More deformed fish found in Kok, Sai, Mekong and Ruak rivers

16 Sept 07:25 Key points summarised by AI

Fishermen in Chiang Rai discovered more deformed fish with lumps in the Kok, Sai, Mekong, and Ruak rivers, sparking health concerns among consumers and affecting fish sales.
The deformities are suspected to be caused by arsenic or heavy metals discharged from unregulated gold mines operated by Chinese investors in Myanmar's Shan state.
The Living River Siam Association is testing fish specimens to confirm heavy metal contamination, emphasizing the issue as a critical environmental and food security problem.
Calls are mounting for the Thai government to negotiate the closure or regulation of these mines and for the Mekong River Commission (MRC) to convene, expanding its membership to include upstream nations China and Myanmar to address the cross-border contamination.

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.