Two accomplices in fake G-to-G rice deals given heavy prison sentences

21 Sept 08:09 Key points summarised by AI

Dr. Veeravuth Watjanapukka, former secretary to a convicted commerce minister, received a 72-year prison sentence (capped at 50 years) for four counts of corruption in fraudulent government-to-government (G-to-G) rice deals.
Mr. Suthee Chermthaisong, an aide to a former rice trader, was sentenced to 32 years for similar offenses and ordered to pay 16.9 billion baht in state compensation.
These individuals were second-tier players in a massive corruption scandal where rice, supposedly for export under fake G-to-G deals, was instead diverted, resold domestically, and much of it left to rot.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Today 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.