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Is Anutin Thailand's Prospective Next Prime Minister? Anutin Charnvirakul. Picture courtesy. Bhumjaithai Thailand’s political scene is crackling with anticipation as the Constitutional Court gets ready to rule on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s qualifications next month. The court’s decision, due on August 14, could potentially reshape the country’s leadership, with Srettha possibly being removed from office. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333784-is-anutin-thailands-prospective-next-prime-minister/

Anutin Charnvirakul. Picture courtesy. Bhumjaithai Thailand’s political scene is crackling with anticipation as the Constitutional Court gets ready to rule on Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s qualifications next month. The court’s decision, due on August 14, could potentially reshape the country’s leadership, with Srettha possibly being removed from office. Current political dynamics, including secret and public gatherings, indicate a frenzied effort among key players to position themselves favourably for any upheaval. Deputy Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul stands out, active on the political front and possibly positioned as a strong candidate to step in. Notably, Anutin has been seen mingling with significant political and business figures, including hosting former PM Thaksin Shinawatra at the Rancho Charnvee Resort in Khao Yai. His active engagement has not gone unnoticed, presenting him as a potentially unifying figure for various factions. Should Srettha be disqualified, the selection of a new PM would be from the existing pool of candidates cleared by the Election Commission. These include Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Chaikasem Nitisiri from the Pheu Thai Party, General Prawit Wongsuwan of the Palang Pracharath Party, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga from the United Thai Nation Party, and, crucially, Anutin himself. Paetongtarn’s immediate assumption of the PM role seems unlikely, given the political turmoil. Chaikasem, meanwhile, faces health challenges. This potentially opens the door for Anutin, especially given his robust relationship with the influential Thaksin despite past frictions within their circles. Anutin’s reputation also extends to his handling of significant national issues, such as the divisive cannabis policy, showcasing his political acumen. His connections, particularly within military ranks, further bolster his prospects. This includes alliances with influential figures like General Sanitchanok Sangkhachan and General Charoenchai Hinthao. With General Prawit also vying for influence, the political chessboard is complex and fluid. However, Anutin’s rising prominence and strategic alliances make him a significant contender, positioning him as a potential stabilising force in Thailand’s political future. As the court’s ruling approaches, Thailand waits with bated breath, watching to see if Anutin Charnvirakul will indeed emerge as the next Prime Minister. RELATED TOPIC: Thai PM Faces Judgment Day Over Minister Nomination on Aug. 14 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333769-thai-pm-faces-judgment-day-over-minister-nomination-on-aug-14/ -- 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Politics in play: Golf outing sparks denials of secret deals by Thai parties by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Maynatchira Instagram account Pheu Thai Party and coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party have refuted claims of any secret agreements after former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul were seen playing golf together at a resort in Nakhon Ratchasima over the weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333782-politics-in-play-golf-outing-sparks-denials-of-secret-deals-by-thai-parties/

Pheu Thai Party and coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party have refuted claims of any secret agreements after former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul were seen playing golf together at a resort in Nakhon Ratchasima over the weekend. Anutin, who holds the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, clarified that Thaksin and his family stayed at a different hotel. He asserted that no political discussions took place with Thaksin, who is widely considered to be Pheu Thai’s unofficial leader. Anutin also dismissed allegations that he sought Thaksin’s help to resolve the ongoing conflict between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai regarding the government’s plan to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. “It has nothing to do with Thaksin. The Narcotics Control Board (NCB) will make a decision on the matter.” Observers have noted a growing dispute between Bhumjaithai, which has championed the decriminalisation of cannabis, and Pheu Thai, which aims to reverse this policy. A health committee responsible for controlling illegal drugs voted on July 5 to reclassify cannabis and hemp as narcotics, effective from January 1, 2025. This committee will present its findings to the NCB for review this month. Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also denied any secret deals between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai. “They went to play golf, sang songs and had dinner together.” However, sources indicated that the golf outing between Anutin and Thaksin at the Khao Yai resort was intended to address the cannabis dispute between the two parties. These sources suggested that a potential resolution could involve the NCB returning the relisting proposal to the health committee for further review and the government advocating for a cannabis law with stricter controls on its use. In exchange, Bhumjaithai is anticipated to fully support Pheu Thai’s digital wallet scheme, according to the sources. Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul joins Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, in a sing-along. Picture courtesy of Maynatchira Instagram by Bob Scott TOP Picture courtesy of Maynatchira Instagram account Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man arrested for raping his Thai-British half-sister by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 7 Police in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen arrested a Thai man who raped his younger half-sister in February last year. He subsequently went into hiding, evading arrest, after the despicable deed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333781-thai-man-arrested-for-raping-his-thai-british-half-sister/

