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News you need to know |
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| Top Issue: The need to focus |
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 The Asean symbol mocked. Many say what isn't red, is yellow. A weekend dilemma: Face terrorism or die The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meet in Brunei this weekend. It is fair to say the life, and future of Asean is on the line. Some diplomats have already written off Asean as an internation force, either economically or diplomatically. Here is the bottom line: If Asean fails to come up with an anti-terrorism response this weekend, it will be written off by almost all the world. The group is possibly the last major international forum to address the issue of terrorism. Instead of considering what action it could take in the aftermath of the September 11 crisis — Asean has whined about its disagreements. Some members oppose US airstrikes in Afghanistan. Some members whimper about alienating their Muslim populations. Some members yammer that they really hate the offer of George Bush — to stand with the United States or the terrorists. These weak, bellyaching complaints have not only put off almost all of the friends of Asean. They have paralysed the group. Thailand, one of three countries which has declared itself firmly on the American side, tried to organise a meeting of Asean foreign ministers to discuss a response to the September 11 attacks. The result? Malaysia, the chief and self-appointed leader of Asean recalcitrance, immediately volunteered to host such a meeting — next April! When pressed by the Philippines and Singapore, Malaysia said, well, they would try to have one before November 17, but they couldn't have one during Ramadan, could they? Asean transport ministers met in Malaysia on October 26. At a gruelling, 90-minute meeting before their golf game, they agreed someone needed to lead an effort to have better, international security measures for air travellers. They were certain this would happen, later, somehow. Maybe. Asean leaders seem intellectually aware their group hangs on the cusp of evaporation in world eyes. Calls to make the group more relevant have become a regular feature at every recent Asean meeting.
Asean is clearly capable of joint action against terrorism. Members can take immediate steps to improve cross-border intelligence, crack down on money laundering, co-operate against extremists and establish standards of security. If Asean bypasses the opportunity of this week's summit, it risks being bypassed by the rest of the world. Don't forget the daily news on the Newsean Updates page. You can bookmark and return to this page often. It is updated regularly, often daily, with news of Thailand and, especially, its decisions on the war on terrorism. | Last to act Lack of action by Asean has only been accentuated by the responses from elsewhere — including Asean-style groups that are far removed from Asia and Afghanistan. Britain has arrested a member of the group which assassinated the anti-Taliban leader Ahmed Shah Massood. The European Union has already discussed, passed and instituted new regulations on immigrants, airport security and even closer sharing of intelligence on cross-border criminals including — but not only — suspected terrorists. Members of the Organisation of African States have arrested members of gangs aligned with the al-Qaeda group of Osama bin Laden. Latin American — let's repeat that because it is so remote — Latin American nations have instituted a series of cross-border connections, intelligence sharing and policies against money laundering.
These guys are real jokers. But can they sing on-key? Asean leaders sat in on the meeting of the previously laughable Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Shanghai. Hands firmly under seats, they watched as, all around them, Apec members from Asia, Europe, Australia and the two Americas discussed and passed new policies against terrorism. That included economic policies, which affects Asean, as well as political actions. The interior ministers of the Arab states whick make up the Gulf Cooperation Council met to adopt a joint strategy against extremism. They agreed on a cross-border effort against violent group. They also pledged to fight money laundering. The best-known international action by Asean since September 11 was the arrest of five pro-democracy activists in Laos, including a Belgain member of the European Parliament. Laos said the five actually passed out pro-democracy leaflets. Laos claimed this was aimed at overthrowing the Vientiane dictatorship. Not a single Asean leader demurred or even laughed. One assumes they all agree. A former senior diplomat of Thailand says Asean risks everything by not coming up with an anti-terrorist policy. Kobsak Chutikul says the region can, and must set itself up as a terrorism-free zone. A Bangkok Post editorial, meanwhile, says that if Asean leaders fail to act this weekend, the group will be completely marginalised and ignored by the rest of the world. That editorial is here. A Singapore commentator says Asean can turn failure into economic victory if it moves quickly to institute free trade. That story is here Laos is so weak that the government may be overthrown by by suggestions it become a democracy. (Maybe it should?) One of the reports on the threat to Laos survival posed by European pamphleteers is here. And coming soon: Thailand headlines for WAP. Stand by. |
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 President Arroyo, Premier Thaksin: Shake on it Thaksin, Mahathir finally back war on terrorism Two leaders of key, founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have finally taken strong stands. Both have appeared wishy-washy and indecisive in the initial days after the September 11 attacks on America. While both men strongly condemned the US attacks, they also have been slow to join the anti-terrorist action. This strong, new statement of policy by Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra came after he went to Manila for weekend talks with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. She is now called The Little General by some. It has been suggested by possibly unkind sources that Mrs Arroyo performed a backbone implant on Mr Thaksin in Manila. In any case, he responded strongly last weekend. While still in the Philippines, the Thai leader called home and told Thailand, via a radio programme, that he and the country must back the United States effort against terrorism. That is a message that all nations in the region, and the world, should heed. Mr Thaksin appeared clearly upset by attacks on his policy, particularly by young Muslims. He feels he has explained dozens of times that the so called war on terrorism is not aimed at any people or religion. And the word war is a metaphor, just like the war on drugs or the war on poverty. The anti-terrorist actions have been approved by the United Nations. “Terrorist acts are great evils. which must be suppressed.”
