Highlighted against the backdrop of the Asia International Hemp Expo in Bangkok, November 2022, cannabis plants held spectators in awe. This intriguing Plant Parade foregrounded a significant sets of events orchestrated by Public Health Ministry, lead by Minister Cholnan Srikaew. The minister provided an enlightening update – the first draft of the much-debated Cannabis-Hemp Act has, at last, reached its completion. He emphasized that this pioneering legislation has not reinterpreted cannabis as a narcotic, unlike its preceding versions with 94 sections. The current iteration, trimmed down to a lean 70 sections, addresses diverse public apprehensions, and fills gaps that previously allowed room for non-medical cannabis usage. The clarified law continues to categorize cannabis as a regulated herb. Moreover, extractions with a THC concentration of over 0.2% remain under the narcotic classification. Minister Cholnan made it clear that the ministry backs medicinal applications of cannabis, while recreational utilization is off-limits. A…
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Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a figure known for his keen sensitivity to social causes, made a heartening announcement through his government spokesman, Chai Wacharonke – an additional gift of monetary kindness to four thriving foundations from his personal remuneration. Each of the foundations, representing a panoramic view of societal needs, will receive a sum of 50,000 baht from the Prime Minister’s salary and meeting allowances. Mr Chai elaborated on the diverse range of issues these four foundations – the Thai With Disability Foundation, the Issarachon Foundation, the River of Peace Foundation, and the House of Blessing Foundation – extend their efforts towards. From rendering support to the disabled to stipulating care to the elderly, from providing shelters to the homeless to advocating peace, the initiatives of these foundations cater to a broad spectrum of social needs. This generous move was not out of the blue, though. Back in late September,…
Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai addressed the media explaining that the legislation seeking approval to borrow 500 billion baht (Thai currency) for the development of a digital wallet scheme is yet to be presented before the Council of State. During post-cabinet meeting press entries, Mr. Phumtham highlighted the need for extensive deliberations on the issue at the digital wallet policy committee meeting, indicating that although the Council of State has shown a willingness to review the proposal, it doesn’t directly signal an affirmative nod. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of gathering diversified opinions and potential options. Although an executive decree could enforce the borrowing strategy, he asserted that endorsing legislative scrutiny served the best interests. When inquired about the duration likely to be taken by the Council of State in examining the bill, he enthusiastically expressed confidence in an expedited review process, considering the policy’s importance to…
The striking news of five more Thai expatriates falling in Israel touches down at Suvarnabhumi Airport this Thursday. A solemn ceremony, conducted in the cargo terminal, witnesses the attendance of Thai and Israeli officials paying their respects. The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT), in an uncompromising stance, voices out a call for an immediate ceasefire in the embattled region of Gaza. Confronting the distressing scenario of the ravaging warfare, the statement deeply reflects concern over the staggering toll of the relentless violence. Bordering around 10,000, the deceased civilian count, with women and children constituting a significant portion, paints a grim picture. The turmoil further catapults over a million innocent inhabitants into displacement and has drastically impacted the relay of essential humanitarian aid to the beleaguered Palestinian population. “A pressing appeal is directed at all involved factions to address the human rights predicament in the Gaza Strip. Unimpeded flow…
In the bustling city of Bangkok, the mysterious murder of a Taiwanese man led to two arrests recently. The suspects in custody, a Myanmar national named Zwe Lin Pyae, aged 21, and a 40-year-old Cameroonian, John Agbor, were apprehended on Srinakarin Road. Their arrests mark the ominous aftermath of a serious crime, the last chapter in the life of 48-year-old Taiwanese, Chu Chiang Shen. However, the puzzle is not entirely solved – the police are still on the chase for two more crucial pieces. The authorities, believing the crime was premeditated, are pursuing an arrest warrant for a Thai woman. She is alleged to be the mastermind behind this intricate plot, claiming that Shen was wealthy and would make an easy target. Meanwhile, another suspect, a citizen of Vanuatu, has reportedly fled Thailand and consequently, the long arm of the law has reached out to Interpol, hoping to apprehend this…
