The winds in Thailand are changing, and it seems like the relaxed days of cannabis cultivation and consumption are drawing to a close. Health administrators are ready to lay down the law—quite literally—on the controversial herb that has grown both in proponents and opponents since its previous status as taboo. The man spearheading this change is none other than Dr. Tewan Thanirat, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM). In a statement that’s surely turning heads, he’s promised that the Thai cannabis party is about to get a lot more exclusive. But don’t worry, it’s not quite the end of the line. Yet. Under the impending regulations, anyone wanting to sell cannabis flower buds will need—not just a green thumb or an entrepreneurial spirit—but a formidable official permit. And if you think that’s the only hurdle, think again. Retailers must also keep meticulous records…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Attention thrill-seekers and rain enthusiasts! Thailand’s Meteorological Department (TMD) has sounded the alarm with a wet weekend forecast that promises to soak 57 provinces, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil landscapes in the north and northeast. Grab your umbrellas and waterproof boots because Mother Nature is planning a lively performance, covering a whopping 60-80% of these areas in showers and storms. Bangkok, the sleepless city, will see its iconic skyline painted with ominous clouds, as thunderstorms flirt with 60% of the area. Some neighborhoods might even get an extra showering hug of heavy rain. Locals will welcome cooler breezes as temperatures linger from 26-28°C, peaking between 32-34°C. A perfect excuse to swap your iced latte for a warm cup of Thai tea! Up north, the provinces that usually showcase serene backdrops and laid-back vibes are gearing up for a vigorous downpour. From the misty mountains of Chiang…
Imagine waking up to find your hometown transformed into a watery labyrinth! The charming province of Chiang Rai is now grappling with the aftermath of some pretty severe weather tantrums—flooding. Following relentless downpours that went on like a broken faucet, the province is swamped, quite literally. With flash floods crashing down like an uninvited party guest, Phaya Mengrai and Wiang Chai have become the unwilling stars of this soggy fiasco. Picture the scene: rivers of rainwater cascading from the surrounding mountains, turning placid streets into turbulent streams. Water levels have sneakily surged, and before anyone could shout “grab the umbrellas,” entire neighborhoods were waist-deep in the watery onslaught. Panic spread faster than a trending hashtag as residents scrambled to salvage what they could, hauling precious belongings to coveted high ground. But the misery doesn’t end there. The floods, with their cruel indifference to agriculture, have waged war on the region’s…
In the tranquil province of Ubon Ratchathani in the heart of Isaan, Thailand, a saga of intrigue unfolds that could rival a thrilling drama. It all began when Phra Panya Wachiramolee, the esteemed abbot of Wat Pa Si Saeng Tham, stumbled upon a financial enigma that had the makings of a headline-worthy scandal. The abbot, revered for his wisdom and leadership, shared a startling revelation on social media: an astronomical sum of over 1.3 billion baht had mysteriously vanished from the account of the Luang Pu Sri Mahawero Foundation—an organization he diligently oversees. This shocking financial mishap leaves the good abbot perplexed; throughout his dedicated tenure as the foundation’s secretary, he had managed its savings with utmost care. However, a recent trip to Kunming, China—a journey taken at the behest of a loyal follower—turned into an unanticipated discovery of loss upon his return to his homeland. According to Phra Panya…
The tension was palpable as the People’s Alliance for Democracy launched a bold campaign to protect Thailand’s sovereignty over the idyllic island of Koh Kut. The picturesque beaches and lush landscapes of this Thai pearl were at the heart of a heated territorial dispute that set off a passionate rally led by Kanyut Boonloy, a seasoned former civil servant and an influential local leader. On June 26th, amidst a swathe of loyalists clad in vibrant yellow shirts, the rally drew together an eclectic mix of around 200 residents, former civil servants, students, and merchants in Trat. With the Thai national flag waving defiantly against Cambodia’s territorial claim, the event was abuzz with a spirited fervor as the patriotic crowd belted out national songs, standing united in their determination to protect their cherished homeland. As the clock struck 6 PM, the air grew solemn as the group paused to honor the…
