Fourth suspect arrested in Rice Department chief’s extortion case

13 Sept 23:16 Key points summarised by AI

Anti-corruption police arrested Ekkalak Wareechon, the fourth suspect in an alleged Bt1.5 million extortion plot targeting the director-general of the Rice Department.
Ekkalak reportedly served as a middleman, coordinating between serial petitioner Srisuwan Janya's group and an advisor to the Agriculture Minister, in an attempt to cease a corruption probe.

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.