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Thaksin approved as Prime Minister BANGKOK -- Telecommunications mogul Thaksin Shinawatra was officially approved as Thailand's 23rd prime minister Friday by the House of Representatives and the King of Thailand. Thaksin, 51, is leader of the Thai Rak Thai party and was elected on campaign promises of cutting wasteful government programs and providing debt relief for farmers. The new premier pledged to work for reform and to lead Thailand out of economic difficulty. "I will not be just a mere legitimate leader. I will be the leader who makes Thailand change for the better." The ruling coalition is includes Thai Rak Thai, New Aspiration party, Chart Thai party and Seritham party. The House vote was 340 to 127 in favor of Thaksin. The Democrat party of former prime minister Chuan Leekpai formed the main opposition with 125 votes against him. The 29 MPs of the Chart Pattana party abstained. Thaksin is expected to have his cabinet lined up by Saturday. --- Earlier stories Court to hear Thaksin case Thaksin and party sweep Thai polls Search for related pages on APU Discuss the issues in our Table Talk dicussion area. Or just chat and meet people in our live chat web.

Headlines Central Asia Mongolia modernizes army (Mongolia Online) Turkmen President intends to become Emperor: opposition (Times of Central Asia) East Asia Nine Japanese missing off Oahu (Japan Times) Online auctions shaking up art market (Korea Herald) Pacific Islands Ratu Mara promotes "Pacific Way" in Japan (Pacific Island Report) Speight's case adjourned (www.fijilive.com) South Asia Malaysia, Pakistan sign $20 million arms deal (Dawn) 2001 Census begins in India (Indian Express) Southeast Asia Officers hurt in Kedah police station attack (Straits Times) Lessons from a cow (Bangkok Post)

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