The football world was buzzing when the Thai national contingent scored an early goal in the 23rd minute of the game, a beautiful long-range effort from the boots of Sarach Yooyen, at the iconic Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. Nonetheless, this proved to be a deceptive moment of triumph as the Chinese Football team fought back, surprising everyone with a 2-1 victory in Group C of Asian qualifying. This was brought about by wave after wave of attacks, culminating in goals from Wu Lei and super-sub Wang Shangyuan. Feeling the pain of the defeat, a despondent Nishino talked to the press. “We fell short of our expectations tonight. The intention was to take the fight to the Chinese, riding on home advantage to secure our place in the next round of the qualifiers.” he regretfully said. “This result was not part of the game plan. Going forward, it’s vital for us…
Displaying his adept hand at bureaucratic navigation, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, having come from the weekly Cabinet assembly, clarified to journalists that the bill announcing a colossal 500 billion baht loan to propel the digital wallet initiative was, in fact, yet to reach the Council of State’s boardroom. The Friday blossomed with speculations being chased around the corridors of power like paper on the wind. Yes, at the digital wallet policy assembly, a host of concerns had indeed been tossed into the arena for examination, the weighty gaze of the Council of State included. But Phumtham was quick to point out that this was by no means emblematic of an impending dismissal of the bill. He also took the opportunity to confirm that the government remained in a mode of active gathering from every relevant knowledge pool. Although there lay the possibility of an executive edict being passed on…
Stirring with anticipations and possibilities, Thailand is on the Czech Republic’s investment radar, specifically for the automotive and medical sectors. This bubbling interest was brought to light by none other than the Thai Trade Representative – Nalinnee Taveesin. It seems the Czech Republic is prepared to delve into an economic alliance with Thailand, particularly in latter’s burgeoning automotive sector. The Czechs are poised to pique the interest of their automotive cohorts, encouraging them to plant investment seeds, encourage technology growth, and shape production strongholds within Thailand’s industrial landscapes. Skoda Group, a Volkswagen Group affiliate and a known manufacturer of EV vehicles and related paraphernalia, has displayed keenness in this regard. It is a course of action that harmonizes perfectly with Thailand’s promotional strategic moves regarding electric vehicle production. Riding high on its reputation for prowess in defence product production, robust cybersecurity, and crafting top-notch medical equipment, the Czech Republic is…
With a sprawling view extending over 200 kilometres, from Hua Hin Beach to the quaint Bangsaphan Noi district in the illustrious Prachuap Khiri Khan province, there lies an unusual sight. In an unforeseen weather condition, waves of an uncanny size, standing between 2 to 4 metres tall, have been marking their territory. Much to the amazement and alarm of the locals and tourists alike, the towering waves have grown so bold that they’ve overflowed onto parts of the beachfront road. Imagine waves trespassing the natural border, causing temporary pools on the road, disrupting traffic, and creating an unusual spectacle of nature’s powerful reminder. The economic cost of this natural occurrence has been felt in the local area, as businesses and restaurants dotting the beach have closed their doors momentarily. With the careless abandon of the sea’s might, these local establishments halt operations to cope with the unexpected water show. This…
Part of the prestigious APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, a monumental gathering took place in the heart of San Francisco, the bustling capital of California. Renowned business moguls and national leaders from APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) countries converged in a show of international cooperation. A notable attendee was none other than Srettha, an individual with keen interest in heightened economic growth and trade partnerships. This significant gathering was graced on Friday by a host of powerful representatives. The trinity conjoining the US National Centre for APEC, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the US-ASEAN Business Council ensured an influential audience. Like a pulsating hive of economic prowess, these formidable entities demonstrated the solidarity and the boundless potential of the region. Srettha took the opportunity to highlight his government’s progressive stance. He accentuated their readiness to embrace trading and investment ventures, banking on their unique “quick win” policy. It’s a novel tactic…