Latest news with #TheNation
The Star
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Over 81,000 inmates granted royal clemency on Thai King's birthday anniversary
BANGKOK: More than 81,000 inmates across Thailand will receive royal clemency—either through early release or sentence reduction—on the occasion of His Majesty the King's birthday anniversary that fell on Monday (July 28), Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said on Wednesday (July 30). Royal pardon to benefit over 80,000 prisoners Tawee stated that he was awaiting an official report from the Department of Corrections on the exact number of recipients, but he estimated the total would exceed 80,000 nationwide. When asked whether two high-profile convicts involved in the fake government-to-government (G-to-G) rice deal would be among those pardoned, Tawee responded that it would depend on the length of their remaining jail terms. High-profile G-to-G rice case convicts unlikely to be freed Reporters specifically inquired about former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and Apichart Chansakulporn, both convicted in the G-to-G rice scheme. Tawee clarified that inmates already on parole would be eligible for release under the royal pardon. However, in Boonsong's case, with three years and five months of his sentence remaining, he would only have his sentence reduced—by about one-third—not fully pardoned. Department of Corrections confirms 81,333 to benefit A Department of Corrections official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that out of 216,522 inmates currently in the system, 81,333 would receive royal clemency this year. Breakdown of royal clemency: 12,739 inmates will be released immediately 7,599 inmates will have their sentence reduced to allow for imminent release 4,996 individuals held in lieu of unpaid fines will be freed 55,999 inmates will have their sentences commuted but must continue serving time in prison - The Nation/ANN
The Star
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thai court gives Paetongtarn until Aug 4 to submit defence in dismissal case
The court suspended Paetongtarn (left) from prime ministerial duties on July 1 after receiving a complaint by a group of senators, which accuses her of breaching ethical standards following remarks made in a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen (right) about the two countries' border standoff. - The Nation/ANN BANGKOK: Thailand's Constitutional Court gave suspended premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra until Aug 4 to submit her defence in a high-profile ethics case that could see her ousted over the handling of a border dispute. The extension is final, and the court will proceed with the case regardless of whether it receives her defence, the court said in a statement Wednesday (July 30). The court had previously granted Paetongtarn a two-week extension until July 31 to file her defence. The court suspended Paetongtarn from prime ministerial duties on July 1 after receiving a complaint by a group of senators, which accuses her of breaching ethical standards following remarks made in a leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen about the two countries' border standoff. Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of billionaire and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, could be disqualified and removed from office if the court rules against her. She came to power in August last year after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was ousted in a similar ethics-related case over an appointment of a cabinet minister. - Bloomberg
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Tribute to brave Thai soldier "Sergeant Toe" who died defending hundreds of fellow soldiers
BANGKOK: In the aftermath of the Thai-Cambodian border clashes between July 24-28, 2025, the Royal Thai Army has honoured the heroic actions of Sergeant Major Thawatchai Busapha (pic) – affectionately known as "Sergeant Toe". Sergeant Toe was a frontline scout who sacrificed his life at the Khao Satta Som military base in Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, while defending Thai soldiers from intense attacks. According to a heartfelt tribute shared by his fellow soldier, Suttipong Pongwan, Sergeant Toe was the leader of a small group of artillery scouts tasked with identifying targets and adjusting artillery fire. The dangerous job made the scouts prime targets for enemy forces, but it was essential for the safety of their fellow soldiers. Sergeant Toe was stationed at Khao Satta Som, a critical high ground along the border, from where he conducted vital surveillance. On July 24, the first day of the clashes, Sergeant Toe's bravery was on full display as he identified and neutralised threats that could have endangered the lives of hundreds or even thousands of soldiers. His efforts helped prevent tanks from advancing into the area, and the enemy suffered significant losses throughout the day and night. The fighting escalated on July 25, with enemy forces intensifying their assault using tanks, artillery, and rockets, shaking the very ground. Despite the overwhelming firepower, Sergeant Toe continued his duties with unwavering courage. He informed his fellow soldiers of approaching tanks and coordinated artillery fire to stop them. But tragically, during one such engagement, a shell from the enemy tank struck the bunker where Sergeant Toe was stationed. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
