So far this year the country has generated 14.7 million tonnes of refuse.

Bangkok alone generated 9,000 tonnes, the Pollution Control Department says.

Just 84 per cent of this is disposed of. The rest is washed away by rain and ends up in watercourses or elsewhere and can contaminate groundwater, says department chief Supat Wangwong-watana. He says a better strategy and more money is needed to tackle the problem.

Say it loud

Several will receive awards for their promotion and excellent use of the Thai language.

Professors Thongtor Kluay-Mai na Ayudhya, Prakhong Nimmanhemin and Khunying Maenmas Chavalit are among eight praised for their promotion of the native tongue. They will receive awards next Tuesday from PM Samak Sundaravej. Another 13 - including news broadcaster Phisanu Nilklad, actor Montri Janeaksorn, TV show hosts Panya Nirankul and Niramol Methisuwakul - will also receive awards.

Wired for games

Should you be worried if your children spend two hours a day playing games online?

Hear local and foreign expert opinions on this at the "Online-game addiction: Real cause for concern or over-anxiety of digital society" seminar  at Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Arts Maha Chula-longkorn Building from 1pm.