Thailand extradites Malaysian fugitive to China over bn cryptocurrency scam

Zhang is the first person that Bangkok has extradited to China as a result of financial crime since the 1999 convention became law.

Tedy Teow is the first suspect in an economic crime that Thailand has turned over to China since an extradition treaty between the two countries took effect 25 years ago. (Photo: CCTV)
Tedy Teow is the first person to be detained in Thailand’s financial violence since a 25-year-old abduction agreement between the two nations was signed. ( Photo: CCTV )

In a case involving more than 100 billion yuan ( US$ 14 billion ), a Malaysian businessman who is accused of leading a fraud syndicate has been deported from Thailand to China.

According to the Chinese people security department on Friday, he is the first believe in an economic violence that Bangkok has turned over to China since a 1999 extradition treaty was signed.

The successful abduction is” a landmark achievement for the consolidation and expansion of law enforcement and criminal cooperation between China and Thailand,” the government said in the release.

The government said the believe was sent to China on Tuesday and only gave the boy’s title: Zhang. Tedy Teow Wooi Huat, the creator of the company company MBI Group, was the subject of this ode.

Following an investigation, Teow is suspected of running a pyramid scheme and defrauding individuals, many of them thought to be Foreign citizens, out of cash by tricking them into purchasing MBI’s unregistered and unrecognised bitcoin.

More than 10 million traders have fallen victim to the system since 2012, and the funds involved was for over 100 billion Chinese renminbi, according to the agency’s speech.

Later in the year 2020, Teow’s case was opened by authorities in Chongqing, south of China, and a global wanted list was released by the International Criminal Police Organization’s China commission.

Thai authorities arrested the business in July 2022 after he fled Malaysia. In response to that, Beijing sent a plea to Bangkok asking for him to be deported so that he could be tried in China.

In May, a Thai judge rendered a final decision transferring Teow to China, which the Thai government after supported.

Kuala Lumpur had likewise sought Teow’s imprisonment to Malaysia, where he is even wanted for fraud. However, China’s plea was later made.

In October 2019, about 100 Taiwanese citizens staged a demonstration outside Beijing’s ambassador in Malaysia, claiming they had lost their life savings to the company, and MBI Group, which describes itself as having “diversified passions in tools and management advances.”

The Taiwanese government has described Teow’s case as “extraordinary” and anticipates that China’s involvement in repatriation efforts will be “positive examples” in the future.

Wang Yi, the country’s top minister, met with counterparts from Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar last week at the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation ( LMC) website in the Thai town of Chiang Mai, calling for more international cooperation to fight cross-border crimes in the region, particularly online gambling and telecoms scams.

Wang claimed that since last year, the four countries have collaborated extensively and detained more than 50 000 suspects in playing and fraud cases.

During the meeting, the foreign ministries of all six nations participating in the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Mechanism, which furthermore includes Vietnam and Cambodia, released a joint declaration urging greater participation in preventing international offense.

We are “deeply concerned about the weight and severity of the consistent and escalating challenges posed by transnational offences,” the statement said.

We urge member countries to prioritize assistance in the fight against drug smuggling, as well as stopping telecommunication/online frauds and all forms of gambling, and encouraging participation across borders.

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PPRP names same 4 MPs for cabinet posts

If unsuitable, group to get replacements

Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, arrives at Government House in July last year. Gen Prawit chaired the PPRP's executive meeting on Friday to nominate the same four MPs in the last government to serve as ministers in the new Pheu Thai-led cabinet. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, head of the Palang Pracharath Party, arrives at Government House in July last month. The exact four MPs from the previous government were nominated by Gen Prawit for ministerial positions in the new Pheu Thai-led cabinet at the PPRP’s senior conference on Friday. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

The same four MPs from the previous government have been nominated by the Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ), a coalition partner, to become ministers in the new Pheu Thai-led cabinet.

The PPRP said it will get a replacement if the ruling party determines any of the four to get disqualified.

The four elected MPs are caregiver Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, caregiver Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Capt Thamanat Prompow, caregiver Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, and custodian Deputy Public Health Minister Santi Promphat, according to a source. They are approved by a majority voting at the PPRP’s professional conference on Friday

Friday’s meeting of the PPRP’s executive members was chaired by Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, leader of the party, while Capt Thamanat, Mr Atthakorn, and a number of other MPs believed to belong to a faction led by Capt Thamanat were absent from the meeting, said the same source.

