Cabinet plans to hold national referendum on political crisis
Although government has taken soft approach to protesters, there are growing fears of violence
Witnesses say opposition leader, who remains under house arrest, came to gates of compound, where monks said prayers before leaving
At three-day congress in Bangkok, Interpol's Secretary-General Ronald Noble explained why financial crime deserves high-level attention
Thai fashion designers are betting blend of East and West will show products meet high standards of international fashion world
Opium production in Southeast Asia is now 78 percent lower than in 1996, with production expected to decline further this year
Prime Minister used three-day visit to violence-wracked south to unveil new measures to combat Muslim separatism
Analysts concerned about corruption, government's ability to finance projects
Death toll in 11 countries could top 150,000; an estimated five million people left homeless
