Angkhana Neelapaijit: A beacon of hope in Thailand’s murky new Senate

12 Sept 11:01 Key points summarised by AI

Angkhana Neelapaijit, a renowned human rights activist, uniquely chairs a powerful Senate committee on political development, public participation, and human rights, standing as the sole independent amidst a politically dominated new Senate.
Her appointment was secured through a tie-breaking draw, overcoming reported lobbying and pressure from other senators who attempted to prevent her win, underscoring the "murky" political landscape.
Her unwavering commitment to justice stems from her husband's forced disappearance 20 years ago, propelling her to become an internationally recognized human rights defender, earning accolades like the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

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.