In a headline-grabbing twist worthy of a gripping drama, the serene corridors of Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Division 1 were abuzz with intrigue as the ex-wife and daughter of Dr. Boon Vanasin, the illustrious founder of Thonburi Healthcare Group, found themselves in the center of a multi-billion-baht storm. The iconic leader, known for shaping the healthcare landscape of Thailand, now cast an overshadowing spotlight with allegations of mind-boggling fraud, leaving both kin and kingdom reeling in its magnitude. Amidst swirling allegations, Jaruwan Vanasin, the 79-year-old former spouse, and her daughter Nalin, a sprightly 51, were ensnared in a web they vehemently claimed not to have spun. Brought before the investigative lens on a perilous Saturday night, they stood accused of public fraud, fraudulent borrowing, and a slew of money-laundering machinations. Stalwartly, they denied all charges, painting a picture of innocence amid the cascade of accusations. Pol Maj Gen Atthaporn Wongsiripreeda, the…
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In the intriguing, sleepless nights of Nakhon Ratchasima, where the moon casts a silvery glow over the undulating landscapes, tales of humans versus nature unfolded in a dramatic standoff. Imagine the scene: it’s Saturday night, and a group of intrepid farmland protection volunteers finds themselves squared off against a formidable adversary—an assembly of wild elephants. The tranquil setting of Khon Buri district in northeastern Thailand was disrupted when these gentle giants decided to venture too close for comfort to the boundaries of Thap Lan National Park. At around 9 PM, under the cloak of the night, the alarm was raised. Volunteers, as sharp as eagles, spotted the silhouettes of approximately 20 elephants inching closer to the lush greens of Taling Chan village. With sugarcane, cassava, and cornfields at stake, time was of the essence. Rallying around a shared goal of safeguarding their rich farmlands, a courageous battalion of about 50…
In the bustling district of Bang Bua Thong, nestled in Nonthaburi, a rather astounding discovery was made that reverberated across both local and international wildlife protection communities. Authorities confiscated three fully intact Sumatran tiger carcasses, unearthed from within the confines of a seemingly unremarkable house. The tale of this peculiar case, involving a 60-year-old man and his clandestine dealings, is nothing short of intriguing. The careful and coordinated raid on this fateful Saturday was orchestrated by Thailand’s diligent Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED). At the center of this operation was a certain Mr. Charlie Meepra. As the moonlit night enveloped the town, Charlie, oblivious to the impending swoop, found himself ensnared by a sting operation that could easily match the plot of a crime thriller. Pol Col Arun Wachirasrisukanya, the astute deputy commander of NED, was the mastermind behind this strategic bust. Acting on an anonymous tip,…
In the vibrant heart of Bangkok, a determined battalion of change-makers gathered at the TK Palace Convention Centre, rallying under the bold banner of “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers.” This spirited congregation, featuring representatives from an impressive coalition of 80 civil society groups, wasn’t just a regular meet-up. It was an emphatic clarion call for justice as they urged the Thai government to embrace a series of transformative recommendations, each designed to dismantle discrimination against the country’s most vulnerable populations. The event, orchestrated by the Foundation for Action on Inclusion Rights (FAIR), People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination (MovED), and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), sought to weave a fabric of solidarity and strength within the society. Their mission was clear: Advocate for legislative changes that would foster a more equitable and inclusive society. At the heart of their campaign lie five pivotal proposals. The first focuses on enhancing the understanding…
The ongoing saga of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reads like a political thriller that just won’t fade into obscurity. The Election Commission (EC) of Thailand retains its sharp focus on Thaksin, probing his alleged orchestration of the Pheu Thai Party and the claimed meddling in the coalition government. Despite the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to dismiss a petition accusing Thaksin and the Pheu Thai Party of attempting to dismantle the constitutional monarchy, the EC remains relentless in its investigation. According to Sawang Boonmee, the EC secretary-general, the reason for this persistence lies in the difference between the laws governing the two bodies. Although the court rejected the petition based on its legal perspective, the EC continues its inquiry under distinct legal provisions. The court’s assessment hinged on Section 49 of the Thai constitution, which addresses acts of misconduct and potential threats to the