Paraquat is the most deadly herbicide used in agriculture, the medical experts on toxicology and neurology emphasised, with a death rate from direct exposure as high as 40 per cent. Long-term exposure can cause serious incurable brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and has been connected to cancers. A widely used pesticide in the agricultural sector, paraquat is also known to the general population by its commercial name, Gramoxone.

An intense debate about whether to ban paraquat in Thailand is underway among stakeholders. One side argues that it is too harmful for people’s health to allow further usage, while the other side counters that the health threats could be easily avoided and that it is the cheapest option for killing weeds.

It has been known for more than 20 years that paraquat is among the most poisonous chemicals, said Dr Thiravat Hemachudha, a neurology professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University. Repeated scientific and medical research studies have confirmed the chemical’s long-term toxicity, including its contribution to untreatable brain disorders and likely link to cancers.

Dr Thiravat Hemachudha

“There is tremendous scientific proof from around the world confirming the connection between prolonged paraquat exposure and neurological diseases,” is how Thiravat summed up the research. “The research included rigorous studies using both long-term monitoring of those who were regularly exposed to paraquat, and laboratory testing at the gene level.”

He revealed that research in 2006, which monitored and studied a group of people regularly exposed to paraquat over a period of nine years, concluded that prolonged exposure to this harmful herbicide increased the risk of suffering from Parkinson’s disease by 70 per cent.

Moreover in 2013 there were more than 100 published papers proving the connection between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease, and by last year it was widely accepted that paraquat could cause serious neurological diseases, he noted.

Thiravat recalled his time studying at the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, where in 1985 he attended a lecture about the “prodrug” (a biologically inactive compound that can be metabolised in the body to produce a drug) MPTP, which at the time was used as a substitute for heroin. MPTP was found to cause acute Parkinson’s disease, as it destroys the neurology cells in the brain, Thiravat said

“Surprisingly, the chemical structure of MPTP is very similar to paraquat,” said Thiravat.

Paraquat is also well-known for its acute poisoning when consumed or after direct skin exposure. Dr Suda Vannaprasaht from the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University said that consuming only 10 to 20 millilitres of 20 per cent diluted paraquat could kill, while this chemical is also corrosive to skin and can cause lesions. Due to its corrosive effect on skin, it was suspected that the high prevalence of Necrotising fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease detected by Assoc-Professor Puangrat Kajitvichyanukul from Naresuan University during her research on the use of agricultural chemicals in Nong Bua Lamphu, was a result of a high intensity of paraquat contamination in the local water sources.

A paper by Dr Winai Wananukul, head of the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital’s Poison Centre, found paraquat to be far more poisonous than other widely used herbicides, such as glyphosate, chlorophenoxy, and chloroacetanilide. Winai’s paper noted that up to 40 per cent of those who are exposed to this chemical would die, while the other herbicides have death rates around only 1 or 2 per cent.

Based on the accumulated evidence, Thiravat concluded that paraquat is too dangerous to be used in Thailand and has suggested that authorities find better and safer alternatives to this harmful herbicide.

“More than 48 countries including our neighbours, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have already banned paraquat,” he stressed.

Of the targeted officials, 42 are heads of protection centres for the destitute.

The Social Development and Human Security Ministry has operated such centres across the country, allocating funds to sustain the lives of the profoundly vulnerable and underprivileged. However, a university student detected irregularities in fund disbursement during her internship at the Khon Kaen Protection Centre for the Destitute and blew the whistle late last year.

Now, the investigation has been expanded to cover all such centres across the country. PACC member Pol General Jarumporn Suramanee said the PACC at its latest meeting resolved to set up sub-panels to launch investigations of 189 officials. These officials work at 42 protection centres for the destitute, one coordination centre, and one self-development centre.

Jarumporn said the PACC was also set to review the report from an investigation on the disbursement of state funds for the destitute in eight provinces – Yala, Phatthalung, Loei, Mukdahan, Sakon Nakhon, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et and Chon Buri.

“The Office of PACC is also in the process of investigating the use of the funds in 19 other provinces,” he added.

Meanwhile, police yesterday officially called on the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate alleged bidding collusion in the procurement of vacuum trucks by several local administrative bodies.

Pol Colonel Chak Pengsathorn, a deputy chief of the police force’s Counter Corruption Division, personally handed over the investigation report to the NACC. Running into about 60,000 pages, the report covers alleged irregularities in the procurement in Nonthaburi, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Sing Buri, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Chon Buri and Rayong provinces.

