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Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang is near finalising discussions with China to acquire alternative naval vessels instead of a submarine, aiming to conclude the talks by the end of this month. The negotiations began following Klungsang’s recent trip to China, where he introduced the proposal. China has shown openness to Thailand’s request to purchase two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) or a frigate in place of the S26T Yuan-class submarine. The change in plans was prompted by China’s inability to meet a specific engine requirement for the submarine. The initial intent of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) was to equip the submarine with a German-manufactured engine. However, Germany declined to integrate its engines with Chinese military equipment. China suggested a domestically-produced engine as a replacement but this never came to fruition. Sutin, who is known to favour suspending the submarine project in favour of procuring another frigate, confirmed that the first discussions took place over a video call after his last week’s trip. He expressed his belief that while a final agreement is unlikely to be reached through a single conversation, the talks should conclude within this month. Following this, the revised deal will be presented to the cabinet for approval. During his meeting in China, Sutin presented several proposals, keeping three factors in mind: the navy’s necessities, Thailand’s interests, and ensuring the over 7 billion baht spent on the submarine was not wasted. The Thai delegation also expressed the Thai public’s worries about the quality of the Chinese-made engine, since it had never been used before. Nevertheless, they also conveyed understanding towards China, as the submarine construction was reported to be halfway complete. While China is open to the proposed swap, the exact prices and models of the frigate and OPVs are yet to be agreed upon. Sutin reassured that this issue would not negatively affect bilateral relations, as long as the proposal is reasonable. Klungsang expressed no worries about potential investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Commission regarding the changes to the submarine deal. He assured that the decision would be approved by the cabinet, ensuring its legality and alignment with the nation’s best interests. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai monk allegedly rapes woman, demands she divorces husband by Petch Petpailin Photo via DailyNews A Thai man sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after a monk demanded he end his relationship with his wife so he could have her. The monk had previously raped the woman making her pregnant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323887-thai-monk-allegedly-rapes-woman-demands-she-divorces-husband/

A Thai man sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after a monk demanded he end his relationship with his wife so he could have her. The monk had previously raped the woman making her pregnant. The 36 year old Thai man, Warut, revealed in the press conference yesterday, March 31, that he married his wife, 31 year old Wannapa, ten years ago, but only recently learned about the rape on February 25. Warut explained that Wannapa usually visited a temple in the Isaan province of Yasothon to make merit and participate in Dhamma retreats. She often stayed at the temple for a few days, typically less than a week. On February 25, a monk, identified as Sanan, came to his home. He used a microphone speaker to call out Wannapa’s name and requested a conversation with Warut. Warut refused and asked the monk to leave. Warut then confronted his wife about Sanan’s unusual behaviour. Wannapa eventually revealed that she was seven months pregnant with the monk’s child. Wannapa claimed that Sanan raped her at the temple in Yasothon but she did not dare to tell Warut and did not file a complaint with police because Sanan threatened to share explicit videos of her on social media. Leave monkhood According to Warut, the monk demanded that he terminate his relationship with Wannapa and surrender her, along with their baby, to him. Despite Warut agreeing to divorce Wannapa, she insisted on remaining with him and showed no inclination for Sanan to be the child’s father. Warut further stated that Sanan subsequently renounced his monkhood and declared on his Facebook account his determination to establish a family with Wannapa and her child. Warut and Wannapa filed a complaint with Sai Mun Police Station on March 25 but the Sanan’s threats persisted. Warut said that he wanted to divorce her but was worried about his safety. So, he reached out to Saimai Survive for help. Wannapa revealed to Channel 7 today, April 1, that Sanan raped her in February of the previous year. She visited Sanan at the temple in Yasothon to make a food offering. The monk approached and raped her on that day. She cried for help but no one came to her aid. Wannapa stated that Sanan used an explicit video of her to coerce her into having sex with him again, causing her emotional distress. She attempted to cut off contact with Sanan by informing him of her marital status but the monk persisted and said nothing could stop him. Wannapa added that she was convinced the monk was the father of her baby because she and Warut had not had sex for about a year. Channel 7 reported that officers from Sai Mun Police Station issued a summons for Sanan, for questioning on April 8. by Petch Petpailin Photo via DailyNews Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai rice redemption price drops ahead of farming season by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand The upcoming farming season in Thailand, set to start this month, is witnessing a significant drop in the rice redemption price. This sharp decline, according to the Thai Agriculturist Association, is primarily due to market mechanisms and an oversupply of rice, particularly a Vietnamese variety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323884-thai-rice-redemption-price-drops-ahead-of-farming-season/

