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On April 4th, 2024, Mr. Prasitchai Nunual, the secretary-general of the Network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, publicly stated his concerns over bringing marijuana back into an illicit substance type by the Thai government. Prasitchai voiced his opinion regarding the change in cannabis policy that criminalized the use of marijuana for recreational purposes while being lenient on carrying five pills of amphetamine and amending alcohol control bills. The network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis previously petitioned the Thai Ministry of Public Health to publicize factual comparisons between marijuana, alcohol, cigarettes, and amphetamines with scientific information on these four categories to determine control measures accordingly, remarked Prasitchai. However, the Thai government was indifferent to the petition and marked cannabis, medicinal plants, as narcotic substances, and instead lowered restrictions on illicit substances containing chemicals to the public, stated Prasitchai. It could be said that a group of investors could not keep cannabis production under control, claimed Prasitchai. If comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the uses of cannabis and amphetamine, it was clear that cannabis was the safest as it was grown with care and quality materials whether being used for medical aspects or recreational purposes, according to Prasitchai. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

In 2023, Thailand shifted away from cash just as Sweden’s central bank asked to see it protected by Joseph O' Connor A new report from the Bank of Thailand shows Thai consumers in 2023 shifting from cash towards digital payments. Only 66% of payments last year were in cash. Meanwhile, Sweden, the country that pioneered a cashless society, is moving in the opposite direction. In November 2023, the Riksbank or Swedish Central Bank called for cash payments to be protected by legislation despite cash transactions falling to only 1% of GDP. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324261-in-2023-thailand-shifted-away-from-cash-just-as-sweden-asked-to-see-it-protected/

A new report from the Bank of Thailand shows Thai consumers in 2023 shifting from cash towards digital payments. Only 66% of payments last year were in cash. Meanwhile, Sweden, the country that pioneered a cashless society, is moving in the opposite direction. In November 2023, the Riksbank or Swedish Central Bank called for cash payments to be protected by legislation despite cash transactions falling to only 1% of GDP. Thai cash usage plummets as Sweden turns around and seeks cash protection. Thailand embraces digital payments as cash transactions drop to 66%, signalling a shift in consumer behaviour. Meanwhile, Sweden’s central bank pushes for cash protection, highlighting global concerns over a cashless future. A new report shows Thai consumers drifting increasingly towards digital payments. The Bank of Thailand report studying payments throughout 2023 shows that cash transactions had fallen to 66%. Previously, Thai consumers were seen as strongly wedded to cash. This news has just been released and warmly welcomed by the central bank. However, it comes as Sweden’s central bank, where only 2% of payments are now in cash, is moving in the opposite direction. In November 2023, the Nordic country called for the right to use cash for payments as legal tender, to be enshrined and protected by legislation. In 2022, a shocking survey for central bank chiefs showed a marked reluctance by Thai people to switch to digital payments. That survey came just after the pandemic era when millions registered for government digital applications to receive financial benefits. At that time, only 27% of people continued to make online or digital payments while 50% vowed never to move from cash. However, in the last two years, there has been a change. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Navy Might Get Both Submarine And Frigate Next Fiscal Year: Suthin By Thai Newsroom Reporters Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang. Photo: Matichon .THE NAVY MIGHT PROBABLY procure two major warships, a submarine and a frigate, together within the next fiscal year, said Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang today (Apr. 5). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324258-navy-might-get-both-submarine-and-frigate-next-fiscal-year-suthin/

.THE NAVY MIGHT PROBABLY procure two major warships, a submarine and a frigate, together within the next fiscal year, said Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang today (Apr. 5). Suthin said although negotiations with China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co, manufacturer of a Yuan-class S26T submarine, have not yet concluded following a recent, informal visit to China by navy chief Adm. Adung Pan-iam and himself, he might probably manage to give the navy both different kinds of warship in the same fiscal year or fiscal 2025. Suthin declined to confirm or deny that any bilateral settlement on the 12.4-billion-baht, Chinese-built submarine on which no German-made engine will be installed as otherwise specified in the purchase contract will be finalised within this month. The navy had earlier paid some seven billion baht in down payment for the 12.4 billion baht Chinese submarine whose delivery had been indefinitely postponed from last year. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pheu Thai is reformist, not neo conservative party, Thaksin claims Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has defended the Pheu Thai party, saying it is not a neo conservative party, but a reformist party, dating back to its founding as the Thai Rak Thai party, which was eventually dissolved by the Constitutional Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324257-pheu-thai-is-reformist-not-neo-conservative-party-thaksin-claims/

