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Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat in trouble over face mask controversy

13 Sept 16:31 Key points summarised by AI

Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao faces intense pressure to resign after an aide was implicated in a face mask hoarding scandal, drawing demands from a core government party member and threats from Democrat MPs to exit the coalition.
Thammanat denies direct involvement but confirmed his aide met with a broker who falsely claimed to possess 200 million masks, intensifying public scrutiny given the minister's history of past controversies.

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.