Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin is championing a transformative initiative to utilize seized assets from narcotic drug cases to bolster rehabilitation programs for drug addicts. On Tuesday, Somsak, drawing from his tenure as Justice Minister, highlighted pivotal amendments he had spearheaded in narcotic laws, particularly those surrounding asset seizures. “Under the old regime, the asset seizure laws were like a broken umbrella in a storm—pretty ineffective,” Somsak remarked with a wry smile. “Our approach was too passive, which resulted in a meager 20 million baht annually trickling into the Office of the Narcotics Control Board’s (ONCB) narcotic drug fund. But we should be milking far more from those illicit assets.” He emphasized the necessity of pivoting from defensive tactics to aggressive asset seizures, coupled with rewards for public tip-offs, to inject more funds into the system. Somsak painted a vivid picture of the collaborative efforts between various sectors to ensure…
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In a dynamic turn of events, a crucial Police Commission meeting is set to take place today to determine the fate of deputy police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, famously known as “Big Joke.” The meeting, which will convene around 2-3pm, will be presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also chairs the Police Commission. The primary agenda for the gathering is to reassess whether the Royal Thai Police’s previous order to dismiss Pol Gen Surachate was legally sound. The stakes are high, especially after Pol Gen Surachate threatened to file a malfeasance complaint against Mr. Srettha should the dismissal not be revoked. Addressing the press, Mr. Srettha remarked, “We haven’t been idle for the past three to four months. We’re meticulously navigating the legal intricacies of this issue. While we’ve been actively working to resolve the matter, it’s essential to respect the legal procedures involved.” Today’s meeting will…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday brushed off critics’ claims that a government initiative to raise the foreign ownership quota in condominiums and extend land leases essentially amounts to “selling off the nation”. “It’s about long-term leases, not selling land. It has nothing to do with selling the nation,” the prime minister clarified amidst growing opposition. Last week, the cabinet initiated a study examining the proposal to increase the foreign ownership stakes in condominiums from the current 49% to 75%. Additionally, they are considering extending land lease terms for foreigners from the existing 30-50 years to a potential 99 years. Interestingly, this proposal didn’t make it to the agenda for Tuesday’s cabinet meeting. Instead, the Department of Lands is busy weighing the pros and cons of the policy, informed Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Minister Anutin emphasized the necessity of economic stimulation. He assured that the proposed changes are not designed…
The Senate candidates in Bangkok gathered to cast their pivotal votes at the provincial-level election hosted in the grand Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre on June 16. With anticipation and determination, these aspiring senators are competing for the golden ticket to the ultimate round of national voting scheduled for Wednesday. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the winners from this decisive round will face off at Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi for a coveted spot amongst the 200 Senate seats. The Election Commission (EC) is leaving no stone unturned to ensure this is a fair and transparent election, with results set to be unveiled on July 2. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee emphasized that the poll body is meticulously monitoring each candidate’s actions. Imagine a scene of suspense straight out of a political thriller—several candidates, all staying in the same hotel, weaving through corridors while exchanging opinions and…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin faced a flurry of questions from reporters on Tuesday at Government House, addressing swirling rumours that the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) might be ousted from the government. The rumours surfaced from an interview given by Thaksin Shinawatra, the perceived kingmaker of the Pheu Thai party. But Srettha was unequivocal. “Palang Pracharath remains a steadfast coalition partner,” he asserted, dismissing any notion of avoiding a meeting with Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the party’s influential leader. The buzz began after 40 caretaker senators filed a petition with the Constitutional Court. Their beef? They argue that Srettha should be booted from office over an “ethical violation” tied to his appointment of Pichit Chuenban, who had a criminal record, to the cabinet. Although Pichit stepped down almost immediately, the court has agreed to review the case, with the next hearing slated for July 10. Thaksin hinted in his interview that Gen…
