blockbuster Aids medication. more Also see editorial.

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Police Seize CDs 42 year-old suspect arrested. CDs and CD making equipment seized. 19 March 2007 the Korat Post Reported by Thitiphat Keunphet On 16 March 2007, Phoklang Provincial police commander Col. Thawai Boonyarak, together with interrogation staff, held a press conference announcing seizure of pornographic CDs and arrest of a suspect. more   Porn and copies (Censored image!)

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Amnat Charoen Storm Death

19 March 2007
The Nation

One person was killed and hundreds of homes were damaged as storms hit the Northeast on Saturday night, with the Meteorological Department warning Sunday of more thunderstorms across upper Thailand. more

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People's Alliance For Democracy in Korat - Finally!

17 March 2007
the Korat Post Online

After exeriencing a government administration that's been in "neutral gear" from almost the beginning, with little serious inroads in court and out of court against former premier Thaksin Shinawatra (some say because the entire episode was a battle between two personalities) the People's Alliance For Democracy (PAD) finally visits Lady Mo City enforce. Suan Rak park, adjacent to Lady Mo monument, seen in above photo tonight, 17 March 2007, just prior to PAD principals taking the stage. The occasion? To help wak up the people of Korat as to what their governments have been doing to them, not for them, for decades, and to light the spart of participative democracy.
We had a moment to speak to Sondhhi Limthongkul briefly, and to Chamlong Srimeung, wishing them luck and thanking them for the many sacrifices they and associates have made over these many months before Thaksin was ousted and afterwards.

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16 March 2007 TNA Curfew Violated With More Violence A series of insurgent attacks persisted in Yala and Narathiwat provinces on Friday, although the Fourth Region Area imposed curfew in two districts of Yala on Thursday. Samart Chanlek, 53, a Provincial Electricity Authority worker, was shot in his stomach by an unidentified gunman on Friday morning in Rueso district. more

Further Baht Fluctuations BANGKOK, March 15, 2007 (TNA) The Bank of Thailand has braced for further fluctuations of the baht on Thursday when its measure to further ease the 30 per cent reserve requirement by exempting fully hedged foreign business transactions takes effect. Central bank governor Tarisa Watanagase said the baht strengthened Wednesday to touch 35.06 to the US dollar and is expected to hover around 34 to the dollar on Thursday in conjunction with launching the full hedge measure. more

14 March 2007 Korat Post Online Can Thailand Woe Back Foreign Investors? Or is the LOS willing to do what it takes? Is the foreign community tiring of Thai "pussyfooting?" Are Thais not making it in the competition field because they just don't like foreigners? Is this the real problem - take your money but don't overstay your welcome? Land ownership only one thorn. Over the recent past, Thailand has amended its foreign business laws for the same reason that it has amended many other rules and regulations - to maximize monetary return at the expense of foreigners - literally. Once viewed, and still so in many respects, as an ideal place to make money while enjoying a great lifestyle, Thailand has placed a great deal of bureaucracy in the way of those contemplating moving significant sums of money into the country. In large part xenophobic and nationalistic in origin, these government changes in regulations are only amended in favor of foreign investment IF protests grow loud enough and IF money flows slow significantly. Is it time for Thailand to stop pussyfooting around and make it clear once and for all that it intends to accommodate foreign investment rather than rip foreigners off during the process? See editorial.   Papatchanan Chingin (also no longer allowed to use Pringphuangkaew surname at order of former governor). Famous alleged courtroom statement during civil trial: "Yes, I was married to an American, but that was only to get a visa." Chingin has thanked us for 'making her famous.' Write to let us know whether her use of the term is correct. Perjury Charges Dismissed Violent, a liar, and not afraid to file false lese majesty charges against foreigners - based on fabricated lies - Papatchanan Chingin sees another case against her dismissed - while woman-slapping codefendant, in hiding, remains fugitive from police. 13 March 2007 Korat Post Online Thaksin Shinawatra, Thai former prime minister who FM 104.5 radio host Papatchanan Chingin ahs staunchy supported in the past, once defended Thailand's dismal human rights record by saying, "Hey, we're better than Cambodia or Burma!" Human rights in Thailand are not likely ot improve anytime soon. Thaland's new police chief is upset at kidnapped and presumably dead Muslim rights lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit's wife who is now suing him for police inactivity. Chingin, for her part, is never inactive. See editorial. Papatchanan Chingin (also no longer allowed to use Pringphuangkaew surname at order of former governor). Famous alleged courtroom statement during civil trial: "Yes, I was married to an American, but that was only to get a visa." Chingin has thanked us for 'making her famous.' Write to let us know whether her use of the term is correct. In a further demonstration of Thailand's justice system, after allegedly committing perjury in a criminal defense against charges from Watpa Salawan monk for assault, Chingin gets off the hook - again. In court on 13 March 2007, the judge dismissed perjury charges.