The upcoming farming season in Thailand, set to start this month, is witnessing a significant drop in the rice redemption price. This sharp decline, according to the Thai Agriculturist Association, is primarily due to market mechanisms and an oversupply of rice, particularly a Vietnamese variety. Agriculturist Association President Pramote Charoensilp noted that during the first crop season of the year, which concluded in February, high demand for rice drove the redemption price in the central market up from 7,000–8,000 baht to 12,000–13,000 baht per tonne. This surge marked the most significant increase in a decade. However, the price has recently seen a downward trend, causing concern among farmers as the second crop season approaches. Charoensilp identified the Vietnamese rice variety, Khao Hom Phuang or jasmine 85, as one of the key factors affecting the price drop. This particular variety is favoured due to its high yield, short growing period, and weather-resistant properties. It is estimated that this season, a million rai of rice plantations in Thailand will be cultivating this Vietnamese rice. However, a source from the Thai Rice Mill Association has warned against this variety. It is characterised by a dull-white hue and is easily damaged during the milling process, making it less desirable for rice mills and exporters. Echoing these sentiments, the Thai Agriculturist Association has implored farmers to refrain from cultivating foreign rice varieties to avoid negative impacts on local cultivars. Rice Department (RD) Director-General Natthakit Khongthip confirmed that no Vietnamese rice varieties have been registered with the department so far. He pointed out that Thailand’s rice grain production does not meet farmers’ needs, driving them to seek foreign alternatives like the high-yielding Vietnamese variety that requires less farming time. Khongthip added that the RD is making efforts to enhance local breeds to help Thai rice regain its popularity, although significant challenges remain. In response to these developments, the Thai Agriculturist Association has called on the Department of Internal Trade to investigate any additional factors contributing to the price drop and examine the source of foreign rice grains being grown in Thailand. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Don Mueang Airport prepares for Songkran holiday travel spike by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Don Mueang International Airport Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport gears up for an influx of approximately 625,000 passengers during the Songkran holiday period, which runs from April 11 to 17. It expects over 4,000 flights, marking a substantial 10.58% rise from the previous year’s data. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323882-don-mueang-airport-prepares-for-songkran-holiday-travel-spike/

Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport gears up for an influx of approximately 625,000 passengers during the Songkran holiday period, which runs from April 11 to 17. It expects over 4,000 flights, marking a substantial 10.58% rise from the previous year’s data. Don Mueang Airport General Manager Wichit Kaewsaitiam attributed this surge to the government’s strategic policies aimed at bolstering domestic spending and tourism. From April 11 to 17, the airport anticipates around 4,117 flights, equating to nearly 590 flights each day. The breakdown includes 2,432 domestic and the remainder as international flights. The anticipated 625,530 passengers for the holiday week translates to roughly 89,362 arrivals each day. Out of these, approximately 369,222 are domestic bookings, while the remainder are international travellers. In preparation for the holiday rush, the airport has implemented several enhancements to streamline passenger experience and safety. These upgrades include a common-use self-service (CUSS) check-in counter, a common-use bag drop system, a novel passenger validation system (PVS), and self-boarding gates. Additionally, facilities for passengers with special needs have been improved to provide a comfortable travel experience. For security reinforcement, the airport will deploy joint patrol teams comprising airport security guards, Air Force and police officers, along with dog-handling teams. These teams will utilise a real-time passenger tracking system for efficient surveillance. Passengers arriving at the airport have the convenience of booking onward transfers via online platforms like Grab and Cabb or through dedicated transport counters at the airport. Furthermore, travellers can use the SRT’s Red Line and feeder buses to connect to the city’s electric train route. The airport’s two parking facilities have a combined capacity to accommodate 3,508 cars. To ensure smooth transit, shuttle buses will operate between the car parks and terminals every 15 minutes, round the clock during the holiday period, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, Passenger service charges (PSC) at six major Thai airports have seen an increase, as announced by the Airports of Thailand Plc. The charges, applicable on both domestic and international departing flights, have been raised at Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Don Mueang, Hat Yai, Phuket and Suvarnabhumi airports. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Don Mueang International Airport Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai woman narrowly escapes injury as demolition goes wrong by Mitch Connor Picture of A building collapsed next to an eatery, right, on Charoen Muang Road in Mueang district of Sakon Nakhon, courtesy of Public Relations Department A near-miss incident involving a building demolition and a woman in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, took centre stage yesterday afternoon. The woman, employed at an eatery, narrowly escaped injury when a building under demolition collapsed unexpectedly, part of it crashing into the eatery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323879-thai-woman-narrowly-escapes-injury-as-demolition-goes-wrong/

