News

Criminal Court Acquits Three Celebrities in High-Profile Forex-3D Case

Published

1 month ago

December 26, 2024

Wadi

Overview of the Forex-3D Case Verdict

On December 26, 2024, the Criminal Court in Bangkok acquitted three celebrity defendants involved in the high-profile Forex-3D case, which has drawn significant public attention due to its massive financial implications. The court’s decision comes amidst a backdrop of serious charges related to a Ponzi scheme that defrauded nearly 2.5 billion baht from thousands of victims.

Acquitted Celebrities and Charges

The court acquitted Daryl Cai Yonghui, a Singaporean businessman, Pattanaphol Kunchorn (known as DJ Man), and singer Sutheewan Kunchorn. They were previously accused of operating fraudulent loan schemes and providing false information through a computer system.

Insufficient Evidence: The court cited a lack of sufficient evidence linking these individuals to the alleged offenses, leading to their acquittal.

Sentencing of Other Defendants

Harsh Penalties for Remaining Accused

While three celebrities were acquitted, three other defendants received severe sentences. Each was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of their roles in the Ponzi scheme.

Total Damages: The court ruled that these defendants were responsible for defrauding 9,825 victims, resulting in total damages exceeding 2.487 billion baht.

Personal Impact on the Acquitted Celebrities

Reactions from Sutheewan Kunchorn

Sutheewan Kunchorn, who had spent six months in detention before being granted bail in November 2023, expressed her relief at the verdict.

Family Reunion: She emphasized her joy at being able to reunite with her child for the New Year celebrations and reiterated her commitment to following the law throughout the proceedings.

Background on the Forex-3D Scheme

Overview of the Ponzi Scheme

The Forex-3D case is one of Thailand’s largest Ponzi schemes, with total losses amounting to billions of baht. The scheme was initiated by Apirak Kodti, chairman of the Thamma Apirak Foundation, who misled many individuals into investing in foreign currency exchange trading through a program called Forex-3D.

Celebrity Involvement: The scheme gained traction as it involved various celebrities who helped promote its legitimacy, further enticing victims to invest.

Implications of the Verdict

The acquittal of three celebrities in the Forex-3D case highlights ongoing challenges within Thailand’s legal system regarding financial fraud and consumer protection. As the case continues to unfold with appeals likely from the prosecution, it remains a significant topic of discussion within Thai society and serves as a cautionary tale about investment schemes.

News

Thai PM Launches Monthly TV Program to Connect with Citizens

Published

6 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Wadi

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra initiated her first monthly television show on Sunday, marking a new era of direct communication between the government and the Thai people. This innovative approach aims to keep citizens informed about the administration’s progress and future plans.

Inaugural Episode Highlights

Government Achievements and Vision

In her debut broadcast, Paetongtarn outlined her government’s accomplishments during its first 90 days in office. She presented a comprehensive overview of the administration’s initiatives under the campaign theme “2025: Empowering Thais, a Real Possibility”.

Long-Term Structural Policies

Addressing National Challenges

The Prime Minister detailed six long-term structural policies, including strategies to combat floods, drought, and PM2.5 air pollution. Additionally, she discussed plans to tackle drug trafficking, dismantle monopolies, and invest in large-scale future projects.

2025 Initiatives

Empowering Communities and Education

Paetongtarn announced five key initiatives for 2025, including the revival of the “One District, One Scholarship” program and the introduction of the “One District, One Summer Camp” project. These programs aim to enhance educational opportunities and language skills for Thai students.

Grassroots Development

Strengthening Local Communities

The government plans to implement the Village and Community Development Programme (SML Project) to empower local communities. This initiative, along with efforts to resolve household debt and provide affordable housing, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life.

Connecting with the Public

Transparent Governance

By launching this monthly TV show, Paetongtarn is fostering a more direct and transparent relationship with the Thai people. This platform allows her to share progress reports, address concerns, and outline future plans in a more accessible format.

Looking Ahead

Building a Stronger Thailand

As Paetongtarn continues to lead Thailand, her focus on both long-term structural changes and immediate community-focused initiatives reflects a comprehensive approach to governance. Through this regular TV program, she aims to keep the public engaged and informed about the country’s development.

News

Bangkok Intensifies Battle Against Air Pollution

Published

6 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Wadi

Bangkok is taking decisive action to combat the persistent issue of air pollution, particularly PM2.5 particles. The city administration is implementing a series of measures to improve air quality and protect public health.

Proposal for Air Pollution Control Area

BMA Seeks Enhanced Authority

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to propose that the government declare Bangkok an air pollution control area. This designation would grant the BMA more power to address haze pollution effectively, including access to the environment fund for financing anti-pollution efforts.

Traffic and Transportation Measures

Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles

To reduce emissions, the BMA is banning non-registered six-wheeled trucks and larger vehicles from entering low-emission zones within the city’s inner ring road. AI-equipped cameras are monitoring compliance, with violators facing fines up to 2,000 baht.

Promotion of Public Transport

The government has implemented free public transport services, resulting in a 50% increase in electric train ridership and a 15% decrease in traffic on major roads. This initiative is supported by a 140 million baht budget to compensate transport operators.

Workplace Adaptations

Encouraging Remote Work

The BMA is urging companies to allow employees to work from home, aiming to reduce vehicle emissions and overall air pollution levels.

Upcoming Air Quality Concerns

Forecast and Precautions

Officials predict increased PM2.5 levels from January 30 to February 5, 2025, due to low air ventilation and temperature inversions. Residents are advised to wear masks, avoid outdoor waste burning, and refrain from using vehicles that emit excessive black smoke.

Current Air Quality Status

Monitoring and Reporting

The BMA’s Air Quality Information Centre reports that PM2.5 concentrations in Bangkok’s 43 districts are currently at “moderate” levels, averaging 32.8 micrograms per cubic metre of air, below the safety standard of 37.5μg/m3.

News

Thailand Revamps Peace Efforts: New Negotiation Team to Address Southern Conflict

Published

6 hours ago

January 30, 2025

Wadi

Thailand’s government is taking steps to address the long-standing conflict in its southern region by forming a new peace negotiation team. This move comes as part of the administration’s renewed focus on resolving the decades-long insurgency in the Deep South.

Strategic Overhaul

Reassessing Approaches

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced the plan to establish a new negotiation team, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of strategies. The government aims to convene discussions with all stakeholders within two weeks to form the new team, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Leadership Uncertainty

Potential Candidates

The leadership of the new team remains undecided. It could either be the previous team or a newly appointed one, with the final decision pending a comprehensive evaluation of past strategies. Chatchai Bangchuad, a deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council, previously led peace talks under the former prime minister.

Challenges and Concerns

Persistent Violence

Mr. Phumtham expressed concern over the increasing frequency of violent attacks in the region. The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over two decades without resolution, raises questions about the effectiveness of current approaches.

Ceasefire Difficulties

Negotiation Hurdles

Despite previous negotiations, a ceasefire agreement has never been successfully reached. This failure highlights potential misalignments between opposing political and military groups, casting doubt on the efficacy of further negotiations.

International Dimension

Malaysian Involvement

The Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) rebel group has criticized the government for delays in forming the new negotiation team. This criticism followed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Malaysia, where bilateral cooperation and peace-building efforts were discussed.

Government Commitment

Addressing Challenges

Mr. Phumtham, who also serves as the defense minister, reaffirmed the government’s active commitment to addressing the challenges in the Deep South. This commitment underscores the administration’s determination to find a lasting solution to the conflict.