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Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Scholar backs tighter curbs on temples
A legal scholar is calling for tighter financial regulation of Buddhist temples, arguing senior monks hold power equivalent to high-ranking government officials yet remain exempt from anti-corruption scrutiny. Asst Prof Krich Pooyeeyama from Thammasat University's Faculty of Law said senior monks receive state-funded salaries and exercise broad authority, but the National Anti-Corruption Commission cannot audit their assets because monks are not classified as state officials under the anti-graft law. He backed a ministerial regulation that will take effect on Oct 1, requiring temples to deposit their income into bank accounts under the temple's name, limit cash holdings to 100,000 baht, and submit annual financial reports to the NOB. He said a 2021 regulation with similar requirements already exists but has been poorly enforced. The move follows growing public concern over financial scandals involving senior monks and a lack of transparency in temple asset management. "Monks making headlines are all senior figures, and the core issue stems from a lack of transparency in the management of temples, where senior monks wield unchecked power," he said. Temples are public legal entities, and monastic positions, from abbots to the Supreme Patriarch, are comparable to government roles, with state-funded salaries and statutory authority, including the ability to grant or withhold benefits. However, laws do not clearly mandate asset declarations for monks, making auditing the clergy inapplicable and leaving a gap in accountability. He said the NOB must play a central role in enforcing compliance by providing standardised forms and guidance on managing temple finances. He also commented on the draft law, the Patronage and Protection of Buddhists, which would criminalise serious monastic offences such as sexual misconduct, introducing fines and prison sentences. While Asst Prof Krich backs discipline, he warned criminal penalties must be clearly defined to avoid infringing on personal rights and freedoms. He also questioned whether deeply moral issues like these should even fall under criminal law. A recent poll by the National Institute of Development Administration reflects public concern over the issue. Nida held a nationwide survey from July 14 to 16, following news of sex and financial scandals between a woman known as "Sika Golf" and many senior monks. Among 1,310 Buddhist respondents, 76% believed some monks have engaged in misconduct such as drug use, gambling, or sexual relations. Nearly 58% said their faith in monks had declined, though 68% said their faith in Buddhism remained intact. Over 94% supported penalties for misbehaving monks, and 93% also supported punishing laypeople involved in sexual misconduct with monks.
Bangkok Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Senate endorses new attorney-general
The Senate on Tuesday endorsed the appointment of Ittiporn Kaewthip as Thailand's 20th attorney-general, to succeed Phairach Pornsomboonsiri who will retire on Sept 30. Mr Ittiporn, the most senior deputy attorney-general, received 172 votes during the closed-door meeting. Fourteen senators abstained and one opted not to participate. All 11 members of the Public Prosecutors Commission unanimously approved Mr Ittiporn's nomination on May 7 and forwarded it to the upper house for further review and confirmation. With the Senate process now complete, Mr Ittiporn is set to officially assume office on Oct 1. Mr Ittiporn holds a bachelor's degree in law from Thammasat University and later passed the bar exam before earning a master's degree in law from Chulalongkorn University. He began his career as an assistant public prosecutor in 1987. He rose steadily through the ranks, holding a series of senior positions within the public prosecution service. He previously undertook the highest-ranking prosecutorial roles in several provinces, including Nonthaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Phetchaburi and Nakhon Sawan. Mr Ittiporn became more widely known to the public during his tenure as spokesman for the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) from 2020-22. During that time, he was also chairman of a working group responsible for drafting guidelines for the enforcement of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, commonly referred to as the lese-majeste law. (Story continues below) Legitimacy in question Before Tuesday's vote, Senator Nantana Nantavaropas once again voiced her opposition to the proceedings, saying that the Senate should not move forward with key appointments while dozens of members are still facing questions about their eligibility. Senator Nantana raised a similar, but unsuccessful, objection last week during consideration of a Supreme Administrative Court judge nomination. Over 150 senators have reportedly been summoned by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Election Commission (EC) in connection with allegations of vote-rigging in the Senate polls in June 2024. The investigations focus on 'blue bloc' senators, a reference to a large group linked to the Bhumjaithai Party. The final Senate vote on June 26 last year produced highly unusual results, notably a disproportionate number of winners from provinces where Bhumjaithai is strong electorally.
