Category: The Bangkok Post

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has defended the government’s push to roll out the “Khon La Khrueng” co-payment economic stimulus scheme, dismissing criticism that the scheme is a thinly veiled attempt at pre-election campaigning.

Speaking during the government’s policy statement to parliament on Tuesday, Mr Anutin stressed that the administration has only four months in office and therefore must act swiftly on measures deemed feasible and beneficial.

“There is no such thing as rushing. There is only working quickly, transparently and in the people’s best interest,” he said.

He maintained that the co-payment scheme is designed around public participation, with citizens contributing half the cost and the state subsidising the rest.

“If people do not join, the project has no effect. But if they do, spending will circulate and help stimulate the economy,” he added.

When asked about accusations of premature electioneering, Mr Anutin replied that every party engages in political messaging in parliament.

“Debate itself is also a form of campaigning,” he said, before laughing off further questions about concerns over the use of taxpayers’ money.

Opposition criticism was led by Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of the People’s Party, who said the government’s policy statement lacked clarity and urgency. While acknowledging the administration’s time and budgetary constraints, she said its role should be to manage the country responsibly until the next election without making irreversible decisions or exploiting public funds.

She further questioned why it was deemed necessary for unspent stimulus funds from the previous government, which had already helped reduce the deficit and borrowing needs, to be now deployed in full by the current administration.

Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow on Tuesday rejected allegations made during a heated parliamentary debate that he was unqualified to serve as a cabinet minister.

Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a Pheu Thai Party list-MP, made the allegations.

Mr Anusorn referred to multiple controversies surrounding Thamanat, particularly the infamous ‘flour case’ from 1993. At that time, Thamanat had claimed that a substance weighing 3.2kg seized by Australian authorities – allegedly heroin – was merely ‘flour’.

An Australian court in March 1994 sentenced Thamanat to six years in prison for heroin trafficking. He was released after four years and deported to Thailand.

Thamanat, also a deputy prime minister, said that the Constitutional Court had already ruled unanimously on such matters during his previous tenure as deputy agriculture minister in the Prayut Chan-o-cha government. The court found that he did not violate any disqualifying criteria as set out in Sections 160 (6) and (7) of the constitution.

In short, the court found that only a criminal conviction in Thailand can disqualify a person from serving as an MP or minister.

As well, Thamanat said, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) cleared him of a complaint of gross ethical misconduct. He said all the relevant documentation had been thoroughly reviewed through proper legal channels.

‘I would like to remind the debating MP that I have been through both good times and difficult times in life. I have always accepted scrutiny and have passed every stage of the judicial process,’ he said.

‘Please stop dredging up old matters to make them political issues again. If there are still doubts, we can discuss them privately.

‘Let me make this clear. Anyone who makes defamatory remarks against me – even under parliamentary privilege, and if those remarks cause reputational damage outside parliament – they will face consequences. Our next meeting place will be in the Phayao [police station].’

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Monday dismissed reports which claimed that Thai soldiers stationed in Phu Makua amid the ongoing border tension with Cambodia have had to survive on meagre rations.

Responding to reports circulating online which claimed the soldiers stationed in the flashpoint area have had to make do with rations consisting of instant noodles, canned fish and three small bottles of drinking water per day, he said the government “supplies all necessary resources to maintain the morale of its troops”.

The Second Army Region also denied the reports, saying all personnel at Phu Makua are well-provisioned with food, drinking water, and other essentials.

The unit acknowledged the logistical challenges posed by recent heavy rainfall but assured that supply lines remain uninterrupted.

With regards to residents who have had to be evacuated from border areas, the prime minister said the government will ensure all relief centres are able to provide all evacuees with proper food, bedding, clothing, and internet access, provided by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, to help them cope with stress.

When asked about the growing tension along the Thai-Cambodian border on Monday, Mr Anutin said the government is monitoring the situation in all border provinces.

The prime minister also said the military has been authorised to do whatever it needs to do to protect the country’s sovereignty amid the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia.

He said the government is also working to bolster security on the frontier.

Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has submitted a petition for a royal pardon for his one-year jail sentence, his lawyer said on Monday.

