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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019045

Despite repeated calls by doctors to suspend the decriminalisation of ganja, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hinted at the opposite – further legalising the plant for recreational use.

Anutin dropped the hint on Wednesday during the “Meet the Press: Cannabis” event held by the Public Relations Department.

Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party which championed its free ganja use campaign during the previous election, said a new cannabis bill may be amended to allow recreational use if the people accept it and know how to use it safely.

“In Thailand for the time being, we don’t advocate recreational use, but that will not be definite, it can be amended when people have full understanding on how to use it correctly and it might come, but not now,” Anutin said during the event.

He also said the cannabis bill, which is being vetted by a special House committee, will be sent back to the House this week for the second and third readings.

Several groups of doctors and medical personnel have called on the government to suspend the decriminalisation of ganja pending an enactment of the cannabis law. They voiced concern that during the vacuum period and without a law to govern the use of ganja, youths and children may abuse its use by consuming it as a drug or smoking it and suffer from adverse effects.

More than 850 medics at Ramathibodi Hospital have joined a campaign to halt the legalisation of ganja until controls on cannabis usage – especially among children – are implemented.

But Anutin on Wednesday argued that legalisation of medical cannabis has not been harmful to society as feared by doctors.

He pointed out that during the past two months after cannabis was decriminalised, only 60 people were admitted to hospital under supervision of the Public Health Ministry. This was just one per day on average, which was a very tiny percentage compared to Thailand’s population of 70 million, he pointed out.

Anutin also noted several more countries plan to follow in Thailand’s footsteps by decriminalising cannabis.

He cited Germany in particular, saying the European nation aims to legalise the plant for recreational use as many there were using it anyway.

“The German government feels that once cannabis is fully legalised, quality can be controlled, people will become safer and it will cut the number of ways for making money in ‘dark’ markets,” Anutin said.

The public health minister also cited the case of Canada, saying the legalisation of ganja four years ago has generated revenue of €2 billion (72 billion baht) for the country per year.

“Once more world markets open, Thailand will have bigger markets to export ganja products to,” Anutin believed.

“It is expected that after Germany legalises it, other EU nations would follow suit,” he added.

Published : August 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019044

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) spelt out four reasons for its decision to raise the fuel tariff from September, which in turn would cause a rise in household electricity fees.

On Monday, the ERC announced it would increase the tariff from 0.6866 baht per unit to 0.9343 baht, which would see household power fees rise to 4.72 baht per unit.

It said the four reasons for the increase are:

1. The decreasing amount of gas in the country.

Thailand has had to import spot LNG to replace insufficient gas, but the Russia-Ukraine war has sent the price of this LNG soaring amid volatile delivery. Therefore, using LNG or fuel will significantly increase the price of producing energy.

2. Gas production in Myanmar has decreased.

The amount produced in that country will keep decreasing from the end of 2022 to the beginning of 2023.

3. LNG manufacturers have slowed investment.

The Covid-19 crisis hit energy demand, but with many countries now recovering, LNG demand has outstripped production, with the current situation affecting the price and negotiations for the gas.

4. The Russia-Ukraine war.

The conflict has forced Russia to reduce or halt natural gas sales to Europe, so the demand for LNG has increased significantly in Europe, indirectly affecting the LNG price in Asia.

Published : August 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019036

Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn visited Khao San Road in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district on Wednesday under a plan to allow restaurants and entertainment venues in selected tourism zones to stay open until 4am.

The ministry is eyeing the famous Khao San Road as a pilot area for the move, which aims to boost tourism and help local entrepreneurs get back on their feet amid an economic downturn.

Phiphat said he had a chat with owners of restaurants and night spots on Khao San Road and most supported the 4am closing instead of the present 2am.

The ministry is working with authorities to draft regulations to control any noise so that these businesses don’t become a nuisance to surrounding communities, he said.

“For those who are still opposed to the idea, we insist the 4am closing will be allowed only on weekends [Friday, Saturday, Sunday] in selected zones, especially those with foreign tourists who make up 70 per cent of overall visitors,” said Phiphat.

“The ministry has considered all factors and is confident the move will have more pros than cons, especially for local tourism businesses trying to reopen after Covid-19 shutdowns.”

The ministry will ask the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration by September for the go-ahead, and hopes the extended opening hours would come into effect in the last quarter of the year, in time for the high season, Phiphat said.

The 4am closing is expected to be implemented in eight tourism cities, namely Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai.

The Centre for Alcohol Studies (CAS) is openly opposing the idea, going as far as to state that extending Thailand’s pub hours to 4am would cause “carnage”.

CAS deputy manager Surasak Chaiyasong said last week that statistics from Australia showed that extending bar hours had led to increased drinking and road accidents. Longer sale hours in Iceland also led to a rise in emergency-ward patients, injuries, quarrels, physical assaults and drink-driving, Surasak added.

Published : August 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019034

Twenty provinces in the North, the Northeast, the East and the deep South have been warned of flash floods and water runoff from August 20-24 due to heavy rains.