Police in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen arrested a Thai man who raped his younger half-sister in February last year. He subsequently went into hiding, evading arrest, after the despicable deed. Banped Police Station officers arrested the 29 year old rapist, Manop, and temporarily detained him at the police station to prevent him from fleeing again. He was arrested for sexually assaulting his half-sister, who was born to his mother’s British ex-husband. Police Lieutenant Colonel Suphon Loyda told Channel 7 that Manop’s mother, 47 year old Ko, accompanied her daughter Gift to the police station in February last year to file a rape complaint. Ko explained that her daughter lived with her older sister, the girl’s aunt, in Khon Kaen. Manop later moved into the same house after losing his job at a construction site. Manop raped his half-sister, who was 12 at the time, and the girl asked her mother and her aunt to help her file a complaint against the rapist. Manop then escaped arrest and has not contacted the family since. Manop was charged under Section 277 of the Penal Code: sexual assault of a minor under the age of 13. The penalty is seven to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of 140,000 to 400,000 baht, or life imprisonment. Sadly, several reports of sexual assault by family members have hit the headlines. Last week, a half-Thai, half-German man was sentenced to 25 years and six months in prison for sexually assaulting his biological daughter and distributing explicit videos online. Two weeks ago, police in Phuket arrested a Thai man for raping his nine year old stepdaughter and 11 year old niece. Phuket Hotnews reported that his wife allegedly knew about the sexual assaults for a long time but urged the victims not to take legal action against her husband. Another Thai man was arrested in January for raping both his biological daughter and stepdaughter for over 10 years. His biological daughter later became pregnant, prompting another victim to seek police help to save her sister and the baby. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 7 Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

2 Thai men wanted for dumping body of infant at Bangkok temple by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ นสพ.นินจาบางกอก Police are searching for two Thai men who left a foam box containing the frozen body of an infant girl at Phai Liang Temple in Soi Petchkasem 101 in the Nong Khaem district of Bangkok yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333780-2-thai-men-wanted-for-dumping-body-of-infant-at-bangkok-temple/

Police are searching for two Thai men who left a foam box containing the frozen body of an infant girl at Phai Liang Temple in Soi Petchkasem 101 in the Nong Khaem district of Bangkok yesterday. A Thai man yesterday, July 23, called Nongkangplu Police Station and rescuers to the Phai Liang Temple after the two men abandoned the baby. The man explained that he witnessed two Thai men arrive at the temple with the white foam box yesterday morning. They placed the box at the temple and told the staff that they would return to hold a funeral for the baby after they lodged a complaint with the police. However, they never returned as they claimed. Police reported that the body was stuffed in the box with a large amount of ice. The baby girl was wrapped in cloth and put in a black bin bag. Rescuers speculated that the baby girl was delivered prematurely and died. Officers did not report whether the baby bore any wounds or bruises. The body was transferred to Siriraj Hospital for an autopsy. Police are now checking security cameras inside and near the temple to identify the two men. A similar discovery of dead newborn babies was reported at the beginning of July. A garbage collector found the bodies of twin boys at the rear of his garbage truck. The mother of the twins was later identified as a Burmese woman who lived in a rented room in Soi Phahonyothin 13 in Bangkok. She confessed to taking medication to kill her babies. Another newborn girl was found in a rubbish bin in Soi Inthamara 22 in Bangkok on July 18. The person who abandoned the girl remains unidentified. In another related report, a Thai woman and her child stumbled upon a cardboard box containing a baby boy on the roadside in the eastern province of Rayong. Luckily, the baby was still alive and was safely rescued. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ นสพ.นินจาบางกอก Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Hong Kong model stabbed to death in Bangkok apartment by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Handout via South China Morning Post A 24 year old Eurasian model from Hong Kong was found brutally stabbed to death in her Bangkok apartment. Thai media reports indicate that the young woman, who held a Swiss passport, was discovered last Thursday evening, July 18, after neighbours reported hearing screams around 6.15pm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333779-hong-kong-model-stabbed-to-death-in-bangkok-apartment/

