Welcome to the enthralling world of cannabis law reform, where the green waves of change are swiftly rolling through the Land of Smiles, Thailand! Brace yourselves for a journey through the budding possibilities heralded by a fresh legislative masterpiece – the cannabis and hemp control bill, elegantly crafted by the Public Health Ministry, and set to make its grand debut as law in the coming year. Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the esteemed Public Health Minister, divulges that while this bill won’t brand cannabis as a narcotic, it serves an all-important mission: To plug the pesky loopholes that some exploit for less-than-savory cannabis escapades. Envision a world where cannabis is not the outcast but an esteemed controlled plant, earning its keep under watchful legal eyes. Picture this: any extract that dares contain more than a deceivingly minute 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is still firmly on the narcotic list. The bill puts on a…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
Under the radiant glow of rainbow flags, the boisterous ‘This is Pride of Siam’ parade brought a dynamo of color and exuberance to Siam Square on the 30th of June. Draped in vibrant hues and beats of unwavering pride, the LGBTQIA+ contingents sashayed down the boulevard, stirring the air with joy and a call for inclusivity amidst the festivities of Pride Month—an enchanting tableau captured vividly by Nutthawat Wicheanbut’s lens. In a breakthrough for gender rights, Thailand’s “gold card” universal health scheme subscribers from the LGBTQ+ community are on the brink of a significant milestone. The diligent National Health Security Office (NHSO), under the vigilant guidance of secretary-general Jadet Thammathataree, has announced the imminent availability of gender-affirming surgery—a beacon of hope for those navigating the winds of transformation. With the policy wheels set in motion back in 2018, the doors to transformation are not wide open; they require the key…
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, the once-busy chatter of market vendors and the symphony of city sounds were momentarily eclipsed by the flashing lights of police vehicles surrounding an inconspicuous building. Inside, law enforcement officers meticulously inspected a treasure trove of items, evidence of a sinister operation—a call-center scam network. Among the haul, mobile phones and an eye-watering cache of cash exceeding 10 million baht were displayed like the final act of a magician’s show, each item bearing silent testimony to the deception that had unfolded. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) In a twist of cruel fate that betrays the innocence of a trusting generation, a 68-year-old housewife found her nest egg—1.5 million baht, painstakingly saved over decades—vanish within the alarming span of half an hour. It began with a simple phone call, a silver-tongued scammer masquerading as a benevolent bank agent offering government financial aid—a windfall of 5,000 baht. The…
On a serene September day, the 25th to be precise, weary yet expectant travelers from China’s bustling metropolis of Shanghai stepped off AirAsia X flight XJ761, only to be embraced by the warm and welcoming arms of the Land of Smiles at Suvarnabhumi Airport. A moment captured in time, epitomizing the fusion of cultures and the allure of discovery—a snapshot courtesy of Wichan Charoenkiatpakul’s keen eye. Meanwhile, nestled within the intricate diplomatic dance of international relations, Mr. Benjamin Sukanjanajtee stands as the Royal Thai Embassy’s charge d’affaires in Beijing, a man on a mission to sprinkle stardust on Thailand’s image, especially amongst the discerning Chinese populace. With a lucid understanding that perception shapes reality, Mr. Benjamin divulged to the Bangkok Post his enlightened strategy: polishing Thailand’s public image is tantamount to elevating the quality of its offerings to the world. Alas, even paradise is not immune to the occasional storm.…
Ah, Bangkok, the vibrant heart of Thailand, where traditional tuk-tuks bustle alongside state-of-the-art electric trains – an image that captures the spirit of a metropolis that reveres both heritage and progress. And it is here, amidst the hum of progress, that a debate electrifies the air, one centred around the financial accessibility of this very modern mode of transport. Picture this: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a figure of authority, gleefully boarding the sleek, new Pink Line electric train, marking the beginning of an era during its trial run last November. Amidst the flashing cameras, one can only wonder, with a transit system so advanced, is affordability in the cards for the everyday commuter? The burning question leads us to the dedicated advocates at the Thailand Consumer Council (TCC), who are fervently championing a cause that resonates with the masses – a cap on the fares of the mass rapid transit…
