New Bangkok city plan: Battle rages over public benefit vs commercial development

10 Sept 20:11 Key points summarised by AI

The new Bangkok city plan, set for next year, faces strong opposition from various groups, who argue it prioritizes commercial development and dense zoning over public benefit and cultural preservation.
Key changes include re-zoning historic and urban areas for increased development and offering Floor-to-Area Ratio (FAR) bonuses, sparking concerns over potential displacement, heritage impact, and reduced floodways.
Opponents, including the Thailand Consumers Council, criticize the plan for alleged lack of genuine public participation, potential forced evictions from road expansions, and the FAR bonus favoring developers.
City officials defend the plan as essential for Bangkok's modernization and growth, asserting it balances development with public spaces, addresses inequality, and that environmental and social concerns are being managed.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Today 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.