Bhumjaithai (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul confessed to having a heart-to-heart with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin about the party’s apprehensions over the Ministry of Public Health’s plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. Anutin candidly expressed to Srettha that the proposal—forwarded to the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) for further review on July 23—lacks the concrete evidence needed to justify re-criminalizing the beloved herb. The Bhumjaithai leader didn’t mince words, urging the prime minister to conduct more in-depth studies before pulling the trigger on classifying cannabis as a narcotic again. “Puzzling,” he called it, when speaking to the press on Thursday. He found it ironic that the committee now pushing for cannabis to be relisted as a narcotic consists of the very same members who had advocated for its decriminalization just a couple of years ago. What a twist! Anutin, always one to stand his ground, urged these committee members to remain…
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In the realm of innovative agricultural practices, His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua stands prominently with his groundbreaking “Khok Nong Na” (Mound, Marsh, and Rice Field) model. This ingenious concept emerges from a profound understanding of his father’s sufficiency philosophy and a heartfelt desire to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application for farmers. Grasping the full essence of the Sufficiency Economy philosophy, championed by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, can indeed be daunting for novices. Aiming to demystify this philosophy, King Vajiralongkorn crafted the Khok Nong Na Model, an approachable and practical solution specifically tailored for rural communities grappling with one of their most pressing adversities—drought. Working tirelessly behind the curtain for years, His Majesty has dedicated significant efforts to perfecting this model. Former agriculture and cooperatives minister, Wiwat Salyakamthorn, fondly recalls His Majesty’s meticulous trials and experiments with the model, striving to tailor it…
The drama unfolds as the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) points fingers at former Thai Civilized Party leader, Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, accusing him of an ethical breach for what some might call a “cinematic faux pas.” The year was 2021, and instead of hearing parliamentary debates, Mr. Mongkolkit was allegedly caught in the act of leading a group of technical college students to a film screening. Fast forward to a recent NACC meeting, the commission decided to charge Mr. Mongkolkit under Section 234 of the Constitution, highlighting his serious deviation from ethical norms. The backdrop to this tale dates back to December 15, 2021. Mongkolkit, then an active MP, was said to have taken eager-eyed students to the movie 4Kings—a decision he might be regretting now. The NACC wagged its metaphorical finger, labeling his absence from the parliament meeting as not just unnecessary but downright negligent. But wait, the plot thickens! You…
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has made it clear: the fight against drug networks in Thailand is far from over. At a highly anticipated meeting with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) on Thursday, the Premier emphasized the importance of targeting and seizing the assets of high-profile drug traffickers, often referred to as the “big fish” of the narcotics underworld. And let’s face it, nothing disrupts a business faster than cutting off its financial lifeline. During the briefing, Amlo Secretary-General Thepsu Bawornchotdara reported impressive progress. Since 2023, the agency has seized no less than 523 million baht in assets linked to narcotic drug-related activities. Among the most notable hauls was a jaw-dropping 100 million baht worth of assets from a notorious drug syndicate led by Charnchai Khlonglu. Flashback to 2022, and you’ll find Amlo successfully impounding 48 million baht worth of assets from Myanmar tycoon Tun Min Latt. Not to be outdone,…
The haunting case of the six Vietnamese nationals who perished in a Bangkok hotel room has captivated both the local and international community since their discovery earlier this week. Found lifeless with cyanide-tainted teacups beside them, the chilling scene at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel in the Ratchaprasong area continues to unravel new layers of mystery and intrigue. Pol Maj Gen Witthawat Chinkham, commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Division 5, is spearheading the investigation into the origins of the cyanide. Authorities are examining whether the lethal substance was smuggled into Thailand or sourced domestically. As the forensic tests results are awaited, speculation runs rife, yet the police are holding off on further questioning until they receive more concrete evidence. Delving deeper into the victims’ backgrounds, police efforts also turn towards contacting the younger sister of one of the deceased, who had left for Vietnam on July 10, possibly sparking…