Capt. Thamanat later claimed he could not attend because he had a more significant event to attend, claiming that he was in Phayao and Chiang Rai yesterday to assist flood victims, while Mr. Atthakorn went to Nan to assist flood victims there.

Capt Thamanat insisted on Friday that he had never submitted a separate list of nominated PPRP MPs to Pheu Thai despite the obvious rift between Capt Thamanat and Gen Prawit, which apparently was sparked by their divergent opinions regarding who should be nominated as new cabinet ministers in the PPRP’s quota.

According to rumors, Capt. Thamanat has been in discussions with a significant member of the opposition’s Democratic Party about a potential deal that might give both parties some cabinet seats, a claim he has refuted.

According to reports in the media, Capt. Thamanat was initially removed from the list to be nominated for Pheu Thai because of his questionable eligibility, which allegedly caused the rift between him and Gen. Prawit.

” If any nomination is later found to be ineligible]for the appointment as cabinet minister ] or suggested]by Pheu Thai] to be changed, the PPRP’s board will approve a new one”, said Chaiwut Thanakomanusorn, a deputy PPRP leader.

Pol Lt. Gen Piya Tawichai, the PPRP’s spokesman, refuted reports that Gen. Prawit was considering resign as party leader.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the caretaker deputy prime minister, and commerce minister, stated that the PPRP’s list of nominated MPs was not yet complete, and that Pheu Thai had already given the PPRP a deadline to wrap up the arrangements.

He did not dispute or confirm the possibility of the Democrat Party joining the new coalition, saying only time would tell if that would lead to a quicker formation of the new government.

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Probe begins into plane crash that killed 9

Rescue workers search the wreckage of a small aircraft a day after it crashed, with five tourists from China and four Thais, including the two pilots, all presumed dead, in Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao province on Friday. (Photo: Reuters)
Rescue workers research the wreckage of a small airplane a day after it crashed, with five travellers from China and four Thais, including the two aircraft, all presumed dead, in Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao state on Friday. ( Photo: Reuters )

On Thursday, the government will collaborate with aviation experts to determine the cause of the little plane’s fatal crash in Chachoengsao’s tidal forest. All nine people on board died, including five Foreign nationals, authorities said.

Anutin Charnvirakul, the caretaker Deputy Prime Minister, told the media that about 40 % of the aircraft had been recovered after visiting the crash site yesterday.

Once all the parts are collected, they will be reassembled for researchers to observe, he said, adding that experts from the plane company would also be involved.

Since the little plane had no dark box, Mr. Anutin said witnesses may be questioned for the research.

He said the small propeller aircraft, made in the United States, was permitted to fly at an altitude of 5, 000 feet ( 1.5 kilometres ). If an incident occurred, aircraft of the support– most of them soldiers– were trained to attempt to property by gliding.

Mr Anutin, a captain himself, questioned why the aircraft did not fly down but rather plummeted to the surface.

He claimed that testimony reported hearing the motor from the aircraft before the collision, which indicated that it was still operating at the time. He said the research may concentrate on identifying the cause of the issue. He expressed confidence that the airport business had maintained the plane in accordance with all applicable laws, noting that the official cause may be determined afterwards.

Nine systems have been discovered and their names have been verified, according to Office of Police Forensic Science Region 2 chief Pol Maj Gen Chatchai Nanthamongkol.

According to the flight tracking site FL360aero, the Thai Flying Service Cessna Caravan C208 ( HS-SKR ) with nine people onboard left Suvarnabhumi Airport at 2.46pm, bound for Ko Mai Chee Airport in Trat province. Around 3 o’clock, according to reports, it lost communication with the Suvarnabhumi power tower.

In a marsh forest area close to Wat Khao Din in the Chacheongsao province’s Bang Pakong area, the accident took place at 3.18 p.m.

Backhoe trucks were used by rescuers to remove dirt from the accident site and uncover some body parts.

Chonlatee Yangtrong, the government of Chacheongsao, stated that all nine passengers were believed to have died.

