Latest news with #ThaksinShinawatra
CNA
8 hours ago
- Politics
- CNA
Rift between Cambodia, Thailand deepens over landmine blast as ex-leaders Hun Sen, Thaksin trade barbs
SINGAPORE: The rift between Thailand and Cambodia has deepened after the Thai government on Sunday (Jul 20) condemned its neighbour for allegedly laying anti-personnel landmines along their shared border that resulted in three Thai soldiers being injured in a blast last week. This comes even as the former leaders of the two countries continue a squabbling match, with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen saying that he has no desire to communicate with former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The two were once seen as close allies when they were in power. But the latest salvo by Hun Sen on Sunday appeared to take a jibe at the legal troubles facing Thaksin after the latter over the weekend told Thai media that he has stopped communicating with his former ally. In a Facebook post, Hun Sen said that it should be him who stopped communicating with Thaksin after the latter's daughter 'was arrogant and looked down on me', referring to former Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. 'Moreover, I have no interest in speaking with someone who has been convicted and is preparing to face additional charges. So, don't think too highly of yourself - talking to you only brings me trouble!' Hun Sen wrote, as reported by Thai news outlet The Nation. Thaksin had earlier on Saturday told Thai media that he was determined to stop communicating with Hun Sen, citing fears that his conversations were being secretly recorded. The former Cambodian leader also criticised Thaksin for calling him 'immoral' earlier. 'I want to ask you, if I lack morality, why did you rely on me for 19 years, from 2006 to 2025, constantly listening to my advice and even calling me 'Leader Number One'?' Hun Sen said. He also said that since Thaksin became involved in Thai politics, 'Thailand has been in great turmoil', adding that he did not want to bring up 'vile' insults Thaksin allegedly made against the Thai monarchy. Thaksin was twice elected as Thailand's prime minister, but he was toppled in a military coup in 2006. He fled in 2008 to avoid a jail sentence for corruption that he claimed was politically motivated and returned to Thailand in August 2023. And just last week, Thaksin testified in court seeking to defend himself against royal defamation charges in a watershed case for his faltering political dynasty. His daughter, Paetongtarn, is also facing political struggles of her own after being suspended as prime minister following a leaked phone call between her and Hun Sen after a row over border territory. THREE THAI SOLDIERS INJURED IN LATEST INCIDENT On the issue of border skirmishes, the Thai foreign ministry on Sunday said that the landmines were a serious violation of international law and an infringement of Thai sovereignty. The statement by foreign ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura came after three Thai soldiers were injured following a blast near the Chong Bok border area in Ubon Ratchathani province on Jul 16, The Nation reported. It added inspections by Thai authorities found that the landmines used in the incident were newly planted and not part of Thailand's arsenal or inventory. 'The Thai government condemns in the strongest terms the use of anti-personnel landmines. Such actions violate Thailand's sovereignty and territorial integrity and are in direct contravention of the fundamental principles of international law as stated in the United Nations Charter,' Nikorndej was quoted as saying by The Nation. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Post reported that the Thai military has begun mine-clearing operations in the Chong Bok border area, also known as Mom Bei in Cambodia. Combat engineers from the Suranaree Task Force – a unit of the Royal Thai Army that is responsible for border security and operations along the Thai-Cambodian border – carried out operations from Sunday morning in response to a report that about 100 landmines were found there after Cambodian soldiers had retreated. The landmine blast on Jul 16 saw three Thai soldiers injured, including one who lost a foot. It is the latest incident after Cambodian and Thai armies on May 28 exchanged fire near Mom Bei - also known as the Emerald Triangle - that resulted in the death of a Cambodian soldier.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
A golden visa rescue plan
