Torsak Sukvimol: The controversial rise of Thailand’s new police chief

17 Sept 10:02 Key points summarised by AI

Torsak Sukvimol's appointment as Thailand's new police chief is controversial, as he was the least senior candidate and his rapid rise through the ranks bypassed standard regulations, drawing criticism from former high-ranking officers.
A non-cadet who joined the force at 33, Torsak achieved the top position in just 25 years, a remarkably fast ascent attributed to a series of 'fast-track promotions' that appeared to bypass Police Commission rules.
His elder brother, ACM Satitpong Sukvimol, holds significant positions as private secretary to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn and grand chamberlain of the Royal Household Bureau, fueling speculation about potential influence on Torsak's career trajectory.

Suchada: Meet the reluctant star of Thailand’s cryptic crypto drama

Yesterday 15:38 Key points summarised by AI

Thai MP Suchada Zhang Thaensap faces intense scrutiny over her husband’s substantial 1.84 billion baht wealth, with opposition lawmakers alleging connections to international scam networks.
A significant portion of her husband, Taiyang Zhang's, declared assets includes a 1.44 billion baht loan to the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, which still owes him 1.34 billion baht.
Opposition MP Rangsiman Rome accused Suchada's husband of links to online scam networks and gambling sites, prompting Suchada to vehemently deny the claims, demand evidence, and file a defamation complaint.
Taiyang Zhang's background includes co-founding Ren Protocol, later sold to Alameda Research (linked to the FTX collapse), and some of his former associates have been convicted in crypto company failures.
Suchada, a former actress and first-time MP, maintains her husband's innocence, while her party leaders have distanced themselves from the allegations, deeming it a private matter.