Police, not prosecutors, should pursue bribery case against 'Sakulthorn' - OAG

13 Sept 09:56 Key points summarised by AI

The Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) clarified it did not fail to indict real estate developer Sakulthorn Juangroongruangkit on bribery charges, asserting its duty was fulfilled.
Two Crown Property Bureau (CPB) officials were sentenced to six years for accepting a 20 million baht bribe from Sakulthorn, who was initially duped into a land deal.
The OAG stated that police initially filed charges only against the CPB officials, not Sakulthorn, emphasizing that the authority to investigate Sakulthorn's involvement rests solely with the police.
OAG officials highlighted the independence of police investigations, suggesting police should follow up on the court verdict, which implied Sakulthorn's later awareness of the illicit nature of the land deal.

The Buddha Comes Home

Yesterday 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Chong Para is a vibrant annual festival of the Shan (Tai Yai) people in Mae Hong Son, Thailand, celebrating the Buddha's return from Tavatimsa heaven after Buddhist Lent.
The festival's centerpiece involves families constructing intricate miniature palaces, also called Chong Para, from bamboo, paper, and lights, placed outside homes and temples as offerings.
For three days and nights, the quiet mountain town comes alive with folk music, traditional dances like the Shan bird dance, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, showcasing deep-rooted Shan culture.
Beyond the celebrations, Chong Para reinforces family bonds, preserves traditional crafts, and offers visitors an authentic immersion into the unique cultural heritage of Mae Hong Son.