A heart-stopping crisis: How Prof Sarana shook Thai telecoms

10 Sept 15:26 Key points summarised by AI

Professor Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, chief of Thailand’s telecom regulator (NBTC), faces disqualification for breaching employment terms by continuing as a paid physician after his appointment.
The Senate committee unanimously ruled his disqualification, citing tax records showing income from medical work post-appointment, despite Sarana's defense of fulfilling prior commitments and later volunteering.
His tenure is under legal scrutiny due to his decisive vote as NBTC chairman, which controversially approved Southeast Asia’s largest telecom merger between True and DTAC, raising concerns over competition and consumer costs.
Sarana currently remains in his post, with the Senate forwarding the ruling to the Prime Minister for a decision on his removal, while he retains the right to appeal the disqualification.

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.