A rundown on recent Thai Muslim statements by a foreign news agency can be seen here.
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Premier Mahathir, anti-terrorism but anti-airstrikes Neighbours have different reasons, similar conclusions MEANWHILE . . .
Everyone agrees: Bin Laden did it and terrorists must be tracked down Dr Mahathir insists he is anti-terrorist and pro-American — but he opposes the US airstrikes because they hurt innocent Afghans and make more terrorists. He says the bin Laden gang is clearly behind the attacks on America. And as for the Taliban: “We have no liking for the Taliban. We know the Taliban trained Malaysian people to overthrow this government.” There are more details on the new statements of policy by both Premier Thaksin and Prime Minister Mahathir on the Newsean Updates page. You can bookmark and return to this page often. It is updated at least daily with news of Thailand and, especially, its decisions on the war on terrorism. And coming soon: Thailand headlines for WAP. Stand by. |
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 At the US Embassy in Jakarta, not just protests but threats A sudden realisation that the enemy is among us Southeast Asia has been shocked in recent weeks to discover small groups of violent people in their midst. These groups appear to be ready to wreck their own communities and countries. They have appeared suddenly to demonstrate against the United States. These are safe demonstrations of rage. The US is everyone's favourite target of protest. America never responds violently to hatred, flag burning or even assaults on its citizens or embassies. BUT the anti-American protests in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks have shocked many. In the past, violent demonstrations were unheard of in countries such as Malaysia. Open threats of violence against foreigners were uncommon in Indonesia. Organised protests in Thailand were always underground, never public. There is now growing evidence and widespread acceptance that outside agitators are behind such threats and — in Indonesia — real violence. Senior Muslim leaders in Thailand, both political and spiritual, have spoken openly of what Thais call a third hand, meaning outsiders or trained propagandists stirring up trouble. Just as with the terrorist attacks on America, the evidence accumulates that this “third hand,” originates with the organisation of Osama bin Laden. Protest leaders in Malaysia have trained in Afghanistan. So-called Arab Afghans, the Arab and other foreign mujahadeen of Afghanistan, are openly behind the Abu Sayyaf of the Philippines and the Moluccan uprising in Indonesia. Leaders in some countries are soft-peddling the threats. Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has assigned his top Muslim minister, Wan Mohamad Nor Matha, to try to cool a simmering rebellion in the South, which is fed and stoked by the Malaysian connection. Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore has enlisted the nation's spiritual leader, Mufti Syed Isa Semait to urge racial and religious harmony. But Mr openly addressed the problem. He said the region is surrounded by the footprints of terrorism. The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia all have bred groups that favour terror and violence. No country, he notes, is safe. That is a message that all nations in the region, and the world, should heed. |
FACT FILE In Thailand, Malaysia and elsewhere, evidence is far more difficult to prove. There is no doubt, however, that so-called anti-American protests in Thailand have been rigorously prepared and carried out. There has been none of the spontaneous nature seen in most Thai protests. The nation's Islamic spiritual leader, called the Chula Ratchamontri, has openly worried about divisions in the Muslim communities. As always, reliable evidence from Malaysia is difficult. The government has cracked down on militant and violent groups in recent months, but it also has apparently used the campaign to try to silence legitimate and peaceful opposition groups. There is no doubt that Malaysians have trained secretly in Afghanistan and urged violent protests after their return. These groups have exploited the attacks on America by protesting a US military response even though no such response had taken place. There is no doubt that President Megawati
