(Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) In a scene right out of a modern-day drama, Bangkok’s famous Khao San Road witnessed an official meticulously checking the licence of a shop selling cannabis. This April 2023 snapshot captured a pivotal moment in the tug-of-war over cannabis in Thailand. Fast forward to now, a critical decision has been made, tilting the scales back toward tighter regulation. The winds of change blew through the Ministry of Public Health as a special committee, charged with overseeing the control of illegal drugs, cast their votes. Dr. Surachoke Tangwiwat, the committee chair and deputy permanent secretary at the ministry, declared that the majority had spoken – cannabis and hemp would be reclassified as narcotics come January 1 of next year. Dr. Surachoke, in his earnest demeanor, explained that the committee’s votes mirrored a shared belief: cannabis should strictly be a tool for medical treatment. They drew a hard line…
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The Ban Tha Sen crossing in Muang district of Trat is currently a bustling hub of activity, albeit only three days a week, as it serves as a pivotal point for border trade with Cambodia. Behind its promise lies a hope shimmering among provincial officials—a dream for this crossing to become a permanent checkpoint, a bridge connecting aspirations and economies. (Photo: Ministry of Commerce) TRAT: The National Security Council (NSC) is embarking on a diligent journey to unravel the myriad trade benefits and security concerns tied to this ambitious plan of inaugurating a new permanent border checkpoint with Cambodia. This revelation came from a senior official on a bright Friday, setting the stage for potential transformation. Authorities in Trat province are fervently advocating for Ban Tha Sen in Muang district to be granted the stature of a permanent checkpoint following cabinet approval, with the crucial backing of the NSC hanging…
Army vehicles rolled down a rugged road along the vibrant Thai-Myanmar border, stretching from Phob Phra to Tha Song Yang district in Tak on a serene March morning in 2024. The scene was picturesque, adorned with the sight of military patrols maintaining a watchful eye over the borderlands. (Photo: Wassana Nanuam) In a dramatic turn of events, twelve Moroccan nationals, who had been lured by a nefarious call center syndicate and trapped in the heart of Myanmar, were finally liberated and welcomed into Thailand on a fateful Friday. The Moroccan embassy in Bangkok had raised the alarm, urgently appealing to the Thai government and relevant authorities to rescue 21 Moroccans held hostage in Myawaddy district. These unfortunate souls had been ensnared by ruthless scammers who had spun a global web of deceit. Rangsiman Rome, a member of the Move Forward Party and the chairman of a House committee on state…
The remnants of the pickup truck used in the devastating bombing lie forlorn and twisted outside the Bannang Sata police station flats in Yala, a somber testament to the tragic events of Sunday. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat) In a swift response to the car bomb attack that rocked the Bannang Sata police station in Yala province, there have been significant personnel changes announced. The attack, which tragically claimed one life and injured 34 individuals on June 30, has prompted the reassignment of Pol Col Ranon Surawit. He will be transferred to the Southern Border Provinces Investigation Division to serve as its acting superintendent. Stepping into his shoes at the Bannang Sata station will be Pol Col Phrompat Sanitsri as the new acting superintendent. This reshuffling was part of a broader initiative revealed on Friday by Pol Lt Gen Piyawat Chaloemsi, the diligent commissioner of Provincial Police Region 9, an area encompassing…
The government-developed Tang Rat app has been designated as the sole platform for registering for the much-anticipated digital wallet programme, and authorities are raising the alarm over cunning scam gangs seeking to capitalize on the hype. These fraudsters have been dispatching SMS messages featuring a photo of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to draw in unsuspecting individuals, warned government spokesman Chai Watcharonke. This devious trick has unfortunately claimed numerous victims, particularly in Roi Et province, as stated by Mr Chai on Friday. The fraudulent message contains a link that appears to direct the recipient to a site where they can supposedly check their registration status for the 10,000-baht digital wallet handout. However, the moment they click the link, their mobile phones are compromised, turning them into unusable bricks. To add insult to injury, many victims watch helplessly as their savings are whisked away. The government is emphatically cautioning the public to…