The Taiwanese people were identified as Zhang Jingjing, 12, Zhang Jing, 43, Tang Yu, 42, Yin Jinfeng, 45, and Yin Hang, 13.

Two Thai journey servants were named Napak Jirasiri, 35, and Siriyupa Arunatid, 26. The aircraft was identified as Flt Lt Anucha Dechapirakchon, 61, and the co-pilot as Pornsak Totab, 30.

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Critics call out “corrupt”, “boastful” Thaksin after Thursday”s speech

The previous prime minister’s first public address in Thailand on Thursday evening has drawn strong condemnation from his fervent supporters.

According to Jatuporn Prompan, a former leader of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship ( UDD ) and a key political ally of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Thaksin, who returned last August after 17 years in self-imposed exile, was accused of acting as though the entire nation had been given to him.

At a conference titled” Vision for Thailand 2024,” which was held on Thursday night in Bangkok, the former prime minister addressed a group of politicians and businessmen.

In fact, Mr Jatuporn continued, Thaksin is one most people should avoid because he had admitted to committing fraud, expressed regret for his wrongdoing, and properly petitioned for a royal pardon.

” The first day he]Thaksin ] returned to Thailand, he asked for a chance to come home to take care of his grandchildren. Has he followed suit? He has n’t even spent a full day in prison since”, said Mr Jatuporn, who once was a key supporter of the Thaksin administration.

There is surveillance video demonstrating that Thaksin disregarded his obligations after receiving the royal reprimand, which reduced his eight-year word to a year, according to Mr. Jatuporn.

If we actually permit a corrupt people to have control over the state? asked Mr Jatuporn.

The former prime minister misled the public by claiming that numerous claims had been brought against him after his sentence was reduced and he was released on parole, according to Mr. Jatuporn.

” That was an attempt to paint himself. How may we possibly tolerate it? Is it morally correct”? asked Mr Jatuporn.

Mr Jatuporn also noted that Thaksin’s noticeable effect on his girl, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is likely to cause more harm to Thai society, considering the harm previously done by Thaksin’s “arrogance”.

” In a world where right and wrong are obscured by thoughts and cronyism, individuals are often misguided, and this will remain, which is the worst kind of evil”, said Mr Jatuporn.

Thaksin exemplifies careless elections, where politicians can always find excuses not to follow their word, according to Mr. Jatuporn, adding that Pheu Thai had broken its election promises to its 10 million citizens in the previous general election.

The former Democrat Party MP Thepthai Senpong claimed that Thaksin’s statement on Thursday evening was nothing more than an abbreviated version of the policy declaration that the Paetongtarn government will soon give in congress.

” Listening to Thaksin’s speech from beginning to end, I found nothing new… the Thai Kitchen to the World and the entertainment complex have been discussed for over 20 years”, said Mr Thepthai.

In regards to the government’s plan to distribute 10,000 baht of online currency to vulnerable groups, which was a concern in the digital budget plan that Thaksin also highlighted in his speech on Thursday, Mr. Thepthai noted that Thaksin may have forgotten his prior strong opposition to the flyer schemes of the previous government.

Based on Thaksin’s comments from Thursday evening, Mr. Thepthai claimed he was certain that he still had faith in the state and that he is still the same old Thaksin with his extreme self-assurance and propensity to enjoy.

Sera Wongmontha, another notable critic of Thaksin, expressed his frustration over when Thailand, its citizens, and the Thai media did really learn from past mistakes in choosing the wrong representatives to assist in parliament.

Given that most people seem to neglect his story of constitutional violations and permit him to direct the state in the name of democracy, he questioned whether Thaksin is really the only person with the demonstrated capacity to lead the nation.

Meanwhile, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas said that she believes Thaksin’s alleged influence over the government should be the subject of an investigation.

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Meth found in art bound for Taiwan

Crystal meth was discovered this year hidden in attractive cement containers intended for delivery to Taiwan.

Crystal meth is concealed beneath the foundation of this cat sculpture, which is decorated with beautiful cement. Before it was scheduled to get shipped to Taiwan, the illegal drug was taken on Wednesday at Bangkok Port. Customs Department

Crystal meth is concealed beneath the foundation of this cat sculpture, which is decorated with beautiful cement. Before it was scheduled to get shipped to Taiwan, the illegal drug was taken on Wednesday at Bangkok Port. Customs Department

According to Panthong Loykulnan, spokesman for the Customs Department, officers from the Seaport Interdiction Task Force ( SITF ) conducted an inspection of Bangkok Port in the Klong Toey district on Wednesday and discovered two boxes of suspicious cement ware items.

