Commercial surrogacy financier sentenced to 50 years in prison

14 Sept 06:58 Key points summarised by AI

A Chinese financier and three Thai accomplices received 50-year prison sentences for operating a transnational commercial surrogacy service in Thailand.
They were convicted of being affiliated with a transnational criminal organization and running illegal surrogacy operations from 2015 to 2020, recruiting Thai women for Chinese couples.
Seven other accomplices, including the financier's wife, were sentenced to four years but released due to time already served on remand.
The initial 150-year sentences for 55 offenses were reduced to 50 years due to their confessions and the maximum prison term allowed under Thai law.

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.