A near-miss incident involving a building demolition and a woman in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, took centre stage yesterday afternoon. The woman, employed at an eatery, narrowly escaped injury when a building under demolition collapsed unexpectedly, part of it crashing into the eatery. The incident occurred around 2pm, yesterday, March 31, on Charoen Mueang Road in the Mueang district of the northeastern province. The building in question, originally four storeys, had been partially demolished leaving just the lower two floors standing before the collapse. According to reports from the Public Relations Department, a backhoe was employed for the demolition process. The demolition firm intended for the rubble to fall into a vacant area behind the building, thus ropes were used to pull the structure down. Contrary to plans, the building fell unexpectedly, impacting the neighbouring eatery. The woman, stationed behind an eatery counter, managed to flee just in time, as captured in the CCTV footage from inside the eatery. Nathawat Wiriyanapaporn, the governor of Sakon Nakhon, confirmed that the demolition had proper licensing, and an engineer was overseeing the proceedings. In the aftermath of the incident, he directed the cordoning off of the collapse site and the eatery. He further mandated the assurance of safe procedures before any further demolition activities could proceed, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, in a major drug bust, authorities in Bueng Kan Province apprehended three individuals, including a prominent subdistrict headman from Sakon Nakhon, for smuggling nearly 10 kilogrammes of heroin. The arrest took place yesterday afternoon at a border patrol police company in Bueng Kan, following a covert operation led by the local law enforcement and border patrol units. The suspects were caught red-handed with the narcotics, valued at approximately 9 million baht, along with a white Nissan sedan and three mobile phones, which have been seized as evidence. by Mitch Connor TOP Picture of A building collapsed next to an eatery, right, on Charoen Muang Road in Mueang district of Sakon Nakhon, courtesy of Public Relations Department Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Driver Severely Injured after Pickup Truck Crash in Thalang By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang –A driver has sustained serious injuries after a pickup truck crashed in Thalang on Monday (April 1st). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323878-driver-severely-injured-after-pickup-truck-crash-in-thalang/

Thalang –A driver has sustained serious injuries after a pickup truck crashed in Thalang on Monday (April 1st). Captain Thitiwat Arsasing of the Thalang Police was notified of the accident at 1:50 A.M. on the Thep Krasattri Road southbound near the Heroines Monument in Sri Soonthorn sub-district. Emergency responders and the Phuket Express arrived at the scene to find the damaged pickup truck on the road. On the central reservation they found the damaged palm tree and the milestone. The injured victim, Mr. Daecha Poesrisung, 34, was rushed to a nearby hospital. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai woman’s fake robbery covers ex-marital money matters by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod A Thai woman faked a robbery to hide from her new husband that she was previously married and was still sending money to her ex-husband and their child. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323877-thai-woman’s-fake-robbery-covers-ex-marital-money-matters/