A 24 year old Eurasian model from Hong Kong was found brutally stabbed to death in her Bangkok apartment. Thai media reports indicate that the young woman, who held a Swiss passport, was discovered last Thursday evening, July 18, after neighbours reported hearing screams around 6.15pm. CCTV footage captured the harrowing moment when the model, Gwendoline Cretton, was carried out of her apartment by her Hong Kong boyfriend, Wai, and two other men. The police have since arrested Wai, who claims that Cretton took her own life. However, the circumstances surrounding her death are clouded with suspicion. Surveillance footage shows Wai’s yellow car lingering near Cretton’s apartment just before the incident, and she was last seen walking her dog around 5.30pm on July 18. The Thai Immigration Department has yet to receive any requests for assistance but is in close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to monitor the situation. Cretton’s tragic end has sent shockwaves through the modelling community. She was reportedly represented by CalCarries International Management, the same agency that counts famous names like Gaile Lok and Danielle Graham among its talents. The agency confirmed that Cretton had worked with them for a long time until her contract ended this year. However, they were unable to contact her for confirmation as she was no longer on their roster. Cretton’s career included a recent photo shoot for an Italian fashion brand, with images posted on social media in late January. She also collaborated with various make-up artists for shoots, with her modelling career dating back to 2018. Additionally, she maintained a YouTube channel under the name Gwen Sun, although it reportedly had no content. The Swiss embassy in Bangkok and the consulate in Hong Kong have been contacted for comments, but no statements have been issued, reported South China Morning Post. Picture courtesy of CalCarries by Puntid Tantivangphaisal TOP Photo courtesy of Handout via South China Morning Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Koh Panyi vendors slammed for fleecing South Korean YouTubers by Petch Petpailin Photo via YouTube/ 컬렌 Cullen HateBerry Thai netizens condemned local vendors on Koh Panyi, an island in the southern province of Phang Nga, for overcharging two South Korean YouTubers. Some netizens claimed that the island locals also overcharged domestic tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333778-koh-panyi-vendors-slammed-for-fleecing-south-korean-youtubers/