Sukarnoputri is sincere about opposing terrorism. For one thing she is determined to hold her country together in the face of massive and violent threats. But despite her promises to
President The Singapore response: Singapore, like Thailand, is trying to cope with a tiny number of violent people, who are under growing pressure from foreigners. As mentioned above, the spiritual leaders of both countries have issued appeals for non-violence. The call by the Mufti of Singapore is detailed here in a Straits Times report. The forthright admission that even Singapore is at risk is from an interview with Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong which can be read here
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 India-provided video shows terrorist training Concern over home-grown threats Across Asia, there has been common response to the terrorist attacks on America. From North Korea to Pakistan leaders and people are shocked and outrage. Thinking people everywhere have condemned the attacks. THE public is beginning to learn what experts have long known and warned of. International terrorism has deep, invasive roots in Southeast Asia. From the high-profile murderers of the Abu Sayyaf of the Philippines to the low-level agents of Thailand's Pulo (Pattani United Liberation Organisation), the search was on for links to the Al Qaeda (The Base) organisation of Osama bin Laden and other pro-terrorist groups and governments. A captured leader of Abu Sayyaf confirmed again to the press that the leaders of the group have direct ties to Afghanistan. Founders and some leaders of Abu Sayyaf trained with the so-called afghani - foreign volunteers in Afghanistan. Abu Sayyaf receives funds and advice from the bin Laden groups, according to the prisoner. The amount of help and advice flowing from the Mideast, Gulf and Afghanistan to terrorists in Southeast Asia has long been debated. In the past, Libya and Iran provided money and shelter to the southern terrorists of Thailand. That aid apparently ceased around 1990. But the Pulo continues to receive funds and training. There is no doubt that tourist-friendly Southeast Asia has unwittingly played host to terrorists, either on vacation or fleeing from authorities. The terrorist Ramzi Yusef, now safely behind bars in America, passed through Thailand when he fled from the Philippines after failing to kill the Pope. Terrorist operatives were discovered in Thailand during the Gulf War of 1990-1991. After the New York shock, Southeast Asia is certain to join the world and increase anti-terrorist alerts. The popular press speculates over military operations, but the real war on terrorism will be fought in the hearts and consciences of people. The responses of Southeast Asia show that the entire region is willing to help to wipe terrorists from our midst, in an effort to make everyone safe. |
FACT FILE What are the demands? As this is
written (see date, top left of pa How about the suspects? “I condemn the terrorist operations of hijacking and attacking public places in American cities which have resulted in the death of a large number of defenseless American people.” — President Mohammad Khatami of Iran. Whether through belief or fear or self-preservation, leaders of every stripe around the world are suddenly finding a new commitment to oppose terrorism. The task of combatting terrorism will not be easy. Just for example: The German newspaper Handelsblatt reports (in English) that Germany may have 30 bin Laden terrorist cells in the country, centered on the city of Frankfurt. The AFP news agency of France reports there may be up to 100 terrorists in Germany, lying low and ready for activation, individually or in cells. The Americans continue to say this, over and over: The anti-terrorism struggle is not religious. President Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia agrees with that. She met President Bush at the White House. According to this Kyodo report, Mr Bush and Mrs Megawati agreed on the importance of differentiating between religion and terrorist acts. The Jakarta Post reports that President Megawati pledged that Indonesia will help America in the fight against international terrorism. Veteran reporter Fe Zamora of INQ7.Net in the Philippines reports that the Osama bin Laden gang maintains invisible links among Muslims in the Philippines. The excellent background story is here. Newsean believes that the world must consider the
Baghdad connection. One Thai analyst believes suspects must include Iraq,
and her theory is here.