He was jailed earlier this month after the Supreme Court ruled that he did not serve his initial prison sentence after spending six months in a VIP room of a hospital following his return from 15 years of self-exile in August 2023.

Thaksin, 76, was initially sentenced to eight years in jail for conflicts of interest and abuse of power while he was prime minister from 2001 to 2006. His sentence was later commuted to one year by the king.

Thaksin’s request for royal pardon, a process available to all prisoners who have completed their legal cases, could lead to the reduction of his current prison time.

“The petition was submitted,” Winyat Chartmontree told reporters, adding, “This is a right of every inmate.” The former PM has been in Thai politics for around thirty years, winning nearly every election since 2001.

Deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Kornchai Klaiklueng, said the Royal Thai Police will not demolish the new Samsen Police Station, which now lies precariously on the edge of a massive sinkhole which opened up in Dusit district last week.

Pol Gen Kornchai said a team of engineers has inspected the building and determined that demolition won’t be necessary if the damaged foundation pillars are adequately reinforced.

Although the team concluded that the building is in no immediate danger of collapsing, it will remain closed to ensure the safety of both officers and members of the public.

“I will be the first one to enter the building once it is reopened,” assured Pol Gen Kornchai.

He promised the RTP will not use public funds to rebuild the building if authorities decide to demolish the station in the future, out of safety concerns..

He said that RTP has offered the station’s officers temporary residence in three locations: Khlong San, Vibhavadi, and Dusit. Pol Gen Kornchai said the RTP is aware of concerns about the commute, saying the station’s chief and Metropolitan Police Region 1 have been ordered to address the problem.

Deputy Prime Minister Bowornsak Uwanno on Monday explained the constitutional amendment process, confirming that the next general election will involve four separate ballots: two for polls and another two for referendums.

The four ballots are: one for electing constituency MPs, another for party-list MPs, a third for a referendum on constitutional amendments, and a fourth for a referendum on whether to revoke the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cambodia.

Speaking to a House session, Mr Bowornsak said the government’s policy clearly supports holding a referendum to amend the constitution, emphasising the importance of listening to the public and encouraging participation from all sectors.

This approach aligns with the Constitutional Court’s ruling and aims to uphold the democratic system with the King as head of state.

Mr Bowornsak explained that drafting the new constitution is the first step in the process. The second step involves a referendum to approve or reject the draft constitution, which will be the first question posed to voters.

The new draft constitution will introduce an additional Chapter 15/1 of necessary legislative details.

Among these updated and new provisions are a new stipulation regarding the formation of a 99-member constitution drafting assembly (CDA), whose members would be selected exclusively by parliament, to produce the document.

In the initial stage, parliament will determine how to involve the public in drafting the new constitution, in a manner that does not contradict the Constitutional Court’s ruling that prohibits a direct election of the CDA by the public.

Should parliament approve this, the second step will be to draft the new constitution by the CDA or other authorised persons as stipulated in Chapter 15/1, following the referendum, Mr Bowornsak said.

Mr Bowornsak said that two major political parties have already confirmed that they will not amend Chapters 1 and 2 of the constitution.

He explained that any changes to these chapters in the new constitution would immediately raise issues that could potentially contradict the current constitution.

Chapter 1 contains sections that define Thailand as a single, indivisible kingdom with a democratic regime and establish the King as the head of state.

Chapter 2, meanwhile, outlines royal prerogatives.

Police are investigating online reports of a foreign couple seen having sex at night in the sea at Jomtien beach, in the Pattaya area.

On Saturday a post was shared on social media showing a still image taken from a video depicting a foreign couple engaged in sexual activity in the sea just off the beach.

The post included a caption describing their activity in explicit terms and noting that it happened in front of onlookers and tourists on Jomtien beach.

The post drew numerous comments from netizens.

On Sunday, police said they had not yet confirmed the activity happened at the reported location.

The video provided only a single camera angle, and they were still attempting to verify the date, time and precise location.

The opposition Pheu Thai Party criticised the current administration as a “transitional government” designed to help Bhumjaithai secure power on the first day of the policy statement debate on Monday.

Pheu Thai MP for Nan, Cholnan Srikaew, expressed doubts that the Bhumjaithai-led government could deliver its policies before the upcoming election, because many cabinet ministers lacked capabilities.

