The 68-year-old was found guilty of laundering US$ 17. 7 billion and illegal cross-border prostitution of US$ 4. 5 billion. She was also found guilty of friendship fraud to the rhythm of US$ 1. 2 billion. During the charm, lawyers called for a lowered sentence for Lan, citing her repaymentContinue Reading
But under the law, the National Heritage Department has the power to acquire “any thing which is believed to have cultural identity value attached to it”, cautioned Sharmaine Yap, a legal scholar from law company Azmi & Associates KL.
The National Heritage Act also gives the department “discretion ” to determine if an object is “sufficiently historical” to be seized, she told me.
“As such, it is advisable for the metal hunters to report or notify the Commissioner ( of Heritage ) immediately upon discovery of the supposedly historical object, despite the temptation of selling such an object for its significant profit, ” Yap said.
CNA understands that the National Heritage Department has in some cases taken action against steel hunters under for provisions, with the group careful never to over-publicise items they find that could slide in the properly traditional group.
Afis said his most profitable sales previously involved “old money ”. When asked to expound on the nature of the item, he declined. “ I can’t communicate. If I do, the power in that state did began monitoring me. ”
However, Afis highlighted that more of his steel hunting money comes from monetising social press videos of his harvests than revenue of what he has found.
His “Best Finder ” page on TikTok has 1. 3 million wants and nearly 175,000 fans, with clips featuring his colorful finds. Some, like revelations of ancient rings or scrolls, are embellished with subtitles and soundtracks that create drama.
One of Afis ’ favourite things about metal hunting is that it allows him to “generate offline and online income ” simply with a metal detector and a phone.
“I’ve dug up a lot of things, ” he said, adding that he goes hunting only during the trip. “Even if I find a container seal, I will report and post on social media. I can also make money. ”
The price of eggs has been increasing, affecting both consumers and businesses as they bear the rising prices.
This pattern has been specially visible across the regions, including Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Phitsanulok, where the cost of egg has risen in the past year.
Director-general of the Department of Internal Trade, Wittayakorn Maneenetr, said the main cause of the rate increase is the intense steam, which has led to a drop-off in egg production, with hens laying fewer and smaller eggs.
The increased use of cooling devices in fields to store the heat even has raised electricity and water charges, more exacerbating the problem.
The division has responded by distributing hens at lower costs through its” Mobile Blue Flag” programme in limited areas.
” But for the customer, we can guarantee there will be no shortage of egg, as 44. 52 million hens are produced and sold into the market everyday, while regular intake is 43. 3 million hens per time,” he said.
Merchants and restaurant owners have even felt the sting of chicken value rises after the system of chicken farmer cooperatives for chicken production declared it would raise chicken prices by 20 satang or six ringgit per box of 30 eggs on April 17.
In Buri Ram, for instance, the price of all styles of egg has risen 9–15 ringgit per box in new areas.
Retailers have been forced to absorb additional costs which represent a 20 % increase in their expenses, said Thonglor Kacheumram, a market vendor.
Also, restaurant owners who rely on eggs for food like cooked eggs and pancakes are also facing difficulties.
Khemchat Suwanjak, a cafe owner in Nakhon Ratchasima, said:” Although my expenses have gone away, I have to retain my charges level to sustain my client base. I cannot raise my prices now as my customers are already struggling due to the economic crisis. “
A check of the market in Phitsanulok reveals prices for eggs have risen there too; one egg can retail for 3. 6–4. 8 baht, depending on the size.
However, some shops are still holding their prices steady for now to support customers, though they may be forced to act in coming days as new stock arrives from farms, said Preecha Aimim, 60, an egg shop owner in Phitsanulok.
Given the cost pressures, many market vendors and traders are urging the government to help alleviate the financial burden on both consumers and business owners.
Boonlert Polsawang, a food merchant in Phitsanulok, said he had to balance the costs between selling processed eggs and the cost of raw eggs and fuel costs. Fluctuations in the price of consumer goods related to energy and other raw materials were a major concern for retailers, he said.