Forty officials and seven companies have been accused of wrongdoing.

“For the companies, seven chairmen and eight directors should be held responsible,” Chak said, adding that damages are estimated at Bt65 million.

AN ACTIVIST has urged Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha to invoke his special powers under Article 44 to demolish court officials’ residences at Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep Mountain. In return, the activist has promised to try to raise funds to support the construction of new accommodation units in another location.

“Doi Suthep is a sacred area. It is highly revered by Chiang Mai people,” Krit Yiammethakorn, who |identifies himself as the secretary-general for the Order of Thai People with Caring Concerns for Their Nation and the Chiang Mai Pracharat Power Group, said yesterday.

Krit spoke as he handed a petition to Prayut via the chief of the 33rd Army Military Circle, Maj-General Sathit Srisuwan. Built at a cost of nearly Bt1 billion, the complex of residences for court officials and judges at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain is now almost complete.

An uproar, however, has raged for months after environmentalists claimed that the houses and condo buildings for court officials were being constructed in a forest zone.

Authorities have to date maintained that the structures are legally not inside the adjacent Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.

“Chiang Mai people will help support the decision to remove court officials’ residences from Doi Suthep by raising funds to help the government with the cost of new buildings,” Krit said.

He added that various groups in Chiang Mai province had now come forward under a united stance to oppose the residences deemed to encroach on forestland.

“My groups will join the activities organised by the Network to Reclaim Doi Suthep Forest this Sunday,” Krit said.

The network plans to stage a rally in Chiang Mai to make it clear that locals are against the construction continuing. Wararat Boonyatat, who sells local clothes in Chiang Mai province, said the location chosen was not appropriate.

“Please return the forest to Chiang Mai people. Doi Suthep forest is very important to us,” she said.

Wiboon Singkateera, who owns a car-care centre in Chiang Mai’s Muang district, said he was handing out green ribbons to people who shared the same stance.

Green ribbons are now flying across Chiang Mai to symbolise people’s efforts to protect forestland.

“I will join the network’s activities on Sunday [tomorrow] and will hand out free green ribbons there too,” he said.

Boontanawich Pothaphirapat, a meatball vendor, said although his business would not allow him to physically join the activities, he would be willing to contribute by offering free drinks and food to participants. “It’s because I agree with the network’s stance,” he said.

Pattarin Butnate, a local schoolgirl, said she could not attend the network’s event but definitely would support its cause.

“I will speak up for the network wherever I can,” she said.

Kunprisorn Chaipattarawara chaya, a student at the Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, said authorities should build the court officials’ residences in an urban zone.

“Do not disturb nature,” she said.

If they die within five years of retirement the balance amount will be paid to his or her family.

The guaranteed minimum amount will rise sharply from just 10 times the monthly amount at present, once the ministerial regulation endorsing the new guideline takes effect.

“The SSO board has already approved the new guideline,” SSO secretary-general Dr Suradej Walee-ittikul disclosed yesterday. Members of the social security scheme are entitled to receive old-age benefits every month after retirement. The amount of financial benefit varies, depending on the monthly contributions each member makes to the social security fund during their working years and also the duration of the contributions. Presently, more than 120,000 elderly Thais claim old-age benefits from the social security scheme.

Suradej said the SSO board had resolved to increase the guaranteed minimum amount of old-age benefit to boost the morale of social-security members.

“If they die before they get 60 months of old-age benefits, the money shall be paid to their designated heirs,” Suradej said.

He said the SSO would soon prepare the proposed amendment to the ministerial regulation governing the old-age benefits.

He said retirees who are members of the social security scheme and their heirs can check their rights and benefits via SSO centre’s hotline 1506 round the clock.

A bus stop on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, outside the head office of petroleum giant PTT Plc, collapsed as a result of strong winds.

The Meteorological Department on Friday warned of more summer storms, strong winds and possibly hailstorms in all regions of the country – particularly the North, eastern seaboard and Central regions, including Bangkok and its satellite provinces – for another day.

“Residents in those areas should avoid being outdoors, under large trees or billboards that could collapse in strong winds,” the department said in its statement.

The agency said the storms resulted from the high-pressure ridge covering northern Thailand and the low-pressure ridge covering southern Thailand.

Rainstorms and strong winds were also reported in Chai Nat, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, and Pattaya City in Chon Buri on Friday afternoon and evening.