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has defended the Pheu Thai party, saying it is not a neo conservative party, but a reformist party, dating back to its founding as the Thai Rak Thai party, which was eventually dissolved by the Constitutional Court. Addressing party members on a video conference at the general meeting of the Pheu Thai party on Friday, Thaksin, who is now on parole, claimed that the now defunct Thai Rak Thai was a party which introduced several changes to Thai society, ranging from the 30-baht universal health security system to village funds and price guarantees for farm products. He claimed that the Pheu Thai party has been carrying on with the reformist policies of its predecessor and is now embarking on the “digital wallet” scheme, which he described as a “super new idea”. “Today, we are definitely not stuck with antiquated issues, because the world has changed and the Pheu Thai party must change,” said Thaksin, adding that capitalism that lacks compassion will not make people happy and reaching out to the people, physically or through the media, is important. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Axe-Wielding Foreigner Arrested For Overstaying Over 500 Days by TNR Staff Phuket police overpower the overstaying German man. Photo: Amarin TV A FOREIGN man was arrested for overstaying over 500 days after his neighbours in Phuket’s Chalong subdistrict complained that he has often wielded an axe and a knife in rampaging through the area, Amarin TV said today (Apr. 5). Chalong police went to the unidentified German man’s house and found that the complaint held up because he also threatened them with his axe and knife before running into his house and throwing things at them. In doing so he shouted, “If anyone comes in, I will fight to death.” After getting the neighbours’ complaint police investigated and discovered that this German man had overstayed in Thailand for over 500 days so got a warrant to search his home. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chalong Police Arrest Male German Overstayer After Axe Threat in Rawai – VIDEO By Goongnang Suksawat Chalong, Phuket-In a dramatic turn of events, Chalong Police apprehended a male German national who had overstayed his visa by more than 500 days. The incident unfolded in the quiet neighborhood of Soi Naya in Rawai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324256-chalong-police-arrest-male-german-overstayer-after-axe-threat-in-rawai-–-video/

Chalong, Phuket-In a dramatic turn of events, Chalong Police apprehended a male German national who had overstayed his visa by more than 500 days. The incident unfolded in the quiet neighborhood of Soi Naya in Rawai. According to Chalong Police Chief Colonel Eakkarat Plaiduang, officers responded swiftly after receiving reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, they encountered the foreigner, who was shouting and behaving erratically. Fleeing from the authorities, he sought refuge inside a nearby house, barricading himself behind a locked door. Despite their attempts to engage in dialogue, the man remained uncooperative. In a startling escalation, he brandished an axe, threatening both the police and anyone who dared to enter. Objects were hurled from the house, creating a tense standoff. 733996675.101668.mp4 By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 6 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1324255-thailand-live-saturday-6-april-2024/

Pita bids farewell to parliament, calls for cabinet reshuffle Former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat speaks in a censure debate on April 4 Former Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat bade farewell to parliament last night, saying that this debate may be the last of his political career, before the party is dissolved by the Constitutional Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324242-pita-bids-farewell-to-parliament-calls-for-cabinet-reshuffle/

Over 400 criminal cases brought against foreigners in Phuket By Peter Roche PHOTO: The Phuket Express The governor of Phuket says at least 400 criminal cases have been filed against lawbreaking foreigners on the island. Sophon Suwannarat says the cases have been brought by a dedicated task force checking foreign nationals for “bad behaviour”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324218-over-400-criminal-cases-brought-against-foreigners-in-phuket/

Maybe Thailand should rebrand its Land of Smiles moniker to the Land of Russian Crime after yet another Russian man was nabbed for criminal activity. Yesterday, a 36 year old Russian national added his name to a catalogue of former Soviet block criminals arrested for reportedly operating illegal activities. ‘Land of Smiles’ fast becoming ‘Land of Russian Crime’ By Bob Scott | Picture of Russian man, Ibragim Gaitukiev, courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324237-‘land-of-smiles’-fast-becoming-‘land-of-russian-crime’/

Over 400 criminal cases brought against foreigners in Phuket By Peter Roche PHOTO: The Phuket Express The governor of Phuket says at least 400 criminal cases have been filed against lawbreaking foreigners on the island. Sophon Suwannarat says the cases have been brought by a dedicated task force checking foreign nationals for “bad behaviour”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324218-over-400-criminal-cases-brought-against-foreigners-in-phuket/

