AI In-Brief

Thailand News in Brief

Thai PBS World

Thailand and the world, every day

AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.

Thai PM accused of being biggest borrower and spender, but with few achievements

13 Sept 13:24 Key points summarised by AI

Pol Gen Seripisut Temiyavet accused PM Prayut Chan-o-cha of being Thailand's biggest borrower and spender, amassing 5.3 trillion baht over seven years.
Allegations included misallocating substantial funds to military procurement and populist schemes for political gain, while underfunding the Ministry of Public Health during the pandemic.
The PM was also criticized for a heavy-handed approach against anti-government protesters, leading to arrests, serious charges, and denied bail.
Prime Minister Prayut refuted all accusations, asserting that all expenditures were lawful, denying misuse of state funds for political objectives or excessive force, and affirming his commitment to public well-being.

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.