Once-revered abbot of Wat Rai Khing jailed for 50 years over Bt300m fraud

14 Sept 06:27 Key points summarised by AI

Former Wat Rai Khing abbot, Yaem Intrangkrungkao, received a 50-year prison sentence for embezzling approximately 300 million baht from temple funds and misconduct.
The court ordered the former abbot to repay 28 million baht to the temple, following an investigation into suspicious financial activities.
Co-conspirators, including an online gambling broker, a former monk, and a petty officer, were each sentenced to eight years for their roles in the fraud, with funds linked to online gambling.
Undercover Central Investigation Bureau officers uncovered the abbot's misuse of over 300 million baht in temple and foundation funds for non-temple expenses between 2021 and 2024.

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.