by Petch Petpailin Thai netizens condemned local vendors on Koh Panyi, an island in the southern province of Phang Nga, for overcharging two South Korean YouTubers. Some netizens claimed that the island locals also overcharged domestic tourists. The drama emerged after the YouTube channel Cullen HateBerry released a video in which Paek Ki Deuk, better known as Cullen, and his friend Jung visited Koh Panyi. Netizens and YouTubers’ fans pointed out their expenses: 1,000 baht for a boat trip and another 1,000 baht for souvenirs. Some netizens guessed that the boat trip was expensive because they booked a private trip without other tourists on the same boat. However, others were still curious about the price of the souvenirs. Cullen and Jung bought a pearl shell for 500 baht and a necklace for 300 baht. The total price was 800 baht, and Jung paid with a 1,000-baht bill. Jung asked the seller for a discount. The seller did not give them a discount but suggested a necklace for free. However, the seller actually charged them 200 baht for the necklace, so the total cost they paid was 1,000 baht instead of 800 baht. Many netizens stated that the prices were too expensive while others felt that the souvenir seller took advantage of the two YouTubers by tricking them into buying another necklace at 200 baht. The criticism later escalated into religious discrimination, as some netizens stereotyped Muslim people as being tricky. Some pointed out that these South Korean YouTubers were cheated once before when they bought fried chicken from a Muslim stall in the Hat Yai district in Songkhla province. Deputy mayor Many netizens claimed that they were overcharged despite being a domestic tourist. They shared their negative experiences on the island of X, formerly Twitter. “My friend and I went to Koh Panyi a few years ago. We ordered fried sea bass with fish sauce, and it cost us 1,600 baht. My friend and I were in shock!” “I visited this island once, and it’s enough. Let it be an abandoned island.” “Can I say it? But this happens everywhere. They overcharge tourists, especially foreigners. If foreigners are willing to pay, it’s fine. But sometimes those vendors pressure them to buy. My foreign friend once did not dare to say no but now he has to.” Locals on the island and some netizens defended the prices as suitable for a tourist destination, stating that not everything on the island is expensive. The Deputy Mayor of Koh Panyee Sub-district Office, Prasit Haemin, also came forward to defend locals in Koh Panyi. Prasit explained that the boat fare of 1,000 baht was not expensive at all because the boat driver had to take about 30 minutes to send the tourists to the island, return to the mainland, and pick them up the next morning. Prasit also clarified that he already talked to the souvenir seller in the video. She revealed that the two YouTubers asked for a free product, so she gave them three pieces of souvenirs for 1,000 baht, down from the original price of 1,100 baht. However, many fans of the YouTubers responded to the deputy mayor that the two asked for a discount, not free items. They added that Jung had never asked for a discount from any sellers before, which meant that these souvenirs were costly. Prasit added in the interview with MGR Online that he and locals on the island were willing to take criticism and recommendations but they could not accept discrimination based on their religion. He urged netizens to refrain from criticising Muslim people and threatened legal action against those who did. by Petch Petpailin Photo via YouTube/ 컬렌 Cullen HateBerry Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man loses 125K gold necklace to woman on dating app by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon A Thai man lost a gold necklace worth over 125,000 baht to a woman he met on a dating app after meeting her at a hotel in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333777-thai-man-loses-125k-gold-necklace-to-woman-on-dating-app/

A Thai man lost a gold necklace worth over 125,000 baht to a woman he met on a dating app after meeting her at a hotel in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. The victim, 18 year old Ditdanai Takhamhor, filed a complaint against his former date, identified only as Zia at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station. Ditdanai explained that he moved from Roi Et to Udon Thani to work at a construction site with his uncle. He was alone there without family, so he used a dating app, hoping to find a soulmate. Ditdanai met Zia on the app. She told him that she was a nurse at a hospital in Khon Kaen province. They talked to each other online for a month before arranging a face-to-face meeting at a hotel in Udon Thani on July 11. Zia booked three rooms at the hotel, saying she came with her mother and younger brother. Unlike other cases, Ditdanai said Zia was as beautiful as her profile on the application. After talking for a while, Zia excused herself, saying she had to go on a personal errand with her mother and brother, so Ditdanai waited for her in the hotel room. Ditdanai said he later came out to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere but carried the wrong hotel key. It was the key to Zia’s brother’s room. He informed Zia about the issue, and she contacted the hotel staff to open the room for him. However, the staff would not come until the next day, so Zia asked Ditdanai to wait in her brother’s room. Ditdanai woke up at 4am the next day and found that everyone had disappeared, including his valuables, the 125,000-baht gold necklace. He contacted Zia to ask about his belongings. Zia said she would keep them and return them to him but she never did. Ditdanai contacted Zia’s mother to request his gold but she explained that Zia had been seriously injured in a car accident. Ditdanai patiently waited for her recovery, but even after she recuperated, the family did not return his gold necklace. Consequently, he chose to pursue legal action against Zia. The police assured him they would summon Zia to the station to retrieve and return the gold to Ditdanai. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Sky-high tourism boom: Thai-Chinese flights to double by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai) announced a dramatic increase in flights between Thailand and China. The number of annual flights is expected to double from under 100,000 to a staggering 200,000, thanks to a new mutual permanent visa waiver policy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333776-sky-high-tourism-boom-thai-chinese-flights-to-double/

Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co Ltd (Aerothai) announced a dramatic increase in flights between Thailand and China. The number of annual flights is expected to double from under 100,000 to a staggering 200,000, thanks to a new mutual permanent visa waiver policy. The policy, which began in March, allows Chinese and Thai passport holders to enjoy visa-free holidays and transits for up to 30 days. Aerothai president Nopasit Chakpitak revealed that four major routes: Macao-Hong Kong, Hainan-eastern China, Laos-Vietnam-China, and Yunnan-western China are responsible for 60% of all flights to China and currently constitute 20% of Thailand’s international flights. Nopasit estimated that the total flights to China this year will reach around 86,150, marking a 126% year-on-year increase. “As passenger airlines and the air logistics industry recover from the Covid-19 crisis, more operators are restoring routes to China and applying to open new ones to economically important destinations.” Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is particularly popular, with 5,896 flights from Thailand in the past eight months. “We estimate flights to Chengdu will exceed 8,850 this year, a 265% year-on-year jump.” To address congestion, Aerothai is discussing with authorities in China and Laos to open parallel aviation routes. This aims to ease the bottleneck on the current flight path set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in northwestern Laos, reported The Nation. “These routes will accommodate more flights from Thailand to Chinese economic cities such as Chengdu, Tianfu, Kunming, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Xi’an. We expect them to open by 2026 to support up to 200,000 flights per year.” In related news, the majority of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand in the second quarter of this year were lured by the country’s delectable cuisine and exotic fruits, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand. The Council’s report, published on July 4, surveyed 205 Chinese nationals. The participants included 44% from Mainland China, 24% from Hong Kong, 18% from Taiwan, and 14% from Singapore. It unveiled intriguing insights into their spending habits and preferences. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok in top 30 most dangerous cities for tourists by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Bangkok has been named the 30th most dangerous city for tourists, according to a recent Forbes Advisor article. The article, 12 Best Travel Insurance Companies of July 2024, compared 60 international cities across seven key risk metrics. The cities were evaluated on travel safety, crime risk, personal security risk, health security risk, infrastructure security risk, natural disaster risk, and digital security risk. Topping the list as the riskiest city was Caracas, Venezuela, with a perfect risk score of 100 out of 100. Karachi followed closely with a score of 93.12, and Yangon ranked third with 91.67. Lagos in Nigeria and Manila also made the top five, scoring 91.54 and 91.49 respectively. Bangkok received a risk score of 53.34, placing it 30th overall. The Thai capital’s highest risk scores were in the crime and health security categories, both at 39. Infrastructure risk scored 22, digital security risk 17, and personal security risk was relatively low at 5. On the flip side, Singapore was named the safest city for tourists, boasting a risk score of zero. Tokyo, Toronto, Sydney, and Zurich rounded out the top five safest cities, with scores of 10.72, 13.6, 22.28, and 22.97, respectively. When compared to other Southeast Asian cities, Bangkok emerged as the second safest after Singapore. Kuala Lumpur followed in third place with a score of 55.36, Ho Chi Minh City came next with 61.83, and Jakarta trailed with a high-risk score of 81.98, reported The Nation. Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cannabis Controversy: Is Thailand Ready to Recriminalize Marijuana? Anutin Charnvirakul supports the legalisation of Cannabis in Thailand. (FILE PHOTO) A hundred years ago, cannabis was completely legal in Thailand and was widely used in food, medicine, and for making hemp fiber. Today, it is also legal, but this might change soon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333775-cannabis-controversy-is-thailand-ready-to-recriminalize-marijuana/