Needing a boost: Thailand's Tourism Authority lowered its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals in 2025 to 35 million from 40 million, with Chinese visitors falling short of projections due to safety concerns. — AFP Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra suggested the country create a golden visa scheme for wealthy foreigners to become long-term residents to boost the kingdom's sluggish economy. The golden visa scheme could potentially bring in the equivalent of Thailand's US$500bil (RM2.12 trillion) economy, Thaksin said in a speech at the 'Unlocking Thailand's Future' conference in Bangkok. He suggested the country could attract 600,000 people who would deposit US$1mil (RM4.24mil) apiece for the visa. In return, they'd get rights to buy property in Thailand, helping the real estate sector, with the proceeds to fund education for Thai people. 'It will drive GDP growth, reduce public debt, spur domestic consumption,' Thaksin said. 'It's new, fresh money, and so worth pursuing.' Thaksin retains significant influence with policymakers through the ruling Pheu Thai party, helmed by his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, despite having no formal title in the government. His speech to business people on how to invigorate growth comes after the Constitutional Court recently suspended Paetongtarn as prime minister while it deliberates on an alleged ethics violation case involving her handling of a border dispute. Thaksin has his own legal troubles, including a decade-old royal defamation case that is due to be ruled on next month. He remains confident he will be found innocent, he told the seminar. Thailand's economy, which relies heavily on exports and tourism, has expanded at an average of under 2% over the past decade, trailing other major South-East Asian economies. Gross domestic product will likely grow 1.3% to 2.3% in 2025, constrained by high household debt and slowing tourist arrivals, while the economy is also at risk of a 36% tariff from the United States, its largest export market. Earlier this week, Thailand's Tourism Authority lowered its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals in 2025 to 35 million from 40 million, with Chinese visitors falling short of projections. Only 2.3 million Chinese visitors came to Thailand in the first half of 2025, compared with 3.4 million a year earlier, according to government data. News of a Chinese actor's kidnapping to Myanmar through Thailand increased safety concerns, said Thaksin, who suggested that he would personally insure any Chinese travellers to Thailand in order to win their confidence. — Bloomberg
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Doctor testifies former Thai PM Thaksin's condition not critical, prison didn't follow up
BANGKOK: The Supreme Court on Friday (July 18) heard testimonies from six Police General Hospital doctors in the '14th floor case'. A doctor confirmed that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's condition was not critical, with conflicting statements on surgery. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders heard the fifth round of witness testimonies in the case brought against Thaksin. The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) regarding Thaksin's transfer from prison to receive medical treatment at Police General Hospital on the first night of his incarceration. Friday's proceedings focused on the testimonies of six witnesses, including hospital directors and the medical team responsible for treating Thaksin between Aug 23, 2023, and Feb 17, 2024. The court also reviewed relevant medical records, treatment logs, and Thaksin's overseas medical history provided by his legal team. The six witnesses were: 1) Pol Lt Gen Soponrat Singhajaru, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police 2) Pol Lt Gen Dr Taweesilp Wetchavitarn, Chief Medical Officer 3) Pol Maj Gen Samart Muangsiri 4) Pol Maj Gen Supalerk Pattanaprichakul, Medical Officer 5) Pol Col Chana Chongchokdee, Medical Officer 6) Pol Lt Gen Suraphol Kesprayura According to reports from the court, three of the witnesses testified in the morning session, including the former chief doctor of the Police General Hospital, the current chief doctor, and the doctor who treated Thaksin during his midnight admission on August 23, 2023. The first witness, the former chief doctor of the hospital at the time of Thaksin's admission, testified about the process of admitting Thaksin as a patient and whether his treatment followed the hospital's established procedures, particularly in regard to placing him in a room on the 14th floor. The witness explained that the 14th floor was designated as a separate treatment area during the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to the use of all available patient rooms. However, the witness clarified that he was not involved in Thaksin's treatment and only received reports from the attending doctors. When asked if other prisoners from the correctional facility had been treated on the 14th floor, the witness could not provide an answer and promised to submit further details to the court. The court also reviewed the invoices related to Thaksin's treatment, which included 27 receipts. Of these, only 9 listed medication expenses. The second witness, the current chief doctor of Police General Hospital, who assumed the position in mid-October 2023, testified about the special room where Thaksin was placed. His account contradicted the previous witness's testimony, particularly regarding Thaksin's medical condition. The witness explained that despite Thaksin being sent from the Bangkok Remand Prison as a critical patient, he was not sent to the emergency room or ICU at Police General Hospital but was instead placed on the 14th floor as a result of prior coordination. Furthermore, the court questioned the medical history of Thaksin's condition, as outlined in the documents sent from the prison. While the prison documents indicated a need for neck surgery, which was not carried out due to Thaksin's refusal, the