The former Pheu Thai leader claimed that they are more likely to spend the next four months in office trying to secure their grip on power.

Dr Cholnan blasted the appointment of these ministers as “window dressing” saying they were mainly tasked with boosting the party’s popularity, in an effort to influence the outcome of the election that is scheduled to take place sometime in March next year.

He also warned of possible attempts to sabotage the Election Commission’s (EC) investigation into the alleged vote fixing in the Senate election, which targets many individuals with connections with the Bhumjaithai Party.

The Pheu Thai MP also predicted that the next polls would be driven by the “power of money”, undermining the nation’s parliamentary democracy system.

He also called the People’s Party (PP) decision to trade its mandate to form a government for charter amendments and an early House dissolution “a waste” as he claimed Bhumjaithai would not honour the agreement.

“The proposal to amend Section 256 of the charter [which would pave the way for the establishment of the charter drafting assembly (CDA)] won’t pass the first reading or the final reading.

“Even if a new charter gets written, the process will be entirely steered by the ‘blue-affiliated’ constitutional drafters. All mechanisms are in place for this,” he said, referring to the colour of the Bhumjaithai Party.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended the government, saying the government’s policies are achievable because he knows how to execute them.

He insisted that all cabinet members have both the expertise and experience in national administration before promising to ensure transparency and accountability.

“This government will lay the foundation for good governance and bright democracy. At least no one can pull strings behind this prime minister, and decisions will be made in consultation with cabinet members and members of parliament to protect public interests,” Mr Anutin said.

Responding to claims that the government’s policies do not correspond to people’s demands, he said his administration had different opinions about the casino-entertainment complex and digital wallet schemes.

The Bhumjathai Party’s exit from the Pheu Thai-led government was in part due to differences in opinions on these issues, he added.

Siam Paragon, one of the world’s most visited global landmarks, will unveil three world-class attractions later this year.

With an investment of over 1.25 billion baht and a marketing budget of 200 million baht, this bold initiative underscores Siam Paragon’s commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to more than 100 million visitors annually, while further enhancing Bangkok’s stature as a premier destination for global visitors.

Siam Paragon’s defining strength has always been its ability to offer powerful attractions found nowhere else. A prime example is Sea Life Bangkok, which is among the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, spanning 10,500 square metres and drawing more than 2.5 million visitors annually.

Building on this success, Siam Paragon is introducing two new world-class attractions spread across more than 20,000 sq m: MELAND, Thailand’s first world-leading indoor theme park occupying 5,000 sq m, and NEXTOPIA, a 15,000-square-metre prototype for the ‘world of tomorrow’ — a revolutionary concept set to be remembered as the world’s first of its kind.

With these additions, Siam Paragon will bring together 30,500 sq m of distinctive attractions, making it Thailand’s most comprehensive entertainment destination and delivering extraordinary experiences to an exceptionally wide range of visitors.

In addition, the final magnet reinforcing Siam Paragon’s standing as the No.1 destination for both Thai and global visitors is Siam Paragon Dining Phenomenal.

This enhanced dining hub features over 700 restaurants, cafés, dessert bars and kiosks from around the world and across Thailand, including chef’s table experiences, Michelin-starred establishments and first-in-Thailand debuts.

It will also introduce a new “EATELIER Dining Entertainment” zone, together forming a key part of Siam Paragon’s grand transformation as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

NEXTOPIA: Get set for tomorrow’s world

Siam Paragon is set to create an unprecedented global phenomenon with the launch of NEXTOPIA, a prototype for the ‘world of tomorrow’, spanning more than 15,000 sq m with an investment of 850 million baht.

Developed through the co-creation of 50 innovation partners and 30 Friends of NEXTOPIA communities, this groundbreaking project invites a collective effort from all sectors to build a better world together, inspiring every step of life with meaning, joy, entertainment and a commitment to quality and sustainable living.

MELAND: A boundless world of discovery

Get ready for MELAND, the global landmark flagship in Bangkok, opening on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon. This spectacular wonderland spans more than 5,000 sq m with an investment of 400 million baht, bringing families into a boundless world of imagination, play and discovery.

With over 100 attractions and more than 500 immersive experiences, MELAND is set to become Southeast Asia’s No.1 edutainment destination.