The fervor surrounding the new outfit for Thai athletes at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris has become quite the talking point. Criticism and praise have lit up social media like a fireworks display over the Chao Phraya River. The uniform, debuted by Sapsiree Taerattanachai, a badminton virtuoso, flaunts a blue silk shirt dyed with traditional Thai indigo. Released on Stadium TH’s Facebook page, the outfit has attracted a whirlwind of opinions, landing it squarely in the spotlight. On one hand, some netizens have not minced words, calling the design “outdated.” They argue that it fails to encapsulate Thailand’s dynamic soft power. In contrast, others have lavished it with compliments, applauding its evident craftsmanship and aesthetic charm. Interestingly, the wave of responses has spurred a few creative minds to take matters into their own hands. Harnessing AI technology, netizens like the user “Grace Anthony” have concocted colorful, modern alternatives that’ve…
Bhumjaithai (BJT) leader Anutin Charnvirakul recently expressed his concerns directly to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin regarding the Ministry of Public Health’s controversial plan to relist cannabis as a narcotic. Anutin revealed that he told the Prime Minister that the proposal, slated for further deliberation by the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) on July 23, lacked convincing evidence to justify the re-criminalization of the plant. “We need more studies on this matter before making such a drastic move,” Anutin emphasized. He seemed genuinely perplexed by the government’s sudden change in stance, pointing out the irony that the same committee pushing for the re-criminalization were the ones advocating for its decriminalization just two years ago. Addressing the press on Thursday, Anutin urged committee members to remain consistent in their principles and to provide a clear rationale to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin regarding why cannabis should be decriminalized. As the Bhumjaithai leader and…
Senator Keskamol Pleansamai, while indeed a medical doctor, has found herself in hot water with the Medical Council of Thailand over claims of being a skincare specialist. (Photo: dr.kes.keskamol Instagram account) The council is gearing up to charge the beleaguered Senator for presenting herself as a skin and beauty expert sans official certification. In its July 12 meeting, the council’s board concluded that Dr. Keskamol’s actions ran afoul of Section 32 of the Medical Professions Act, which demands formal certification for such distinctions. This revelation comes from a source closely tied to the case. Tasked with probing into Dr. Keskamol’s self-proclaimed expertise is Dr. Ittaporn Kanacharoen, the council’s secretary-general. He has the responsibility to determine if her declarations breach council ethics. According to Dr. Ittaporn, the board will further deliberate on the matter come August 8. In a recent Facebook post, Dr. Ittaporn shed light on the fact that out…
In a striking revelation that has rattled the academic community, Supachai Pathumnakul, the deputy permanent secretary for the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), disclosed the findings of an extensive probe into research paper fraud at a highly anticipated meeting on July 16. (Photo: MHESI Facebook) The issue has become a hot topic, with six academics from three illustrious Thai universities being dismissed from their positions and an additional eight currently under investigation. The gravity of the offenses has prompted MHESI to ensure that these measures are seen as a stern warning to maintain academic integrity. According to the ministry, three lecturers from Khon Kaen University have not only been terminated but will also face criminal proceedings. Two more lecturers from Chiang Mai University (CMU) and one from Chulabhorn Royal Academy have also been fired, according to Supachai Pathumnakul’s announcement on Thursday. The whirlwind investigation, sparked by…
Pla Mor Si Karng Dam, commonly known as blackchin tilapia, have turned the aquatic scene on its head, preying voraciously on shrimp fry in farms and competing fiercely with native fish species. The introduction of these invasive aquatic troublemakers has caused an ecological stir, but one name often linked with the chaos—CP Foods (CPF)—stepped forward to clear the air. CPF, a vital cog in the Charoen Pokphand agribusiness machine, denies any involvement in unleashing these finned foes. CPF wasn’t the lone ranger in importing blackchin tilapia, confirmed the Department of Fisheries. Their meticulous records reveal not one, not two, but eleven different companies exporting these fish to a whopping seventeen countries around a decade ago. The timeline gets intriguing with Prasit Boondoungprasert, CPF’s chief honcho, stating, “We dabbled with some imports for research back in December 2010. It was all good fun until the fish flopped within a month.” Mr.…