PM hits back over Chinese businessman’s Thai citizenship

23 Sept 04:20 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha defended his government against accusations of granting Thai citizenship to Chinese businessman Chaiyanat Kornchayanant in exchange for property, stating the application predated his premiership and hinting at previous government connections.
Prayut disclosed that he received a whistleblower's report on Kornchayanant's alleged 'grey business' activities and police involvement, which he forwarded for investigation, emphasizing his non-interference in legal processes.
Chaiyanat Kornchayanant and 40 other suspects have been indicted on multiple drug trafficking and money laundering charges and are currently held on remand.
Opposition MP Rangsiman Rome criticized the government's drug policy, citing the controversial case of Senator 'Or,' a former army officer wanted for drug trafficking whose arrest warrant was replaced with a summons due to his senatorial status, also alleging his link to the ruling party's office land.

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.