Amid the hustle and bustle of political fervor, Watanya Bunnag—or as she’s affectionately known, Madame Dear—swept through the doors of the Democrat Party headquarters, her poise as resolute as her decision to vie for the top spot of the party’s leadership. It was last Wednesday that she graced the corridors, her presence a clear signal of change on the horizon. Madame Dear isn’t just another contender in the political arena; she’s the people’s beacon, leading the charge in public opinion polls conducted by the esteemed National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll. With a leadership vote settled for the frosty morn of December 9th, the clock ticks for the Democrat Party—Thailand’s senior-most political organization, currently embroiled in internal tension and a dire need for directional clarity. This all-important poll, an intricate dance of telephonic interviews spanning November 28th to 30th, canvassed the thoughts of 1,310 respondents, each one a…
Oh, the enchanting realm of loan sharks, where the lending is easy but the escape, not so much. In the vibrant, yet paradoxically shadowy corridors of Thailand’s debt-laden alleys, over 37,000 souls have found themselves ensnared by the sly tendrils of informal borrowing. The Interior Ministry, in a gallant crusade to combat this financial hydra, has unmasked an astonishing 1.5 billion baht owed across this land of smiles. Folks, this is no petty cash we’re gabbing about—it’s a hefty sum that could spruce up a slew of tuk-tuks or ensure an endless supply of Thailand’s heavenly street food for years! But let’s zero in on Bangkok, the throbbing heart of Thailand, where a staggering 2,496 borrowers find themselves deep in the red, their dreams likely throttled by mounting debts. And not forgetting regions like Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat, where the debtors’ ranks swell and baht by baht, like grains…
Imagine a bustling urban oasis, where the spirit of giving flows as freely as the traffic that hums through its vibrant streets. At the heart of this dynamic, Bangkok, lies the esteemed National Blood Centre, a sanctuary where altruism and science intersect. As the warm Thai sun wraps the city in its radiant embrace, selfless individuals from all walks of life make their way to this haven to perform an act of pure generosity: donating blood to those in need. Within the hallowed walls of this center, dedicated professionals and volunteers work hand in hand, ensuring that the essence of life itself is collected, processed, and meticulously preserved. It is a place where the throb of life resonates through every corridor and echoes in the beat of every heart that pledges its crimson gift. Yet amidst this symphony of benevolence, a cacophony of misinformation recently arose. A whisper turned into…
Imagine a scene of quiet anticipation under the vast sky of Myanmar’s Shan State. A group of 83 Thai individuals, their faces etched with stories of hope and survival, wait patiently for the next leg of their unexpected adventure. Just days ago, they were stranded in the tumult of Laukkaing, a locale that has held them in its unpredictable embrace. Now, they stand on the cusp of a journey home that is as much about rescue as it is about reclamation of familiar ground. This is their story, etched in the uncertainty of borders and the assurance of eventual return. Amidst the verdant hills of Laukkaing, a narrative unfolded—one that would see these determined souls embark on a land journey filled with the promise of safety. Their destination: the comforting proximity of the Chinese frontier, a beacon of nearer-home for those who have faced the unknown. This movement, orchestrated with…
Amidst the lush greenery of Koh Samui, a tragic turn of events unfolded at the breathtaking Na Muang Waterfall 2, casting a somber mood across this tropical paradise. In an area where nature’s beauty and the spirit of adventure intertwine, an urgent assembly of rescue workers sporting climbing gear convened on a mission fraught with sorrow. Their objective was somber yet clear: to recover the body of a young French adventurer, who had succumbed to the treacherous embrace of the cascading falls. The serene morning air on Sunday was pierced by a flurry of activity, as local officials and dedicated volunteers uncovered the body of the unfortunate soul, identified as Ryan Meghan, a mere 20 years young. The unfortunate incident took place on Saturday around 3pm, but it wasn’t until the following day, around 10am, that Ryan was discovered. His final resting place was amidst the relentless flow of the…