Mr Panthong said the boxes contained dog masonry dolls in the forms of cats, elephants, deer, goats, and beautiful fountains.

Overall, 30 kilogrammes of crystal heroin were discovered inside these items, with an estimated street value of 30 million ringgit.

The drugs have been forwarded to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau ( NSB ) for further investigation.

Mr Panthong said officials are coordinating with pertinent agencies, both domestic and international, to observe drug-smuggling activities. He claimed that the drug traffickers are employing various strategies to bring more medicines out of the state.

The Customs Department documented 126 drug trafficking cases valued at more than 900 million ringgit between October 1 last year and August 22.

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Thaksin not in control: PM

Reviewers up in arms over family’s statement

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, arrive at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Bangkok on Aug 18. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
On August 18th, Pheu Thai Party HQ in Bangkok, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her parents, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, arrive. ( Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

Regarding her father, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as head of the new state, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shrugged off condemnation.

She made the remarks on Friday after Thaksin spoke at an event called” Vision for Thailand 2024″ on Thursday, attended by politicians, ambassadors and owners. During the event, Thaksin came up with proposals to address the country’s weak market.

When asked whether Thaksin’s proposals during the occasion reflected the new government’s policies, Ms. Paetongtarn replied that this was the case, claiming that Thaksin does not carry any government business.

” He was never declaring the president’s plan. He merely expressed his perspective. What he said was partially drawn from Pheu Thai’s policy”, Ms Paetongtarn said.

She responded,” I insist he is not trying to occupy,” when questioned about how Thaksin might be attempting to control her and the new government. I may believe for myself”, the prime minister said.

Ms. Paetongtarn added that Thaksin’s expertise in handling monetary matters will help the nation and that the economy needs stimulus measures.

She added that the new administration’s plan may be made clear when it is actually announced before congress.

Ms. Paetongtarn said the system is likely to continue in light of the Pheu Thai Party’s premier digital budget handout policy. Second, the security card will be used to give cash to those who are most vulnerable.

Following Srettha Thavisin’s termination as prime minister, the Constitutional Court decided to deliver 10,000 baht via a digital pocket to around 50 million qualified Thais.

According to a source, the scheme’s requirements would be changed to better address the authorized resilient under a 122 billion baht budget.

The source claims that the happiness cards, which was introduced during the Prayut government, can be used to distribute the flyer in cash.

On Friday, Ms. Paetongtarn met with members from the private sector, who presented a number of suggestions to address the nation’s financial issues.

They included the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries, the Thai Bankers ‘ Association, and the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

The personal business is a significant contributor to the growth of the economy, according to the prime minister, and she was willing to take their advice into consideration.

She stated that she will ensure that the recommendations made by the private sector are carried out and put into action when the formation of her case is finished.

Sanan Angubolkul, president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, proposed a set of essential economic stimulus methods. Through funds decentralization, one of the measures is to restore investor confidence among domestic and international investors.

He claimed that all parts should receive the 2024 funds immediately, and that any delay in planning must be avoided. Another option calls for boosting the purchasing power of vulnerable groups through the president’s already-existing websites or by providing cash gifts.

The authorities should start initiatives similar to the Khon La Krueng co-payment payment system launched by the previous administration for those with ample purchasing power.

The government does introduce tax incentives, such as the Easy E-receipt battle, to encourage saving and generate more revenue for those with great buying energy.

According to Mr. Sanan, the new government may also develop policies to reduce the cost of essential goods like electricity and oil, maintain cap prices on essential goods, and improve the competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses. According to him, the government should establish a national plan for sustainable development.

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Looking over their shoulder

Natthaphong: Faces court indictment
Natthaphong: Eyes jury prosecution

Looking over their shoulder

The People’s Party ( PP ) has a feeling of uncertainty just two days after it was used to rescue MPs from the disbanded Move Forward Party ( MFP ) from the chaos.

Researchers are also making predictions about how many parties they will need to switch to before the upcoming general election in three years.

