Somchai Khunpluem, better known as Kamnan Poh or the “godfather of Chon Buri” who brought prosperity and development to the eastern province but was sentenced to two jail terms, succumbed to cancer early Monday, his family said. He was 82.

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday dismissed a report that one of his deputy PMs, ACM Prajin Juntong, had sought a connection with the Palang Chon Party with a view to garnering support for him in the next election.