Chuan cleared of defamation charge filed by Thaksin

26 Sept 08:29 Key points summarised by AI

Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai was acquitted of a defamation charge filed by ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra by the Bangkok South Criminal Court.
The charge originated from Chuan's 2012 lecture, where he blamed Thaksin for escalating armed violence in Thailand's Deep South, including a 2004 military armoury attack.
The court ruled that Chuan, acting as a politician, possessed the right to critique past events and policies, thus finding him not guilty.
Chuan's defense included witness testimony from a former deputy commander, who detailed Thaksin's alleged 2011 policy to 'liquidate' insurgents, which Chuan criticized as a major policy mistake.

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.