Hello and welcome to the intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host, John Pridot, in for Jason Palmer.

Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

Thailand is about to hold its first election since the military seized power five years ago.

The only hitch is that the generals are trying to influence the outcome,

and anyone who criticizes the ruling royal family can be thrown in prison.

And we have the answer to a question often asked of economist journalists, namely,

is it possible to use dance music

to age whiskey? We take a sip.

But first... Last night in Brussels, European leaders rejected British Prime Minister Theresa May's request

to extend Britain's departure from the EU by three months.

Instead, they came up with a plan that spares Britain from crashing out of the EU next

Friday on March 29, but only offers a short reprieve.

European Council President Donald Tusk announced the plan.

Our decisions envisaged two scenarios.

In the first scenario, that is if the withdrawal agreement is passed by the House of Commons, next week the European Council agrees to an extension

until the 22nd of May. But if Mrs May can't persuade members of Parliament

finally to vote in favour of the withdrawal agreement,

she painstakingly negotiated with the EU,

another scenario kicks in.

The second scenario,

that is if the Israel Agreement is not approved

by the House of Commons next week,

...