This is partly because tuition fees tend to be low and partly because gaining state approval for degree programmes can be tortuous.

ECONOMIST: Rolling news from the business campuses

The establishment of the radio studio facilities will, therefore, result in practical training of approximately 150 students of the Center of Communication Studies who enroll in both the diploma and degree programmes each year.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

He has facilitated the introduction, development and implementation of fifteen undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in Peace and Conflict Studies, Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution at African universities in 10 countries, including the establishment of four specialist peace and conflict management centres.

UNESCO: Professor David J. Francis

The generals have shown some degree of political savvy: they promise that several of Mr Thaksin's most popular programmes, including cheap health-care and a micro-loans scheme to cut rural poverty, will continue.

ECONOMIST: The junta's stumbling first steps