Whatever the ending, Qatar World Cup duly delivered

23 Sept 04:30 Key points summarised by AI

The Qatar World Cup defied initial skepticism, transforming into an "exhilarating rollercoaster ride" that captivated audiences despite pre-tournament criticism.
The tournament delivered compelling narratives, featuring star players like Messi and Mbappe, alongside significant upsets from nations such as Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, and Tunisia.
Morocco made history as the first African and Arab nation to reach the semi-finals, captivating fans with impressive victories over European giants like Belgium, Spain, and Portugal.
The group stage was hailed as the 'best ever' with numerous late goals and dramatic finishes, leading to a thrilling knockout phase and a highly anticipated final between Argentina and France.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 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.