Anutin orders crackdown on beach extortion in Phuket

23 Sept 03:56 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made an unannounced visit to Phuket to address vendors facing extortion from 'heavies' demanding protection money on public beaches, specifically Bang Tao Beach.
Anutin declared all non-state structures on Bang Tao Beach illegal, vowing to crack down on extortionists and ensure strict law enforcement to protect honest vendors, aiming to make it a model for public land use free from intimidation.

Much-criticised airport baggage searches begin today

16 Oct 12:22 Key points summarised by AI

Effective today, baggage inspectors at airports nationwide are authorized to open and search passengers’ checked baggage without their knowledge if X-ray screening detects suspicious items, a measure implemented to enhance aviation security.
The new security procedure has drawn widespread criticism from passengers concerned about privacy, the safety of valuables, accountability for missing or damaged items, and the careful repacking of their belongings.