Highways Department Schedules Bypass Road Meeting 13 March 2007 the Korat Post (translated from Highways Department notice) The National Highway Department has scheduled a meeting with the press on Friday, 16 March 2007, from 08:30-12:00 to provide a summary of results made in selecting a design plan for a new bypass road on Friendship Highway inside Korat Municipality. To be held at the Rachabhat Institute, Chalermphrakieti Building, Suwat Liptapanlop Conference Room, 3rd floor. Media have been invited to present opinions and comments. Any readers of the Korat Post who have questions or concerns about this project, currently slated for 400 million Baht, are asked to contact the Korat Post via email prior to the end of working day Thursday, 15 March. Location of proposed work here. Democracy Advocate Passes Away Seen as a hard working democracy and human rights advocate, Suvit Watnuu, photo right, died unexpectedly on 12 March 2007 from a heart attack. 12 March 2007 Manager Online (Translated by the Korat Post Online) Suvit Watnuu, spokesman for People's Alliance for Democracy, died peacefully in his sleep late last night just fifteen minutes after midnight. Suvit was born 20 December 1952. Throughout his life, he was an advocate for democracy and the poor. Suvit was a central element of Thailand's democracy advocates who helped garner public support for, and information that led to, the ouster of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Known as a humble man, Suvit had in the past hidden from government forces as a result of the Black October bloodletting in Bangkok, later returning to help fight for the rights of the poor. Suvit Watnuu - photo Manager Online Northeast poverty fighter and advocate for democracy, leading member of the People's Assliance for Democracy, dies of heart attack. 12 March 2007 the Nation Muslim Women & Children In Protest A tense stand-off between Muslim and Buddhist protesters outside a police station in the predominantly Buddhist district of Khok Pho ended peacefully yesterday following the intervention of the chairman of the Pattani Islamic Committee.more 10 March 2007 the Korat Post Miss Nakhonratchasima 2007 This is to announce the 2007 Miss Nakhonratchasima Competition to be held on 24 March 2007 at the Rachaphruk Grand Hotel, Korat, from 18:00 on. To be aired live on local KCTV cable, the contest was open to young Korat women applicants until 2 March. There are currently no details on the hotel's website about this important event. Other hotels in Korat have previously expressed interest in jointly hosting and organizing the event - without results. Observers have commented that the standard of contestants would improve markedly if such joint cooperation were developed, as well that expenses involved could be considerably lightened for individual sponsors and hosts. See 1966 visit to Camp 44 by Miss Thailand here. We missed the 2006 event, but readers who wish to review the 2005 Miss Nakhonratchasima photos may do so at the Korat Post website here.   Huge Success! The Land of Smiles' first artificially inseminated pachyderm, a 100 kilogramme male, was born at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in northern province of Lampang. 7 March 2007 Thai News Agency BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) - Thai scientists announced on Thursday their successful artificial insemination of elephants after 'The Land of Smiles' first artificially inseminated pachyderm, a 100 kilogramme male, was born at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in northern province of Lampang. more   Online file photo of Thai elephant and baby Elephants in Thailand have also been widely abused by keepers who parade them around variious cities begging for alms. The elephants are forced to walk on hot, hard pavement under the heat in artificial urban conditions. Authorities have been effectively unresponsive to correct this problem. Change of Mind? BANGKOK, March 7, 2007 (TNA) – Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has completely reshuffled his cabinet and is in the process of seeking royal endorsement for the appointments of new ministers, according to Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp. more Isaan Farmers Demand Relief However, their own formerly elected representatives have remained unscathed from criticism . 6 March 2007 TNA Some 150 farmers rallied at Government House on Tuesday, demanding their debts be written off. The farmers from the Assembly of Isan Farmers’ Group had demonstrated in front of Government House since 4.00 am on Tuesday. more   The same voters want to keep iTV as-is.     Fox Reveals Prejudice! Bill O'reilly, of Fox News, cites criticism of American foreign policies as harming America's interests, then ignores his own onscreen truth of what Fox News is all about - ideology. 5 March 2007 the Korat Post When you want a pro-US government opinion, just turn on Fox News. Yet, even its own anchor Bill O'Reilly didn't see his own arguments' fallacies on his own screen when he admitted that Fox can't handle the truth. Editorial   O'Reilly - one of the less vehement anchors of Fox

