Although no longer directly chosen by the military, power groups still dominate the choice of the new members of Thailand's upper house. Among the only 3 civil society representatives elected was the widow of lawyer Neelapaijit, who disappeared into thin air 20 years ago. "We will work for the people, but we are disconcerted by this outcome".

The news was reported on the day Card Kriengsak Kovithavanij, the second cardinal in the history of Thailand, reached the canonical age of 75. Bishop Vira Arpondratana of Chang Mai was appointed apostolic administrator of the Church of the capital.

District and provincial delegates voted today in the Thai capital. But the future of the government is uncertain because of lawsuits by outgoing senators against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra remains a point of reference for the governing party, despite his indictment for lèse-majesté.

Francis dedicated today's general audience to the World Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. "Let just laws be promoted to help drug addicts". Meaningful words for the continent of the Golden Triangle, but also for the Chinese companies that export the active ingredients for the production of Fentanyl and Duterte's bloody 'war on drugs'.

Thailand and Malaysia are the latest two nations to express interest in the China-sponsored global forum. According to Premier Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur, the decision to join has already been made. More cautious are the Philippines and Vietnam, which fear a further strengthening of Beijing's political hegemony also in maritime disputes.

Today's headlines: Israeli protests Armenian recognition of the Palestinian state, continues to attack Rafah, killing 45. China wants to execute supporters of Taiwanese independence. Five Pakistani soldiers are killed in a TTP attack near the Afghan border. Russia’s parliament further restricts immigration.