These MPs have no previous experience with dissolution, and the PP may still be struggling despite fully welcoming former MFP MPs on August 9. More than 140 people emigrated to their new house and declared openly that their MPs have” shrugged their shoulders and did man on” in spite of the MFP’s fate.

These MPs ‘ stubborn spirit in the face of hardship is embodied in the informal PP phrase that was adopted. Before the MFP, its predecessor, the Future Forward Party ( FFP), was disbanded by the Constitutional Court in February 2020 over an illegal loan from its leader, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit.

This time, the party’s organized effort to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the der majeste law, reportedly threatened to destroy the constitutional monarchy, was the driving force behind the party’s dissolution. Eleven party executives were denied the right to elect and subject to a 10-year ban from politics by the contract judge.

During the party start on August 9, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut was named as the head of the reformist PP, and Sarayoot Jailak was appointed party secretary-general. They were incorporated into a remarkably small administrative committee, which also appointed celebration deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul.

Ms. Sirikanya was not one of the 11 party managers who survived the MFP breakdown assault. The board of five directors for the PP represents a significant decrease in the MFP’s professional line-up.

Experts think there are two causes for this.

Second, 44 of the Members who switched to the PP, including Mr. Natthaphong and Ms. Sirikanya, are currently facing charges in the Supreme Court for a net misconduct in social conduct stemming from their involvement in the press for the Area 112 act. A life sentence from politics is imposed for the infraction. Installing a huge board only served to show poor justification for the possibility of sending many of its members to life sentences.

Second, given that many influential figures are now serving a 10-year social ban, such as party leader Chaithawat Tulathon and MFP chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat, there may be only a few options for PP board executive positions.

The second explanation may be a direct sign of a major PP issue. Through a political restrictions, definition remove well-known numbers from prominent positions in their respective parties. This frequently prevents future politicians from being prepared for potential leadership, which can disintegrate a party’s line of succession, according to a political source.

” Parties and their replacements should n’t be disbanded too often. It can very much reduce their skill and appeal”, the resource said.

Dismantlement forced the FFP members and several future, young officials, including Mr Thanathorn as well as his so-called “lieutenants”, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and Pannikar Wanich into a 10-year break.

Following the FFP’s fate, a second group of politicians, led by Mr. Pita, took control of the alternative party and named it the MFP, in the spotlight.

Eventually, Mr. Pita was implicated in the television media shareholding scandal, which resulted in his constitutional court’s suspension as an MP. Before being cleared of the incident, the MFP installed Mr Chaithawat as its new chief and Mr Pita was moved “upstairs” to be gathering general assistant.

The MFP’s fate was sealed, according to the cause, when the Constitutional Court decided on January 31 that its attempts to alter Area 112 were intended as a result of its desire to” device away” at and disrupt the constitutional monarchy.

Additionally, the court directed the party to stop all attempts to modify Section 112 and forbid it from changing it through any form of legislative procedure.

After that came a plea to have the MFP dissolved. The Election Commission made a recommendation to the Constitutional Court regarding the group’s breakdown. The MFP was determined to be in the wrong by all nine of the court’s magistrates, who disbanded it on August 7.

The latest breakdown has even invalidated 11 MFP managers, quite as Mr Pita and Mr Chaithawat, for 10 years. From the MFP’s remains rose the PP with the five directors appointed.

The next generation of politicians with a strong connection to Mr. Thanathorn stood out with Mr. Natthaphong and Mr. Sarayoot. But it may also show, pretty plausibly, that the “orange” parties may become confronting as a result of the dissolutions an exceedingly narrower choice of politicians to field as fresh party executives, said the source.

Orange serves as the FFP, MFP, and PP’s metaphorical color.

The cause believes that Mr. Sarayoot’s appointment as the PP secretary-general gave an indication that there was only a limited option for executives. He is alleged to have been a backroom strategist who had to step down from the Aug 7 purge in order to take on a more important role, despite possibly being better suited for less well-known ones.

All’s no well within the PPRP

Thamanat: May stick with PPRP

Thamanat: May stick with PPRP

Unanticipated turns and turns within the coalition’s Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) have been brought into the spotlight while all eyes are on the formation of the next Pheu Thai Party-led government under Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s leadership.

