PRESS DIGEST - Thai newspapers - March 3

BANGKOK, March 3 (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

- Thailand saw a lacklustre turnout for the senatorial election with 55 percent of voters going to the polls overall, but just 40 percent bothered to turn out in Bangkok (THE NATION)

- Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has backed the idea of legalising casinos in the country in a move which immediately drew criticism from opponents who fear legalised gambling will lead to greater social problems (BANGKOK POST)

- Less a month since it was sworn in, the pro-Thaksin government is risking the fury of its opponents by replacing four senior government officials with its loyalists (THE NATION)

BUSINESS

- The Bank of Thailand's abrupt decision to revoke capital controls may help extend Governor Tarisa Watanagase's term in office (THE NATION)

- Thailand intends to promote nuclear energy and clean development mechanism projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (BANGKOK POST)

- Thailand is overweight, according to a BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) report, which says the return of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will lead to political certainty and a recovery in domestic demand (THE NATION)