monarchy. However, the EC is…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, along Rama VI Road in Ratchathewi district, there stands a beacon of hope for those in need of medical supplies – the Government Pharmaceutical Organization outlet. This place, always abuzz with the chatter of concerned citizens, has recently found itself at the center of a heated debate that has stirred emotions across Thailand. A spirited civil society group, led by the impassioned voice of Saree Aongsomwang, secretary-general of the Thailand Consumer Council (TCC), is voicing its discontent over a legal tussle that could set back healthcare advancements. The Medical Council of Thailand, in a move as contentious as it is surprising, has launched a legal action against the National Health Security Office (NHSO) over its policy of providing free medicine to those with 16 common ailments under the country’s universal healthcare scheme. The ailments in question are those that can sneak up on us…
Political analysts have their fingers abuzz with chatter, and it seems the tea leaves are signaling an imminent homecoming for Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand’s former Prime Minister turned fugitive. With her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, fanning the flames of anticipation, Yingluck’s potential return is stirring the political cauldron.(Photo: @PouYingluck X account) Thaksin’s intriguing remarks in Udon Thani Province, unveiled by Nikkei Asia, hinted that Yingluck could be back on Thai soil as soon as the Songkran festival in April. The timing couldn’t be more dramatic, evoking an image worthy of a political epic. Her journey back, if realized, would mark a significant turn of events since her disappearance in 2017—a self-imposed exile sparked by a controversial rice-pledging program that left the country short of at least 500 billion baht. Despite a court sentence looming over her like a storm cloud—five years, to be precise—speculation about her return gained ground when the Supreme…
A riveting saga unfolds in Thailand as the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases faces a seismic challenge, involving a land ownership debacle of epic proportions. The controversy has ensnared nine individuals, including Interior permanent secretary Ansit Sampantarat and the Department of Land’s (DoL) director-general, Pornpoth Penpas. At the heart of the turmoil? The sprawling Khao Kradong lands in Buri Ram province, embroiled over a colossal 5,083 rai of contested plots. Natthaporn Toprayoon, once the wise adviser to the Chief Ombudsman, has boldly taken up arms, filing a petition grounded in his constitutional rights as outlined in Chapter 3. The allegations levied are grave: negligence and ethical misconduct, stemming from not executing the court’s directive to annul the contentious Khao Kradong land rights document. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT), like a knight determined to reclaim its rightful kingdom, has accused the Department of Land of erroneously granting…
In the heart of lush green Thailand, an exciting new chapter unfolds as the Royal Forest Department steps up its game with a fresh arsenal of locally-crafted powerhouses. For the first time ever, they’re arming themselves with modern submachine guns, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. This strategic upgrade aims to bolster the safeguarding of an awe-inspiring 32 million rai of precious forest land. Just last week, the department, in a show of camaraderie with the Defence Industry and Energy Centre, marked this milestone with an impressive handover ceremony—a proud lineup of 20 gleaming NIN9 submachine guns. These cutting-edge weapons are a testament to the government’s visionary policy to propel the domestic weapons industry to new heights, ensuring self-reliance in defence weaponry development. The anticipation in the air was palpable as Bannarak Sermthong, the ever-dedicated deputy chief of the department, shared insights on the grand plans…
A wave of change is rippling through the veins of Thai civil society as an ambitious campaign makes its way into the public arena. Determined to tackle the entrenched discrimination against vulnerable groups, an impressive consortium of 80 civil organizations recently convened at the illustrious TK Palace Convention Centre in Bangkok. The event, aptly named “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” was orchestrated by a trio of formidable forces: the Foundation for Action on Inclusion Rights (FAIR), People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination (MovED), and the ever-innovative Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth). This coalition is urging the government to consider five groundbreaking recommendations, ushering in an era of fairness and inclusivity. In a remarkable showcase of unity and resolve, the event’s attendees underscored the need for legislative reforms that echo a commitment to an equitable society. The first proposal champions the enhancement of knowledge and awareness surrounding diversity. A clarion call is being…