Parliament deletes Section 3 of cannabis bill, leaving herb in legal limbo
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Parliament on Wednesday voted to remove Section 3 from the draft cannabis/hemp regulation bill, leaving the legal status of the herb in limbo.
Section 3 specified that cannabis and hemp are not considered narcotics under the Narcotic Drugs Act.
The deletion of Section 3 sparked speculation that cannabis has effectively been relisted as a narcotic. However, the House committee scrutinising the draft bill previously said that removal of Section 3 would not override an edict issued in June by the Public Health Ministry that legalised the herb by delisting it as a Category 5 drug.
Of the 233 MPs attending Wednesday’s meeting, 199 voted for removal of Section 3, none voted against, and there were 31 abstentions and three no-votes.
The meeting then considered Section 4, which covers definition of terms related to cannabis and hemp. Move Forward MP Dr Wayo Assawarungruang proposed limits on the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis to prevent the development of new strains that contain higher THC levels. THC is the psychoactive substance responsible for the “high” from consuming cannabis.
Meanwhile, Move Forward and Democrat MPs disagreed with appointing the Food and Drug Administration secretary-general as a registrar for cannabis and hemp cultivation, saying this would lead to procedures that would be too complicated for small-scale growers. They proposed that registration of growers should instead be the responsibility of provincial governors or local administrators.
Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtoei complained that the bill’s regulation of household use of marijuana without medical reasons is too ambiguous and created a loophole for recreational use.
Deliberation of the draft bill, which governs cultivation, sale, and consumption, is proceeding slowly as MPs are keen to have their say on each topic.
Delays to the bill, which was sent back for review in September, are causing confusion over what aspects of the herb will be legal.
Thai innovation agency pinpoints trends that will shape the future
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
Nongluck Ajanapanya
The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has identified seven trends that will shape the future in Thailand and around the globe, and give an edge to companies and countries that seize the opportunities they are creating.
Pan-Arj Chairatana, the agency’s executive director, said in an exclusive interview on Wednesday that the seven innovation trends were selected because they reflect current developments in the global economy.
The trends have a significant potential to drive the future and play a crucial role in people’s lives. They are: 1. New energy technology 2. Regenerating the travel and aviation industries 3. New players from deep tech 4. The rebound of Japan with soft power 5. Sophisticated artificial intelligence for data-driven content creation 6. New food technology 7. Hyper spending on defense tech
Pan-Arj Chairatana
The executive directors of NIA then gave a brief explanation of each trend.
Pan-Arj said theemergence of new energy technology reflected a transition from fossil fuel to circular energy, which includes solar power, geothermal energy, bioenergy, electric energy, and green hydrogen energy.
To support this green energy demand, a “high-efficiency backup power supply” such as grid energy storage systems, advanced lithium-ion batteries for battery energy storage systems, and alternative battery technologies is required, he said.
Meanwhile, as each country reopens following the COVID-19 crisis, the travel and tourism industries are gradually recovering, but travel patterns have shifted.
He said entrepreneurs must use innovation to create sustainable tourism while also utilising digital technology to facilitate and build new experiences.
The aviation industry requires innovation to manage workforce shortages and resources in the supply chain, as well as to reduce its environmental impact.
The new players from deep tech can provide innovative technology that solves global challenges.
Since it is a difficult-to-imitate innovation due to complex technology, this creates a comparative advantage in the development of intellectual property, driving business expansion on the global market, he said.
Based on Thailand’s strengths, he believes the country’s deep tech in agriculture, food, space, virtual technology, sensors, and medical science can draw investors and aid in the country’s ability to compete.
Pan-Arj said the return of Japan’s soft power demonstrates how it can benefit the country’s economy. Although Japanese manufacturing is declining, their MAG culture (manga, anime, and games) continues to win the hearts of people all over the world. Pan-Arj said Thailand is collaborating with Japan in order to boost the kingdom’s soft power.
“NIA has an exclusive collaboration plan with Japan next year to help accelerate our technology startups and support our artists in order to strengthen our soft power,” he said.
Sophisticated artificial intelligence for data-driven content creation is the result of digital technology that has revolutionised the media landscape, changed the way of approaching audiences and opened a space for millions of “content creators” to create a new economy. This change helps improve the communication and entertainment industries.
