Uproar broke out in Thailand overnight after the leaders of the country's former governing paty Thai Rak Thai were found guilty of fraudulent activity in last year's elections. Not only was the party disbanded, but they were banned from entering politics for five years. Opposition party the Democrats was acquitted from exactly the same charges only hours earlier. The ruling has sparked speculation of a political bias scandal in the Thai court system. The Wire's Asia correspondent Jay Lamey reports from Bangkok.

It's a nervous time for poor nations when the World Bank looks to instate a new leader. US President, George W. Bush, has given the nod to former Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick for the position, after disgraced former head, Paul Wolfowitz, resigned this month. It's an appointment eagerly watched and commented on around the world. Tim O'Connor from Caritas Australia and Dr James Arvanitakis were both eager to discuss their hesitancy when considering Robert Zoellick.

The Alice Springs trial of four people accused of illegally entering the Pine Gap Joint Defence Facility in December 2005 has caused debate on whether such facilities should exist on Australian soil. Advocate for the removal of the station, Dr Helen Caldicott, who is also President of the Nuclear Policy Research Institute, will appear at a public meeting in Alice Springs this evening to present her opposition to Pine Gap. Earlier today she spoke to the Wire about what she plans to say this evening.

A top-level emissions trading report is due out within minutes. The Prime Minesterial Task Group on Emissions Trading will unveil Australia's long-term strategy to halt global warming. Professor Barry Brook is one of the scientists leading a forum today, giving expert opinion on the Government's new policies, including emissions trading. He says the public do not fully understand what's going on when government climate strategies are released.

Thought Big Brother was immoral? Well, a new Dutch reality program "The Big Donor Show" has taken reality television to a whole new level, with one terminally ill woman choosing one of three dialysis patients to donate her kidney to. The show has received widespread criticism throughout the world. Owen Teakle went behind the scenes to investigate the potential impacts of the show on organ donation, and whether this latest scheme signals the demise of reality television.

In an Australian first, SA has made it illegal for parents to smoke in cars where there are children under 16. Police will monitor parents closely and fine them $75 on the spot, or $200 for repreat offenders. Substance Abuse Minister Gail Gago says public support for tougher smoking laws led to the new legislation. Head of Quit SA David Edwards says while most parents are already responsible and avoid smoking near their kids, the new law is a good safety net. And, word on the street is unanimous: the government has done the right thing.