Revised laws in the Civil Code aim to protect kids from all forms of violence
PUBLISHED: 21 Apr 2025 at 04 :53
Thailand has revised its legal code to boycott the corporal abuse of children, a proceed hailed by kid rights advocates as a critical step toward shifting cultural attitudes on parenthood.
A recent amendment to the Civil and Commercial Code has banned all forms of sergeant sentence against children.
But, experts stress that legislation only is unsatisfactory– government policies are also needed to destroy the deeply rooted conviction that “hitting is a form of adore”.
The amendment to Section 1567 ( 2 ) of the Civil Code, published in the Royal Gazette on March 24, says:” Disciplining or behaviour correction of a child must not involve violence, physical or psychological harm, or any inappropriate actions”.
This replaces a previous section that faintly allowed for abuse “in an appropriate way for training”, which researchers argued left loopholes for misuse.
The revised legislation corresponds Thailand with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the state ratified in 1992, emphasising the protection of children from all kinds of violent or degrading abuse.
Wassana Kaonopparat, director of the Centre for the Protection of Children’s Rights Foundation, said the amendment was the result of a 13-year advocacy effort.
She called it a turning point in ending legal justifications for physical punishment, which persisted despite the Child Protection Act 2003.
” There had always been concerns from international observers that Thai laws allowed room for corporal punishment under vague terms like’appropriate discipline’. This change removes ambiguity and reinforces the message that violence against children is never acceptable,” Ms Wassana said.
While the Civil Code does not carry criminal penalties, violators can still be prosecuted under the Child Protection Act.
Ms Wassana urged the government to promote “positive parenting” policies and move beyond punitive measures. She cited previous successes in reducing violence in schools and juvenile detention centres, and called for a similar cultural shift within households.
” This is not about defining how hard a child can be hit– it’s about prohibiting all forms of violence, including spanking. Physical punishment not only harms the body but deeply wounds a child’s psyche,” she said. ” We need all sectors to help end this. “
She called on the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Public Health to implement measures to combat domestic violence and protect children.
Varoth Chotpitayasunondh, spokesman for the Department of Mental Health, echoed support for the amendment, pointing to research showing that children raised in violent households often internalise aggression.
He advocated replacing punishment with reward-based approaches. ” If a child lies, instead of punishing them, parents should praise the child when they tell the truth,” he said.
” Children are often silent victims of family violence. We’ve seen cases of brain injuries from shaking or bruises from beatings. This law should serve as a societal wake-up call. “
The Department of Mental Health plans to launch” Mind Month” this May– a campaign aimed at educating the public and fostering compassionate families, workplaces and communities.
The UN Children’s Fund backs Thailand’s legal amendment. The organisation sees it as a big milestone in safeguarding children’s rights and promoting non-violent child-rearing practices.
Cases of violence against children in Thailand in 2022 fell 20 % compared with 2015, figures suggest.
Wassana: Promote’positive parenting’
Varoth: ‘ Children often silent victims ‘
PUBLISHED: 21 Apr 2025 at 04 :48
City Hall has defended itself against censure it paid limited payment for home maintenance to some disaster victims, saying more cash may be timely in extraordinary cases.
The issue of payment was addressed at a press event on collapse comfort led by lieutenant Bangkok government Tavida Kamolvej on Sunday, following a public protest after a problem posted on Facebook by People’s Party MP for Bangkok Supanat Meenchainan.
Mr Supanat said several flats were seriously damaged by the March 28 collapse.
Maintenance for each apartments user were estimated to move into tens of thousands of ringgit.
But, officials told the condominium owners the settlement would come down to around 300–700 ringgit for each system. A hole on the walls, for example, is worthwhile payment of 75 baht.
” Just a condominium owner said he was offered 41 ringgit and 90 satang in payment. How touchingly generous of the government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ).
” Is this how the government cares for its folks? The payment for home maintenance is frankly horrible,” he said.
Mr Supanat said settlement costs were nowhere near what some express offices were spending on their cheap building projects and equipment.
” They should handle the citizens with more respect,” he said.
The MP said he has raised payment says with a House sitting committee which has summoned officials overseeing the operation to speak on Thursday.
