Latest news with #WilawanWatcharasakwet
Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Thai, Cambodian Leaders to Meet in Malaysia for Ceasefire Consultation
By Wilawan Watcharasakwet BANGKOK, July 27 (Bernama) -- The Thai government has confirmed it will attend a regional peace consultation in Malaysia on Monday to discuss the escalating border conflict with Cambodia. Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as the current ASEAN Chair, has invited the Thai leadership to discuss the Thai-Cambodian conflict. bootstrap slideshow "Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead the Thai delegation, which includes Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Deputy Defence Minister General Natthaphon Nakpanich, and other senior officials, to attend the consultation at the Prime Minister's Office in Malaysia," he said in a statement on Sunday. He added that it has also been confirmed that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will personally attend the consultation at the invitation of the ASEAN Chair. Jirayu said the Thai delegation is scheduled to depart from the Royal Thai Air Force base at approximately 10.30 am, with the meeting set for 3 pm (Malaysian time). "The purpose of these talks is to listen to proposals that may lead to informed decisions and ultimately restore peace. The Thai government remains steadfast in its commitment to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Thailand," he said. On Friday, Anwar also held separate discussions with both the Thai and Cambodian leaders, urging them to agree to an immediate ceasefire. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who expressed deep concern over the clashes on Friday, likewise urged both sides to agree to an immediate ceasefire and resolve their differences through dialogue.
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Barnama
Thai Police Arrest Woman At Centre Of Monastic Extortion Scandal
By Wilawan Watcharasakwet BANGKOK, July 15 (Bernama) -- Thai police have arrested a woman at the centre of a sex and extortion scandal involving several senior Buddhist monks, on charges including misappropriation of property and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiet Pankaew, said the investigation began following a case on June 18 involving a senior monk and former abbot of Wat Tri Thotsathep in Bangkok, who was allegedly blackmailed. bootstrap slideshow According to Jaroonkiet, the suspect, a 35-year-old woman, was apprehended at her residence in a luxury estate in Nonthaburi, after police uncovered evidence of a 380,000 Baht transfer from another senior monk's Ayutthaya temple bank account to her personal account. 'This woman is considered a dangerous individual who needs to be apprehended without delay. The evidence led directly to her arrest today,' he told a press conference on Tuesday. He added that preliminary investigations had revealed that the woman had a personal relationship with the monk, which began in May 2024. Jaroonkiet said a financial probe also uncovered links to multiple temples, as well as video footage and other materials suggesting acts of extortion and blackmail. He emphasised that the authorities had no intention of tarnishing the reputation of the Buddhist institution, but the operation was necessary to curb misconduct and maintain the sanctity of the religion. 'We will take firm and impartial action against all individuals found to be involved,' he added.
