Latest news with #TheNation
The Star
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Royal Thai Army to present evidence of Cambodia's deliberate attacks on civilians to the international community
BANGKOK: The Royal Thai Army plans to show international diplomats the damage from Cambodia's artillery attacks on Thai civilians, including homes, schools, and hospitals. Maj Gen Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, on Wednesday (July 30) discussed the Cambodian military's recent decision to allow foreign military attachés to inspect the area of the border clash at Chong An Ma area in Ubon Ratchathani. He said the foreign delegation's visit showcased the damage caused by the use of weapons from both sides, which is expected in such a military operational zone. However, the area remains a key military target. "The Thai side also has plans to organise similar events. However, we won't focus on creating misleading or superficial images," said Winthai. "Our priority is to communicate the true damage to the international community, particularly the destruction of civilian infrastructure—homes, schools, and hospitals—that the Cambodian military deliberately targeted. "This has led to significant civilian casualties, even though these areas are deeply inside Thai territory, some 10-30 kilometres from the actual combat zones." He further condemned the Cambodian actions as a violation of Thailand's sovereignty and contrary to international military law and humanitarian principles, particularly the breaches of multiple international conventions prohibiting attacks on non-combat areas. The Royal Thai Army reiterated that its operations are solely focused on military targets, adhering strictly to international laws. Winthai stressed that Thailand is not the aggressor, but it has a legitimate right to defend its citizens and territory. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
19 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
a day 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
a day 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
a day 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
