Southern civic groups step up campaign to stop land bridge and SEC projects

15 Sept 22:39 Key points summarised by AI

Southern civic groups are intensifying their campaign against the proposed land bridge and Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) projects, citing severe environmental damage, livelihood disruption, and concerns over extensive foreign land ownership.
Activists, like Somboon Kamhaeng, express distrust in the government's environmental assessment process, asserting that only unified public action can prevent the projects from being pushed through parliament.
A petition demanding reconsideration has garnered over 100,000 signatures, with NGOs like EnLAW and Green Peace launching online campaigns to mobilize public opposition.
The controversial SEC bill grants foreign investors significant privileges, including long-term land leases (up to 99 years), ownership rights, exemptions from national laws, and special immigration and work permit waivers for foreign experts.

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.