“The historic meeting reflects the continued concerted commitment and efforts by all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution of the situation on the Korean Peninsula,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Thailand hopes that the outcome of this summit and further efforts, particularly the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in the near future, will pave the way for the eventual realisation of denuclearisation, “thereby helping to greatly enhance peace, stability and an atmosphere of cooperation in the region”.

Thailand stands ready to contribute towards these shared goals, according to the ministry statement.

Trump hailed the summit between the two Koreas, saying that “good things” are happening on the peninsula ahead of his own highly anticipated meeting with Kim Jong-un.

“After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place,” Trump wrote on Twitter.

“KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!” he tweeted.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe welcomed the summit, urging Pyongyang to take “concrete action” on the peninsula’s denuclearisation and other issues.

“Today President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong Un held earnest discussions about North Korea’s denuclearisation. I want to welcome that as a positive move toward comprehensive resolution of various issues concerning North Korea,” Abe told reporters in Tokyo.

Russia praised the landmark summit as “very positive news”, saying direct dialogue on the divided peninsula was promising.

“This is very positive news,” President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman told reporters after the leaders of North and South Korea held their historic meeting at the border separating the two countries.

“Today we see that this direct dialogue has taken place [and] it has certain prospects,” he said, praising the results of the talks.

“The will to seek agreement can be seen on both sides, including the most important thing – the will to begin and continue dialogue. That is a positive fact,” Peskov said.

China lauded the Korean leaders’ historic step and appreciated their political decisions and courage, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a press briefing.

“We hope and look forward to them taking this opportunity to further open a new journey of long-term stability on the peninsula.”

She also read a poem: “We remain brothers after all the vicissitudes; let’s forego our old grudges, smiling we meet again.”

Pitchanart “May” Sakhakorn, Napapa “Patt” Tantrakul, Orapan “Aoffy Maxim” Dansiriwattanakun, and Nonthaporn “Ying Yae” Theerawattanasook – testified ahead of schedule at the police head office in Bankok.

They were among the nine celebrities summoned to testify to police during May 4-7.To express their sincerity, they also consented to being shown to a media scrum, said Weerachai.

Pitchanart said she felt uneasy about what happened and was willing to co-operate with the police investigation, as she believed that the justice system would give her justice.

She said that before reviewing a product, her manager would check the product’s label for a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hallmark. Pitchanart insisted that she personally tested Magic Skin’s skin-whitening supplement Fern Vitamin before giving her endorsement. Pitchanart said that she had no ill intention and considered herself a victim in this case. “I was astonished to hear the news and I realised I had made a mistake in reviewing a product with no FDA approval,” she added.

Nonthaporn admitted to a friendship with Kasit Worachington, one of the eight suspects apprehended in the case, and said she had tested the product before giving her review.

Napapa echoed that she also had tested the product before giving her review and had even asked for additional information from the manufacturer, who then confirmed the product’s legality.

Magic Skin products were tested and found to be substandard and lacked advertised ingredients. Authorities claim they were made without proper licences and produced at unregistered factories.

Public complaints led authorities to search several factories linked to the firm, while police have apprehended eight people – for whom arrested warrants were issued – including business owner Wannapa Poungson, along with her husband and accountant Korn Poungson.

Police are conducting interviews with product spokespeople to gather evidences before deciding who to target with further charges and what those charges should be, Weerachai said. Those whose actions were deemed violations of the law would then be summoned to hear charges, or a court would be asked to issue arrest warrants.

Police previously announced that 59 Thai celebrities (including the nine who were told to testify to police on May 4-7) have some kind of involvement with the firm. Weerachai said all 59 celebrities should give testimonies within 45 days.

EPPO director Thawarat Sutabutr said the Commerce Ministry would also be asked to discourage the practice.

Thawarat said retailers would be invited to a meeting to discuss the practice, commonly used to gain advantage over competitors.

He said at least two retailers had announced the same price reduction at the same time, possibly in violation of the Trade Competition Act and government policy on fair business practices.

Retailers often announce price cuts a day in advance via the mainstream and social media, leading to a surge in demand and queues of vehicles at their petrol stations.

The fine for blocking an ambulance could be raised from the current Bt500 to Bt10,000 or as high as Bt20,000 if the NLA passes legislation being called for by two Facebook-based campaigners for changes to the Land Transport Act.

