Cold war between Thai govt and Facebook heats up

13 Sept 13:05 Key points summarised by AI

The Thai government's Ministry of Digital, Economy and Society (DES) is intensifying its dispute with Facebook over content deemed insulting to the monarchy and spreading 'fake news'.
DES Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn threatened legal action against Facebook, both in Thailand and at its headquarters, for refusing to block eight specific anti-monarchy accounts despite receiving Thai court orders.
This confrontation marks a continuation of a long-standing struggle by Thai authorities to compel social media platforms to censor content, particularly concerning the monarchy, under strict lese-majeste laws.
Facebook's global content policies, which differentiate between reducing false news and allowing critical commentary on public figures, often clash with Thailand's severe local regulations concerning royal defamation.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Today 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.