In the heart of Chachoengsao, a tale of love and sacrifice unfolded on the morning of June 27th. At around 3 AM, the tranquility of Bang Wua Road was shattered when a sedan collided with an electricity pole outside a nondescript dormitory. The vehicle, now a mangled mess of metal, bore testimony to the night’s misadventures. From the vehicle emerged Mongkhon, a 30-year-old Thai citizen with a freshly inflicted head injury. Despite the gravity of his wound, Mongkhon wore his courage like a badge of honor, waving off the persistent rescue workers with a defiant shake of his head. His behavior, perhaps emboldened by the residual alcohol swimming through his veins, caught the eye of the officers from Bang Pakong Police Station. In the early moments following the accident, Mongkhon spun a fabricated tale, telling the police and emergency responders that he had been alone in the car. But as…
Pattaya, the vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and bustling nightlife, is stepping up its game to ensure that its public footpaths remain free from obstructions. The city’s officials are on a mission, and they’re not messing around. Structures that appear without authorization are about to meet their demise, and legal consequences might soon follow for those responsible. This crackdown aims to tackle the drainage issues that have plagued locals for far too long, causing both a literal and metaphorical flood of complaints from residents. This week, the scene unfolding at prime hotspots like Beach Road and Second Road looked somewhat like a demolition derby as municipal teams from the Office of Public Works, the Machinery Division, and enforcement units set to work. What’s their primary target? Those pesky concrete ramps that have been popping up without a nod of approval. These unapproved constructions are notorious for preventing proper…
In a heartwarming and deeply emotional journey, a 38-year-old Australian named Jeffrey is reaching out to the world for assistance in a quest that has shaped his entire existence—locating his long-lost Thai mother. Jeffrey’s story is one marked by perseverance, enveloped in the sentimentality of a childhood separated from parental affection. At just a boy, Jeffrey and his younger brother were whisked away from their birthplace in Phuket by their father, after the familial bonds that once held them dissolved into thin air. Since those early years, the whispers of his mother’s whereabouts have haunted him, with every question met with the elusive “I don’t know.” The yearning to reconnect with his roots intensified as Jeffrey turned 18, driving him to toil tirelessly, pocketing every dollar needed for a pilgrimage back to Phuket. Here, under the tropical sun and amidst the familiar yet foreign embrace of his birthplace, he endeavored…
It was a remarkable Wednesday afternoon on June 25, buzzing with whispers of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter at the lush haven of Kaeng Krachan National Park, nestled within Thailand’s verdant embrace. At precisely 5:20 p.m., a mysterious and rarely seen inhabitant of this UNESCO World Heritage Site made its awe-inspiring debut: a striking black leopard. This enigmatic creature, known for its elusive nature, effortlessly stole the spotlight from the park’s typical, albeit dazzling, spectacle of fluttering butterflies. The sighting occurred at the park’s 18-kilometer point—an area as celebrated for its winged wonders as it now is for its roving, regal leopards. The thrilled Park Chief, Mongkol Chaiphakdi, is practically beaming with pride as he explains, “Our park is a sanctuary where rare wildlife finds safe harbor, and the presence of a black leopard is a revelation of just how resplendently biodiverse Kaeng Krachan is.” His words echo like an anthem for…
In a nerve-wracking twist of fate, a female official from a Northern Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) recently found herself entangled in a harrowing escape from a vile situation that could have been pulled from a thriller movie script. Venturing into the bustling heart of Pathum Thani on June 19 for a seminar, her tale of resilience unfolded as she narrowly avoided what could have escalated into an appalling crime. The unwelcome protagonist in this unsettling narrative is none other than Noppanan “Tee” Noocharoen, representing the local government body in Khlong Luang. At the heart of this ordeal, the woman, alongside fellow PAO members, had attended a countrywide seminar that soon transitioned into a vibrant evening gathering. As the clock crept past 11pm, Tee graciously offered to escort her back to her domicile—a proposal she agreed to, blissfully unaware of the unfolding plot. Sliding into Tee’s stylish black SUV, the evening…