AI In-Brief

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AI In-brief 17 Sept 17:30

Inside Thailand’s controversial plan to open forests to industry

Thailand's government proposes a controversial plan to expand industrial and commercial use of forest zones, including national reserves, by increasing permitted activities from 10 to 16 categories.
Environmentalists and activists strongly oppose the move, warning it prioritizes corporate interests, risks severe environmental damage from activities like waste disposal, and undermines decades of conservation laws.
Critics highlight the disparity between granting extensive permits to large businesses while prosecuting long-term forest dwellers for encroachment, threatening Thailand's forest cover goals.
The government defends the draft as an update to outdated regulations, assuring that national parks remain protected and major projects will still undergo environmental impact assessments.
Despite government assurances, other ministries express concerns regarding the protection of historical sites and ensuring no overlap with land allocated for landless farmers.

AI In-brief Yesterday 17:18

The Opposition plans to censure 18 Cabinet ministers, including the prime minister, under Section 151 of the Constitution.
This process mandates a post-debate vote, where ministers failing to secure majority parliamentary support will lose their Cabinet posts, with evidence being prepared for a December debate.