A Thai woman faked a robbery to hide from her new husband that she was previously married and was still sending money to her ex-husband and their child. The 30 year old woman, Walisa, filed a theft complaint at Pak Chong Police Station at 11.30pm yesterday, March 31. She reported that a thief stole 2,200 from her, the amount she had just requested from her workplace, a BBQ restaurant in the province. Walisa explained that she was returning from work on a motorbike along a road parallel to the Friendship Highway when the theft occurred. She said the thief asked her to stop her motorcycle near the Mueang Pak Chong Municipal Office and forced her to hand over all the money. Police officer Sayan Chantapanya reported that Walisa appeared suspicious and provided conflicting information to the police. As a result, officers decided to contact her employer for questioning. It was discovered that Walisa had not reported to work on that day and had not requested an advance on her salary. Under pressure from the police, Walisa finally confessed that she made up the theft complaint because she did not want her new husband to know that she had married before and was still sending money to her ex-husband and her child. Walisa confessed that she hid the truth from her new husband out of concern for potential conflict between him and her ex-partner. Additionally, she explained that she sent money to her ex-partner to support her child. Aside from being caught by her new husband, Walisa also faces charges with two offences including: Section 172 of the Criminal Law: filing a false complaint with a police officer. The penalty is imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. Section 173 of the Criminal Law: giving the information of the offence to the inquiry official. The penalty is imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to 60,000 baht. A similar incident was reported in April of last year when a Thai woman filed a theft complaint to Bang Phli Police Station in Samut Prakarn province, saying she lost 102,000 baht. She later confessed that she stole money from her husband to give to her family and decided to fake the robbery to cover up the theft. by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 2 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323874-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-2-april-2024/

Thailand's Defence Minister says talks underway with China should see the government finalise an agreement to purchase ships instead of a submarine. Adding China was open to a Thai proposal to acquire two offshore patrol vessels or a frigate instead of the sub which had a German made engine which China was not permitted to export. The government is to ask Laos and China to provide more flight routes to Thailand over the next two years. With the goal of seeing Thailand become a center for regional air travel providing stop overs as well as a holiday destination.. A government spokesman said air traffic between Thailand and the two countries would double if current talks prove successful. The Airports of Thailand company has increased its passenger service charge for international passengers from 700 to 730 Baht per person and for domestic passengers from 100 to 130 Baht per person, the increase came into effect yesterday at its six international airports. AOT said the raise was to counter increased operating costs. Around the region Indonesia's president-elect Pra-bowo Subian-tow visited Beijing yesterday on his first foreign trip since his election, the trip was aimed at continuing close ties between the two countries, 72 year old Pra-bowo, was elected in February but will not be sworn in until October. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 41C Bangkok: sunny 38C Pattaya: Sunny 35C Phuket and the south: partly cloudy isolated showers 33C Hua Hin: Sunny, winds light from the south 35 C AQI Orange High, Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-04-02 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

”Big Joke” Dodges Online Gambling Allegations, Defers to Lawyers Picture: Siam Rath At 3:40 PM on April 1, 2024, at Government House, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, declined to comment on the involvement with the online gambling website "BNK Master." Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323873-”big-joke”-dodges-online-gambling-allegations-defers-to-lawyers/

At 3:40 PM on April 1, 2024, at Government House, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachate Hakparn, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, declined to comment on the involvement with the online gambling website "BNK Master." After a heated discussion with a group of journalists, he directed them to his lawyers, stating, "I won't answer, let the lawyers do it. Today, I'm here to work." When pressed about concerns regarding the case, Hakparn simply repeated his previous statement, reported Siam Rath. He then departed in a private van, avoiding further inquiries. Earlier, he had shifted his meeting schedule due to an urgent morning session. Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police Arrest Chinese Visa Scammer Picture: Siam Rath Authorities from Phetchaburi Police Station executed an arrest warrant for Jakraphong 'Tong' Bamrungwong, following a warrant issued by Bang Bon District Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323871-thai-police-arrest-chinese-visa-scammer/

