Sondhi Limthongkul: Thaksin's nemesis back on the warpath

14 Sept 08:48 Key points summarised by AI

Veteran Thai media mogul and protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul has pledged to mobilize street protests "for the last time" to unseat the current government led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of his long-time adversary Thaksin.
Sondhi's primary concern is the government's plan to negotiate a maritime territory dispute with Cambodia under a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during Thaksin's tenure, which critics claim disadvantages Thailand regarding potential oil and gas resources.
He co-founded the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), whose "yellow shirt" protests were instrumental in the 2006 military coup that overthrew Thaksin and later led to the downfall of two proxy governments in 2008.
Once a powerful media entrepreneur dubbed "Asia's Rupert Murdoch," Sondhi's relationship with Thaksin evolved from amicable business ties to fierce political opposition, driving his activism.
While Sondhi aims for mass mobilization, political opponents doubt his ability to replicate past protest scales, and government figures warn that new street protests would further damage the country.

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.