The PPRP, led by former deputy prime minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, has a limit of four cabinet seating, two whole ministerial jobs and two assistant posts, allotted to the PPRP.

In the Srettha Thavisin management, Pol Gen Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, Gen Prawit’s nephew and gathering director, was appointed natural resources and culture minister while gathering secretary-general Thamanat Prompow took command at the Agriculture and Agricultural Ministry.

The two deputy minister posts were given to Santi Promphat, who was made deputy public health minister, and Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, a deputy agriculture minister.

Following the dismissal of Mr. Srettha as prime minister on August 14 for a serious ethics violation for appointing former convict Pichit Chuenban as PM’s Office Minister in the most recent cabinet reshuffle, the future of these politicians is uncertain.

Reports surfaced yesterday that Capt Thamanat had been cut from the PPRP lineup, apparently to spare Ms Paetongtarn from the same legal complication that her predecessor had to deal with.

Given his conviction and sentence for a drug-related offence in Australia in the 1990s, the PPRP secretary-general may be deemed unfit to hold a cabinet position. Ms. Paetongtarn runs the risk of losing the premiership if Capt Thamanat is found guilty of an ethical violation after approving his cabinet appointment in the Constitutional Court.

In yesterday’s reports, Pol Gen Phatcharavat was dropped from the cabinet line-up while Mr Atthakorn is staying put.

However, these are just the most recent changes to the PPRP’s cabinet quota.

Capt Thamanat announced he was leaving the party with party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon over a contentious dispute regarding who the party should nominate for the cabinet seats, sparking a reportedly deep rift within the organization.

The dispute was beyond repair, leading to Capt Thamanat announcing on Wednesday:” It’s time for me to declare my freedom”.

” From now on, I am ready to leave, with other members in tow, for a place where there is happiness”, Capt Thamanat said.

” Let’s say that we separate ourselves clearly. But I wo n’t ruin the nation or the government”, he said, pledging support for the government.

Capt Thamanat and his group ca n’t afford to raise the stakes and abandon the PPRP to form his own party or join Kla Dharma, which was established as a potential fallback party, despite having around 29 of the 40 PPRP MPs on his side.

If an MP is expelled from the party they were elected to, they can move to a different party and still have control of their seats.

To move successfully with their MP status intact, Capt. Thamanat would need an expulsion order from PPRP executives in this situation.

However, it was reported most executives retain close ties with Gen Prawit.

Capt Thamanat spoke in a way that suggested he was resigned to the fact that despite not reportedly having spoken terms with Gen Prawit, he would still have to stay with the PPRP.

The Pheu Thai Party, which is currently in power, has been prompted by the rift by both Capt Thamanat and Gen Prawit to submit their own cabinet choice lists separately.

However, a source close to the matter said Capt Thamanat’s list, backed by the majority of the party MPs, was favoured over the list forwarded by Gen Prawit, whose nominations for cabinet posts were dropped.

The Democrat Party, rumored to be the most recent addition to the Paetongtarn government, has also been given the two cabinet seats in Gen Prawit’s quota.

In the PPRP quota, Akara Prompow, is poised to succeed his brother, Capt Thamanat, as the agriculture minister while Mr Atthakorn gets to retain his deputy agriculture minister post.

It was reported that Capt. Thamanat’s name was mentioned in the cabinet minister nominee list that Mr. Akara had submitted to Pheu Thai. Mr Akara was said to be an option in reserve should Pheu Thai, which has the final say on the cabinet line-up, find Capt Thamanat’s qualifications problematic.

The biggest twist, however, has to do with the Democrat Party taking Gen Prawit’s cabinet quota.

Pol Gen Phatcharavat and party secretary-general Dech-it Khaothong may also step down as deputy public health minister. Democrat leader Chalermchai Sri-on is considering taking the position of natural resources and environment minister.

Some pundits were already betting on PPRP disintegrating. Gen. Prawit left the PPRP and gave Capt. Thamanat the freedom to run the party, according to earlier reports.

However, Gen Prawit later denied the reports.

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BMA must pay B672m in lease fees

Shoppers visit Chatuchak Market in Bangkok. (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)
Visitors visit Chatuchak Market in Bangkok. ( Photo by Apichart Jinakul )

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) is requesting payment of a debt of 672 million baht resulting from overdue leasing fees at Chatuchak Market from 2018 to 2022.

