Three people to be charged with owning a lion without a permit

14 Sept 01:45 Key points summarised by AI

Thai authorities will charge two Thais, a Sri Lankan, and a Ukrainian for illegally possessing and moving a lion after a viral video showed it riding in a convertible in Pattaya.
The investigation revealed the lion's owner, Swangjit Kosoongnern, had a permit to keep the animal but moved it to Pattaya without the required transport permit.
A Sri Lankan man, who has since left Thailand, was responsible for taking the lion on the public ride and was keeping it with a Ukrainian woman at a rented house.
Charges for the owner and the Ukrainian woman include up to one year in jail and/or a Bt100,000 fine, with the lion awaiting return to its original farm.

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.