Mr Tavida on Sunday insisted the settlement rolled out by City Hall complies with existing catastrophe prevention laws.
She said payment pays for building materials and maintenance cost in cases where harm is limited to certain parts of a home.
The lieutenant governor said the rates some condominium owners were given were primary and city engineers may provide a visit once before a budget is sought from the Finance Ministry.
An amendment to allow larger compensation sums will be tabled in parliament on Tuesday although the approval process could take some time, Ms Tavida said.
Economic ministries likely to be swapped
A cabinet reshuffle is expected to take place before July, with democratic spectators saying there are likely to be adjustments to the line-up of officials in charge of financial matters.
Despite the shake-up, they expected the Bhumjaithai Party to be part of the ruling coalition until the close of the government’s word, as the help from the second-largest gathering in the coalition is considered essential to the stability of the administration.
Yutthaporn Issarachai, a political science professor at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, told the Bangkok Post that a government rejig is likely to take place some period between May and July, no long after the Paetongtarn Shinawatra management marks its sixth month in office.
At that point, he said, the government has alter its approach, coverage and employees to improve its performance and maintain public assistance.
The state is focusing on fixing the government’s economic issues, so the change is expected to bring about a new line-up of officials in charge of financial matters, Mr Yutthaporn said, noting the ministers overseeing financial affairs are controlled by Pheu Thai.
While the reshuffle won’t see a lot of changes to the portfolios held by other parties in the coalition, Mr Yutthaporn noted cabinet seats can be swapped between parties.
” Changes will take place mostly at ministries controlled by Pheu Thai.
” Bhumjaithai won’t give up the Interior Ministry that easily, because it has already established a network of officials affiliated with the party to prepare for the next general election,” he said.
” It is unlikely Pheu Thai will boot Bhumjaithai out of the coalition government. Without Bhumjaithai [the second largest in the government], the Pheu Thai-led government will struggle in parliament,” Mr Yutthaporn said, noting the majority of senators are also affiliated with Bhumjaithai.
” It will be too risky to exclude Bhumjaithai from the coalition government. Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai will have to stay together until the end of the government’s term,” he said.
Jatuporn Prompan, leader of the People’s Unity Group, told the Bangkok Post that it would be normal for Pheu Thai to reshuffle the cabinet after six months in office.
” Ms Paetongtarn has served as prime minister for six months, so she can reshuffle the cabinet any time now,” he said.
He also ruled out the possibility of Bhumjaithai being forced out of the coalition in the reshuffle, saying Bhumjaithai’s support is still crucial for the coalition government’s stability.
A survey by the National Institute of Development Administration ( Nida ) found an increasing support for an imminent cabinet reshuffle.
The survey, which was held between April 5 and 9, gathered responses from 1,310 people aged 18 and above across all regions, with the aim of gauging the public’s sentiment regarding potential changes to the cabinet.
According to the survey, 48. 24 % of respondents believe the cabinet should be reshuffled immediately, while 16. 18 % feel there is no need for any changes.
Another 15. 5 % said the reshuffle should occur in three months, 10. 07 % prefer a six-month wait, and 6. 95 % think it should be postponed for a year. Only 1. 53 % suggested waiting nine months, while the rest either had no opinion or chose not to answer.
When asked which ministries should undergo changes, 57. 02 % of respondents said the Ministry of Commerce followed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives ( 48. 55 % ) and the Ministry of Finance ( 46. 49 % ).
PUBLISHED: 21 Apr 2025 at 04:39
A research is live for three Thai managers of China Railway No. 10 ( Thailand ) Co who are wanted by authorities in connection with the collapse of the State Audit Office building during the March 28 earthquake, which killed dozens of workers.
The search was announced by the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) after it arrested Zhang Chuanling, a Chinese national working as an executive at China Railway No. 10 ( Thailand ) Co, at a hotel in the Ratchadaphisek neighbourhood on Saturday.
The three suspects– identified as Manas Sri-anan, Prachuap Sirikhet, and Sophon Meechai– along with Mr Zhang, are listed as executives of the Thai firm, which formed a cooperative venture with Italian-Thai Development Plc that won the contract to develop the ill-fated 30-storey State Audit Office tower in Chatuchak area.