Map indicating troubled southern region

NARATHIWAT, March 3, 2007 (TNA) Thai army rangers are searching for a band of armed militants who escaped after an exchange of gunfire near their mountain stronghold in this troubled southern province Friday, a senior police officer said Saturday. One of the obstacles facing Thai government in the Musllim dominated southern provinces is the initial history of having violently annexed the area with British assistance to act as a buffer against the French, followed by decades of corrupt Thai officials who were acting for their vested interests. Now that southern extremists have a firm hold on mayhem, and are seemingly able to commit a coordinated series of attacks almost at will, the central government is at a loss on how to quell what may become a southern rebellion. more

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3 March 2007 the Korat Post Online Thaksin Gives Sondhi Enough Rope - Maybe! Thaksin, speaking at the entrance to a Four Seasons Hotel in Australia recently to members of the Thai community: “At that time I was going to sue Sondhi. I was going to have him arrested. But Khun Prem went around to different courts telling them not do sue him. So the Public Prosecutor would not issue a plaint. He [Sondhi] was on my case, after me all the time, but nothing could work out for him because I hadn’t done anything wrong. I was only doing my job.” Sondhi Limthongkul’s response on his daily Guardian of the Nation program on ASTV on 2 March 2007? “I am going to submit Thaksin’s interview as additional lese majesty charge evidence. All I can say is …his speech was asinine.” Thaksin and the Thai government are long overdue with an apology to two Far Eastern Economic Report writers who did a story early in Thaksin's troubled history as premier that Thaksin had differences with the royal Household. If that fact isn't clear today... Korat's Ethanol Production Base Non-existent! 3 March 2007 Translated from Korat Daily newspaper Korat Ethanol Stumbles. Raw materials have problems. Government bolsters benzene use. Translated from Korat Daily 15 February 2007 No sign of a production base for ethanol in Korat. Announcement [to gas stations] free to cancel [from former government commitments]. Only one out of six companies in Korat file documents citing readiness to produce ethanol, but after review, even these were not complete. The Department of Rural Development permits local construction. The Korat Provincial Director of Commerce cites raw materials and government policies as obstacles to producers and agricultural workers. One of the ethanol production companies, K.I. Korat based in Phimai, invested 295 million Baht for ethanol production, using sugar cane and sugar palm waste for ethanol making.

TAT Website and Korat SEA Games 2 March 2007 the Korat Post Political niceties may be bottlenecking timely Internet and other media PR on SEA Games 2007. Try to find SEA Games on TAT's website, for example. Although the games are scheduled to be held in Korat this December, virtually nothing is found - unless you get lucky. Even the Thai Cycling Association at least has references, with dates, to the 2007 SEA Games and a biking tour of Thailand that follows. So what's the problem? See editorial.

