Court’s decision on convicted Thai minister ‘shocking, but not surprising’

23 Sept 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

The Thai Constitutional Court controversially ruled that Deputy Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompow can retain his position despite a 1994 Australian conviction for heroin smuggling, arguing the conviction did not occur in Thailand.
This verdict sparked widespread anger and ridicule among legal experts and the public, who fear it establishes a dangerous precedent allowing individuals with serious overseas criminal records to hold Thai political office.
Opposition parties, including Move Forward, vowed to pursue further investigations with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the Supreme Court, alleging ethical violations and that Thammanat lied to Parliament about his past.
Despite the controversy, observers believe the ruling significantly boosts Thammanat's political power within the ruling Palang Pracharath party, potentially leading to a promotion as secretary-general.

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.