Southern army chief apologises after backlash over Muslim school remarks

10 Sept 21:30 Key points summarised by AI

Southern army chief Lt Gen Narathip Poynok issued an apology for his controversial comments suggesting Muslim religious schools were "breeding grounds for violence."
His remarks ignited significant public backlash, prompting the Southern Private Schools Federation to demand his transfer for distorting facts and undermining local institutions.
Narathip affirmed his dedication to fostering peace in the southern border provinces and committed to engaging directly with religious schools to rebuild trust.
Defence Minister Adul Boonthamcharoen defended the commander's intentions, characterizing the incident as a "communication issue" rather than a disciplinary matter, despite calls for his removal.

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.