Anutin Charnvirakul supports the legalisation of Cannabis in Thailand. (FILE PHOTO) A hundred years ago, cannabis was completely legal in Thailand and was widely used in food, medicine, and for making hemp fiber. Today, it is also legal, but this might change soon. Recently, there have been signs that cannabis, known locally as ganja, might be classified as a narcotic again, like it was for most of the last century. **Herb with History** Humans have been using cannabis for thousands of years. It is believed that cannabis arrived in Thailand from India, where it is used in religious ceremonies and traditional medicine, reported Thai PBS. Over the centuries, Thais have used ganja for various purposes, such as soothing tired muscles and relieving pain. However, concerns about its intoxicating effects led to the banning of cannabis possession, sale, and use in 1934. Thailand's stance on cannabis became stricter over time, especially after signing three United Nations conventions: the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. In 1975, Thailand issued a law on psychotropic substances that included cannabis. In 1982, the country reinforced its stance with the Narcotics Act, imposing jail terms and fines on those caught using, possessing, or trafficking cannabis. When Thailand decriminalized marijuana in June 2022, 4,075 prisoners convicted of cannabis-related offenses were released. **Journey to Legalization** Five years ago, few imagined that marijuana would become legal in Thailand again. Decha Siriphat, director of the Khao Kwan Foundation for sustainable agriculture, faced trouble for giving cannabis oil to cancer patients in palliative care. Decha studied the benefits of cannabis after seeing his mother suffer from cancer. Hope grew that Decha would avoid jail after the Bhumjaithai Party made marijuana legalization a key election policy. The policy allowed each household to grow up to six cannabis plants to help with pain and poverty. After the 2019 election, Bhumjaithai joined the coalition government, and its leader, Anutin Charnvirakul, became the public health minister. Under his leadership, cannabis for medical use was legalized before the end of 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the Marijuana and Hemp Act, but cannabis was finally decriminalized on December 9, 2021. Anutin also removed ganja from the narcotics list, making it fully legal. The cannabis market boomed, with shops and dispensaries opening nationwide, and the herb being used in everything from food to cosmetics. **Returning to the Narcotics List?** However, the unregulated use of recreational marijuana caused concern. Several medical groups warned about rising cannabis consumption and abuse. In response, the Public Health Ministry banned smoking cannabis in public and restricted the sale of cannabis buds, the plant's psychoactive part. The ruling Pheu Thai Party has long opposed marijuana legalization. In May, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin instructed the Public Health Ministry to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic and limit its use to medical purposes only. On July 5, the National Narcotics Committee decided to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic. The National Narcotics Control Board will soon meet to discuss this issue. If the board agrees, cannabis will become illegal again. However, Anutin, now a deputy prime minister and interior minister, is trying to prevent this. Meanwhile, the status of cannabis in Thailand remains uncertain. -- 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Drug-fuelled British man torments partner over alleged affair: Jailed by Puntid Tantivangphaisa Photo courtesy of Daniel Hadfield Facebook via Manchester Evening News A drug-fuelled thug from Oldham, Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom, accused his partner of having an affair with his father, turning her life into a nightmare. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333774-drug-fuelled-british-man-torments-partner-over-alleged-affair-jailed/

A drug-fuelled thug from Oldham, Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom, accused his partner of having an affair with his father, turning her life into a nightmare. The Mancunian, 39 year old Daniel Hadfield, has now been jailed, bringing a semblance of peace to his tormented victim. Hadfield, driven by a cocktail of alcohol and drugs, controlled and isolated his partner from her family. His accusations of infidelity, including a bizarre claim of an affair with his father, left her feeling trapped and helpless. The couple met in Thailand in the mid-2000s while Hadfield was pursuing a career as a Thai boxer. They later moved to the UK, settling in Hadfield’s hometown of Oldham. Craig MacGregor, prosecuting, revealed that Hadfield’s obsession with his partner’s fidelity made her life unbearable. His paranoia and abusive behaviour escalated under the influence of cocaine, his preferred drug. Hadfield’s control extended to isolating her from her family, leaving her feeling trapped in a relationship with a man stronger and more imposing than her. In the early 2010s, they planned to buy a house in Thailand, but Hadfield squandered their savings on alcohol and drugs. Forced to live at Hadfield’s father’s home, she eventually spent three years in a refuge to escape the cycle of abuse. The court heard a pattern of behaviour where Hadfield would beg for forgiveness, and she would relent under pressure. In 2017, Hadfield was convicted of battery against the same woman. Between April 2021 and December last year, he admitted to behaving in a controlling and coercive manner. In November, Hadfield assaulted her again, pushing her and causing a bruise after arriving home drunk at 3am. He admitted to common assault. The victim spoke about the toll of Hadfield’s actions. “I was completely worn out by constantly being harassed by him.” She described how Hadfield’s threats of suicide and violent outbursts intensified under the influence of drink and drugs. Defending, Jonathan Lally said Hadfield wanted to apologise for his behaviour, admitting it was unacceptable. Lally described Hadfield’s time in prison as a sharp shock and said it had made him determined to avoid returning. Hadfield, a plasterer, has served seven months in prison on remand. Sentenced to 46 weeks, he will serve half before being released on licence, reported Manchester Evening News. by Puntid Tantivangphaisa Photo courtesy of Daniel Hadfield Facebook via Manchester Evening News Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

