The case stemmed from Alongkorn's allegation that certain senior politicians and officials of the Forest Industry Organisation (FIO), which is part of Yongyuth's ministry, were involved in illegal sales of logs from the FIO's eucalyptus forests in the northeastern provinces.

The lawsuit said that during his press conference, Alongkorn implied that Yongyuth was involved with the irregularity.

Alongkorn had claimed that millions of baht in kickbacks had been paid, with millions more pledged, in order to secure the right to fell trees covering 3,500 rai in Mukdahan.- The Nation.

Protest assaults: HR Commission questions victims

The National Human Rights Commission yesterday questioned anti-Thaksin protesters who were attacked by government supporters at CentralWorld as part of its investigation into the incident.

Surasee Kosolnawin, who heads the NHRC's subcommittee on human rights in the judicial process, yesterday said the alleged attackers and passers-by would later be invited to appear for questioning. He said the findings would be presented to the relevant agencies for further action. The alleged victims displayed a video recording of the event yesterday that showed them being attacked after booing and shouting, "Thaksin, get out". - The Nation.

Asian history: Chinese ex-official launches book

A former Chinese vice-premier of the State Council and foreign minister from 1988 to 1998, Qian Qichen, yesterday presided over the launching of the Thai language version of his book "Ten Episodes in China's Diplomacy" (2003).

The book was launched by Chulalongkorn University's Institute of Asian Studies and Matichon, the book's publisher.

The book was translated by Assoc Professor Artorn Fungtammasan and sells for Bt240. - The Nation.