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 Plot against the decent world demands reply International terrorists have challenged the free world and its supporters. It remains to be seen if the free world is capable of defending itself. THE attack on the United States is a special call to recognise that the world community is under attack. Like any community, the world contains good and bad elements. If the world community is to succeed and prosper, it must weed out the bad elements and put them where they cannot bother decent folks. As shock turns to facing reality, the world — not the United States, the entire decent world — faces, a massive challenge. Like all challenges, there is choice. The world can resolve to take action to oppose outrage, as it did in September 1939 - in December 1941. It can fail the challenge and let the terrorists grow more arrogant, kill more people. As the Philippines Inquirer wrote in this editorial: “This is not America's war alone. This is civilised society's war against terrorism.” (Link will open in a new browser window) Clearly, the only acceptable choice is to face the challenge squarely. It will be necessary for the whole decent world to stand together to take action to cut off the terrorists and their gangs. The only acceptable choice is to assure our freedom by removing those who want to make us un-free. Thailand, Asean and Asia must join the effort to combat international terrorists. Any nation, any group which supports such terrorists is equally guilty — just as anyone sheltering a bank robber or financing a drug dealer is guilty. Certain nations ... We need not name them; you know them ... have tread a very fine line of attacking terrorism while supporting terrorists. The Taleban group, which proudly shelters the killer Osama bin Laden, is the first and foremost, and it must change or be changed. It is no longer acceptable that any government support terrorism in any way. The attack on America must awaken everyone to the reality. International terrorism can be defeated only by concerted, determined, international action. |
FACT FILE Who is Osama bin Laden? Osama is a millionaire Saudi businessman (the money is his family's work). He became radical while fighting in the anti-Russian war in Afghanistan. He is in favour of killing Americans, and non-Muslims in general, in an effort to try to form a world controlled by pure Islam such as the Taleban regime in Afghanistan. Was there a warning? The world-wide terrorists often warn of
coming attacks, but not in detail. There will be claims that the US knew
in advance Fast information: Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai held a midnight press conference, telecast live throughout the country. Four hours after hijjacked planes smashed into the New York World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington, Mr Surakiart was providing information on Thais in possible danger. The Thai consulate in New York and Tourism Authority of Thailand were on the 37th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Centre. The Thai Farmers' Bank was on the 7th floor. All 17 Thai citizens were safe, but two were injured. There will be a serious US reponse and Thailand should prepare now says a Chulalongkorn University security specialist. The events in New York and Washington are not purely an American tragedy. We all are victims of terror, says this editorial in the Bangkok Post Thai princesses and officials are all safe,reports the Thai News Agency. One Thai analyst believes suspects must include Iraq,
and her theory is here.
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 The face of the anti-democrat You better watch out, This story has been updated with an analysis (see end of section). BANGKOK gets a special visitor this week — where “special” means super controversial. Burmese Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt is visiting, as the guest of the defence minister, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. In fact, it is massive understatement to say that the visit is contoversial. Protests come from all around Thailand: the man in the street, democratic groups and the Burmese student-refugees and immigrant workers. Secretary One is to get the full, diplomatic treatment while in Thailand. That is despite the fact that he has no official title in the shadowy, violent Burmese regime. He is known only as Secretary One, and neither his power nor its limits ever has been defined. While in Thailand he will talk with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai, in addition to Gen Chavalit. As a senior, visiting official he also will have an audience with His Majesty the King of Thailand. One subject that will not come up is human rights. Another subject that will not arise is Burma's alleged progress towards a democratic system. A third subject that will not arise is the fate and freedom of the best-known person in Burma, the detained democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi. It is certain Khin Nyunt will promise to help Thailand reduce the drug trafficking. It is also certain he will not promise to restrain the Wa traffickers They control the money in his fragmenting nation. |
FACT FILE Why is he powerful? Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt is the head of Burmese Military Intelligence. That is the group responsible, in the broadest way, for internal security. He is in charge, then, of finding, arresting, jailing and torturing anyone opposed to the regime, for example. He is responsible for keeping down ethnic threats, meaning he runs relations with the Wa drug traffickers. Is that a problem? Politics and democracy aside for the moment, many despise the Burmese junta and its head, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt for their reliance on: The Bangkok Post has an early report with good background on the controversy. The
Nation of Bangkok says the visit has sparked strong security concerns and that story is here
An excellent Bangkok Post analysis sees the Khin Nyunt visit as a business deal. The government has invested, and will want a return. That analysis is here. |
