Thailand's rulers say the country will hold elections in December to restore democratic rule following a military coup last year. The announcement came Monday after voters on Sunday approved a new constitution. However, as VOA's Luis Ramirez reports from Bangkok, a huge number of 'No' votes suggests the elections will be hotly contested.

Thai and overseas property investors alike are beginning to take great interest in the many real estate and property investment opportunities in Thailand.

Thai Prime Minister Surayad Chulanont will hold bilateral talks on Tuesday with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who will host a banquet in his honour later in the day.

The Chinese government will maintain its friendship with Thailand despite changes in the international situation and the two countries' domestic situations.

While in Thailand, a University of Missouri-Columbia researcher found a treasure-trove of previously unknown information about aquatic insects in the country. In the process, he learned firsthand that a few of these little critters pack quite a punch when they bite.

Scientists and other experts from 120 countries are meeting in Thailand this week to discuss ways to respond to climate change. The same group warned earlier this year that global warming poses a major threat to mankind. Ron Corben reports from Bangkok.

Hundreds of North Koreans who fled their country have begun a hunger strike in Thailand, where they are being held in custody. The North Koreans say they are upset by what they describe as delays by South Korean authorities in helping them immigrate to the South. In a separate case, South Korea has reportedly assumed custody of three North Korean teenagers in Laos.

Buddhists living in the south of Thailand had to take up arms to protect their families against Muslim extremists. They have found support in Thai Government in this decision, the prime minister said Friday, despite spiraling fears of communal violence in the restive region.

Thailand's central bank has cut its key interest rate for a third time this year and Japan's Toshiba company says it wants to boost overseas sales. Claudia Blume at VOA's Asia News Center in Hong Kong has more on these and other business stories from the region.

Thailand will sign a free trade agreement with Japan when Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont visits the country next week, an official said Tuesday.