The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) issued the warning on Thursday, citing a Thailand Meteorological Department weather forecast, which said that during August 20-23, a monsoon trough would lie across the North and the upper Northeast. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf would strengthen.

These conditions will lead to more showers across the country, with isolated heavy to very heavy rains in the North, the Northeast, the Central region including Bangkok and its vicinity, the East and the South.

The ONWR warned that from August 20-24, the following areas are prone to flash floods and water runoff, and advised people to closely follow the latest updates on weather and water levels.

North: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Nan, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Phetchabun.

Northeast: Kalasin, Nakhon Phanom, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nong Khai, Udon Thani.

East: Chonburi, Rayong, Trat

Deep South: Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani.

The ONWR also urged authorities to closely monitor water levels at 10 large reservoirs in affected areas and issued a warning to surrounding communities. The reservoirs are:

– Mae Ngat Somboon Chon, Chiang Mai

– Kiew Kho Ma, Lampang

– Khwae Noi Bamrung Daen, Phitsanulok

– Bueng Boraphet, Nakhon Sawan

– Pasak Chonlasit, Lopburi

– Nam Phung, Sakon Nakhon

– Ubol Ratana, Khon Kaen

– Bang Phra, Chonburi

– Nong Pla Lai, Rayong.

Published : August 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019033

A charred body was found on Wednesday as officials were investigating a burned down 7-Eleven convenience store at the PTT gas station in Pasemat subdistrict, Su-ngai Kolok district, Narathiwat.

The body was identified as Masarich Mama, 26, a local who had reportedly visited the store on Tuesday night.

The convenience store was one of 17 locations of coordinated bomb and arson attacks by insurgents in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat on Tuesday night and early on Wednesday.

The 17 locations – nine in Narathiwat, six in Yala and two in Pattani – included eleven 7-Eleven stores, four Mini Big C stores, PTT and Bangchak petrol stations and a telecommunications pole.

Initial reports said the attacks caused mild to severe damages to properties and slightly injured seven civilians.

Witnesses at several locations reportedly said assailants had ordered all staff and customers to leave buildings before these were set on fire.

Officials speculated the deceased was trying to escape via the back exit while attackers had not seen him, but the door was locked and he was therefore trapped in the burning store.

On Wednesday Fourth Army Area deputy chief Maj-General Pramote Phrom-in said the attacks were aimed at destroying the atmosphere of peace talks and discrediting the authority of the government.

He was referring to the latest round of peace talks with insurgent leaders on August 1 and 2, which had failed to reach any breakthrough.

Later that evening, Kasturi Mahkota, president of G5, a militant group under the Patani United Liberation Organisation (PULO), insisted the PULO was not involved in any of the attacks. He said he had no idea who was behind them.

He also rejected a rumour that the PULO had organised the attacks in revenge after G5 local leaders were apprehended by security officers.

Related News

Deep South provinces hit by series of attacks; 7-Elevens shut down in Yala, Pattani

Fourth Army orders security boost after deep South hit by 17 attacks in few hours

Published : August 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019031

The Public Health Ministry reported on Thursday (August 18) that over the past 24 hours, 2,143 Covid-19 patients have been admitted to hospitals, one of whom has arrived in Thailand from abroad.

The death toll has risen by 29, while 2,023 patients have recovered and discharged from hospitals. 

The number of cumulative cases in the country since January 1, 2022, stands at 2,404,765 with 10,246 deaths.
 

The country’s total caseload from Covid-19 stands at 4,628,200 – 4,576,263 of whom have recovered, 19,993 are still in hospitals and 31,944 have died.

Separately, another 3,959 people were given their first Covid-19 shot in the last 24 hours, 6,672 their second shot and 24,264 a booster, bringing the total number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered nationwide to 142,288,644.

According to Worldometer, confirmed cases globally had risen to 598.21 million on Thursday, 572.24 million of whom have recovered, 19.5 million are active cases (44,363 in severe condition) and 6.46 million have died (up by 2,219).

Thailand ranks 29th in the global list of most cases, which is topped by the US with 95.07 million, followed by India with 44.3 million, France with 34.28 million, Brazil with 34.22 million and Germany with 31.73 million.

Published : August 18, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019025

The Public Health Ministry will provide Thai traditional massage to participants at the 12th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) High‐Level Meeting on Health and the Economy.

The meeting will be held at Millennium Hilton Hotel in Bangkok from August 22 and 26.

Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine director-general Dr Yongyot Thammawut said they will set up an exhibition of Thai traditional medicines at the meeting venue.

He said the department will set up 10 beds to provide neck, shoulder and foot massage to the participants, adding that the massage would be provided in line with Covid-19 prevention measures.

He added that the department would also hand out a variety of herbal products as a souvenir for participants, such as essential oils and cosmetics.

Yongyot added that the meeting would focus on Thai traditional medicine’s role in promoting medical tourism and stimulating the economy.

He added that Thai traditional massage can cure various diseases, including modern office syndrome.

