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In a pivotal meeting attended by the Prime Minister and three senior ministers, PM Srettha Thavisin announced that cannabis shops in Thailand are to be shut down by April 1, 2025. He has called for the reclassification of cannabis as a scheduled narcotic substance by the end of 2024. This comes as part of a larger strategy to clamp down on drug usage in Thailand. The Prime Minister has advocated for stricter police action and treatment measures for drug addicts. Thavisin earlier expressed strong opposition to cannabis liberalisation in an interview with France 24. His remarks alarmed then Minister of Public Health Cholnan Srikaew, who questioned whether the PM’s views were in line with government policy. This disagreement may have led to Cholnan's subsequent removal from the cabinet. The planned reclassification of marijuana will likely unsettle the burgeoning cannabis industry, as it effectively nullifies the 2022 statute proposed by former Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The law had exempted police from criminal proceedings related to marijuana. Thavisin’s proposed changes would permit action against individuals selling and using cannabis. In a recent development, newly appointed Minister of Public Health Somsak suggested public consultation on the matter, while a bill is being drafted to regulate marijuana use as a non-scheduled substance. However, any confusion or ambiguity in drug regulation is exactly what Srettha wants to avoid. He sees the cannabis trade as a threat to the country and argues that it brings more economic negatives than positives. TOP File photo for reference only courtesy of Wikipedia -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin's Unofficial Involvement in Myanmar Conflict Questioned Rangsiman Rome. Picture courtesy of Thai Rath Rangsiman Rome, Chair of the House Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, National Strategies & Reforms, has raised concerns about Thaksin Shinawatra's engagement in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326859-thaksins-unofficial-involvement-in-myanmar-conflict-questioned/

Rangsiman Rome, Chair of the House Committee on State Security, Border Affairs, National Strategies & Reforms, has raised concerns about Thaksin Shinawatra's engagement in the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. Thaksin Shinawatra, the ex-Prime Minister of Thailand deposed in the 2006 coup and now a convict on parole, is suspected of having held undisclosed dialogues with various conflict parties in Myanmar. The clandestine discussions reportedly took place in Chiang Mai and involved representatives of different ethnic groups in conflict with Myanmar's government, such as the Shan State Army, Kachin National Organisation, Karen National Union, the exiled National Unity Government, and also representatives from the junta-led government in Naypyidaw. Although it is unclear what advancements, if any, were made at the informal meetings, questions are being asked about Thaksin's legal authority to represent the Pheu Thai-led government in any capacity. It has been confirmed that Thaksin does not hold a government position and there's no record of the Pheu Thai-led government issuing him any duty in relation to the Myanmar issue. Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, and newly-appointed Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampong have remained largely silent on the matter. Meanwhile, Thailand's official stance on the Myanmar conflict has not yet been formally announced. Rome stated that his committee strongly supports the Thai government's potential role as a mediator in the Myanmar conflict, although the lack of a concrete policy on the crisis has been pointed out. The committee is scheduled to visit Mae Sot district, bordering Myanmar’s Myawaddy township, to inspect humanitarian aid efforts and the security situation. TOP: Rangsiman Rome. Picture courtesy of Thai Rath -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 9 May 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1326858-thailand-live-thursday-9-may-2024/

Bus driver dies, 29 passengers hurt in Lampang tour bus crash last night Photo courtesy of Thai PBS A bus driver died and 29 passengers, both Thai and international, got injured- with two sustaining serious injuries- following a bus crash on Tuesday night. The tour bus was en route from Chiang Mai to Bangkok when it lost control, veered off the road and hit a tree. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326836-bus-driver-dies-29-passengers-hurt-in-lampang-tour-bus-crash-last-night/

Residents in Pattaya Express Concerns Over Job Theft and Begging by Illegal Migrants File photo for reference only. The locals of Pattaya are once again appealing to the relevant authorities to address the issue of illegal migrant workers, who they claim are taking jobs away from Thai people and bothering tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326840-residents-in-pattaya-express-concerns-over-job-theft-and-begging-by-illegal-migrants/

British Expat Killed in Kamala Hit-And-Run Picture courtesy of Thaiger A British expatriate, named Zoe Lucket, tragically lost her life in a shocking road accident in Kama, Thailand on May 5th. The collison between the van she was driving and another vehicle was so forceful that she was thrown 20 metres away from the accident site. On arrival, paramedics transported her to Patong Hospital where she was proclaimed dead on arrival. Despite the severity of the event, Kamala Police haven't yet commented. Local residents were dismayed to learn that nearby CCTV cameras were not operational when the accident occurred, meaning there's no video evidence of the tragic incident. Offers of alternative CCTV footage from local businesses were also declined by the police. Adding to the community's grief and frustration, one unnamed expat, closely associated with the deceased, alleged the driver of the other vehicle was not tested for alcohol after the incident. The expat also drew attention to a recent upsurge in road fatalities after the main local road became a four-lane highway. He advocated for speed reduction measures such as speed bumps and additional signage to help prevent further tragedies. Zoe Lucket, a long-term resident of Kamala, was a well-loved community figure. -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