Dining Phenomenal: Capturing culinary delights

Siam Paragon reaffirms its status as Asia’s largest and most complete world-class food destination, bringing together more than 700 restaurants across every floor from G to the top level.

Starting with the newly renovated Paragon Food Court and Food Hall, visitors can explore over 100 celebrated street food eateries that capture the vibrant flavours of Bangkok.

From there, the Siam Paragon Dining Phenomenal journey unfolds with legendary and iconic Thai restaurants, world-renowned chefs, and first-in-Thailand international debuts.

The experience continues with organic and health-focused concepts, complemented by a lively mix of cafés, dessert bars and beverage outlets designed to delight every generation.

The journey continues into the night with the launch of “EATELIER Dining Entertainment,” a brand-new zone featuring 30 exciting new restaurants where art is woven into every dining experience.

Here, guests can create content in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that transforms evenings into Bangkok’s newest hangout and chillout hotspot.

Live bands and DJs add to the energy, turning dining into an immersive lifestyle experience that is as inspiring by day as it is unforgettable by night.

The launch of three new world-class attractions in the final quarter of this year marks a transformative milestone in Siam Paragon’s 20th anniversary.

Since opening, Siam Paragon has received nine global awards recognising its status as a world-leading destination, and it now stands ready to once again redefine industry standards.

This landmark transformation will reinforce Siam Paragon as a magnet for Thailand’s tourism industry and reaffirm its role as a global landmark destination — a visionary leader delivering extraordinary and complete experiences.

In doing so, Siam Paragon strengthens Thailand’s position as a premier global destination, delivering world-class experiences across every dimension and showcasing the nation’s pride on the global stage.

An 84-year-old woman has been left seriously injured after being assaulted and subjected to an attempted rape inside her home.

Rescue volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation received a call from local residents around 3pm on Monday, reporting that the woman had been attacked in her single-storey wooden house beside a canal in Moo 3 of Bang Chalong sub-district in Bang Phli district.

Upon arrival, they found the victim lying on her bed with multiple injuries. She had a broken right little finger, a head wound, severe bruising on her chest, a deep laceration on her left wrist, and another wound behind her ear. First aid was administered before she was taken to a nearby hospital.

The victim told authorities she was alone when an unknown man entered her home late at night, violently beat her and attempted to rape her.

Speaking in broken Thai with what she described as a Khmer accent, the assailant assaulted her until she was badly injured. He remained in the house until around midnight, repeatedly attempting to rape her, before eventually leaving.

Initially, rescuers were informed that the victim had suffered a fall. However, after they spoke with the woman directly, it became clear she had been attacked. Her injuries, including the fractured finger and deep wounds, were consistent with a violent assault.

Neighbours said the woman usually lived with her son, who was away at work during the attack. They added that she normally kept her doors locked and rarely encountered strangers in the area, though migrant workers were often seen passing through in the mornings and evenings. Shocked by the incident, they said they never imagined anyone could inflict such violence on her.

The victim, who was previously in good health, reportedly lost consciousness during the ordeal and only regained awareness later that afternoon, when she managed to open her door and call for help.

Police in Bang Phli on Tuesday arrested a 53-year-old suspect, and said he was a Thai and not a migrant worker as initially speculated and reported on social media, according to a Samut Prakan-based reporter writing on the ????? ?????? Facebook page.

Investigators have detained the suspect, identified only as Jo, after CCTV video and scratch marks found on his body raised strong suspicions. Under intensive questioning, he confessed to the crime.

Police said Mr Jo admitted to scaling the side of the elderly woman’s home after drinking strong liquor and becoming drunk. He told officers that he covered her mouth with his right hand and molested her, before striking her twice when she resisted. He claimed he did not inflict further physical harm.

He further confessed to attempting rape, but said he was unable to complete the act. According to his testimony, he fled the scene after the victim began chanting prayers, which caused him to feel remorse.

Investigators have charged Mr Jo with assault and indecent acts, while additional charges of night-time trespassing and rape are pending the results of medical examinations and further evidence.

Police have opposed bail and will seek to remand the suspect into custody when he is brought to the Samut Prakan Provincial Court on Thursday.