The union’s chairman, Sarawut Saranwong, told the media on Friday that the union had filed a petition with Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt on Thursday regarding the unpaid fees associated with Chatuchak Market’s use of State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) land.

After the government approved in 2018 that the BMA may manage the business until 2028, Mr. Sarawut stated that the union is following up on the situation. The SRT is required to spend about 169 million baht in monthly rental fees, and the rent is subject to periodic review. Additionally, the government recommended that a contract be signed. The BMA has refused to do so, claiming particulars have not yet been discussed, Mr Sarawut said.

He added that the Office of the Attorney General has received the document commitment from the SRT for evaluation. But, the BMA also failed to sign it. The SRT next filed a civil complaint.

In June 2022, the Civil Court ruled that the BMA has paid late land use fees from Dec 1, 2018, to June 27, 2022, of about 672 million baht, through monthly instalments of about 14 million baht, starting from July 1, 2022 until the contract is signed. So, Mr. Sarawut asks the BMA to pay the fees and halt its appeal.

” If the problem remains unanswered, the SRT might have to repossess the property and handle the terrain itself”, Mr Sarawut said.

Torsak Chotimongkol, chief adviser to the Bangkok governor, said the BMA has been ready to negotiate and submitted ideas, such as debt restructuring and a rental price reduction, to find a solution. He continued,” It depends on how the SRT takes the presents,” adding that the BMA would continue to support the constitutional process even though the charm would be dropped.

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Govt delays hosting Bimstec summit

The government has put off the upcoming Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economy Cooperation ( Bimstec) summit until further notice.

Due to the country’s ongoing transition to a new state, the foreign interests government announced yesterday that the event, scheduled for Sept. 3 through Sept. 4, had to be postponed.

The government has decided to postpone the Bimstec Summit and associated sessions in order to allow Thailand to be fully prepared to expand the program within this model for the “greatest profit” of the Thai people and the member nations of Bimstec, according to the statement.

New times for the 6th Bimstec conference may be given at the earliest possibility, the government said.

Founded on June 6, 1997, with the drafting of the Bangkok Declaration, Bimstec is an international company consisting of seven governments connecting South and Southeast Asia– Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

The delegations typically take place every two centuries.

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Landslides kill 10 in Phuket

Two Russians, six Myanmar citizens and two Thais confirmed dying at worst-hit page in Karon

A landslide caused by heavy rain struck the Kata area in Phuket on Friday morning. (Photo: Phuket Info Center Facebook)
On Friday night, a flood caused by heavy rains erupted in Phuket’s Kata region. ( Photo: Phuket Info Center Facebook )

Beach- Floods across Phuket due to heavy rains have killed at least 10 folks, including eight immigrants, and damaged more than 50 homes, authorities said on Friday.

Flash floods and landslides were caused by heavy downpours starting at 1am on Friday in various areas of the island province, according to a representative from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation’s statewide office.

The worst affected places were in tambons Chalong and Karon in Muang area, impacting about 250 homes, the source said.

A big flood beat Soi Patak 2 in tambon Karon, burying some qualities, including a mansion and a migrant workers ‘ camp, said the national, who asked not to be named.

Thus far, 10 body have been found: a Russian partners, six Myanmar staff and two Thais, the official said.

About a hundred people were hurt at the site, and about 50 houses were damaged, including those that were crushed by large rocks and trees.

A command center and removal site were set up behind near Wat Kata, according to Srattha Thongkam, the deputy governor of Phuket. So much, five homes comprising 25 people have been evacuated, he added.

According to Mr. Srattha, rescue team were searching four additional locations where people allegedly were trapped beneath the dirt.

On Friday night, solid light rain was forecast to continue, but flooding in residential areas and highways had largely subsided, according to officials. But, villages 1–4 in Karon subdistrict, settlements 1–2 in Rawai and townships 8–10 in Chalong have been declared hazard areas.

Traisuree Taisaranakul, a state representative, stressed the importance of providing accurate information on climate conditions, tourist areas and areas at danger from heavy rains, floods or landslides. Tourists are advised to avoid high-risk areas, and safety guidelines have been provided, she said.

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