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https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40017003

China has warned its citizens in Thailand against smoking marijuana or consuming products containing the plant, which has been legalised in the Kingdom since June 9.

The website of the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok published an article providing answers to three frequently asked questions for Chinese nationals living in or visiting Thailand.

It warned that those who consumed products with marijuana content before returning to China could face legal trouble at home, as the residue could be found in their body.

“They will be deemed to have abused a narcotic drug that is illegal in China and will be punished accordingly,” the embassy said.

“In order to avoid such a risk, Chinese nationals in Thailand should make sure that the products they consume in Thailand contain no THC and CBD,” it said.

The message was referring to tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol — the main psychoactive substances found in cannabis and hemp.

The Chinese embassy noted that Thailand’s legalisation of marijuana was aimed at promoting alternative medicine rather than encouraging recreational use of the plant.

It also warned Chinese nationals against bringing back home products with marijuana content, or they could be arrested for possession of an illicit drug.

Also, they could be arrested at a Thai airport on their departure if the products they were carrying contained THC beyond the legal limit of 0.2 per cent, the embassy said.

“Marijuana is considered a severe narcotic drug in China and a controlled substance by the United Nations. Possession of products with marijuana content is still illegal in many countries,” the embassy warned.

It also urged Chinese nationals in Thailand to “love your own lives, control yourselves and strictly abide by the law” in order to avoid negative consequences.

Published : June 24, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016998

Even though marijuana and hemp have been legalised in Thailand, the Defence Ministry refuses to budge from its strict regulations controlling the use of “legal herbs” in military complexes.

Last month, Thailand removed marijuana from the list of Category 5 narcotics and announced that the plant can be cultivated for medical and commercial purposes.

Deputy Defence spokesman Colonel Jintanat Punnothok announced on Friday that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who doubles as defence minister, has ordered all military units to prohibit the use of cannabis and hemp in areas that fall under their jurisdiction.

This covers the consumption of cannabis both in food or by smoking.

“All branches of the military and the Royal Thai Police have been ordered to provide knowledge and boost awareness among its personnel about the benefits and dangers of consuming marijuana and hemp, as well as the legal restrictions related to cultivating, using, possessing and importing the plants,” he said.

The ministry has also prohibited its personnel from consuming marijuana or hemp before or while driving, operating machinery or doing physical work, and also from displaying inappropriate behaviour in public or on social media.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016997

Police seized projects worth 1.2 billion baht from a property company in Chiang Mai province on Friday after investors complained they had been cheated out of 4 billion baht.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) led the early-morning raid on New Concept Property Co Ltd in the northern province’s Hang Dong district.

They were searching for the company’s president, Romrawin Thansetkul, but found no trace of him at the premises.

Instead, the company’s managing director, Jakree Chomtaisong, was there to hand over information and documents to police.

DSI director-general Triyarith Temahivong, who led the operation, said that 80 people had filed complaints against the property firm, accusing it of failing to honour its promise to pay interest of 8 per cent per annum to its 2,000-plus investors.

According to investigations launched last year, company investors have lost as much as 4 billion baht. Large investors had pumped 40-300 million baht each into the company’s 14 property development projects, the DSI chief added.

The DSI seized 14 New Concept Property projects — 12 in Chiang Mai and two in Krabi province — with a total market value estimated at over 1.2 billion baht, said Triyarith.

Customer data, sale records and other documents were also confiscated in the raid, he added.

New Concept Property, or New Concept Group, was set up in 2019 with registered capital of 100 million baht. Its main focus is developing condominiums in Chiang Mai, relying on investments from the general public with an offer of returns of 8-10 per cent per annum.

Published : June 24, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016995

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has approved seven public areas for demonstrations.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt signed the notification on Thursday.