According to Pan-Arj, Thai startups will benefit greatly from the next generation of food technology. To serve the growing global population and global warming, the world requires a sustainable food system.
For the final innovation trend, NIA’s executive director said that the development of defense technology is a priority for many countries due to its benefits to security and the economy.
Microelectronic technology development, supersonic flight systems, robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and high-power energy weapons are among the key innovations, he said.
The government should support domestic defense technology and encourage international collaboration so that Thailand can avoid becoming a net weapon importer in the future, he said.
Future goals Pan-Arj also used this occasion to unveil the innovation agency’s five-year strategic plan (2023-2027), which includes four key strategies: the open innovation system, the new Thai innovative financial system, the data system supporting innovation, and high-performance organisations that are ready for change.
“NIA is changing our role from a system integrator to a focal facilitator to build comparative advantage while incubating startups and local entrepreneurs [ so that they are ready for] the global stage,” Pan-Arj said.
By 2023, Thailand’s innovation development, particularly in deep technology and travel, will be significantly improved. Thailand is expected to improve as a result of supporting factors such as business sector research and development investment and creative production.
The agency anticipates that its five-year plan will generate about 1 billion baht in revenue for the country.
Through startup and innovative entrepreneur acceleration, its goal is to propel Thailand into the world’s top 30 “Innovative Nation” countries by 2030, up from its current position of 43, Pan-Arj said.
Inside job suspected in fraud case defendant’s attempt to escape from court
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
The Department of Corrections is investigating whether an escape attempt by a wealthy businessman charged with leading a fraudulent investment ring that allegedly caused over a billion baht in damage was an inside job.
Prasit Jeawkok was arrested at the Criminal Court in Bangkok on Thursday morning while attempting to escape during a toilet break.
He had asked for permission to relieve himself, while a Corrections official waited outside the toilet. However, while inside the toilet, Prasit managed to free himself from an ankle lock and change from the prison garb he had worn to attend the court trial, according to Bangkok Remand Prison commander Nasthi Thongpalad.
He said the defendant sneaked out of the toilet but was later apprehended by officials on the third floor of the court building.
“A fact-finding investigation is underway to determine what actually happened,” the prison chief said.
He maintained that the lock used by the prison for defendants in remand was of a special type that requires a special key, and not a normal one that is generally used.
Meanwhile, Department of Corrections director-general Aryut Sinthopphan said that he had ordered an investigation into the incident to be completed within seven days.
“While in the toilet, [Prasit] changed from the prison garb and unlocked his ankle lock. We suspect that he may have got help and that it was prearranged for him,” he said.
Prasit, 46, was arrested last year following complaints by hundreds of people who said they had invested in businesses run by him and his colleagues, which promised high returns, but instead took their money. The investment opportunities included tour packages, a savings cooperative, luxury products, and gold.
He has been detained at the prison after the court denied him bail at the police’s request due to the extent of the damage and the possibility of evidence tampering.
Once viewed by many as a model of success, the businessman was registered as a director of at least 10 companies involved in diverse businesses including online hotel booking, air ticketing, tourism, real estate, wholesale computer hardware and software, and IT system design.
Their corporate website that carried his name, Prasitjeawkok.com, used to describe him as the “Jack Ma of Thailand”, referring to the successful Chinese magnate and multibillionaire who co-founded Alibaba Group. It also said that Prasit “in the future will develop his business so that it progresses and gets bigger than Google”.
Bangkok’s Wireless Road to see biggest jump in land prices
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Land prices in many areas of Bangkok have reached 1 million baht per square wah (4 square metres), according to the Treasury Department’s new list of appraised land value to take effect on January 1.
The new appraised land prices, normally used for the calculation of land tax or the application of property loans, will be in force between 2023 and 2026. This new list replaces the current one in use from 2019 to 2022, as the Thai economy is expected to recover next year.
The newly appraised land prices would benefit home buyers as they could get higher loans, said Surachet Kongcheep, managing director of real estate consultancy Property DNA Co Ltd.
Land plots along Wireless Road in the sections between Ploenchit to Saen Saeb Canal will see the largest increase in prices when the new appraisal list becomes effective — from 500,000 baht per square wah previously to 1 million, according to Treasury Department director-general Chamroen Phothiyod.
