Suspended deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn has been a figure of considerable intrigue lately. On a brisk Tuesday morning, he made headlines by filing a petition with the House Speaker, imploring an inquiry into the suspiciously amassed wealth of a National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) member. This very member, whose identity remained shrouded in secrecy, also sits on the committee scrutinizing a money laundering case against Pol Gen Surachate himself. Quite the conundrum, isn’t it? The petition, which boasted the impressive endorsement of 20,000 signatories, fervently requested the removal of the said NACC commissioner due to accusations of corruption and severe ethical breaches. “This marks a historical moment where constitutional rights are employed to challenge a state official from an independent organization,” declared Pol Gen Surachate with a palpable mix of gravity and pride. Emphasizing that all signatures were authentic and devoid of personal vendettas, Pol…
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Police forensic science officers are meticulously collecting evidence aboard the ‘Kamraingoen,’ a vessel that has undergone a rather sly transformation with modifications and a fresh coat of paint. This ship is one of three oil-smuggling vessels that have been recovered and are currently anchored at the Port of Songkhla. The operation has caught the attention of NBT Narathiwat, amplifying its notoriety. Authorities have vowed to bring the masterminds behind this oil-smuggling syndicate to justice. Pol Col Anek Taosupap, the Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), announced on Tuesday that, alongside the investigation into the missing vessels, police have also apprehended more suspects and witnesses. These new developments add additional layers to an already intricate case. Evidence surfacing from the investigation indicates a connection between the ships and at least four key suspects believed to be the brains behind the operation. Before moving forward with the arrests, police intend…
The Pride Caravan, a vibrant symbol of celebration, made its triumphant arrival at Government House on Tuesday, following a joyous journey from the parliament. This jubilant parade came in the wake of a remarkable milestone—the Senate’s approval of the marriage equality law, a victory long-awaited by Thailand’s LGBTQ+ community. (Photo credit: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) In a groundbreaking move, Thailand is poised to become the first country in Southeast Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriage. The transformative marriage equality legislation successfully navigated the Upper House, earning a resounding affirmation with a 130-4 vote, accompanied by 18 abstentions. LGBTQ+ advocates exulted as the gavel fell, marking a pivotal moment in their relentless pursuit of equal rights. The excitement was palpable outside the parliament on Tuesday. As the Senate’s final reading of the bill progressed, advocates who had gathered to witness the historic vote could barely contain their anticipation. When the results were announced,…
On a nerve-racking Tuesday, the Constitutional Court set the stage for a political showdown by instructing all engaged parties in Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s intricate ethics case to present their evidence within a stringent 15-day window. With the court’s next session scheduled for July 10, the uncertainty looms, leaving the government anxiously awaiting its fate. The contentious case circles around the stormy appointment of politician Pichit Chuenban as a Minister in the PM’s Office during the latest cabinet reshuffle. This tempest was whipped up by a faction of 40 resolute senators who insisted that both Prime Minister Srettha and Pichit violated crucial cabinet minister ethics. The senators implored the court to judge whether the pair deserved to be ousted from their positions, citing Sections 160 (4) and (5) of the constitution, which govern ministers’ ethical conduct. The crux of their argument lay in Pichit’s controversial past. He had previously served…
Members of the LGBTQ+ community reacted with anticipation and joy as they arrived ahead of the critical passing of the marriage equality bill during its second and third readings by the Senate on Tuesday. (Photo: Reuters) The Senate decisively passed the final reading of a groundbreaking marriage equality law on Tuesday, opening the door for the country to become the third territory in Asia to recognize same-sex unions, following the trailblazing paths of Nepal and Taiwan. The Senate’s overwhelming vote of 130-4, with 18 members abstaining, signals a resounding support for equality. This crucial legislation now awaits royal approval, and will take effect 120 days post-publication in the Royal Gazette. LGBTQ+ advocates heralded this move as a “monumental step forward,” positioning Thailand to become the first nation in Southeast Asia to adapt marriage equality laws. Thailand has long been celebrated for its vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and its inclusive and tolerant…
