PRESS DIGEST - Thai newspapers - November 26

BANGKOK, Nov 26 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Thai newspapers on Monday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

TOP STORIES

- People Power party leader Samak Sundaravej said there was no chance his party would back Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa to be the next prime minister (BANGKOK POST)

- The Election Commission has evidence a political party has been buying votes in a northern province using money orders (THE NATION)

- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations must get serious about creating its own brand and building a common identity to ensure a sound future for the grouping, says incoming ASEAN secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan (BANGKOK POST)

- The military will ask the next government for 300 billion baht ($8.9 billion) to spend on modernising its weapons over the next 10 years (THE NATION)

BUSINESS

- The outlook for Thailand's automotive industry is bright thanks to strong interest from Japanese auto-makers in investing in the government's eco-car project (THE NATION)

- Car manufacturers could be required to upgrade engine capabilities for new cars to meet E20 gasohol standards, according to Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amaranand (BANGKOK POST)