The landscape of cannabis legislation is set to be re-evaluated, as a new committee dedicated to analysing a bill to manage the plant has been announced by Cholnan Srikaew, the newly appointed Public Health Minister. The key mission as he adamantly stated, is to limit cannabis usage within the confines of health and medicinal purposes, hence forbidding any recreational usage. The cannabis and hemp bill was put forward by the Bhumjaithai Party and had successfully navigated its first parliamentary reading in June last year. This bill is now the focus of Cholnan’s committee, established to meticulously evaluate its aspects, proposing necessary amendments if needed. Upon completion of their study, the committee’s findings will be submitted to the cabinet who will then deliberate on the future course of action: to proceed with the current draft bill or to cast it aside and introduce a fresh one. Through this, Cholnan plans to…
Posts published in “Thailand”
With an intent to streamline flight operations in the name of safety and fuel economy, Bangkok Airways, a leading airline based out of Thailand, is contemplating introducing a revolutionary practice followed by several international airlines. This practice of weighing passengers before they assume their seats on the flight has been devised in an attempt to standardize passenger weight for more efficient load calculation. This trend was initiated by major global airlines such as Korean Air and Air New Zealand on September 16. The primary motive behind this move is to accurately calculate standard passenger weight and present the aviation industry with average figures that help in the precise calculation of aircraft weight distribution. This, in return, assists in cutting down on fuel consumption, impacting the environment positively. Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited is now endeavoring to become another member of this innovative weight-watching club. By doing so, it hopes to…
During a recent get-together, Thailand and Laos proposed plans to stimulate tourism by forging tourism routes and hastening the construction of the second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Pak Chom district, Loei province. This strategic move is anticipated to fortify the bond between the two culturally rich nations and invite a higher influx of global tourists. In the noteworthy 20th Thai-Lao border security meeting held in S Vangvieng Boutique Hotel, Loei’s provincial governor, Mr. Tawee Sermpakdeekul, took the lead. He was accompanied by deputy governor Narong Jeenam, head of the 28th military circle Maj Gen Prich Sukantasri and other prominent officials. The Laotian side was represented by Khamphan Sithidampha, governor of Laos’ Vientiane province. The central themes of the discussions were related to tourism promotion, cultural exchange, and enhancement of economic, social and security cooperation. Among the significant strategies evaluated was the elevation of Laos’ Muen border town in Vientiane. This…
In a bid to reverse a falling birth rate, Thailand’s Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew has announced plans to make fertility a priority on the national agenda. The decision came after a meeting with the ministry’s executive officials on Friday, wherein Dr. Cholnan outlined ‘birth promotion’ as a significant quick win policy that should take effect within the next 100 days. Dr. Cholnan indicated that the ideal birth rate should stand at 2.1 births per 100,000 population, a stark contrast to the current 1.5 births per 100,000. This means that annually, Thailand should ideally welcome around 2 million new babies, yet the figures reveal that only about 500,000 babies grace the nation every year. This dwindling fertility rate could have potentially grave consequences, including a sharp reduction in the number of eligible adults who are currently in their prime working years. On forecasts based on these numbers, 20% of the…
In the spirit of fortifying international relationships and maximizing tourism potential, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand has revealed his plans for an instrumental visit to China from Oct 8-10. During this visit, he will converse with his Chinese counterpart on myriad topics, ranging from the rekindling of Thailand-Chinese relations, tourism cooperation, to discussing the Thai-Chinese memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding pandas lent to Thailand by a Chinese ambassador. The revelations surfaced when PM Srettha was in Chiang Mai this past Saturday during which he avowed that the Thai-Chinese relationship would be a paramount subject during his impending visit to China. To endorse this collaboration, a government spokesperson, Mr. Chai Wacharonke, mentioned that discussions around tourism cooperation are also likely to grace the agenda. He further clarified that the Thai government impartially regards the US and China as significant trade partners. On a similar note, the PM will have an…
The process of enabling universal healthcare (UC) program members to avail health services from any hospital is all set for launch, says Cholnan Srikaew, the Public Health Minister. This plan is tailored to amplify the delivery of health services, permitting UC members to seek health services at any hospital they are eligible for. The implementation is projected to initiate within selected health zones competent for such an operation. A health zone is a conglomerate of provinces sprawled across 13 total zones, one of them being the capital city, Bangkok. The scheme, termed by Dr. Cholnan Srikaew as a “quick win”, is intended to cause transformation within 100 days of the government’s establishment. Dr. Cholnan, who also helms the Pheu Thai Party, affirmed that the scheme would roll out in two or three health zones under the deliberation of the health permanent secretary. This will act as a precursor to an…
The governor of Surat Thani, Witchawut Jinto, has confirmed that a new pier is set to grace the beautiful district of Chaiya, with a sizeable budget of 60 million baht earmarked for the project. This new construction, which will be strategically located near a public park in the quaint subdistrict of Phum Riang, is estimated to significantly boost tourism in the area, thus increasing the local economy. The grand blueprint for the innovative pier design has already attained the necessary stamp of approval from the Marine Department, propelling the project into its next phase of construction. The entire construction stage, as well as the subsequent operations, will lie in the capable hands of the provincial administrative organisation. The governor explains that the project’s inherent potential to stimulate the local economy earned it the full backing of the provincial authorities. Chaiya, a region known for its proximity to Surat Thani airport,…
On a quiet Sunday, an intense conversation about police reform took center stage, revolving around Praween Chankhlai—a former local administrator in Nakhon Pathom, who was embroiled in a murder case of a highway police officer during an ill-fated gathering at his residence earlier this month. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul) Now, fourteen police officers are facing charges for neglecting their duty in connection to the brutal killing of a highway officer in Praween Chankhlai’s home, in Nakhon Pathom province early this month. The Deputy National Police Chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, announced this unfortunate twist of events on a Sunday. He pointed out the failure of the fourteen officers to help their two fellow officers who were viciously shot during a social gathering at Praween’s residence situated in the Muang district, on the dreadful night of September 6. The unfortunate victims of this horrifying incident were Pol Maj Siwakorn Saibua, a dedicated…
It was just another regular day for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, until it wasn’t. Thavisin was on an agenda, and it was a crucial one. He had embarked on a mission to the Akkhie Prakarn plc location in Samut Prakan province, a renowned spot in the tireless war against drug trafficking. Standing there in the eye of the storm, he witnessed the incineration of approximated 25 tonnes of illicit substances, a rather monumental destruction of narcotics. The burning of 12 tonnes of methamphetamine pills, 11 tonnes of crystal meth, and 418 kilograms of heroin was indeed a sight to behold. The destruction was symbolic of a war waged by his government, a war on drug abuse, particularly methamphetamine pills. Having had narcotics issues on his government’s national agenda since its inception, Mr. Thavisin presented a strong stand against this decentralized enemy. He aimed at a methamphetamine-free tenure, pushing the boundaries…
From the heart of Chiang Mai, a message of distress rises, echoing through the picturesque landscape of Doi Saket district. The simple request, a plea from the Karen villagers, sweeps across the skies, clambering upon the ears of those who choose to hear. The local populace voices their protest against the government’s forest land management policy, a policy that is shackling their indigenous way of life, an existence deeply intertwined with nature. The villages at the epicenter of this outcry are Ban Huay Pha Tuen and Yom Ban Doi, nestled in the serene bosom of tambon Pa Miang. The sun dawned on Sunday differently. Instead of a day dedicated to rest and relaxation, it beheld the resolve of the villagers. Banding together, they submitted their petition to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, during what was his momentous visit to the northern part of the country. The villagers’ plea was profound, yet…