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87 people, including government chief whip, indicted over futsal court scandal

13 Sept 09:08 Key points summarised by AI

87 individuals, including Thai government chief whip Wirat Rattanaseth, have been indicted by public prosecutors before the Supreme Court for alleged corruption.
The scandal involves the construction of substandard futsal courts at hundreds of schools across 17 northern and north-eastern provinces.
Originating from the Yingluck Shinawatra government, an estimated 4.4 billion baht, initially allocated for school building repairs, was diverted to these futsal court projects.
Many courts were poorly constructed outdoors, with mats peeling even before use, leading to their abandonment and extensive investigations by anti-corruption commissions.

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.