A cheerful scene greeted visitors at the Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japan) last year on Oct 1, as a woman had her blood pressure checked during an event to mark the International Day for Older Persons. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb) But beneath the surface of Thailand’s vibrant community activities lies a ticking “invisible time bomb” — the nation’s population crisis. According to Varawut Silpa-archa, the minister of social development and human security, this critical issue needs immediate government intervention. He stressed the importance of addressing the root causes to stave off future problems. Speaking at a forum organized by the National Press Council of Thailand, he said, “Environmental issues are visible, but this [population crisis] is an invisible time bomb. If it is not addressed, it will certainly cause problems within the next ten years.” Societies worldwide are grappling with a myriad of challenges, including environmental concerns, diseases, digital transformation, and demographic…
In a grand and vibrant celebration of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand’s 72nd birthday and his sixth-cycle birthday on July 28, an awe-inspiring floral tribute has been created. Renowned destinations, Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM, joined hands with the globally-acclaimed floral artist, Sakul Inthakul, to craft majestic contemporary Thai floral displays. These exquisite showcases are set to mesmerize visitors throughout July 2024. Siam Paragon, a premier destination beloved by locals and tourists alike, is hosting an elaborate floral exhibition titled “Busabunchalee MaleeNopparat Chalerm Prachon,” which translates to a splendid blend of flowers and auspicious gemstones, in honor of His Majesty’s birthday. This lush flower display, meticulously designed by Sakul Inthakul, comes to life through the efforts of the Faculty of Home Economics Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Krungthep. With the guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. Jakkrapan Roopngam, over a hundred dedicated students have come together to…
Welcome to Siam Paragon, the definitive “Luxury Watch Destination” that stands tall as Thailand’s epicenter for over 43 prestigious watch brands. This unwavering position showcases the confidence of leading watch houses and Siam Paragon’s commitment to delivering a world-class, unparalleled experience for customers. Be among the first to witness the spectacular array of leading timepieces from Watches & Wonders 2024, the ultimate watch event, held annually in Geneva, Switzerland. As a pioneer in the luxury retail industry, Siam Paragon boasts a formidable high-purchasing power customer base, crafting the ultimate luxury destination with an unmatched collection of global elites. Making their grand debut at Siam Paragon are the latest innovations and intricate craftsmanship of complication watches. Prepare to be mesmerized by: A. Lange & Söhne, the legendary German brand, proudly presents new models from Watches & Wonders 2024 for the first time in Thailand. Among these will be the awe-inspiring DATOGRAPH…
Saha Group has taken a monumental leap forward by entering into memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and cooperation agreements with domestic and international partners during the 28th Saha Group Fair. By signing a record-breaking 18 MOUs in a single year, Saha Group is set to inject new life into the Thai economy, creating a plethora of job and income opportunities for the Thai people. Delving into the focus areas for Saha Group this year, it’s clear that the company is exploring a broad spectrum of interests including platforms, services, biotechnology, knowledge, and sustainable businesses. These domains are slated to shape the future trajectory of Saha Group. Joint Ventures with Thai, Korean, and Japanese Companies to Create New Platforms One of the year’s most anticipated collaborations in the platform business involves Saha Group partnering with MTS Gold, Thailand’s largest full-service gold company. Together, they will produce 99.99% pure gold bars to bolster…
Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is gearing up for an important visit to China next week, following an invite from his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. According to Nikorndej Balankura, a spokesperson from the ministry, this visit is set to take place from Monday to Wednesday. During his stay, Mr. Maris, alongside Mr. Wang, will co-chair the second Thailand-China Foreign Affairs Ministerial Meeting. The primary aim of this meeting? To deepen and strengthen the cooperation and support between the two nations. What’s on the agenda? A plethora of significant topics! Talk of enhancing support for agricultural products is high on the list. Investment in innovation is expected to be spotlighted as well. Additionally, the two sides will address regional air pollution issues—an increasingly pressing concern for both nations. And, let’s not forget the grand celebrations planned for next year’s 50th anniversary of Thailand-China bilateral ties. This meeting promises to tackle other…