[IPS] Dams Across the Mekong Could Trigger a ‘Water War’
"For now, the lower stretches of the Mekong River remain a symbol of peace and tranquillity in a region that was once bloodied by war. But for how long?"
[AFP] Thai police offer reward for mosque attack leads
"Whoever gives information to the police that leads to the arrest of those who shot people at the mosque will get 200,000 baht," said Major General Dejnarong Suthicharnbancha, deputy regional police commander.
He told AFP that he could guarantee full protection for informants, whose identities would not be released
BP: Can guarantee protection?[GlobalPost] The Killing of Teachers in the Deep South
It’s a “win-win,” Abuza said. “Schools have shut down for months at a time, which further convinces Buddhists to leave the region. And Muslims are compelled to enroll their children in privately run madrassas.”
[BP: Have a note of Duncan McCargo's comments as well][AFP] 7 wounded in Thai south attack
"SUSPECTED Islamic militants opened fire at a Buddhist temple in Thailand's restive south where people were taking part in an aerobics class, wounding seven, police said on Tuesday.
Four armed insurgents stormed into the building in the troubled province of Narathiwat and attacked the group of around 50 villagers gathered inside the temple late on Monday, they said.
Two volunteer guards providing security for residents fired back and the rebels fled the scene. A 20-month-old girl was among the wounded but no one was seriously hurt, said police."[MCOT] Thailand, China agree to push for closer trade and tourism ties
" Visiting Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday said Thailand and China would strengthen bilateral economic and trade partnership and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao affirmed he would encourage more Chinese to visit Thailand.
...
Tourist arrivals to Thailand totalled some 3.2 million in the first quarter of 2009, down 19 percent compared to the corresponding period last year, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand."
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