In a groundbreaking move, a new regulation has been put into effect, redefining the approach towards drug abusers by allowing them to possess a limited amount of methamphetamine without facing prosecution. Under this new directive, individuals with just one methamphetamine pill or merely 20 milligrams of crystal meth, commonly known as “ice,” now qualify for rehabilitation rather than criminal charges. The Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, announced the implementation of this regulation this past Monday. “If you’re caught with a single meth pill, you will indeed be detained, but you’ll also have the right to seek rehabilitation,” Minister Somsak elaborated. “However, there must be concrete proof that you are truly a drug addict, and this responsibility is in the hands of the police,” he explained. Emphasizing the importance of this regulation in combating drug abuse effectively, the minister pointed out that law enforcement must persuade apprehended drug offenders to disclose…
Thanakit Jitareerat, vice-minister for public health, right, engages in a conversation with Food and Drug Administration deputy secretary-general Weerachai Nalawachai at Tuesday’s press conference regarding the seizure of unregistered animal drugs. (Photo supplied/ Wassayos Ngamkham) In a dramatic crackdown on counterfeit animal medication, police seized fake drugs worth more than 84 million baht from two prominent gang networks during raids conducted in Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon provinces. Officers from the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) alongside officials from the Food and Drug Administration uncovered 222,360 illegal items across four premises in these central provinces, as reported by Thanakit Jitareerat, vice-minister for public health, on Tuesday. The confiscated goods boasted a retail value of 84.84 million baht. Delving into the specifics, the operational sweep in Nakhon Pathom targeted three separate locations. One in tambon Huai Kwang of Kamphaeng Saen district was clandestinely producing these illicit medications. Within this makeshift factory,…
In a picturesque display of the intertwining of old and new faces in Thai politics, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was recently seen paying respects to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Thaksin’s residence in Bangkok during the Songkran festival this past April. The image of reverence serves as a soft backdrop to a more turbulent political picture. The Constitutional Court announced on Tuesday that it will review an ethics case against Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin come July 10. This decision is currently pending the collection of opinions from various involved parties and organizations. To aid in the deliberation, the court has meticulously assigned specific topics for relevant entities to provide written insights, all to be submitted within 15 days. The amassed feedback is set to play a crucial role in the court’s ultimate decision. Prime Minister Srettha had already submitted his defense to the Constitutional Court on June 7. The…
Senate candidates in Bangkok eagerly converged at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre on Sunday, casting their votes for the provincial-level election. The excitement and anticipation filled the air as the groundwork was laid for the national round of voting, set to take center stage on June 26. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) The path to this pivotal moment had its bumps, but it got a unanimous green light from the Constitutional Court on Tuesday. All nine judges concurred that the Senate election did not trample on the charter. The claims made by six petitioners, five of whom were gunning for Senate seats, didn’t hold water. Specifically, four sections of the organic law on the Senate’s composition were deemed constitutionally sound. In light of the court’s undisputed ruling, the Election Commission (EC) swiftly reassured the public that the national-level Senate election will indeed kick off on June 26, just…
The constitutional tremors set off on a typical Tuesday by the Constitutional Court could decidedly reshape the political future of Thailand. Mark your calendars, folks. July 3 is D-Day for the Move Forward Party (MFP), as the Court gears up to adjudicate the highly controversial dissolution case against the prominent opposition party. This time, the stakes are as high as they get. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation. The Court has laid down the procedural gauntlet, prompting all parties involved to submit their facts and opinions within an electrifying span of just seven days. No time for hesitations; this accelerated timeline promises to keep the political adrenaline pumping. Now, the main players—MFP and the Election Commission—have their moment in the spotlight on July 9, presenting their heavy-hitting witnesses and potential game-changing evidence. Intrigue and secrecy hover around the specifics, as the Court has teased no additional details. But brace yourselves…