The DSI said its research into the company’s holding architecture found that 51 % of the company was apparently held by the Thai citizens– with Mr Sophon holding 40. 7997 % of the stock, Mr Prachuap holding 10. 2 %, and Mr Manas 0. 0003 %– while Mr Zhang held the remaining 49 %.
Investigators suspect these shares were held on behalf of foreign actors, in violation of the Foreign Business Act ( 1999 ). With the data pointing to the use of candidate owners, the DSI asked the Criminal Court to challenge arrest permits for the four professionals.
Researchers tracked Mr Zhang to his hotel and brought him to DS I’s headquarters on Chaeng Watthana Road for questioning. Attempts are now live to find the whereabouts of the three Thai managers, who are still at large.
Several investigations into various irregularities surrounding the house’s structure are continuing, including a probe into the argument that poor steel was used in the project, contributing to the building’s collapse.
The Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand did observe 40 metal specimens collected from the page on Monday. The testing will determine whether the metal meets the Thai Industrial Standards Institute’s normal. If the materials prove to be substandard, legal action will be taken against those responsible.
Meanwhile, Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co, which supplied steel for the project, will talk to the media regarding the quality of the materials used in the building.
Separately, the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand (ACT) criticised Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for providing vague and delayed responses following the collapse, while urging the PM to ensure transparency in the investigation.
After ripping up his 2006 vote ,’royalist’ doctor seeks to share information, writes Chairith Yonpiam
Chulalongkorn University political scientist Chaiyan Chaiyaporn is convinced that a case involving his tearing up a ballot paper during the 2006 election does not preclude him in his pay to be named a Constitutional Court judge.
He also denied being on either the left or the right of elections, but says he remains committed to protecting the government’s system of governance.
Prof Chaiyan is one of seven individuals applying to pack seats left vacant by the Constitutional Court leader, Nakharin Mektrairat, and Punya Udchachon, a contract court judge.
Both completed their seven-year name this year and are then serving in acting tasks ahead of the visit of their descendants.
Prof Chaiyan, 65, has applied as an expert in the field of social science and common administration, and submitted his program to the Senate’s committee on April 6.
Applicants must have worked as professor-level researchers at universities in Thailand for at least five times and have produced functions of education that have been frequently recognised.
Prof Chaiyan made national headlines after he ripped up his vote at a polling place during the public vote on April 2, 2006, to rally against what he saw as the legality of the snap election.
The next prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had decided to break the House of Representatives and visit the vote following anti-government demonstrations led by the yellow-shirt Women’s Alliance for Democracy, which culminated in the 2006 revolution.
In an interview with the Bangkok Post, Prof Chaiyan said he reached retirement years at Chulalongkorn University last year but continues to give unique courses at the school’s social research university on the king and current Thai politics.
” I believe the theme is critical especially when there are errors on problems related to the king and Indian politics after the 1932 Siamese Revolution.
” We also lack knowledge about shifts to constitutional kingdoms and social developments in other countries that have failed or succeeded under this program [constitutional monarchy],” Prof Chaiyan said.
” The area teaches us the development of governing systems in the UK, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Nepal and Bhutan,” he said.
Since his retirement, he heard that applications were available to fill the vacant tickets at the jury.
Nevertheless, he discovered a colleague at the university of political science had applied now, so he withdrew out of professional kindness.
When his partner just failed to win approval from the Senate, he decided to apply suddenly, he said.
” I decided to apply so I can make the most of my knowledge for the greater nice after more than 30 years as a teacher.
” I want to accomplish a new task to put my knowledge to practical use, to be a message in the panel of judges,” he said.
Prof Chaiyan even played down condemnation he may not be available having been handed a suspended two-month prison sentence from the Supreme Court in 2014 for tearing up his vote in that 2006 vote. He was also fined 2,000 ringgit and had his poll privileges suspended for five decades.
With that now behind him, he insisted he then meets the requirements to apply for the job.
He said Section 202 ( 3 ) of the constitution stipulates that anyone who is convicted and served jail a sentence or had his election rights suspended is prohibited from applying to be a Constitutional Court judge.
