Pisan Wattanawongkiri: Ruling MP and fugitive in Tak Bai massacre case

23 Sept 16:20 Key points summarised by AI

Retired Lt General Pisan Wattanawongkiri, a current ruling Pheu Thai Party MP, is the top suspect in the deadly 2004 Tak Bai massacre and is now considered a fugitive.
He is one of seven defendants sought by police, with arrest warrants issued, as the 20-year statute of limitations for the case is set to expire on October 25.
Pisan has requested parliamentary leave for medical treatment overseas, and police are working with Interpol to locate him and other suspects believed to have fled the country.
The 2004 Tak Bai incident involved security forces dispersing a protest, resulting in 7 immediate fatalities and an additional 78 deaths from suffocation or crushing during the transport of 1,370 detainees.
Despite issuing an apology in 2012, Pisan has consistently denied ordering the killings, claiming personal ties to victims and a lack of state support in his legal defense.

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.