“According to the study, neck and shoulder massage alone can relieve muscle pain similar to taking a muscle relaxant,” he said.

The department will be promoting 13 kinds of Thai herbs, including cannabis, in a bid to promote Thailand as the centre of herbal innovation in the world.

“We expect the development of Thai traditional and alternative medicine to generate up to 78 billion baht this year,” he said.

Published : August 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019024

Bangkok Marathon 2022 is expected to help stimulate the economy and tourism, as well as create awareness of healthcare among people, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Wednesday.

The marathon is scheduled to be held on Sanam Chai Road near Grand Palace in Bangkok’s Phra Nakhon district on November 20.

The marathon is organised jointly by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the National Jogging Association of Thailand (NJAT).

Chadchart said the BMA had joined hands with NJAT to make the marathon a world-class event as every city worldwide has its marathon events to attract visitors and stimulate the economy.

He believes that the marathon will be a huge success as many people are concerned about their health.

“We believe that Bangkok Marathon will help stimulate the economy, create awareness on healthcare and announce Bangkok’s readiness to fully reopen the city after the Covid-19 crisis,” he said.

He added that he would hold discussions on how to make the marathon a remarkable event and attract foreigners similar to overseas events, such as New York City Marathon, London Marathon and Tokyo Marathon.

Bangkok Marathon 2022 will be organised in four categories, including 42.195 km marathon, 21.1 km half marathon, 10.55 km mini marathon and 5 km micro marathon

Registration is open at the normal price until August 31. An additional fee will be charged from September 1 to 30.

Interested people can register via the website: http://www.bkkmarathon.com.

Published : August 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019022

Thailand will highlight its successful decriminalisation of ganja during the Apec High Level Meeting on Health and the Economy next week, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday.

The meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member nations is scheduled to be held in Bangkok on August 25-26.

During the meeting, Anutin said he would present the country’s ganja policy and its success.

Anutin added that the Public Health Ministry is in talks with its Malaysian counterpart about the cannabis policy after Malaysia expressed an interest in Thailand’s decriminalisation of marijuana.

Anutin said the Public Health Ministry was providing advice to Malaysia on how to draft the law to decriminalise marijuana for medical use.

He insisted that the decriminalisation in Thailand was done strictly for medical purposes and not for recreation.

Anutin was apparently responding to growing criticisms from doctors that the policy to decriminalise marijuana of his Bhumjaithai Party was doing more harm than good. His party had promised to push for the implementation of the policy during the previous election campaign.

Many doctors have voiced concern that the decriminalisation of marijuana, without a law to govern the use of ganja, would allow youths to abuse it as narcotics.

Anutin said actually such a law was not required because the Public Health Ministry has issued a directive governing the use of cannabis and hemp for medical purpose.

He said the mobile app of the ministry for people to register their marijuana plants also educated them on how to use the plants for medical purpose.

He noted that after the weeds were decriminalised two months ago, the number of people suffering from acute symptoms of marijuana use had actually been declining.

Anutin said the figures from the emergency wards of hospitals under control of the Public Health Ministry showed that from June 6 to August 16, only 60 people were admitted to emergency wards because of ganja use.

“That is an average of only one patient a day. This has no significance,” Anutin added.

On the economic aspect, Anutin said, he expected the country to get about 25 billion baht this year in revenue from ganja and hemp products, which could later increase two or threefold.

He said farmers would get more income from hemp and growing marijuana because the plants could be used to make a lot of products.

Reacting to concerns that foreign tourists would abuse cannabis as a drug, Anutin said the government would issue guidelines for tourists that they can use ganja only for medical purpose, not for recreation.

He said the government would also welcome foreign investors to research and make products from ganja and hemp in Thailand.

With foreign investments, Anutin said he expected Thailand to be a leader in Asia in ganja and hemp innovation.

Regarding the bill to regulate the use of ganja, Anutin said the special House committee vetting the bill would send the bill back for the second reading within this week.

Published : August 17, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/national/40019019

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday condemned a series of attacks by insurgents in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat, said government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana.

The 17 coordinated bomb and arson attacks – some leading to mild damages while others caused severe damage – mostly targeted 7-Eleven and Mini Big C stores as well as petrol stations, slightly injuring seven civilians on Tuesday night and early on Wednesday.

Some of the suspects had been arrested as of Wednesday afternoon, Thanakorn said.

“The prime minister has urged officials to investigate the incidents to find the motive behind the attacks and arrest all suspects as soon as possible,” the spokesman said.

“He also advised officials to use extra caution during investigations and prioritise the safety of life and property of locals, as well as increase security measures if necessary.”

Prayut termed the attacks outrageous, adding they aimed to inflict damage to life and property of innocent people by targeting convenient stores and petrol stations.

“The culprits must be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law,” ordered Prayut.

Related News

Deep South provinces hit by series of attacks; 7-Elevens shut down in Yala, Pattani

Fourth Army orders security boost after deep South hit by 17 attacks in few hours

Published : August 17, 2022

By : THE NATION