Chinese national, tour operator to be questioned in police escort scandal

14 Sept 06:13 Key points summarised by AI

Thai police are investigating officers for providing an unauthorized private escort service to a Chinese tourist, including special immigration access and modified private vehicles.
The illicit service, allegedly costing 7,000 baht, involved a tourist police officer picking up the tourist at Suvarnabhumi airport and a traffic police officer escorting her to her hotel.
The scandal erupted after the Chinese tourist boasted about the special police treatment on social media, sparking public outrage and prompting a wider probe into police malpractice.
Official regulations stipulate that police escort services are only for groups and require specific permission, making the individual service provided illegal.

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.