He said another stretch of Wireless Road, from Rama IV to Ploenchit, would see an increase from 750,000 baht per square wah to 1 million.
Land prices on Rama I Road, in the section spanning Rajdamri and Phya Thai, would also rise to 1 million baht per square wah, from 900,000 at present, the official said.
Land prices in the business district of Silom will remain unchanged at 1 million baht per square wah, according to him. This includes the Silom Road section spanning Rama IV Road and Narathiwat Ratchanakarin.
Other Bangkok areas that will see increases of appraised prices to 1 million baht per square wah include Ploenchit Road and Rama I Road (from Rajdamri to Phya Thai).
The Rajdamri Road section between Saen Saeb Canal and Ploenchit Road will see new land prices at 900,000 baht per square wah.
Another business area of Bangkok, Sathon Road (particularly the section spanning Rama IV Road and Charoen Rat Road, will see appraised land value rise to 800,000 baht per square wah.
Appraised land prices for the section between Ploenchit and Rama IV Road will be 750,000 baht per square wah, compared to 700,000 baht for land prices along Yaowarat Road, which houses Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Land plots along the newly built mass-transit systems like the MRT Orange Line, from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Minburi on the eastern side of the city, will also see price increases.
Transport Ministry launches joint electric bus-boat card for Bangkok commuters
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
The Transport Ministry on Thursday launched one-fare electric cards for Bangkok commuters to save cost by riding electric buses and boats.
Chayatham Promsorn, permanent secretary at the Transport Ministry, launched the so-called Hop Card during the “Thai Smile Happy Gift: Start to Connect” event at the ministry.
Thai Smile Bus has provided electric buses and boats to operators who have received concessions to operate in Bangkok. Thai Smile Bus also provides electric ticketing platform on electric buses and boats.
Chayatham said the Hop Cards are available in two packages.
In the first package, passengers pay only 50 baht per day and can ride electric buses and boats of operators using Thai Smile Bus platform with unlimited trips.
In the second package, commuters pay 40 baht a day to ride electric buses in the Thai Smile Bus network in over 120 routes in Bangkok with unlimited trips.
Chayatham said so far there are 1,250 electric buses serving passengers on over 120 routes and the buses transport over 10,000 passengers a day.
The ministry aims to increase the number of electric buses in Bangkok and suburban areas to 3,500 next year, he added.
In the future, the ministry hopes to expand the link to electric railways as well, the permanent secretary said.
Religious rites held at Sattahip Naval Base for sailors who died at sea
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
The bodies of six sailors who lost their lives after their warship sank in a storm on Sunday night were taken to the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri on Thursday for religious rites.
They were identified as Amnat Pimthee, Assa Kaewsuphan, and Somkiat Maichob – all chief petty officers first class – Petty Officer First Class Chakpong Poonpol, seaman Akkadet Phobat, and Lt Junior Samart Kaewphluek of the Royal Thai marines.
The sailors were part of the crew of the Royal Thai Navy’s corvette HTMS Sukhothai, which sank in the Gulf of Thailand about 20 nautical miles (37 kilometres) off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan with 105 crew on board.
Bereaved family members claimed their bodies at a rescue foundation in Prachuap Khiri Khan on Thursday, where they were given belongings and personal items left by the deceased. Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, commander of the First Naval Area Command, was on hand to offer support to the families.
The bodies were taken in six vans to the Wing 5 Air Force Base in Prachuap Khiri Khan before being flown on a C130 military plane to U-Tapao Airport, where a ceremony featuring guards of honour was held.
A three-day religious ceremony sponsored by His Majesty the King will be held at Sattahip Naval Base.
Prachuap Khiri Kha rechecking the number of residents over 100 years old
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
The Prachaup Khiri Khan provincial administration is rechecking a preliminary report that said about 50 residents of the province are over 100 years old.
Provincial deputy governor Kittipong Sukphakphum said the preliminary report was filed by the provincial office of Poverty Eradication and Life Cycle Development.
“The provincial administration is checking the details about this. It’s quite exciting and heartening that they live so long,” the deputy governor said.
He said he has confirmed in person that four centenarians live in the province’s Thap Sakae district – one in Tambon Saeng Aroon, two in Tambon Ang Thong, and one in Tambon Na Hu Kwang.