“Passports for sale” billboard prompts clampdown The Labour Ministry’s employment department has been ordered to conduct inspections in various areas nationwide, especially in industrial parks, to check for advertising billboards offering foreign passports for sale, similar to the one found in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333773-“passports-for-sale”-billboard-prompts-clampdown/

The Labour Ministry’s employment department has been ordered to conduct inspections in various areas nationwide, especially in industrial parks, to check for advertising billboards offering foreign passports for sale, similar to the one found in Bangkok. Phumiphat Mueanchan, the Labour Ministry’s spokesman, said today that, if such billboards are found, they must be taken down and those involved will face prosecution. The spokesperson was referring to a billboard seen at the busy Din Daeng intersection, offering passports from various countries for sale. The Din Daeng and nearby Huai Kwang areas have been described as Bangkok’s “new China town”, due to the increasing number of Chinese there. The messages on the billboard, in Chinese, also mentioned that the service was for those seeking a second nationality. FUll story: Thai PBS 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Digital Wallet Scheme to Boost Thai Economy by "Whirlwinds" Reference photo courtesy: Khaosod The Thai government will introduce a new "digital wallet" scheme on August 1, aiming to invigorate the economy with a 450-billion baht initiative. The scheme will offer a one-time 10,000 baht benefit to an estimated 45 million eligible citizens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333772-digital-wallet-scheme-to-boost-thai-economy-by-whirlwinds/

The Thai government will introduce a new "digital wallet" scheme on August 1, aiming to invigorate the economy with a 450-billion baht initiative. The scheme will offer a one-time 10,000 baht benefit to an estimated 45 million eligible citizens. At a news conference at Government House, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira outlined the multifaceted plan. The scheme aims to inject more money into circulation, alleviate living costs, improve citizens' lives, and promote self-sufficient communities. Additionally, it hopes to create job opportunities and advance digital technology and innovation across Thailand. Minister Pichai detailed how the scheme intends to create four significant economic "whirlwinds." The first whirlwind will increase grassroots economy spending by encouraging people and small shops to transact more. The second whirlwind will boost spending at all types of stores, large and small. The third whirlwind aims to foster investment opportunities by enhancing interactions between big stores. Lastly, the scheme hopes to double economic activity temporarily, thereby reviving the production sector and restoring overall economic confidence. The registration for individuals will be open until September 15, with funds anticipated to be disbursed in the fourth quarter of the year. Registration for stores to join the programme begins October 1, and about two million stores are expected to participate. Certain groups are ineligible for the benefit, including prisoners, individuals compelled to refund under other government programmes, and those whose entitlements have been revoked. Two registration methods are available: the Thang Raj app for smartphone users and in-person registration for those without smartphones. Those without smartphones face restrictions; they need to show ID cards during each purchase, which must be made in person. The recipients can only spend their digital wallet funds within their home districts and can buy all goods and services except those on the "Negative List." Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat assured adequate funding for the scheme. The budget involves 165 billion baht from the 2024 fiscal year, including a 122 billion baht supplementary budget. The remaining 285 billion baht will come from the 2025 fiscal year budget, reported Thai PBS. Reference photo courtesy: Khaosod -- 2024-07-25 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe