Fugitive Dhammajayo cleared as time limit expires

11 Sept 21:28 Key points summarised by AI

Phra Dhammajayo, the controversial former abbot of Dhammakaya Temple, has been cleared of money laundering charges related to the Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative case, as the statute of limitations expired.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) informed complainants that special case prosecutors ordered an end to litigation against Dhammajayo and his associates, who faced accusations of money laundering and receiving stolen property.
Dhammajayo had evaded arrest for over a decade since 2013, despite multiple attempts by authorities, including a large-scale search operation at the temple in 2017 after he failed to respond to summonses.
He was eventually defrocked and disappeared without a trace, with the recent decision by prosecutors officially ending the legal proceedings against him.

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.