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 Indonesia wants the trafficking stopped WHEN President Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia came to Thailand on August 24, everyone expected some glad-handing. She was going to ask about selling some crop-duster planes (and be politely put off), get to know Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, etc. In short, everyone expected the usual Asean stuff. No way. Mrs Megawati got off to a far more professional start. She told Mr Thaksin that she wanted arms smuggling stopped. Thai gun-runners were helping the separatist rebels in Aceh. She will not allow the Sumatra rebels to form their own Islamic state. Mr Thaksin was taken aback, but came up with the answer of the moment, which was that he would look into it and stop the trade. Of course, similar promises have been made at other times. India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam have heard such assurances, among others. Cleaning up arms trafficking is an urgent need, however difficult it certainly is. Last May, police arrested two army sergeants who were preparing to ship arms to Aceh. No other action has been taken in the case. It is only the latest in a number of high-level cases which prove how endemic the arms trafficking has become. Planes have landed to take guns to India's Nagaland, and the head of that region's separatist army was arrested in Thailand. A shipyard in Phuket was caught constructing an underwater craft to be used by Sri Lanka. It has long been known that Thai army officers, especially in the South, are deeply involved in trafficking arms to Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and elsewhere. The public hears more about drugs and prostitution. But gun running is a lucrative business that helps the enemies of Thailand's friends. It hurts the country's image. It needs to be cleaned up. |
FACT FILE BACKGROUND: The arrests of two sergeants on 10 May in Songkhla seized just part of a shipment: 48 landmines, 35 sticks of TNT, 60 M67 hand-grenades, 15,500 rounds of ammunition. They were bound for the Gerakan Aceh
Merdaka, the Free Aceh Movement also known as GAM. Here is some background on weapons smuggling as maintained by Iansa, originally from Britain's Jane's Intelligence Review The Australian Broadcasting Corp covered the story of the Phuket submarine this way The Bangkok Post said the Thai government must clean up arms smuggling, particularly among the military, and their comment is here |
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 Annan sees a gentler, kinder Kabul regime The head of the United Nations wonders if he can end the war in Afghanistan through rewards, rather than sanctions. Secretary-General Kofi Annan says he also wants Afghanistan to become more tolerant and democratic. This worthy goal might be achieved, he thinks, by talking to the ruling Taleban and their armed opponents, who still control parts of the northern part of the country. Mr Annan said he thinks that offering the Afghan leaders aid and guidance might lead to productive peace talks. The plan seems far-fetched on the surface. The brutal, throwback Taleban rule most of Afghanistan. They have refused to negotiate, on two understandable grounds. (1) They already control most of the country. (2) No one else is qualified to run Afghanistan. The Taleban claim to be Islamic purists, who rule the country in a religious manner. Mr Annan, on the other hand, believes the punitive sanctions on the Taleban have been unproductive. He is technically right. America and Russia are both worried about the export of terrorism by the Taleban and their close, personal friend Osama bin Laden. They have pressed the United Nations to impose and to continue political, economc and military sanctions. These sanctions, however, have little effect on the brutalised Afghan people. They are routinely denied access to aid, help and freedom by their government — not by sanctions. Mr Annan’s plan could have some merit. It is worth asking the Taleban if they could become more civilised members of the world community — if the community offered to help them. But there must be a change in the basic outlook of the Taleban. That regime, at a minimum, must be more tolerant. The Taleban must stop its support, and export, of terror and terrorists. Ending the war for the Afghan people is important. Ending the Taleban support for world war is also important. |
FACT FILE TERROR OF REGIME: THE Taleban overran the capital city of Kabul in 1996. They have ruled harshly, under what they claim is an Islamic regime. Details of personal conduct are rigid. Men must grow beards and wear certain clothing. At football games, the only cheering allowed is “Allah Akhbar” (“God is Great”). Women are generally forbidden to work, must not walk outside their homes alone, and must cover their entire bodies at all times. APOLOGISTS: Pakistan is the only important foreign supporter of the Taleban, which are routinely denounced as barbarians by most of the world, Muslims included. Pakistan blames UN sanctions for creating a flood of refugees from Afghanistan. Islamabad conveniently forgets the matter of a civil war, funded and supported by Pakistan. The BBC has carried excellent coverage of the Afghanistan problem. Who are the Taleban? The Background is here. The Taleban continue to threaten the world, including the UN aid workers. A Guardian story on the problem
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 Wa, Chinese triads expand their vision Authorities in Switzerland have made a major anti-drug sweep. In the process they have confirmed a major fear of both Asia and the
west.
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FACT FILE HOW IT HAPPENED: The 14K triads have
numerous smuggling sources. In this case, they hid |
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 Ministers must pick up the slack, quickly
Senior officials from Burma, China, Laos and Thailand have fumbled the chance to make a difference in the anti-drug war.
