State of emergency extended in three southern provinces

Yesterday 17:02 Key points summarised by AI

The Cabinet approved a three-month extension of the state of emergency in specific districts across Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces.
This extension is effective from October 20 until January 19 next year, with several districts in each province remaining unaffected by the decree.

Ex-abbot Phra Alongkot gets 742 years for temple fund embezzlement

Today 18:40 Key points summarised by AI

Former abbot Phra Alongkot and his aide Sekson Sapseesakul received lengthy prison sentences for embezzling funds from Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu.
Phra Alongkot was sentenced to 742 years and Sekson to 386 years, though both will serve a maximum of 50 years under Thai law.
The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases ordered them to jointly repay Bt306.02 million to the temple.
The scandal shocked the public, as Phra Alongkot was previously lauded for his pioneering work with AIDS patients, despite later revelations of falsified credentials and identity theft.