In a tragic accident in Kamala, Phuket, a British woman lost her life. Zoe Lucket (65), was killed by a speeding passenger van that charged through a red light at a main intersection on May 5th. The powerful impact reportedly flung her 20 meters down the road, resulting in immediate death. British Woman Dies in Phuket Hit-and-Run Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326857-british-woman-dies-in-phuket-hit-and-run/ Screenshot curtesy of Phuket News

In a tragic accident in Kamala, Phuket, a British woman lost her life. Zoe Lucket (65), was killed by a speeding passenger van that charged through a red light at a main intersection on May 5th. The powerful impact reportedly flung her 20 meters down the road, resulting in immediate death. Shortly after, an ambulance transported her remains to Patong Hospital, where her death was confirmed. However, the seriousness of the accident hasn't been recognized by Kamala Police, who have yet to comment about the incident. Police in Phuket reported that the CCTV cameras at the site were not working, leaving the accident unrecorded. Several businesses nearby offered their CCTV footage, but the police declined. Moreover, a source close to Lucket mentioned that the van driver was not required to undertake an alcohol test post-accident. The informant also raised concerns about the escalating fatal incidents after the road was expanded into a four-lane highway. They stressed the need for traffic-control measures, such as speed humps and proper signage, to control speeding vehicles and prevent further catastrophic accidents. They asserted that the cost of implementing these safety measures was insignificant in comparison to preserving human life. Lucket was a long-term resident of Kamala and her untimely death has left the local community, including the expatriates, in deep sorrow. Screenshot curtesy of Phuket News -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Last year in Bangkok's Phra Khanong area, a Burmese woman, Nang Mwe Hlaing, got drugged and robbed by her ex-boyfriend, an Iranian boxer named Maleki Behnam. Despite her report to the local police, Behnam still remains at large. Hlaing, a 25-year-old lady, met Behnam at a Muay Thai match and later allowed him to stay at her condominium intermittently. According to Hlaing, Behnam drugged her with yogurt, and when she regained her consciousness, she found Behnam gone, along with valuables amounting to over a million baht. Hlaing revealed that the stolen items included 410,000 baht in cash, two iPhones, an ASUS laptop, an iPad Air 4, a Rolex watch, debit cards, and key cards to her condominium. She was able to track her discarded iPhone to a canal near her building using the Find my iPhone feature. Moreover, Hlaing discovered ten days later that about 20 million baht, or roughly USD 660,000, in cryptocurrency was moved from her account to three different accounts, making her suspect Behnam wasn't acting alone. Despite her suspicions and supporting surveillance footage, Bangkok police found insufficient evidence against Behnam's associate to issue an arrest warrant. The case remains unsolved and Hlaing who occasionally suffers from panic attacks expressed her continued fear of possible harm from the thief or his associates. Even though she managed to recover some of her lost valuables valued at about USD 600,000, she has yet to retrieve them. Picture courtesy of Thaiger -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Man Arrested for Attempted Sexual Assault at BTS Station Picture courtesy Facebook ข่าวสารเมืองปราการ v2 Authorities in Thailand have arrested a local man, Suthat Chuayrod, 27, for an alleged attempted rape and theft at Kheha BTS Station, Samut Prakarn province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326802-thai-man-arrested-for-attempted-sexual-assault-at-bts-station/

Authorities in Thailand have arrested a local man, Suthat Chuayrod, 27, for an alleged attempted rape and theft at Kheha BTS Station, Samut Prakarn province. The incident, which occurred yesterday, involved a 30-year-old cosmetic store worker. The victim reported the matter after the assault at Mueang Samut Prakarn Police Station. According to the victim's account, she noticed Suthat behaving inappropriately at the end of the escalator. The perpetrator subsequently assaulted and attempted to forcibly undress her. The woman's resistance to the attack led Suthat to hit her repeatedly. He fled when another passenger appeared, but not before taking her handbag and escaping on his parked motorcycle. The police apprehended Suthat later that day at his residence in Samut Prakarn. At first, he rejected the accusations, but when confronted with irrefutable CCTV evidence, he confessed. Suthat admitted he had been under the illicit influence of a drug cocktail, including ketamine, crystal meth, heroin, and sleeping pills, purchased from a Bangkok night market. The drugs, he claimed, made him forget his actions. This alarming event has sparked concern about the safety and drug prevention measures at BTS stations, with no mention of security presence during the incident. Picture courtesy Facebook ข่าวสารเมืองปราการ v2 -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Severe Weather Alert: Bangkok Braces for Heavy Rain and Potential Floods File photo The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) sounded the alarm today, anticipating heavy rains, possible flash floods, and forest runoffs in multiple regions, especially Bangkok. Strong winds from the southeast are to strike the country's upper areas, increasing the likelihood of thunderstorms by 70%. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326801-severe-weather-alert-bangkok-braces-for-heavy-rain-and-potential-floods/