According to the notification, the seven public areas are:

1. Lan Khon Muang, Phra Nakhon district
2. Bangkok Youth Center (Thai – Japanese), Din Daeng
3. The public area under Ratchawipha Interchange, Chatuchak
4. Parking lot in front of Phra Khanong District Office
5. 72nd Anniversary Stadium, Minburi
6. Chaloem Phrakiat Sport Training Centre, Thung Khru
7. Monton Pirom Park, Taling Chan

The notification also sets six conditions for protesters to follow when using the areas:

1. The organiser of the protest in these areas must inform and submit related documents to the district office at least 24 hours before the protest for the district officials to acknowledge and make preparations.

2. The organiser could inform the district office directly, send a fax or send an e-mail in the proper format.

In the case of fax and email, the protest manager should contact the district office immediately to check the correctness of the documents. The district office might request the protest manager to submit the original document in the period as they see fit.

3. If the organiser cannot inform the district office within the time period, the organiser should submit documents to the district office as soon as possible before the protest for the district office to facilitate the protest.

4. The protest organiser and protesters must protect government property as they will be responsible for any damage.

5. Protesters must follow the Public Assembly Act 2015 and also other regulations strictly.

6. If the district office or government officials find the protesters violating the regulations, they are allowed to take legal action against the protesters.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016992

Passengers of BTS Skytrain are still required to wear face masks at all times on the mass transit system, despite the mask mandate being lifted on Friday.

Bangkok Mass Transit System, which operates the Skytrain, made the announcement after the Royal Gazette scrapped mandatory face-covering.

“Passengers are reminded that although mask-wearing has been made non-mandatory for outdoor public areas, BTS Skytrain still requires masks to be worn at all times while using the system,” said BTS. It added that any future changes to this requirement would be announced accordingly.

No announcements on mask-wearing had been made by other operators of mass transit systems in Bangkok at press time.

The government has made mask-wearing voluntary, although people are advised to cover their faces in crowded and poorly ventilated areas.

The Public Health Ministry has also urged elderly people and those with chronic illnesses to wear face masks around other people to reduce the risk of catching Covid-19. Infected people and those in close contact with them are also advised to wear masks.

Published : June 24, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016991

Another seven roads in central Bangkok have had their overhead cables buried underground in the latest phase of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA)’s safety and beautification campaign.

The seven roads are Sathorn, Ratchadapisek, Sathu Pradit, Sawang Arom, Nanglinchee, Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, and Soi Anuman Rajdhon.

A total of 8.3 kilometres of roads were cleared of the ugly snarl of cables in collaboration with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

MEA said the cable-burying phase on the roads was finished on May 5, leaving only the poles and other leftover equipment to be removed.

“After the areas are cleared up, people will enjoy unobstructed views of Bangkok, while electricity users in the areas will have a more stable system in preparation for increased usage by future businesses here,” it added.

MEA aims to move cables underground on 215.6km of roads in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan before 2025. So far, 62km of roads in the metropolitan area have been cleared of cables.

The authority said it faced challenges on some roads, where cable-moving operations are being hampered by construction of Skytrain and underground tracks and stations. However, it vowed to complete the job on time while minimising any impact on commuters and surrounding communities.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016987

The League of Islamic Council of Southern Thailand issued a statement on Thursday opposing the Cannabis and Hemp Act, the Liquor Bill and the Marriage Equality Bill.

Representatives of the Islamic councils in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Satun met in Pattani on Thursday to discuss the three laws and decide on their standpoint. The council said practising Muslims cannot follow these laws as they go against Islam’s principles.

Waedueramae Mamingji, the council’s chairman, said the matter has been widely discussed on social media and may cause some misunderstandings among Muslims, hence the council needs to take this step to clarify points.

“Our organisation is the pillar for citizens. We must reveal our standpoint to society clearly. According to the Sheikhul Islam Office’s Fatwa, we will not support these laws because they are haram [forbidden] in Islam,” Waedueramae said.

The new acts legalise the use and cultivation of cannabis and hemp, liberalisation of the liquor industry and same-sex marriage.