10 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thailand accuses Cambodia of 'flagrant violation' of truce
BANGKOK: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement condemning Cambodia's violation of the ceasefire agreement, calling on Phnom Penh to immediately cease hostilities and return to full compliance. Details of the ministry's 'Statement on VIolation of the ceasefire agreement by Cambodian forces' are as follows: In the late evening of July 29, 2025, less than 24 hours after a ceasefire agreement was reached between Thailand and Cambodia, Thai military positions in Phu Makua, Si Sa Ket Province, came under attack by small arms fire and grenade assaults launched by Cambodian forces. The attack continued into the morning of July 30, 2025. This represents a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement which came into place at midnight on July 28, 2025. Such an act of aggression constitutes once again a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement by Cambodian forces and their apparent lack of good faith. Thailand reiterates its full commitment to the ceasefire and the peaceful resolution of the current situation and strongly calls on Cambodia to immediately cease all violations and return to full compliance with the said ceasefire agreement. - The Nation/ANN
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Hardened US criminals deported to eSwatini 'might end up on Mzansi shores'
The United States sent five men it describes as 'barbaric' criminals to the neighbouring Kingdom of eSwatini. Image: X The decision by the United States President Donald Trump's administration to send five dangerous, hardened criminals to the neighbouring Kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) took citizens by surprise and shock. IOL reported earlier this week that the move has also sparked outrage in the small landlocked nation, and fears abound that the criminals may end up in South Africa. The Trump administration announced over a week ago that it would be sending the men who are illegal immigrants from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Yemen and Cuba convicted of child rape, murder, burglary, and being gang members and whose countries refuse to take them back. King Mswati III Image: Ludovic Marin, AFP Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Speaking to IOL, Bheki Makhubu, editor of the monthly news magazine The Nation, said people of eSwatini feel betrayed. 'Essentially, emaSwati feel they were betrayed by the leadership of eSwatini. This move came as a complete surprise and seems to have been arranged and known by only a select few people. This deal feels like an invasion of our country by the US. We feel our leaders have sold our country to Trump behind our backs,' he said. 'This country is nobody's personal property and therefore we're upset and most importantly, afraid. There's a fear that if this is allowed to continue, and it looks like more prisoners are coming, one day we will wake up and find that we've been annexed by another country behind our backs.' Makhubu added that his understanding is that these dangerous criminals are set to spend only a year here in eSwatini. 'If, as we are told, they are not wanted in their own countries, what will happen to them? Our economy is very small, I doubt they'll want to stick around once free. The next best place to go is South Africa. 'Remember, South Africa is the gateway to the rest of the world and the economy is large enough for them to try and make a living there. So they could also seek to make your country home,' said Makhubu. Bheki Makhubu, editor of the eSwatini monthly news magazine The Nation spoke to IOL Image: Supplied Last week, IOL reported that the Kingdom of eSwatini has become the focus of regional scrutiny following the arrival of the five foreign nationals deported from the United States and transferred to its correctional system — individuals convicted of serious crimes, including murder and child rape. Held in isolated prison units, these inmates — citizens of Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Laos, and Yemen — were reportedly rejected by their home countries, reportedly prompting the US Department of Homeland Security to describe these offenders in harsh terms. The eSwatini government confirmed the transfer in a statement released by spokesperson Thabile Mdluli: 'Indeed, five inmates are currently housed in our correctional facilities in isolated units, where similar offenders are kept. The government acknowledges the widespread concern regarding the deportation of third-country prisoners from the US into eSwatini.' When reached for further comments, Mdluli revealed that the government could accommodate additional deportees beyond the initial five, depending on further discussions and available capacity. Officials confirmed there were no set timelines for repatriating the deported prisoners, as the process depended on cooperation with their countries of origin. IOL News