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FACT FILE DRUG ORIGINS: Burma has become rightly famous as the biggest producer of opium/heroin and of methamphetamines. Laos produces opium and Burma-based drug gangs make heroin and, increasingly, speed pills. Thai and Chinese criminals are deeply involved in smuggling and marketing drugs, as well as other activities including
transporting drugs to other countries, corrupting police and government officials, and money laundering. The Bangkok Post newspaper analysed the failure of the Rangoon meeting in a recent editorial which you can find here. |
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 Iraq controls its own fate There has been another round of bombing of Iraqi anti-aircraft sites by allied warplanes. The British and American fighter-bombers hit the sites on August 10. They were responding to two developments:
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FACT FILE COMMENT For an analysis of this problem, see this editorial in the Bangkok Post. |
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The Wa Threat: |
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 Burma creates a monster. The regime must confront a serious security threat Last week's capture of the seven Thai officials by the United Wa State Army has emphasised the risk that this group poses. Rangoon had to request that the Wa release the kidnapped Thais! The Wa are growing increasingly adamant they intend to run “their” territory as they please. Burma needs the cease-fire with the Wa. The regime has become dependent on its share of the drug trafficking profits. And Rangoon needs good relations with Thailand. It cannot have them all, while the Wa demand independence. Read an analysis in more depth. Quick read: Will Burma become a divided nation? |
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 What happens when they ignore the rules forged in the Thai hills?
Fast-moving events in Colombia show the difficulty
of fighting drugs. The government is trying to convince up-country
people in the hills to stop growing opium. The farmers are forced to
grow poppies for leftist terrorists, who fund their violence by drug
trafficking. But the impatient government has also alienated farmer with
crop spraying. Is this a chance for Thailand to lend some help? Read an analysis of the dangers. Quick read: Colombia botches crop substitutionsDirectly from the Bangkok Post |
UN wants monitors Recent news: Human Rights Watch issued a report which flamed Farc (the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) for the kidnapping of civilians, repugnant use of child soldiers and use of prohibited, terroristic weapons. HRW said Farc was violating international humanitarian law. Farc said it would never obey international standards. News Focus |
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| Iraq's ballistic games | In Related News | |||
 The United Nations inspectors found and disabled the missile in the photo above, taken by the UN team in 1997. But now, Iraq has tested new ballistic missiles. They are the fastest weapons delivery system in the world. Relatively few nations have such missiles, although Iraq had Russian and North Korean Scud missiles more than a decade ago. The new missiles increase the range of Iraqi missiles and, thus, the threat to Iraq's neighbours. If you thought Iraq is barred from getting all such dangerous weapons — wrong! Although UN officials are studying the Iraq tests (next column) it is likely they are actually legal. That Iraq can develop, test and threaten to use such missiles against its neighbours is frightening. More violence in Iraq affects its neighbours and, thus, much of the world Read an analysis of the dangers here. Or read the original directly from the Bangkok Post |
The ballistic tests The UN dilemma That means Iraqi people will continue to suffer from the trade embargo until at least 2002. Perhaps worse, Baghdad will continue to evade restrictions on arms imports and development, even though the Saddam Hussein government signed a treaty in 1991 to accept such controls. |
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| North Korea plays coy | In Related News | |||
 The United States is ready to resume talks with North Korea. Even though the Pyongyang foreign minister is too busy to attend the Asean Regional Forum in Hanoi, high-level contact will occur. Such a meeting will be good news for everyone involved, Asean included. North Korean violence and weapons proliferation poses a major regional threat. US Secretary of State Colin Powell will likely have to make do with meeting the North Korean deputy foreign minister. Still, such contact is in the interest of the region. North Korea is easily the most dangerous nation in the Asia-Pacific region, perhaps in the world. Read the full text of the Bangkok Post editorial. It will open in a separate browser window. Click here |
Desperate for aid ARF gets some bite |
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Poppies
bloom in the killing fields The Taleban of Afghanistan claim they have banned the growing of opium and it is beginning to appear they will enforce the anti-narcotics ban. Drug traffickers are already adjusting. Burma is openly co-operating with heroin traffickers, and Thailand and Cambodia are targets. This puts heavy, new strains on our region. Thailand's Bangkok Post discussed this problem in a recent article. Click here and the article will open in a separate browser window. |
Heroin problems
Warlord
gets a port
Meth factories ramp up Burma `no help' |
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South Asian talks won't be a love-in
The leaders of Pakistan and India will meet on Saturday in Agra. The first summit between the two nations in two years may be taking place within sight of the world's best-known temple of love. It would be nice if the Taj Mahal were to inspire visiting Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. More likely, the two will continue to disagree on the major differences between their countries. |
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love at the Taj Mahal India and Pakistan go to the summit again this week. The meetings will place Kashmir at the top of the agenda. But the main issues will not be directly addressed: How to prevent nuclear war between the South Asian giants.