The governor of Phuket says at least 400 criminal cases have been filed against lawbreaking foreigners on the island. Sophon Suwannarat says the cases have been brought by a dedicated task force checking foreign nationals for “bad behaviour”. The task force was set up around a month ago, after a number of high-profile cases involving foreigners. The most well known of those is that of Urs Fehr, a Swiss man accused of kicking a female doctor as she sat on steps leading to his rented Cape Yamu villa. Fehr, who has a Thai wife, has already had his visa revoked and his case is expected to go to trial later this month. By Peter Roche PHOTO: The Phuket Express Full story: PhuketGO 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin Among Top 10 Billionaires In Thailand, Dhanin Heads List by TNR Staff De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and CP’s senior president Dhanin Chearavanont, right. Photo: Thai Rath AGAIN topping Forbes magazine’s 10 Richest in Thailand list for this year is Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont, senior president of Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd. (CP), while de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra is also among them placing 10th together with Mr. Harald Link, president of B.Grimm Power Plc, Thai Rath newspaper said this morning (Apr. 5). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324217-thaksin-among-top-10-billionaires-in-thailand-dhanin-heads-list/

AGAIN topping Forbes magazine’s 10 Richest in Thailand list for this year is Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont, senior president of Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd. (CP), while de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra is also among them placing 10th together with Mr. Harald Link, president of B.Grimm Power Plc, Thai Rath newspaper said this morning (Apr. 5). While this year’s list has barely changed from last year with Dhanin still topping it but Thaksin and Link having climbed up, a significant difference is that the 10 Richest in Thailand have become “poorer” when compared to the 10 Richest in the World who are getting richer. The Richest in Thailand 2024 list is as follows: 1) Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont, CP, net worth US$12.5 billion dollars (approximately 458 billion baht), net asset value tallied from stock prices and exchange rates on March 8, 2024 with various types of businesses included. He ranks as the 159th global billionaire. 2) Mr. Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, net asset value US$11.3 billion, food and beverage business; 3) Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, net asset value US$10.7 billion, energy business; 10) Tied at US$2.1 billion each are Link and Thaksin. by TNR Staff TOP: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and CP’s senior president Dhanin Chearavanont, right. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

15,000 tonnes of cadmium found in Samut Sakhon, no health scares yet by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กรมควบคุมมลพิษ Acting on a tip-off, the Thai authorities yesterday discovered 15,000 tonnes of cadmium in a warehouse in the Mueang district in the central province of Samut Sakhon. No adverse health effects have been reported by residents thus far. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324215-15000-tonnes-of-cadmium-found-in-samut-sakhon-no-health-scares-yet/

Acting on a tip-off, the Thai authorities yesterday discovered 15,000 tonnes of cadmium in a warehouse in the Mueang district in the central province of Samut Sakhon. No adverse health effects have been reported by residents thus far. The Industrial Commission of the Secretariat of The House of Representatives received a complaint alleging that a company in the northern province of Tak illegally sold cadmium and zinc waste to another company in the central province of Samut Sakhon. These hazardous wastes were supposed to be disposed of in a cement pond according to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) agreement. Samut Sakhon Provincial Governor Phon Damtham and relevant departments raided the accused company that purchased the substances yesterday. They discovered 15,000 tonnes of cadmium waste packed in large bags. Approximately 1,000 bags were found inside the warehouse while some were outside. The company employees revealed in the questioning that the company bought the chemical waste from the company in Tak as reported to authorities. That company performed zinc smelting causing cadmium waste. According to the employees, it took three months to transport the cadmium waste from Tak to Samut Sakhon. The first batch arrived at the warehouse in August last year but the company had not yet melted or processed any of the substances. Disaster zone Governor Phon informed Thai PBS that he had not yet declared the warehouse and its surrounding area as a disaster zone but prohibited people from entering the area for 90 days. The ban would be lifted if the company in Tak retrieved the cadmium waste. Phon insisted that no reports of affected people were found at this time. Since the cadmium waste is in a solid state and stored in a closed warehouse, it has not caused any environmental impacts. The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime, also known as Greencop, will carry out further investigations into both companies, and the Pollution Control Department will collect samples from the site to further investigate the contamination. Cadmium is a chemical element. It has the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. This soft, silvery-white metal is chemically similar to the two other stable metals in group 12, zinc and mercury. Breathing high levels of cadmium damages people’s lungs and can cause death. Exposure to low levels of cadmium in air, food, water, and particularly in tobacco smoke over time may build up cadmium in the kidneys and cause kidney disease and fragile bones. Cadmium is considered a cancer-causing agent. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กรมควบคุมมลพิษ Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

