Thai-language newspapers – December 8, 2004

* Mr. Jarupong Ruoengsuwan, the permanent undersecretary of the Labor Ministry, reveals that the government approves a budget of 228 million baht to create jobs in the three southern provinces. Hiring will be from December 16-23. At present there are 30,972 positions available. Applicants must use their I.D. card to apply, not just a photo.

Thairath - December 8, 2004

* In Srakaew Province, police raid drug sellers in an OTOP shop named “Kamonwan.” A police dog found drugs hidden in a fertilizer bag at the back of the shop.

* The media reports that Nurita Malaiman is the girl who found the paper origami crane with Thaksin's signature. However, after checked the phone number on the bird, it is for Mr. Sompong, a Kalasin resident. He is puzzled when lots of people called him about this and he never folded a bird for the crane drop.