Bangkok  - The first railway link across the Mekong River connecting Thailand with Laos was officially opened Thursday in a ceremony presided over by Thailand's Princess Sirindhorn.

The line allows travel by train from Bangkok to a station inside Laos for the first time, although the train currently stops a few kilometers short of the Laos capital of Vientiane.

Bangkok - A widely watched lese majeste case was postponed Thursday by Thailand's attorney-general, opposition politician Jakrapob Penkair said.

Jakrapob told reporters his pre-trial hearing on whether to go ahead with his prosecution on charges of insulting the monarchy had been put back by 30 days.

A noisy crowd of about 300 opposition "Red Shirt" followers of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra chanted "fight, fight" outside the Attorney-General's Office where Jakrapob was told of the postponement.

Bangkok - Thai army chief General Anupong Paochinda on Wednesday strongly denied reports that a secret United States prison existed in Thailand where suspected terrorists were held.

The denial followed a report in the Bangkok Post newspaper that documents supplied to the American Civil Liberties Union under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that a secret jail existed in Thailand, where some suspects were tortured for information.

"I can say 1 million per cent that a secret jail like this has not existed in Thailand," General Anupong said.

Bangkok - More than 50 international scholars and dignitaries presented a petition Wednesday calling for the reform of laws designed to protect the Thai monarchy which they claim are being abused for political reasons.

The letter said the "frequent abuse of the lese majeste law against political opponents undermines democratic processes" and generates "heightened criticism of the monarchy and Thailand itself, both inside and outside the country."

Manila  - Thailand's armed forces chief on Tuesday invited the Philippine military to join annual multinational war exercises in Thailand with four other countries, including the United States.

General Songgitti Jaggabatara, chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, made the invitation during a meeting with his Philippine courterpat, General Alexader Yano.

Jaggabatara, who was in Manila for an introductory visit, said he was looking forward to the active participation of the Philippine armed forces in the annual Cobra Gold training.

The Philippines is currently a mere observer in the exercises, which are participated in by troops from Thailand, the US, Indonesia, Singapore and Japan.

Bangkok- Thailand has declared a drought in 25 of its 76 provinces, affecting 2.7 million people, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office announced Monday.