Flooding continues in Thailand this week. A farm in North Thailand flooded realeasing 11 crocodiles into nearby canals. Men armed with shotguns patrol the rivers to account for the missing reptiles.

A survey of Thai citizens found that two out of three individuals were willing to accept bribes for votes in the upcoming election, while 8 of 10 said they would not report corruption if they were asked to accept a bribe. This follows with the probationary governments fears that the election will not be a truly democratic one.

Fact- 7-11 is the largest convenience store chain in Thailand. There are more 7-11's in Bangkok than Starbucks in Seattle, some are even right across the street from each other. This week the chain formerly known as CP 7-Eleven Plc has changed its name to CP All in an effort to expand its market to other retail stores as well as the classic 7-11, though the convenience stores will maintain their original logo. The U.S. based trademark owner is the only 7-Eleven subsidiary that uses 7-Eleven as their corporate name. As an aside, the authorized operator of 7-Eleven in Taiwan goes by the corporate name President Chain, and also operates Starbucks and a courrier buisiness within the country. The Thai CP All is looking to expand its influence in Southeast Asia and hopes to recieve the 7-Eleven operator contract in Veitnam. Now, the company controll about 4,200 7-Eleven's in Thailand, and hopes to increase that number to 7,000 within the next few years.

The economic growth forecast is percieved to be between 4.3 and 4.8%, up from the initially projected 4% after exports exceeded what had been expected.

In area news, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas is scheduled to meet with Indonesian president this week to discuss the crisis in the Middle East and press the Palestinian cause. Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, with 235 million people, and more than 95% of whom are Muslim. Indonesia does not recognize Israel as a legitimate nation...