Drugs, alcohol, sex before marriage and homosexuality are all taboo in Islam.

Anantachai Thaiprathan, a medical academic who is also a practising Muslim, said cannabis is being allowed to use for medical purposes, but it cannot actually treat any diseases. He also pointed out that only two states in the US allow the use of cannabis for recreation, while the World Health Organisation views it as dangerous, and specifies that it must only be used for medical purposes and research.

Hence, he said, he was against the legalisation of cannabis and hemp because it will end up damaging the youth.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016984

Members of the GrabBike (Win) ride-hailing service arrived at the Transport Ministry headquarters on Thursday to submit a four-point demand, including postponing the ministry’s order to suspend the service of unregistered riders.

On Monday, the ministry instructed Grab Thailand to ensure all its GrabBike (Win) members have their motorbikes registered as public transport vehicles by July 15. The order also mandates that GrabBike riders can only accept jobs in the district they are registered for, while fares will be the same as ordinary motorcycle taxis.

The ministry said these steps are being taken to resolve the conflict between GrabBike riders and ordinary motorcycle taxis, who have been complaining that Grab has been stealing their business. Also, the use of personal vehicles to provide public transport services is against the law.

The letter, which was received by Land Transport Department’s deputy director-general Seksom Akaraphan, listed the following demands:

• Postpone the deadline to remove personal motorcycles from the GrabBike (Win) service until there are new laws or measures suitable for motorcycle taxi service through the app.

• There should be a law that allows motorcycle riders to provide ride-hailing services via an app, without requiring that they be part of existing motorcycle taxi groups.

• Fares for ride-hailing services should reflect the current economic situation and cost of living.

• Ride-hailing service providers should be able to pick up or drop off passengers anywhere without zoning restrictions.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016983

Covid-19 patients who have not developed symptoms for 14 days can safely get their influenza jab, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) said on Friday.

It added that people can contact the 1422 Department of Disease Control hotline for more information.

The NHSO is urging the following groups to get their free influenza jabs at participating hospitals nationwide until August 31:

• Women who are more than four months into their pregnancy (they are eligible for a flu jab all year)

• Children aged between six months and two years.

• People with chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, kidney failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and diabetes.

• Those aged 65 and above.

• Those with Thalassemia or weakened immune system (including those with HIV).

• Those weighing more than 100 kilos or with a body mass index of more than 35.

• Those suffering from cerebral palsy.

People can get their flu jab at government hospitals, sub-district health promotion hospitals, Bangkok public health service centres and participating clinics.

Those interested are advised to inform the hospital in advance. Bangkokians can reserve their spot via the Paotang application or call the NHSO at 1330 press 8.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/in-focus/40016980

Wearing a facemask outdoors is no longer mandatory as the Covid-19 situation in Thailand is improving, an order signed by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said. Other Covid-19 restrictions have also been eased.

An announcement published on the Royal Gazette website on Wednesday said the following measures have either been lifted or eased effective immediately:

• All 77 provinces are classified as green or surveillance zones, while the tourism pilot area (blue zone) is cancelled.

• Wearing a facemask outdoors is voluntary except in crowded areas and areas with poor ventilation. People at high risk are also advised to wear a mask.

• Migrant workers can travel between provinces in line with applicable laws and regulations.

• The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) will declare new regulations on shooting films/TV series in line with the easing of disease-control measures.

• Restaurants, pubs, bars, karaoke joints and similar entertainment venues are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages while ensuring all prevention measures are in place.

• Public gatherings are allowed, but gatherings of more than 2,000 people must be registered with the relevant communicable disease committee, which will set up measures to prevent the sparking of cluster cases.

The order has also instructed the Public Health Ministry to coordinate with related agencies to boost public awareness on staying safe from Covid-19 as the country transitions into a post-pandemic era, as well as draw up a risk management plan in case a new outbreak occurs.

Published : June 24, 2022

By : THE NATION