September 8th, 2008

THB
PM Samak scheduled to speak at UN General Assembly later this month; Gen Somjet hasnt taken military option off the table
Court ruling on Tuesday if he broke the law by hosting television cooking shows while in office
Samak could be PM again if six-party ruling coalition stays in power and chooses him as PM
- denied he was paid by a media company to do the shows "Tasting, Grumbling" and "Touring at 6 am"
- gave up hosting the shows in April, more than 2 months after sworn in as PM
- he's proposed a referendum on rule but PAD has rejected it


ZAR

September 2nd, 2008

KRW
Spot opened at 1116 but shot higher after KOSPI reversed from +1% to -1.5%
BoK report that USDKRW strength unlikely to disappear

THB
State of emergency; somewhat expected but spot higher
spot reaction somewhat muted with BoT intervention; offshore curve very well bid
Confederation of State Enterprise Labor announced 200,000 state workers will go on strike to protest violence against PAD
Aug CPI eased to 6.4% in July; 2008 inflation to average 6.5-6.9%

ZAR
Commodities are off with Gustav not as serious; EUR breaking 1.4600 level
EM equities also under pressure; local stocks being no exception
Mboweni said would be open to serving a 3rd 5yr term when this one expires in a years time