He said he received only a suspended prison term and was not sent to prison and his vote privileges were restored in 2019 after five years of the judge’s ruling so he is entirely within his rights to use.
” While my election rights were suspended, I could not cast a vote in the 2017 referendum on the constitution.
” After my election rights were restored, I exercised them in the 2019 and 2023 general elections as well as in the Bangkok governor election in 2022,” he said.
Prof Chaiyan recounted that when he tore up his ballot in the 2006 election, he did so to protest what he called an illegitimate House dissolution by Thaksin.
” It was not in line with the parliamentary system. No one should be allowed to dissolve the House arbitrarily,” he said.
” At the time, the House had done nothing wrong. But Thaksin dissolved it on a whim. Before 2006, justifications for House dissolutions were entirely different from the reasons given by Thaksin.
” His predecessors dissolved the House due to the conflicts between the executive branch and the legislative branch. But Thaksin dissolved the House despite the legislative branch doing nothing wrong,” Prof Chaiyan said.
He also brushed aside criticism that he is a pro-monarchy rightist just because he disagrees with the now-dissolved Move Forward Party calling for reform of the monarchy.
Prof Chaiyan said he is not a rightist or leftist, but he advocates non-partisan politics as he does not take sides with anyone.
Responding to criticism that he always takes the opposite stance to the Pheu Thai Party, he said he does not reject all its policies and even supports those that benefit the public such as the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme.
Prof Chaiyan Chaiyaporn
PUBLISHED: 21 Apr 2025 at 04 :00
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra may give an official attend to Cambodia on Wednesday and Thursday.
During the visit, the officials will maintain diplomatic talks and preside over a service to build the brand marking the 75th anniversary of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations, state official Jirayu Houngsub said yesterday.
The explore will see the signing of important treaties and kindness names on top Thai leaders, including Senate President Hun Sen and His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. The vacation aims to strengthen diplomatic cooperation in safety, trade, development and local engagement, he said.
Meanwhile, the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand ( NSPRT ) leader Pichit Chaimongkol said the premier’s visit raises concerns due to ongoing issues surrounding overlapping maritime claims between Thailand and Cambodia.
Mr Pichit said the Thai administration’s plan of proposing a 50:50 profit-sharing structure in the contested maritime region is opposed by Thais.
He claims Cambodia has taken a political approach, fuelling common sentiment behind the idea of recovering territories such as Koh Kut and Ta Muen Thom church in Surin state, both of which now belong to Thailand.
He raised two important concerns: first, whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn has the political skills to manage Cambodia’s regional plan, which he described as central to Phnom Penh’s plan; and second, whether her government’s emphasis on resource-sharing in disputed waters is aligned with national interests, given the domestic backlash.
He urged close scrutiny this week’s cabinet decisions:” The prime minister must say clearly whether there is a hidden agenda behind the visit, particularly in light of sensitive territorial and resource-related matters,” he said.
Commercial banker Mr Prabu, 37, was previously in the Reform Party ( RP ) before moving to the Peoples Voice ( PV ).
Line consists of three parties- RP, PV and the Democrat Progressive Party.
Five years ago, Mr Prabu was part of the PV team that lost in a three-cornered fight in Pasir Ris-Punggol Group Representation Constituency ( GRC ), gaining 12. 17 per share of the vote.
The People’s Action Party ( PAP ) team, led by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, won the constituency with 64. 16 per share of the seats. The Singapore Political Alliance took 23. 67 per share of the vote.
Mr Prabu said:” It is responsible to vote for a… diversity of voices in parliament and our nation structure is in such we may hold the government accountable during the campaign period, but if we are no elected into parliament, we can’t hold them accountable… throughout the five times. “
Businessman Mr Kumar is also not novel to votes.
Mr Kumar stood in West Coast GRC under RP’s banner in 2011, and was RP’s candidate in Radin Mas Single Member Constituency ( SMC) in 2015. In 2020, he suddenly stood in Radin Mas as a member of RP. He lost all three primaries.
He said the cost of living may be reduced, and asked if the state may provide the GST down to 1 per cent.