On February 25, 2023, the Customs Department took a major step in the battle against illegal e-cigarettes, publicly displaying seized contraband worth a whopping 72 million baht before their destruction. This eye-catching spectacle underscored the ongoing war against unauthorized vaping products in the country. In the midst of these efforts, a recent survey conducted between May 1 and 27 involving 40,164 youths aged 6 to 30 has shed light on some startling beliefs and behaviors regarding e-cigarettes among the young population. Dr. Sura Wisetsak, the director-general of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS), revealed the findings with a tone of concern. The survey was a collaborative effort between the DHSS’s Health Education Division, the Thailand Youth Institute, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The data revealed that a significant 18% of respondents were using e-cigarettes, and even more worryingly, many held dangerous misconceptions about these devices. Out of the…
Lawyer Ananchai Chaiyadet, center, made headlines as he arrived at the Central Investigation Bureau on Tuesday to file a rather unusual complaint. His target? None other than the 8-year-old boy known as “Nong Nice, mind connection,” and several alleged associates involved in a supposed sect. The scene was nothing short of dramatic, with journalists eagerly snapping photos and asking questions. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham) In a move that has captured the public’s imagination, Ananchai, who chairs the Dharma Army Lawyers Foundation, filed the complaint with the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) at the Central Investigation Bureau. The charges? Fraud in promoting the child’s claimed psychic powers. The story sounds like something out of a novel. Nong Nice, his lawyer Thammarat Sarapanya, and 60 administrators of social media pages and websites dedicated to promoting the boy’s alleged magical abilities now find themselves accused of six significant offenses, including computer crime and money…
In a heartfelt scene at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thai workers waving goodbye signaled the profound dedication and hope that marked their departure for Israel—an event steeped in resilience following the Hamas attack last October. On Tuesday, the first batch of Thai laborers embarked on their journey, a move orchestrated by the Ministry of Labour, which ambitiously aims to dispatch up to 10,000 workers to Israel by the year’s end. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn orchestrated this latest migration of 100 workers, with an additional 540 ready to follow from Wednesday through July 3. This initiative isn’t just about filling positions; it’s a meticulously planned endeavor. Each worker went through extensive training courses to ensure they were not only job-ready but also well-versed in their contracts, working conditions, local customs, cultures, and their legal rights. “Preparation is key,” emphasized Minister Phiphat, underscoring the importance of being well-informed about assistance channels and emergency response…
Huawei Technologies (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is propelling the adoption of solar energy in Thailand by supplying inverter and optimizer equipment for rooftop solar power systems to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). The momentous handover ceremony took place at the PEA headquarters. Beyond the hardware, Huawei is also committed to cultivating a skilled workforce in 12 subdistricts across Thailand, empowering PEA professionals with the expertise required to efficiently install these advanced solar systems. This initiative is designed to elevate the customer experience for PEA users, hasten the shift towards clean energy, and champion sustainable development. It will also solidify the strategic alliance between Huawei and PEA, promoting the use of smart photovoltaic (Smart PV) products and fostering the broader adoption of renewable energy in Thailand. This steps up Huawei’s unwavering pledge to ‘Grow in Thailand, Contribute to Thailand.’ Mr. Logan Yu, President of Huawei Digital Power at Huawei Technology (Thailand) Co.,…
“Music” holds immense power in shaping the future of the new generation. Today, Surat Thani is embracing this potential by opening its arms to music and art with the mission to elevate young talents to the global stage. Aspiring to become a bustling hub for music enthusiasts, the city aims to provide a platform where passion and talent can flourish, capturing the attention of both Thai and international audiences. In a significant stride towards this vision, Symphony Group, represented by Ms. Srichan Jingjit, Executive Chairman, and Mr. Kosin Jingjit, Executive Board Member, teamed up with their esteemed partner, Asst. Prof. Wootichai Lertstakit, Dean for Academic Affairs at the Faculty of Music, Silpakorn University. They recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), laying a strong foundation for academic collaboration between Symphony Music and Art Company Limited and Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Music. This partnership is driven by three core objectives: To…