NLA First Vice President Surachai Liangboonlertchai yesterday collected the petition demanding an open passage for ambulances and emergency vehicles from “Street Hero Project” administrator Weerakij Akaracho-tewit and “Mor Lab Panda” administrator and medical technologist Phakphum Dejhasdin.

Surachai said he would forward the petition to the Royal Thai Police, along with recommendations by the NLA committee on integrating and coordinating emergency rescue services, which he chairs.

Surachai said the committee had discussed how to hold accountable and punish drivers who intentionally failed to make way for emergency vehicles causing an on-board patient to later die.

The panel decided that the authorities should ask a doctor to determine whether delay had contributed to the death. The accused person’s intention and behaviour could also be factors for determining a punishment beyond the normal fine, he said.

The move followed several incidents in the past month where cars blocked ambulances from passing.

On April 24, a social media user named “Weera Boonjit” posted a video clip of an ambulance with a patient on board being blocked by a pickup truck that refused to move out of the right lane in Phetchabun’s Nong Phai district. The post, which received 644,000 views and was shared by 1,700 others, attracted a lot of criticism of the truck driver.

Weera said that because an ambulance usually drove at high speed to save lives, it requires the right lane and so others should move to the left and let it pass.

Another caught-on-camera incident took place on April 6. Social media user “Kenzaa Standby” posted the video clip of a Suzuki Swift sedan sticking to the right lane despite the tailing ambulance’s lights and blaring siren.

Prasit Raemkhonburi, 61, who was being transported by ambulance from Lat Krabang Hospital to Nakhon Ratchasima’s Khon Buri Hospital, was pronounced dead later that day.

His daughter, Saijai said Prasit suffered oxygen-deprivation to his brain, and was being sent to be treated at his hometown hospital nearer to relatives as there was a chance he would be in coma after surgery. She said the family forgave the sedan driver and didn’t wish to press charges because they wished Prasit’s spirit to be at peace.

The sedan belonged to Panuwat Sricharoen, an official at the National Institute for Emergency Medicine (NIEM), who allowed his girlfriend, Jiraporn Juisa-ngiam to drive while he slept in the car, according to NIEM chief Dr Atchariya Paengma.

Panuwat claimed that the driver was shocked to see an ambulance tailing behind and she was not a good driver.

The agency gave him a warning and a probe is to be launched.

Panuwat apologised to all sides and offered his condolence to Prasit’s family in a video clip posted on the “Street Hero Project” page on April 10.

National police deputy chief Pol General Weerachai Songmetta, said Jiraporn was summoned by police on April 10 to hear the charge of failure to make way for an ambulance, which is punishable by a Bt500 fine.

This incident prompted national police chief Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda to order that police help accommodate emergency vehicles at intersections.

FIVE OFFICIALS OF the Department of Livestock Development are being investigated in connection with alleged irregularities in the purchase of uncertified rabies vaccines, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Grisada Boonrach disclosed yesterday.

Grisada said he had instructed his ministry’s permanent secretary to set up a committee to investigate those officials and impose severe disciplinary actions if they are found guilty.

He did not identify the officials but said they include current and retired officials.

“None of them are officials at the C-10 level. That means they are not executives of the ministry,” he told reporters at Government House during a Meet the Press event.

Clear wrongdoing

The probe was ordered after initial fact-finding results showed that about 1 million doses of rabies vaccines purchased by the department in 2016 had not obtained certification from the Food and Drug Administration, according to the minister. He said it was considered a wrongdoing for any officials to accept uncertified vaccines.

The fact-finding followed complaints of substandard vaccines in the aftermath of an outbreak of rabies in many provinces. At least eight rabies-related human deaths have been reported this year.

Grisada said relevant documents linked those five officials to the uncertified rabies vaccines.

The minister also said that the initial fact-finding found no evidence to prove the allegation that a former deputy director-general of the Department of Livestock Development had allowed his wife to sell vaccines to the agency improperly. He asked anyone with evidence to submit it.

A recent survey of mammals in Thailand found there are about 10 million animals with the potential of becoming rabies carriers – 9 million of them have owners and the remaining 1 million are strays, Grisada said yesterday.

The minister said the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry is working with local administrative organisations to prevent the spread of the fatal disease. The ministry is responsible for procuring rabies vaccines to be used with stray mammals while the local administrative organisations are responsible for funding the purchase of vaccines for the 9 million pets and other mammals that have owners, he added.