PRESS DIGEST - Thai newspapers - March 12

BANGKOK, March 12 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Thai newspapers on Thursday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

TOP STORIES

- The opposition Puea Thai Party has filed a motion to impeach Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva with Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej, accusing the premier of violating the constitution and other laws to secure his post (BANGKOK POST)

- Economic ministers have given their tacit approval to Thai Airways International (THAI.BK) ending its domestic flights out of Don Muang but remain at odds over the future of the old airport (BANGKOK POST)

- Low cost airlines are urging the government to quickly reach a firm decision on whether Bangkok should operate out of a single airport as indecisive policies are disrupting their business plans (THE NATION)

- The anti-graft agency dismissed an allegation of malfeasance against former Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung in connection with the Land Department's annulment of land holding documents belonging to a company linked to a senior Democrat Party figure (THE NATION)

- The Public Health Ministry has come up with two options on a proposed ban on alcohol sales over the Songkran period (BANGKOK POST)

- The Bar Council of Thailand and the Environmental Network this month will petition the Central Administrative Court to freeze 35 petrochemical projects planned for Map Ta Phut and Ban Chang in Rayong (THE NATION)

BUSINESS

- The Commerce Ministry, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the Biotechnology Industry Organisation have agreed in principle to increase Thais' access to cheaper drugs by encouraging cooperation on research and innovation rather than imposing compulsory licensing (THE NATION)

- As much as 288 billion baht of ongoing petrochemical investment in Map Ta Phut could be put in jeopardy if the area is ruled a pollution control zone, according to business leaders (BANGKOK POST)

- The private sector anticipates food exports will drop this year by 15 percent from last year's 778 billion baht (BANGKOK POST)

- Thailand remains committted to developing the upstream steel industry to support the automotive sector, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (BANGKOK POST) ($1 = 35.97 baht)

** Looking for more information from local sources? Factiva.com has eight Thai sources including the Bangkok Post and The Nation.