treatment at the hospital focused on other conditions, including a finger surgery and shoulder tendon repair, which had developed while he was being treated at Police General Hospital. The testimony of the medical professionals revealed contradictions, particularly regarding the finger surgery, and raised questions about the consistency of the diagnosis and treatment between the prison and the hospital's medical staff. The third witness, a doctor at Police General Hospital, testified about his role in treating Thaksin after his admission on Aug 23, 2023. The court spent an hour and a half questioning this witness, who explained that he was the first doctor to receive Thaksin as a patient. The court inquired in detail about the process of Thaksin's admission and treatment, from the moment he was brought in until his discharge. The doctor read from the medical records, revealing that some symptoms were not documented, prompting further questions from the court about whether Thaksin's condition was critical and if he could have been sent back to the Bangkok Remand Prison. The witness stated that some symptoms were not considered critical, and in his personal opinion, Thaksin could have been transferred back for treatment at the prison hospital. The witness also noted that, during his examination of Thaksin, the patient sometimes lay in bed and other times sat on a sofa in his room. The doctor testified that he had consulted a cardiologist regarding Thaksin's condition, and while surgery was recommended for other health issues, Thaksin declined the procedure. The court also questioned the witness about discrepancies in the medical bills, specifically regarding medication that was not listed in the receipts. Additionally, the court sought clarification on the medical certificate issued for extending Thaksin's hospital stay for 120 days. Furthermore, the court asked whether prison officers had inquired about Thaksin's health, to which the doctor responded that no inquiries had been made. Regarding security, the doctor confirmed that guards were present both inside and outside the room, and before each examination, the doctor's phone was confiscated. The witness maintained that he had provided care according to medical ethics and stated that he was unaware of the regulations concerning the transfer or return of prisoners to the prison hospital. When asked about the legal considerations and his responsibility for patient care, the witness responded, "I only thought about being a doctor treating a patient; I never thought I would end up in court." Throughout his testimony, the witness appeared visibly stressed, requesting paper and pen to write down the court's questions. At times, he placed his hands in a prayer-like gesture while answering the court's queries. At the end of the session, the court requested that the witness provide additional documents: 1) information regarding other prisoners treated on the 14th floor of Police General Hospital, and 2) the medical records related to Thaksin's treatment. Before entering the courtroom to attend the hearings in the case, former Democrat MP Chanchai Israsenarak presented receipts for Thaksin's treatment at Police General Hospital on the 14th floor to reporters. The receipts included a total of 26 items from September 4, 2023, to February 19, 2024, amounting to 2,475,276 baht. He explained that police authorities had ordered the Police General Hospital to report on the nature of Thaksin's treatment and the costs incurred for his care. Thaksin was transferred from the Bangkok Remand Prison to Police General Hospital on August 23, 2023, but the first payment was recorded on September 4, 2023, which included a charge for nutritional support via IV at 150 Baht. Other charges included diagnostic fees, nursing services, and room costs, totalling approximately 140,000 Baht, but there were no charges for medication, despite claims of a critical illness. Chanchai emphasised that these receipts were not medical records and could be disclosed publicly. Upon examining the receipts, he pointed out that there were no charges for medications and that a February 19, 2024, receipt included costs for prosthetics and treatment equipment, totalling 11,461 baht, and non-medication medical supplies worth 47,324 baht, in addition to room and food charges of 57,350 baht. He noted that Thaksin was able to walk around freely just seven days after these treatments. He further stated that the issue was not about special laws but about determining whether Thaksin's sentence was enforced properly. He confirmed that the court needed to investigate thoroughly to ensure fairness for all parties involved, adding that the process was transparent and not intended to target anyone. He also emphasised that he obtained the documents and receipts legally and would submit all relevant information to the court on July 25, 2025, to support the case against Thaksin. 'If he's not satisfied, let him sue me,' Chanchai said. 'I'm ready to go to court with him again, and I'll drag out any confidential documents to expose the truth. If he's really confident, let him come forward, but let the truth come out in court so that peace can return to the country. I'm not doing this for politics; I'm no longer involved in politics,' Chanchai added. - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Bangkok Post