Los Angeles Times
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Court suspends Thailand's prime minister to investigate a leaked phone call
BANGKOK — Thailand's Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday, pending an ethics investigation over accusations that she was too deferential to a senior Cambodian leader when the two discussed a recent border dispute in a phone call that was leaked. Paetongtarn has faced growing dissatisfaction over her handling of the dispute, which involved an armed confrontation on May 28, in which one Cambodian soldier was killed. In a call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, she attempted to defuse tensions — but instead set off a string of complaints and public protests by critics who accused her of being too fawning. Paetongtarn's suspension raises the possibility of renewed instability in Thailand, a still fragile democracy that has suffered several similar bouts of uncertainty. At the root of much of that were concerns from the conservative establishment, including the military, that the political dynasty started by Paetongtarn's father, the popular but divisive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was growing too powerful. She is the third member of her family to hold the prime minister's office — and the third to face the possibility of removal before her term ended. Thaksin was removed from office in a 2006 coup and driven into exile, while his sister, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawtra, was removed by a court order in 2014, followed shortly after by a coup. This 'recurring cycle of political instability' would likely keep repeating unless Thailand goes through a genuine democratic reform that includes limiting power of unelected institutions, said Purawich Watanasukh, a political science lecturer at Thammasat University in Bangkok. 'Without such foundational reforms, any government, regardless of who leads it, will remain vulnerable to the same forces that have repeatedly disrupted Thailand's democratic development,' he said. The suspension also comes at a time when the country is facing an economic slowdown and growing discontent with Paetongtarn and her Pheu Thai party, in general, with critics saying her government's performance has been underwhelming. The judges voted unanimously Tuesday to review the petition accusing her of a breach of the ethics, and voted 7-2 to immediately suspend her from duty as a prime minister until a ruling is given. The court gave Paetongtarn 15 days to give evidence to support her case. After the court order, Paetongtarn said that she would accept the process and defended her actions. 'I only thought about what to do to avoid troubles, what to do to avoid armed confrontation, for the soldiers not to suffer any loss,' she said. She also apologized to people upset over the leaked call and left the Government House shortly after. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, who is a deputy prime minister and a transport minister, will take charge as acting prime minister, said Chousak Sirinil, minister of the prime minister's office. Earlier Tuesday, before the court suspended Paetongtarn, King Maha Vajiralongkorn had endorsed a Cabinet reshuffle after a major party left the government coalition over the leaked call. In the reshuffle, Paetongtarn also received the position of culture minister, in addition to prime minister, though it's not clear if she can take the oath to take up that role. In the call about the border tensions, Paetongtarn could be heard urging Hun Sen — a longtime friend of her father — not to listen to a Thai regional army commander who had publicly criticized Cambodia about the border dispute, and called him 'an opponent.' Thousands of conservative, nationalist-leaning protesters rallied in central Bangkok on Saturday to demand Paetongtarn's resignation. Paetongtarn also faces separate investigations by another agency over the leaked call — a case that could also lead to her removal. The Constitutional Court last year removed Paetongtarn's predecessor over a breach of ethics. Thailand's courts, especially the Constitutional Court, are viewed as a defender of the royalist establishment, which has used them and nominally independent agencies such as the Election Commission to cripple or sink political opponents. Paetongtarn, 38, is the youngest daughter of Thaksin. Her father has remained beloved by many of the Thailand's poor and working classes who long saw him as their champion. But the family's political fortunes now may be on the wane. Thaksin alienated many of his supporters with what looked like a self-serving deal with his former conservative opponents. It allowed his return from exile in 2023 and the party he supported to form the new government, while sidelining the progressive Move Forward Party, which finished first in a national election, but was seen by the conservative establishment as a greater threat. Thaksin has faced several legal challenges since his return. On Tuesday, he attended a court hearing in a case alleging he defamed the monarchy in 2015. He also is under investigation over the handling of his return to face an eight-year prison term on charges related to corruption and abuse of power. At the time, he was transferred almost immediately to a hospital, and later granted clemency because of his age and health without spending a single night in jail. The complaints argue he avoided properly serving his sentence and raise the possibility that Thaksin could be forced to serve prison time. Saksornchai writes for the Associated Press.
