The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs arrived in Bangkok to discuss about Myanmar’s government

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kouchner arrived yesterday in Bangkok to discuss Myanmar with some of its nearest neighbours and trading partners. He met particularly his Thai counterpart Nitya Pibulsonggram. Bernard Kouchner said today that Thailand and France agree that to push Myanmar's junta to democratise, the world community have to provide positive incentives.
He declared: "A national dialogue must be established" and he added: "it was illusory to imagine there could be an immediate regime change".
Expressing some scepticism over the effectiveness of sanctions, Kouchner said such measures have to be coupled with positive incentives. He said he would also ask the Chinese government to help force the junta into dialogue with dissident leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The French Minister will travel tomorrow to China, the Myanmar's most important ally. He declared: "President Sarkozy visits China in a few weeks time and i know he will address human rights in a frank and determined manner".

Thais continue hunt for 15 escaped farm crocodiles

Policemen with assault rifles hunted on thursday for over than 30 crocodiles that escaped from a farm in Nakhon Ratchasima (north-eastern Thailand) when their pens were flooded after heavy rains.
The crocodiles escaped after more than 60 centimetres of water inundated the area.
15 crocodiles were later shot dead but some specimens bigger than 6 meters still missing. Police hope they can capture them alive.
The crocodiles are considered to be dangerous but have not injured anyone as yet.
Officials hope to capture them alive.
Animal experts from a Bangkok zoo have been called in to help in the search.
An official in the province's special task force to help flood victims, Suwira Phonkoh declared: "The area is huge and the big crocodiles are more skilful and they can dive longer than small ones,"
Several thousand of houses in Nakorn Ratchasima have been inundated with floodwater since last monday because of heavy rainfall and lot of people have been evacuated.
Thai government have warned the remaining residents to be on the lookout for the crocodiles.
Crocodiles are farmed in Thailand for their skins, used to make handbags and shoes or for their meat. Much of which is exported for use by European fashion designers and restaurants in China or in Japan.

Thai Prime Minister reaffirmed the policy of one China

The Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont repeated the Thai Senate's adherence to the "one-China Policy" on thursday afternoon. Then he expressed opposition to any action which could "affect the stability and peace of the Asian region" to answer to the latest endeavour by Taiwan authorities make accept for a United Nations membership under the name of "Taiwan". This step has induced disapproval from all the international community.
The Thai ministry of foreign affairs declared yesterday : "Thailand has fully respected and always adhered to the 'one-China Policy' and views that the Taiwan issue is China's internal affair. Thailand hopes that no action which would jeopardize the situation across the Taiwan Straits and affect the stability and peace of the Asian region will be taken".