1 March 2007 the Korat Post/agencies Cabinet Reshuffle Before Monday? Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont indicated today that he will, possibly as early as this weekend, reshuffle the interim Cabinet. A Cabinet change has been expected for some time, in part because of perceived lack of progress by the current government in tackling major issues, most especially economic policy, as well as following up on its initially stated allegations of corruption and possible lese majesty against the ousted permier. The abrupt resignation of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Pridiyathorn Devakula, often called for by media baron Sondhi Limthonkul because the minister was a close associate of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, has shaken the nation's interim administration. Several economic policy initiatives by the current government have led foreign investors to become wary of bringing funds into the country. Despite his representative having established a criminal record (and admitting to assault inside Watpa Salawan), abbot Luang Pho Pherm, left, continued approval of Papatchanan Chingin, right, representing his interests. The question is, why? Chingin is currently appealing against a civil court ruling against her awarding plaintiffs 60,000 Baht. On 26 February 2006, she reportedly delivered the same amount to the court as guarantee in her appeal. Chingin has on her FM 104.5 local radio show thanked us for making her famous. We would rather consider it exposure. There are few people like this in the world. They deserved to be reported. . Watpa Salawan Update 27 February 2007 the Korat Post online The dust may have settled in the minds of some officials and deluded main characters in the play, but events at Watpa Salawan, a Korat meung district forest Thammayut temple, are still causing waves and ripples in the courts and field of ethics. On 20 February 2007, admitted criminal assault former defendant Papatchanan Chingin appeared in criminal court as a co-defendant in a case filed against her by a brave monk formerly at Watpa Salawan charging Chingin with perjury. Supporing witness statements given in court were cited by observers as foolish in the extreme, and thinly veiled lies that were easily seen through.

Kornburi Farmers Fear Water Shortage Despite 3.7 billion Baht paid out in water supply projects 27 February 2007 the Korat Post/local agencies The municipality of Nakhonratchasima is holding discussions on solving water shortages. Loses agreement with Kornburi. Insists that a new public forum with the people of Kornburi has to be held, after having proceeded with projects costing 3,700 million Baht, but under protests from local farmers who won't have enough water for agricultural use. more . Even municipal homes face shortages     Gone and going... Korat's top regional commanders, police and army, both on the chopping block. Region 3 police commissioner Sathaporn Laowthong, right, already transferred to Bangkok. Army Region 2 commander Sujet Wattanasuk, left, said to be leaving effective 1 April 2007. . Korat's Top Commanders Axed Seen as too close to Thaksin, too unable to solve school fires! Old army clique said involved. Bars and club owners in Korat not yet worried. 26 February 2007 the Korat Post/local agencies Just a week after the Korat Post spoke with Thaland's new police commissioner expressing concerns for unsolved school fires in Isaan, both of the region's top military and police commanders have felt the axe fall. There are also persistent rumors, denied by the incumbant, that governor Somboon Ngamlak is due to be transferred. His staff denied the rumor.   . TAT: "Pay" An invitation for a promotional tour at your own expense! 25 February 2007 the Korat Post/local agencies [From TAT] Each [foreign/Thai] couple will be charged 1,101 baht to go on the [Isaan] trip and translators will be on hand to help the foreigners. more See Editorial. And our letter to TAT.   Please click on this link for larger scale English map. Motorway Design New link between Bang Pa-in and Korat to cut aotomobile transit time to two hours. 24 February 2007 the Korat Post/local agencies Despite political upheaval, political uncertainties and economic worries, and terrorism threats, the proposed Bang Pa-in to Nakhonratchasima Motorway seems destined to become reality. Mr. Chanchai Daechasthongse, lead civil engineer on the survey and design team, provided some background to local reporters during a February press conference in Korat held at the Royal Princess Hotel. Coincidentally Caterpillar Company was preparing a NE Road Show with its heavy construction equipment being displayed on the hotel's grounds. more

