PRESS DIGEST - Thai newspapers - March 24

BANGKOK, March 24 (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

- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej says he would like to see extensive changes to all "problematic provisions" in the Constitution (THE NATION)

- The government wants the state-run national railway and Bangkok bus systems to focus on improving their loss-making operations rather than seek outside help (THE NATION)

BUSINESS

- PTT's PTT.BK chief executive officer Prasert Bunsumpun warned that volatile crude oil prices could lead to a global economic recession (BANGKOK POST)

- The Stock Exchange of Thailand is debating whether to embark on drastic reforms to stay competitive in a global financial market. The options include demutualisation, corporatisation or an initial public offering (THE NATION)

- As sovereign wealth funds scour the world for the same kind of deals, competition will reduce the returns of these mostly non-traditional investments, said Visit Tantisunthorn, secretary-general of the Government Pension Fund (THE NATION)

- The information and Communications Minister Mun Patanotai said third generation (3G) broadband services will begin in Thailand within the next six to 12 months (BANGKOK POST)