Kittipong said he and officials from the Prachuap Khiri Khan social development and human security office, and the provincial office of the Senior Citizen Council of Thailand, had visited the four centenarians in the three tampons.
Kittipong said one of them is 112 years old.
The Prachuap Khiri Khan provincial administration will send officials to check the exact number of people who are over 100 years old, examine their living conditions, and determine whether they have any medical conditions.
Their villages may also be promoted as “old age villages” for tourists, the deputy governor added.
Public urged to wear face mask as air quality in 11 Bangkok districts at unsafe level
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
The air quality in 11 districts of Bangkok recorded unsafe levels of PM2.5 on Thursday (December 22), the Environment Department said.
The level of particulate matter 2.5 microns in diameter in the air ranged from 52 to 57 micrograms (mcg) per cubic metre, higher than the acceptable limit, the department said.
Residents have been advised to take care of their health and wear masks.
Districts having PM2.5 levels above safe levels are:
1. Thawi Watthana
2. Nong Khaem
3. Bangna
4. Pathumwan
5. Prawet
6. Yannawa
7. Bang Khen
8. Khlong Sam Wa
9. Thonburi
10. Bang Khun Thian
11. Khlong San
The overall air quality level in 50 districts across Bangkok were found to be in the range of 28 to 57mcg per cubic metre, while the safety level over a 24-hour period should not to be more than 50mcg per cubic metre.
Cool weather and morning fog are forecast for Greater Bangkok with a 1-2 degrees Celsius rise in temperature as the moderate high-pressure system covering upper Thailand has weakened, according to the Environment Department.
The air quality in Bangkok should be monitored from December 23 evening when the weather is expected to be calm and windless, the department said.
Bhutan’s queen wishes a speedy recovery for Princess Bajrakitiyabha
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of Bhutan on Thursday left a written message wishing a full recovery for HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
The visiting queen arrived at the hospital’s Bhumisiri Mangkhalanusorn Building shortly before 10am and was greeted by deputy principal private secretary Khunying Chantanee Thanarak and the hospital’s director Dr Chanchai Sittipunt.
Queen Jetsun Pema wrote her message on behalf of the Bhutanese people wishing that the Thai Princess recover from her illness and return to good health soon. She also presented a vase of flowers.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the daughter of His Majesty the King and HRH Princess Soamsawali, is being treated at the hospital for a heart-related health issue after fainting in Nakhon Ratchasima province last week, according to the Royal Household Bureau.
Queen Jetsun Pema is visiting Thailand from Wednesday to Friday as a special representative of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry said in a statement on Thursday that a special prayer was held at Pangri Zampa Monastery in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, on Monday at King Jigme’s command to pray for Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s speedy recovery.
The ceremony was attended by 70 Buddhist monks, members of the Bhutanese Royal Privy Council, senior officials from King Jigme’s Secretariat and Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives of the Royal Thai Honorary Consulate-General in Thimpu.
Global heating behind THB12.6tn flood damage, 2,000 Thai deaths: NESDC
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2022
Flooding driven by climate change has killed more than 2,000 people and cost 12.59 trillion baht over the past 30 years in Thailand, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
The finding confirms that Thailand is suffering serious social impacts from climate change, said the NESDC third-quarter report.
The country has suffered over 40,000 floods during the past 30 years, causing significant loss of life and severe economic damage, the report said. The devastation was worst during the national flood crisis of 2011, but last year’s inundation had cost 53 billion baht in damages, it added.
The NESDC noted that scientific studies over the past 20 years showed that worsening floods were the result of climate change caused by global heating from greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. It cited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s 2021 findings that the Earth’s temperature has risen 1.09C since pre-industrial times. As a result, climatic changes and sea level rises are now virtually irreversible, the IPPC said.
The NESDC said global heating had triggered a higher frequency of natural disasters around the world, including forest fires in Australia and massive floods in Pakistan, China, and South Korea.
People born in 2020 will encounter three times as many natural disasters as those born in 1960, the NESDC report said.
Between 200 and 2019, the world suffered 7,348 major natural disasters, killing 1.23 million people, affecting 4.2 billion people, and causing economic damage worth US$2.97 trillion, said the report, citing data from last year’s UN Conference on Trade and Development.
Pan-Arj Chairatana
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