Maha Songkran Festival highlights

14 Sept 21:32 Key points summarised by AI

The 'Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025' commenced at Sanam Luang, Bangkok, featuring a grand procession of eight floats, including a six-meter 'Tom Yum Kung' pot and a giant 'Butter Bear,' to highlight Thailand's soft power.
Over 500 performers, including 67 'Mor Lam' dancers, participated in the parade, which drew large crowds of Thai and international revellers, making the festival feel like a major international event.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and other dignitaries attended the festival, which is a key government initiative to boost Thailand's soft power after UNESCO listed 'Songkran' as an intangible cultural heritage. Festivities, including concerts and water battles, run until April 15th with strict security.

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.