Double suicide puts Thailand’s secretive Johrei sect in the spotlight

13 Sept 13:27 Key points summarised by AI

A mother and her 12-year-old daughter were found dead in an apparent suicide pact, bringing the secretive Johrei cult, to which the mother belonged, into public scrutiny in Thailand.
Originating in Japan in the 1930s, Johrei is an energy healing practice founded by Mokichi Okada, claiming to channel 'divine light' to resolve issues of illness, poverty, and conflict.
Introduced to Thailand in 1968, Johrei briefly gained official status as a Mahayana Buddhist sect before its revocation, continuing to operate unofficially with a growing number of followers and established religious sites.
Followers are required to pay membership fees, purchase pendants, and undergo rigorous training, with critics expressing concerns over 'brainwashing' and members reportedly rejecting modern medicine in favor of the cult's healing methods.

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.