Two of his aides were also named in some of the charges which arose from an incident with police on New Phetchaburi Road on May 21. The prosecutors will announce on July 25 whether to go to court.

After reading the 126-page investigation report on the incident, Chonsawas, the son of former deputy interior minister Vatana Asavahame, said he did not know if the case would affect his political reputation.

Chonsawas is facing eight charges: resisting officials' instructions without good reason; failing to submit to a driving ability test and a breath test for alcohol; reckless driving; causing damage to property; obstructing an official against his will by applying physical force; inciting three men to use physical force to obstruct an official attempting to do his duty; illegally detaining an official; and insulting an official performing his duty.

The last four charges were also to apply to his two aides, Sakul Pramulchai and Pratya Chaiyakul.  - The Nation.

Beware drug gangs, ONCB says

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) yesterday warned Thais - especially women - to beware of tricks used by international drug traffickers. The warning came after 57 Thais were arrested in China between May 12 and June 5 on charges of carrying 48.3kg of heroin.

"Of those arrested, most said they were hired to pick up some goods from India to sell in China. They initially did not know they would have to carry an illicit drug," ONCB secretary-general Kitti Limchaikij said yesterday.

He said China's laws prescribed harsh punishments for drug-related convictions.  - The Nation.

Govt seeks urgency in bills

All ministries will today submit a priority list of bills they have proposed and are now being reviewed by the Council of State. The priority list will decide which bills need priority given the interim government's term is limited.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont yesterday said the election could be as early as November 25. - The Nation.