Two Russian Women Shot and Killed in Pattaya PATTAYA, February 24, 2007 (TNA) - Two Russian women, both tourists, have been shot dead in the Eastern seaboard resort of Jomthien, adjacent to Pattaya, about 110 kilometers (70 miles) southeast of Bangkok, police said. Tatiana Tsimfer, 30 and Liubov Svirkova, 25 were killed when an unidentified gunman fired four shots from a 9 mm pistol, police said. Their bodies were found lying on the beach while their personal effects were left untouched. Witnesses reportedly told police that they saw the victims drinking alcohol and swimming earlier. Initially, police investigators believed that the Russian tourists probably quarreled severely with a beach chair concessionnaire which led to the later violence. Police are searching for the operator to investigate.

Somkid Jatusripitak, upper left, resigned on 20 February after an onslaught of PAD and former opposition party criticism of his appointment. The Thai government's actions were viewed as highly questionable. Dr. Kraisak Choonhavan, upper center, and Sondhi Limthonkul, lower right. The former finance minister, assigned to explain Thailand's sufficiency economy to foreign trading partners, after an emotional speech resigning from his less than week-old appointment, still failed to explain why he had gotten religion. Patronage Cracking in Thailand? Little credibility in a "born-again Christian syndrome" 22 February 2007 the Korat Post/TNA Over the past few days, Thailand's People's Alliance for Democracy, instrumental in Thaksin Shinawatra's ouster as premier on 19 September 2006, has been threatening more protests against a highly unusual appointment of former Thaksin close aide and deputy prime minister and finance minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who on Wednesday announced his resignation as chairman of the committee tasked with explaining the sufficiency economy philosophy to foreign communities. Touted as a master plan originally conceived by the country's revered monarch, the sufficiency economy concept clashes directly with Thaksinomics which Somkid helped mastermind. more Also see editorial.     Ruin left behind in the south, followed by three arrests and confessions. Arrests and Confessions 20 February 2007 TNA YALA, February 20, 2007 (TNA) - Three men have been detained in this southern border province in connection with last Sunday night’s series of deadly attacks that killed seven persons across the Muslim-predominantly region, a regional senior military officer said Tuesday. more

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Farmers Protest NAKHON RATCHASIMA, February 20, 2007 (TNA) About 500 farmers from all 19 northeastern provinces have taken to a highway leading to the capital in a peaceful procession, repeatedly calling for the government to help them out with their debts owed to financial firms. more

Thailand's Intifada
(editorial)

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Southern bombing victim - Chinese New Year 2007 18 February 2007 Photo from Manager Online

Another New Year Attack in Thailand 19 February 2007 the Korat Post As of this morning, national news reports indicate six killed and over 42 injured in a wide spate of bombings in Thailand's four southern provinces, dominated by Muslims estranged from central government policies and increasingly impacted by violent extremists calling for cecession from Thailand. Please see Manager Online for Thai language reports and photos. See The Nation and TNA for English.

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Will the F22 Raptor make it to Korat in May 2007? more

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Ornate Chinese dragon, for the first time, stands in front of Lady Mo monument, Korat. Photo by the Korat Post (2/17/07) Chinese New Year 2007 18 February 2007 the Korat Post For the first time - that we can remember - huge Chinese dragons were set up on the side and in front of Thao Suranaree (Lady Mo) monument in the heart of Korat City. The cultural symbols were placed there for the 17-18 Chinese New Year celebrations taking place throughout Thailand. Check this link for schedule of today's events. Also see editorial.

Korat Post founder Frank G Anderson, foreground, seen wishing Thailand's new police commissioner. Photo by the Korat Post.	"We are concerned about Isaan school fires." Hello to Thailand's new national police commissioner 15 February 2007 the Korat Post Taking an opportunity while at Thai police headquarters on 13 February 2007, we very briefly gave congratulations to Thailand's new police commissioner and added in remarks, "We would like to express concern at the spat of school fires in Isaan." We hope that police are now actively pursuing this phenomenon, as they were not under former commissioner Kowit - a friend of Thaksin Shinawatra.