Thailand considers excise tax hikes on imported EVs
The Ministry of Finance is studying the imposition of a higher excise tax on imported electric vehicles (EVs) that use a low proportion of local content. Electric pickup trucks in particular are being looked at by the Excise Department, said a ministry source who requested anonymity. Any increases would be part of a package being developed to support domestic investment in the electric pickup truck industry, According to the source, imported EVs from China that benefit from a zero import tariff may be subject to a higher excise tax if they contain zero local content or just a low level of local content. Thailand has a free trade agreement (FTA) with China, allowing many Chinese imports — including EVs — to enjoy zero import duty. This has created competitive imbalances with automakers from other countries who face import tariffs ranging from 40% to 80%. According to the source, the Excise Department is collaborating with the Board of Investment (BoI), which is working on measures to support the pickup truck industry. Importers who meet BoI conditions would be eligible for support. Speaking at the 'Unlocking Thailand's Future' conference on Thursday night, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra proposed the government impose a high excise tax on imported EVs that use a low proportion of local content. He said FTAs with some countries that enjoy zero import tariffs on EVs negatively affect the ecosystem of the domestic automotive industry. He did not name the countries. Using car seats made in Thailand was one example of the kind of local content foreign EV makers could source, he said. Thaksin also mentioned that promoting the use of EVs would help reduce pollution. Currently, Thailand imports 60 million litres of diesel a day, 25 million litres of gasoline and another 10 million litres of other types of fuel, equivalent to the output capacity of a 40,000-megawatt power plant. He also expressed support for Thailand to become a hub for green electricity. Producing 40,000MW of green electricity from solar energy for 24-hour power generation would require about 1.4 million rai of land. He said Thailand has sufficient land to make this possible, and that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) could undertake this initiative by establishing a separate division, or a 'Green Egat'.
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Tourism industry likes Thaksin's ‘CEO governor' idea
Tourism operators agree with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra's proposal for 'CEO governors' — a policy he introduced two decades ago with mixed results — but say there must be checks to ensure transparency and that work is carried out effectively. The former premier dusted off the proposal on Thursday during a speech in which he made a number of proposals to revive the sluggish Thai economy. He said the CEO approach would enable provincial governors to set directions and strategies more independently. Provincial governors are now appointed by the central government and supervised by the Interior Ministry to drive the central government's policies in their provinces. Allowing them greater authority should be counterbalanced by more input from regional stakeholders as well, said La-iad Bungsrithong, an adviser of the Thai Hotels Association. For instance, members of Provincial Administrative Organisations (PAOs), who are elected by local people, have their five-year plans examined by a PAO council to ensure more effective work. She said CEO governors would help those who take up these roles to solve persistent issues in Chiang Mai, as they would have extended powers beyond the limited authority of those controlled by the Interior Ministry. Major challenges include severe floods and air pollution, which have occurred in many northern areas, not just Chiang Mai. She said a Chiang Mai CEO governor would have to deal with the central government and neighbouring provinces when planning budgets, as well as ensuring related organisations in the province are moving in the same direction. 'At present, budgets for events in provinces are distributed in a disorderly manner via many organisations,' she said. Mrs La-iad said the government should also consider the idea of elected governors, using municipal elections in Pattaya as an example, exploring how those practices could work in the contexts of other provinces. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, said that out of 80 public organisations in Phuket, the provincial governor is able to oversee about 30, which doesn't allow for effective work to the degree that tourists and business operators expect. For instance, in the case of disease outbreaks or widespread illegal cannabis stores, the governor has no power to use law enforcement, such as ordering those illegal shops to close, as this falls under the Ministry of Public Health. Mr Thaneth said flaws in tourism safety enforcement had also disrupted the image of world-class tourism in Phuket. Besides introducing the CEO governor model, the government should adjust the budget allocation policy as Phuket has a very limited development budget compared to the huge scale of tourism.