AWC set to scoop jackpot from Thailand’s casino legalisation by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of REm Magazine Tisco Securities indicated that Asset World Corporation (AWC), a luxury hotel and retail centre operator, stands to gain significantly from the government’s plan to legitimise casinos within entertainment complexes. This move is part of the government’s strategy to attract high-spending tourists and curb revenue losses from illicit gambling. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324211-awc-set-to-scoop-jackpot-from-thailand’s-casino-legalisation/

Tisco Securities indicated that Asset World Corporation (AWC), a luxury hotel and retail centre operator, stands to gain significantly from the government’s plan to legitimise casinos within entertainment complexes. This move is part of the government’s strategy to attract high-spending tourists and curb revenue losses from illicit gambling. The government is contemplating the establishment of the first entertainment-casino complex in Hat Yai, intended to bolster tourism. Initially, only foreign visitors will be permitted entry to these facilities. Tisco Securities’ research department highlighted that operators of luxury hotels and retail centres in the vicinity of these potential developments, such as AWC, would likely reap notable benefits. AWC has several mixed-use projects lined up for the next five years which could be suitable for the development of a casino or a luxury tourist hotspot. In a research note, Tisco cited AWC as a recommended stock. “The hotel operator has the potential to increase revenue per room, which is still slowly increasing, and steadily penetrate the tourism market in Thailand.” The company’s assets are strategically located near major airports, a factor that may contribute to its success given the government’s plans, Tisco noted. “Any casino would be established near a major airport. According to a preliminary government study, casino-type entertainment venues may be located within 100 kilometres of three major airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, U-Tapao — or the Eastern Economic Corridor and Southern Economic Corridor.” AWC’s three large mixed-use projects are all within these parameters. However, the recovery of the company’s Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) business has been sluggish in terms of occupancy rates. Tisco anticipates that AWC’s plans for large-scale entertainment venues, in line with the government’s casino licensing plans, may come to fruition sooner than expected, with a shorter time required to reach the break-even point. Tisco continues to recommend a buy for AWC, with an appropriate share price of 5.80 baht. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of REm Magazine Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Armed man shot by police at hospital in Phetchaburi after standoff by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A man armed with a gun and a knife caused havoc at Cha-am Hospital in Phetchaburi, resulting in a confrontation with the police that led to him being shot and injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324210-armed-man-shot-by-police-at-hospital-in-phetchaburi-after-standoff/

A man armed with a gun and a knife caused havoc at Cha-am Hospital in Phetchaburi, resulting in a confrontation with the police that led to him being shot and injured. The incident occurred yesterday evening when local police were alerted to a disturbance in the hospital’s in-patient building. On arrival, they discovered the man, identified as 34 year old Somchai, brandishing a 10-inch knife and behaving aggressively. The situation escalated when Somchai threatened police officers, prompting them to shoot him six times, hitting him in the legs and nearby areas. An inspection of his body revealed 50 methamphetamine pills, a 9mm handgun, a knife, and a replica firearm, all of which were seized as evidence. The commotion began earlier in the day when Somchai, in a state of frenzy, used a stone to damage the security guard booth at the Cha-am police checkpoint and threatened the officers inside with a gun. He then fled the scene in a white Toyota pickup, with an elevated carriage, licence plate number ถอ 6645 Bangkok, crashing into a police vehicle during his escape. The pursuit continued, with Somchai causing another collision with a police car before heading to the Cha-am Hospital to visit his wife, who was hospitalised with kidney disease. Upon arrival, he once again became agitated, this time threatening security personnel and declaring he had drugs on him. This led to his attempted assault on hospital staff and subsequent shooting by responding police officers. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities piecing together the events that led to the violent outburst, reported KhaoSod. The police are looking into Somchai’s background and the circumstances that led to the incident, including his mental health history and possible motives. In related news, a violent confrontation erupted between a police officer and a restaurant owner in Udon Thani, resulting in both men sustaining serious injuries. The incident, which involved a gun and knife duel, occurred near a convenience store in the Non Sung Subdistrict on the evening of March 30. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe