PRESS DIGEST - Thai newspapers - March 19

BANGKOK, March 19 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Thai newspapers on Wednesday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

TOP STORIES

- The Election Commission hit a legal snag and postponed its decision on the dissolution of the Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties (THE NATION)

- At least two insurgent groups have been holding discussions in Geneva with the aim of bringing the southern unrest to international attention, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said (BANGKOK POST)

- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej ruled out direct negotiations with Malay Muslim separatist groups, saying their demands were unacceptable to the government (THE NATION)

- ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan has advised Samak to be prudent before commenting on issues involving Myanmar (BANGKOK POST)

- Four members of the Narcotics Control Board appointed by the coup leaders have been removed as the government prepares to launch its revived war on drugs on Friday (BANGKOK POST)

BUSINESS

- A group led by Barbara Weisel, U.S. Aassistant Trade Representative, urged the government to set up a stakeholder committee to review compulsory licensing for essential drugs (THE NATION)