Bangkok Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Environment still a top concern for Thai consumers
The environment remains Thailand's number one public concern in 2025, according to a nationwide study by Marketbuzzz in partnership with the School of Global Studies at Thammasat University. This continued prioritisation of the environment occurs despite mounting economic pressure and rising prices, which have also increased as sources of concern this year. The annual survey, conducted since 2019, once again found that "Environment and Pollution" was ranked as the top concern (44%) by Thais and comes despite heightened economic challenges, with rising prices (42%) and economy in general (30%) also ranking high among the top concerns. This consistent result signals an entrenched public worry, even in the face of escalating financial pressures, according to Marketbuzzz. Yet, while concern is high, the gap between worry and tangible personal action remains significant. Sixty-five percent of Thais believe environmental issues are having a very big impact on their quality of life, and nearly half (48%) believe the situation will worsen over the next five years. However, when asked what actions they had taken in the past week, the most common behaviours were turning off lights (50%) and air conditioners (44%) -- relatively easy and habitual acts that require low effort and high individual control. In contrast, only 23% reported refusing plastic bags at stores, highlighting a sharp drop-off in more publicly visible or socially influenced behaviours. SENSE OF CONTROL It's generally easier for people to change their environmental behaviours when they feel they can personally make a difference. Simple actions -- like turning off lights or unplugging appliances -- are more likely to be done because they're easy to do and give people a sense of control. This also suggests people are more likely to change behaviours when they feel they have personal control and the ability to make an immediate impact. More complex or system-influenced behaviours -- such as recycling properly -- remain limited, showing a clear opportunity for guidance, incentives and structural change. "This gap between concern and action is not a failure -- it's an invitation," said Marketbuzzz CEO Grant Bertoli. "The challenge now is to move people from passive concern to active participation. And brands can play a huge role in this transformation." The 2025 data reveals that 66% of Thais say they are definitely willing to support environmentally friendly brands or companies. However, this doesn't always directly translate to a change in purchase behaviour -- unless there is parity in other product attributes, at which point environmental packaging or positioning can tip the balance in favour of the more sustainable brand. "Environmental credentials may not necessarily be the number one reason why people purchase, but when everything else is equal -- price, quality, performance etc -- then sustainability can be the deciding factor, one offers environmentally friendly packaging or sustainable attributes and the other doesn't, that can swing the purchase decision," said Mr Bertoli. This opens the door for brands to lead the change by designing for impact. By integrating sustainability deeper into their value proposition and making it visible, relatable and easy to act on, brands can shift concern into action -- and earn significant brand equity in the process. The research also identified the top three environmental concerns among Thais as global warming (46%), air pollution (45%) and climate change (29%) -- reinforcing the urgent need for widespread, inclusive action across industries and sectors. "We are encouraged to see a continued and growing awareness of environmental threats, particularly at a time when economic challenges persist," said Assistant Prof Dr Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit, Dean of the School of Global Studies at Thammasat University. "This indicates that Thai people increasingly recognise the shared responsibility in addressing environmental issues. It also reinforces the urgent need for collaboration between education, business and policy sectors to accelerate sustainable progress." SYSTEMIC SUPPORT NEEDED Expanding on the findings, Dr Prapaporn said: "The fact that environmental concerns remain strong among Thais, even during times of economic uncertainty, reflects a deep-rooted understanding of the gravity of these issues. "However, the persistent gap between concern and action points to a clear need for systemic support -- structures and policies that empower individuals to turn awareness into concrete, sustained behavioural change." She further emphasised the critical role of the private sector: "This is where corporate leadership plays a vital role. Businesses possess the resources, scale and influence to make sustainable options more accessible, affordable and convenient. "When companies lead with environmental responsibility, they not only help mitigate the crisis directly but also enable their customers to be active participants in the solution."
Bangkok Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Jaspal Group Backs Next Generation of Designers
Bangkok, June 27, 2025 – Jaspal Group is advancing its 'The Power of Next' initiative by spotlighting couture collections from fashion students at four leading universities, aiming to nurture young talent and drive the future of Thailand's fashion industry. Final-year students from Thammasat University, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok University, and the College of Creative Industry at Srinakharinwirot University were invited to present their original collections on a professional runway. In addition to showcasing their creativity and design skills, students gained first-hand experience in curating and managing a full-scale fashion show — a vital launchpad into the industry and a chance to impress fashion insiders. Nalinee Ruangwittayanukul, Corporate Communications Director of Jaspal Group (Jaspal Public Company Limited), noted that 'The Power of Next' reflects our belief in the potential of the new generation, who will drive the sustainable growth of Thailand's fashion industry. She added, 'We are proud to create opportunities that empower young people and inspire them to pursue meaningful careers.' As a leader in Thailand's fashion and lifestyle sector, Jaspal Group is committed to sustainable business growth through education and youth development. Over the years, the Group has collaborated with universities across the country, with designers from its brands – including JASPAL, CPS CHAPS, and ROYAL IVY REGATTA – serving as guest lecturers and mentors. Now in its third year, the Jaspal Group Scholarship Programme has awarded over 3 million baht in support of aspiring fashion students. Many recipients have since joined brands under the Group, affirming the initiative's success in fostering talent and opening long-term career paths. The 2025 runway showcase featured the following collections: Specchio by the 26th cohort of Thammasat University's Department of Textile and Fashion Design, featuring work by scholarship recipient Mild Phrueksakitcharoen. AISLE by fourth-year students from Chulalongkorn University's Department of Creative Arts, including pieces by scholarship awardees Khwankhao Phanphitthayut and Chatchai Sriprempun. Ultimate Source XVIII: Dawn Till Dusk by final-year students from Bangkok University's School of Fine and Applied Arts. FASH24: The Graduate Showcase 2025 by students from the Fashion, Textiles & Accessories Programme, College of Creative Industry, Srinakharinwirot University, including works by scholarship recipients Piyabud Waleekeitikul and Nichapat Kaewthamrong. With over 77 years of experience in fashion and lifestyle, Jaspal Group continues to embrace its 'Find Your Greatness' philosophy — grounded in the belief that greatness lies within everyone, waiting to be expressed. The Group remains dedicated to helping the next generation of Thai designers realise their full potential.