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) sounded the alarm today, anticipating heavy rains, possible flash floods, and forest runoffs in multiple regions, especially Bangkok. Strong winds from the southeast are to strike the country's upper areas, increasing the likelihood of thunderstorms by 70%. The TMD is advising locals to steer clear of open areas, large trees, unstable structures, and fragile billboards. Farmers are encouraged to protect their crops and livestock from potential damage. The high risks of flash flooding are concentrated in areas with steep terrains, waterways, and low-lying regions, creating turbulent conditions in the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, leading to a warning for mariners too. Although the dust and smoke densities are easing in the northeastern and central regions of Thailand due to increasing rainfall, the northern parts are still grappling with moderate to high levels. On the other hand, regions such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Nayok, and others across the country will experience varied weather, with daytime temperatures oscillating between 23 to 41 degrees Celsius and a 40-60% chance of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. As conditions shift in Bangkok, residents are advised to brace themselves for the wet conditions and possible disruptions. Top: File photo -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Finance Minister aims to revitalize Thai economy File photo Newly named Thai Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, vows to boost Thailand's struggling economy, particularly focusing on issues of household debt and low personal income. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326799-finance-minister-aims-to-revitalize-thai-economy/

Newly named Thai Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, vows to boost Thailand's struggling economy, particularly focusing on issues of household debt and low personal income. Previously serving as chairman of Thailand's Stock Exchange and advisor to the prime minister, Pichai identifies a steadily decreasing economic growth rate over the past twenty years. Noticing a concerning drop in economic expansion from rates of 4%-5%, down to current rates of 1%-3%, Pichai addresses the subsequent decline in citizen's income in relation to GDP reduction. He also raises concerns over substantial household debt, exceeding 90% of the country's GDP, restricting individual's capacity to borrow. Pichai recommends an economic injection to combat household debt, but maintains that it should not be interpreted as the favoring of wealthy business owners due to the interconnectivity of economic sectors. Additionally, he analyzes a downward trend in economic growth due to heavy reliance on goods production for export, suggesting a need to adopt new technologies and products. To improve national competitiveness, Pichai proposes either enhancing existing product competition or encouraging the development of new domestic technologies. He emphasizes the incentive to attract new tech producers to invest in Thailand, specifically in clean energy production capabilities. Pichai also notes Thailand's geographical advantage, strategically located between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, establishing it as an accessible middleman or transport option for goods produced elsewhere, like China. Top: File photo -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Local Leaders Slain in Deadly Shooting in Pattani Picture courtesy of The Bangkok Times Yesterday evening, a horrific shooting occurred in Pattani Province that claimed the lives of two community leaders. The incident took place around 6.30 pm on a local football field, where a village headman and an administrative clerk were shot dead. In the same attack, a government official and a meatball vendor suffered injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326798-local-leaders-slain-in-deadly-shooting-in-pattani/

Picture courtesy of The Bangkok Times Yesterday evening, a horrific shooting occurred in Pattani Province that claimed the lives of two community leaders. The incident took place around 6.30 pm on a local football field, where a village headman and an administrative clerk were shot dead. In the same attack, a government official and a meatball vendor suffered injuries. The attack occurred post a local football match in Datoh subdistrict. Aged 56, Cherdchai Promradkaew, the clerk, fell victim to two gunshots to the head. Sithichai Petchsuriya, the village headman aged 47, was also shot twice, but in the torso. The injured victims, Nattasak Srian, a 38-year-old government official and Makorseng, a 59-year-old meatball vendor, are being treated at Mae Lan Hospital. Based on the M16 cartidges found at the scene, military-grade weapons were likely used in the attack. Preliminary investigations suggest four attackers came on two motorcycles. They shot the victims from behind at close range, while the remaining two fired cautionary shots into the air before making their escape. Immediately after the incident, military forces, including Special Task Force 43, initiated a round-the-clock search within a 500-meter area surrounding the crime scene. Vehicle and individual inspections at established checkpoints have also been intensified. With the magnitude and method of the attack, the police suspect it's the handiwork of a group trying to stir unrest in the region. -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Homeless Woman Suffers Violent Assault in Bangkok; Suspect Arrested Picture courtesy of Khaosod A homeless woman was severely assaulted in Bangkok's Phaya Thai district, leaving her with significant injuries. Anotai, 43, was found in her makeshift tent with brutal facial injuries early yesterday morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326795-homeless-woman-suffers-violent-assault-in-bangkok-suspect-arrested /

A homeless woman was severely assaulted in Bangkok's Phaya Thai district, leaving her with significant injuries. Anotai, 43, was found in her makeshift tent with brutal facial injuries early yesterday morning. Emergency services transported her to Ramathibodi Hospital, where she subsequently identified her attacker, Kiang, 39. The incident reportedly started as an attempted sexual assault, escalating after she resisted. Kiang admitted to the assault but denied rape. He was charged with indecent assault and physical assault, and remains in pre-trial detention at the Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court. The attacker was arrested near the Soi Inthamara 1 community, where closed-circuit television footage backed up the assault claims. Anotai's relative saw Kiang acting suspiciously and alerted the police who were already on scene. Anotai, described as of unsound mind but able to communicate coherently, lives in the area with her brother, who was absent at the time of the assault. The hospital later disclosed that she is HIV positive. Picture courtesy of Khaosod -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Si Racha Battered by Heavy Flooding Picture courtesy of The Bangkok Times Unprecedented rainfall has resulted in serious flooding in Si Racha, a district in the Chon Buri province, leading to widespread destruction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326794-si-racha-battered-by-heavy-flooding/

Unprecedented rainfall has resulted in serious flooding in Si Racha, a district in the Chon Buri province, leading to widespread destruction. The continuous downpour overwhelmed the district's drainage systems, causing water levels to rise swiftly and submerge homes and vehicles. Caught by surprise, locals struggled to salvage their properties with reports of electrical appliances getting damaged, especially in Soi Roong Ped's single-story houses. Following the flooding, Si Racha's municipal firefighters were immediately directed to unclog drainage systems blocked with debris including trash bins and bottles. The debris, swept down from Phraya Sura Sak Municipal area, obstructed water paths, escalating the flood situation. To ease the cleaning process and speed up water drainage, temporary road closures were implemented. Areas along Assumption Road and in Soi 21 - located 9km from where the flood originated - were heavily hit. Characterized as "basin-like," these neighborhoods were left in dire straits as locals got trapped and houses and businesses were threatened by the rising water levels. Authorities from the Si Racha District Administration, Si Racha Municipality, Phraya Sura Sak Municipality, Si Racha Police Station and Sawang Prateep Si Racha Rescue Unit joined hands for the rescue work. They provided relief and support to the affected people. The severity of Si Racha's flooding highlights the struggles faced by urban regions in terms of drainage and infrastructure during severe weather. Changes in climate patterns signal the urgent need for improved urban planning and disaster preparedness. The effective collaboration between the government and rescue agencies illustrates the community's resilience and accentuates the importance of quick response during natural disasters. It serves as a reminder of the immediate action required to reduce the impact of such calamities in the future. Picture courtesy of The Bangkok Times -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Rising Elephant Attacks in Thailand Cause Alarm File photo courtesy of MGR Thailand faces an alarming increase in wild elephant attacks, resulting in at least 150 deaths and over 133 injuries since 2018, according to a report by the country's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Full. story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326793-rising-elephant-attacks-in-thailand-cause-alarm/

Thailand faces an alarming increase in wild elephant attacks, resulting in at least 150 deaths and over 133 injuries since 2018, according to a report by the country's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Many victims have been tourists in southern Thailand. The Humane Society attributes these attacks to tourists provoking the elephants. The report reveals these massive animals have been venturing into populated areas, causing havoc on roads and even entering homes, making Thailand a global hotspot for elephant-related incidents. In a notable event, a herd of 50 elephants crossing a highway in Chachoengsao halted traffic. However, the situation escalated when a seven-ton bull elephant named Duea sat in a motorist's car in Khao Yai National Park. Further, regions like Nakhon Ratchasima, Phang Nga, and Hua Hin are witnessing a surge in human-elephant conflicts. As these incidents become more frequent, locals resort to deterrent measures like deploying ping-pong "bombs". The Humane Society International postulates a correlation between the increased attacks and captive elephants. A significant number of elephants in Thailand are held in captivity, employed in tourism and logging industries, and kept in zoos and performance venues. Sadly, only a small proportion of these majestic animals are free in their natural habitats. Those in captivity endure restrictive conditions, forced to perform tasks for tourists. Activist groups such as PETA have consistently criticized elephant rides, arguing that elephants in captivity are displaced from their natural habitats and exploited. File photo courtesy of MGR -- 2024-05-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

MP Criticizes Plan to Use Central Fund for Digital Wallet Scheme Picture courtesy of Thairath Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, a member of the Move Forward Party, expressed concern over the Pheu Thai-led government's intention to finance part of their new digital wallet project using the Central Fund. This, he claims, could threaten the country's treasury and financial discipline. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326792-mp-criticizes-plan-to-use-central-fund-for-digital-wallet-scheme/