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| Region | The World | |||
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By the book Seoul: South Korea now says the history textbook row with Japan will damage joint preparations for next year's World Cup of soccer. The rights stuff |
Copping
out |
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Bush at a White House meeting, she faces real problems from Indonesia based terrorists, both domestic and foreign. There are serious doubts about her ability to deal with such problems..
ge) the United States has made no
known
demands of any country in the Southeast Asian region. Each has expressed
opposition to terrorists and, in a general way, pledged to fight
terrorism.
of the attacks, but in realistic terms, it did not. There is
a way to ensure that Osama's group cannot threaten attacks in the
future. It remains to be see if the world is willing to take that step
to ensure freedom and security.
trafficking. One of the
tracks is harsh action against smugglers and peddlers. Another aims at enrolling Burma into the anti-drug effort.
The engagement of Burma has always been controversial in Thailand, and always has had some support.
Army. Middlemen and women, almost always civilians, negotiate the actual deals, from source to final customer. They move the arms along. But one thing about Thai arms deals is that they invariably pass through military officers. This is a form of protection for the gun runners, since the military is in almost exclusive charge of arms security in
Thailand.
the speed pills among otherwise legitimate exports of Thai products:
Clothing, snack food (photo right), children's toys (photo above) soap
powder and numerous others.
The Iraq government, from President Saddam Hussein on down, has openly escalated its recent propaganda attacks. They have announced they intend to try to shoot down an allied warplane. They have taken patrol aircraft under fire on several occasions.
Iraq has upgraded its air defences, to the point that commanders have warned the anti-aircraft guns and missiles pose a serious threat to the patrols.| THE WEATHER |
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| ALSO IN THE NEWS |
| Top of the News | ||
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| Thai Muslim spiritual leader (Chula Ratchamontri) backs alliance against terrorism (More in Updates) | ||
| New poll shows 68% of Thais back decision to co-operate with US | ||
| Compulsory energy saving is not necessary says Thai premier | ||
| Thai and Asean troops likely will not be needed or requested for anti-terror force | ||
| Bangkok Post editorial: Not all Muslims are terrorists; not all terrorists are Muslim | ||
| More details on our UPDATES page | ||
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Older items below |
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Quotable
Chula Ratchamontri Sawat Sumarayasak, spiritual leader of Thai Muslim community, on the world alliance | ||
| More Headlines | ||
| Missing Thai man found in New York; 2 women missing | ||
| Thai Premier Thaksin pledges to co-operate with the US anti-terrorist effort (Updates page) | ||
| Thaksin says `wait and see' if US can use Thai bases in retaliation attack | ||
| Memorials Tuesday at Wat Benjamaborpit in Thai and English; on Wednesday at the US Embassy | ||
| Thai stocks crash another 6.51%, or 20 points | ||
| Asean region steps up security; Jakarta calls for more co-operation against terrorism | ||
| Two Thai women seriously burned in terrorist attack; 113 missing, 3 on top floors | ||
| More details on our UPDATES page | ||
| Thailand steps up security on US, foreign embassies and tourist sites - THAI cancels US flights | ||
| US hands Thailand 15 photos of terrorist suspects; border watch begins | ||
| King, Queen offer heartfelt sympathy to America | ||
| Thais sympathise, want retaliation (details on Updates page) | ||
| Thaksin: Thailand a terrorist transit stop, not a base | ||
| 50 men blacklisted at southern immigration posts | ||
| Koizumi cancels trip to Thailand | ||
| 30 Thai citizens missing in World Trade Center | ||
| Stock Exchange of Thailand drops 7%, rising in afternoon session | ||
| Thai Premier Thaksin pledges Thais will stand with Americans | ||
| Thai expert says Iraq may be behind US attacks | ||
| Thai foreign minister Surakiart says Thailand stands with US against terror | ||
| 2 young princesses, all other Thais in New York appear safe in terrorist attack | ||
| Two Thais at consulate, Thai Farmers Bank wounded in New York | ||
| Financial fears for stocks, baht, in wake of terror | ||
| Accused Thai money launderer Rosarin sold oil to Wa drug dealers, says the army | ||
| Khin Nyunt returns to Burma; drug problems remain | ||
| Thailand will host the four-nation regional drug summit | ||
| Thailand offers 20 million baht (US$500,000) to help Burma shut down drug trafficking | ||
| Thai Red Cross invents new test for rabies which does not kill the dog | ||
| Indonesia arrests Thai woman with 600 gm of heroin | ||
| Burmese dictator Khin Nyunt says he may end drug trade by 2005. See updates | ||
| In New York: $1 = 44.04 baht | ||
| World Cup: Thailand at Bahrain 6 September (Thursday) | ||
| Burma again insists it has no Aids epidemic or HIV/Aids problems | ||
| Thailand to help Burma with crop substitution to cut Wa drug-dealing | ||
| Suspected bomber of Vietnam embassy in Bangkok caught in alleged bomb plot against VN embassy in Manila | ||
| Thai criminal court sentences 17 to die for drugs peddling, including 5 women | ||
| Aids is now the leading cause of death in Thailand - but research is under study | ||
| Taleban will try eight foreign aid workers and 16 Afghans on capital charges of spreading Christianity | ||
| Australia moves 438 Afghan refugees from Norwegian freighter to Navy ship | ||
| World Cup qualifier: Iran 0, Thailand 0 | ||
| Thai baht rises to 45.24 per US dollar | ||
| World Cup qualifier: Iran 0, Thailand 0 | ||
| Anti-drug ministers reach agreement on pursuing traffickers across regional borders (see Updates) | ||
| China increases missile buildup opposite Taiwan to more than 350 | ||
| Japanese Premier Koizumi to visit Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia in September | ||
| Thailand asks China to cut supplies of drug-making precursors to Wa in Golden Triangle | ||
| Indonesia will launch anti-separatist military drive in Aceh | ||
| Taleban allows Red Cross, diplomats, families to visit arrested aid workers | ||
| Burmese dictators free two democrats for UN visit | ||
| India, Pakistan leaders to meet again at the UN | ||
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| Older headlines | ||
| Epic movie Suriyothai breaks all flick records in Thailand | ||
| US, China talk for two days on ending missile proliferation | ||
| China admits it has a `very serious' Aids problem. HIV cases are up 65% in a year. | ||
| Burma's intelligence chief Khin Nyunt to visit Thailand next week. | ||
| Golden Triangle ministers start crucial anti-drug talks in Beijing | ||
| Colombia charges three IRA men from Cuba with terrorist training | ||
| Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat searches for support in Asia, but finds precious little | ||
| 48,000 seats of epic movie Suriyothai sold out for days to come | ||
| Kim Jong-Il is back from Russia. North Korea not yet ready to talk to US | ||
| 75 dead in fine in Manor Hotel in Quezon City, Manila | ||
| Swiss seize 450,000 Wa-made amphetamines in massive international bust centred in Geneva | ||
| Floods hit downtown Chiang Mai. Northern death toll over 120. | ||
| Thai health ministry to test anti-Aids miracle drug V-1 Immunitor | ||
| Thailand flood death toll is above 70 with many still missing. | ||
| Australia opposition leader favours free heroin for addicts. | ||
| India fears terrorist attacks on Independence Day August 15. | ||
| Australian PM Howard “Megawati will be a good mate.” | ||
| Philippines army rescues 13 hostages after Abu Sayyaf terrorists behead 10 victims. | ||
| Malaysia arrests 10 Islamic opposition members _ accuses them of military and terrorist training in Afghanistan. | ||
| Thaksin survives and promises to get down to work on painful economic reforms. | ||
| Manila set to sign initial peace deal with Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Malaysia talks. | ||
| Reporters Without Borders: “Burma is the largest prison for journalists in Asia.” | ||
| Wa release seven captured Thai officials. | ||
| Seven Thai anti-drug officials disappear in the Wa area of Burma. | ||
| Thailand to help WTO write a draft for the world trade meeting in November. | ||
| Reporters Without Borders: “Burma is the largest prison for journalists in Asia.” | ||
| Wa release seven captured Thai officials. | ||
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US to ban all human cloning for any purpose. |
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Canada allows medical smoking of marijuana. |
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| Chinese stop close encounters with US spy flights. | ||
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Koizumi wins Upper House election; economic reforms to begin. |
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Audiences go bananas over Planet of the Apes movie. |
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US warns Iraq of possible attacks on missile sites. |
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Tour de Lance: Armstrong wins bicycle race for third year in a row. |
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Man U 2, Thai 1 |
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| Phoolan Devi, the Bandit Queen of India, was killed by a jealous close `friend' and teacher. | ||
The action is against terrorists, who are the destroyers of religion and lands.