Authorities from Phetchaburi Police Station executed an arrest warrant for Jakraphong 'Tong' Bamrungwong, following a warrant issued by Bang Bon District Court. The charge: fraud. Bamrungwong, caught after voluntarily contacting investigators, was allegedly orchestrating visa scams targeting Chinese workers, charging them 20,000 Baht each, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Victims claimed he vanished after receiving payment. Further investigations revealed multiple victims across various provinces. Bamrungwong, who fled to Samut Sakhon Province, was apprehended before surrendering. Additional victims within Chai Phatthana, Nonthaburi and Phra Samut Chedi districts were identified. Phetchaburi Police encourage others to report similar incidents. TOP Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Orders Crackdown On Cybercrime In 30 Days By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin today (Apr. 1) ordered for the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to crack down on suspected online criminals within a 30-day period from now. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323870-pm-orders-crackdown-on-cybercrime-in-30-days/

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin today (Apr. 1) ordered for the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) to crack down on suspected online criminals within a 30-day period from now. During his official visit to the CCIB headquarters, the prime minister instructed CCIB chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Worawat Watnakornbancha to immediately take stringent measures to eliminate all kinds of cybercrime ranging from gambling online to call-centre scammers within a 30-day time. Srettha said he has taken the issue very seriously since many people were reportedly ripped off of huge amounts of cash by these cybercriminals, many of whom are yet remaining at large. According to the prime minister, all CCIB police officers are dutifully obliged to effectively combat cybercrime no matter whether they may have been personally associated with any high-level police generals ranging from police chief Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukvimol to deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn and others. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Mayor Explains Why Tourists Cannot Park on Beach Road’s Right Side, Eyes Parking Fee By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด Pattaya —Pattaya Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches has explained why tourists cannot park on the right side of Pattaya Beach during a recent city council meeting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323864-pattaya-mayor-explains-why-tourists-cannot-park-on-beach-rd’s-right-side-eyes-parking-fee/

By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —Pattaya Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches has explained why tourists cannot park on the right side of Pattaya Beach during a recent city council meeting. The issue was raised by Mr. Suparerk Chomphunuch, a Pattaya City Council member for District 1. He said he had received complaints from tourists who were unable to find parking near Pattaya Beach. He suggested that the city allow tourists to park on the beachside, especially on weekends and public holidays. He also urged the mayor to address complaints alleging that rental vehicle operators are occupying the left side of Beach Road with their rental cars, which causes traffic congestion. In response, Mayor Poramase stated that parking on the beachside is illegal under traffic laws. However, he said the city has designated some areas on the beachside for parking, which can accommodate up to 90 cars. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Blasted For Saying Cannabis Policy Yielded Bad Results by TNR Staff A woman works inside a cannabis shop, at Khao San road, one of the favourite tourist spots in Bangkok on March 29, 2023. Photo: Reuters/Chalinee Thirasupa and published by CNA PRIME MINISTER Srettha Thavisin was slammed by netizens after saying that the liberal cannabis policy had caused huge damage to the Thai people with this outstripping any economic benefit, Naewna newspaper said this afternoon (Apr. 1). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323863-pm-blasted-for-saying-cannabis-policy-yielded-bad-results/

PRIME MINISTER Srettha Thavisin was slammed by netizens after saying that the liberal cannabis policy had caused huge damage to the Thai people with this outstripping any economic benefit, Naewna newspaper said this afternoon (Apr. 1). Srettha, who mentioned this during an interview on a possible policy to relist cannabis as a category 5 narcotic, was sternly ticked off by some online users for allegedly not understanding the regulations and the network that is calling for the issuance of a cannabis bill to amend the current law because large amounts are being smuggled in from neighbouring countries which is negatively affecting pharmacists and villagers who are using the plant for medical purpose. After the liberal marijuana policy became effective on June 9, 2022 possessing and using all parts of cannabis plants, including flowers and seeds, are now allowed. However, extracted content remains illegal if it contains more than 0.2% of the psychoactive ingredient that produces a “high” — tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. The cannabis policy led to thousands of weed shops opening across the country. by TNR Staff TOP: A woman works inside a cannabis shop, at Khao San road, one of the favourite tourist spots in Bangkok on March 29, 2023. Photo: Reuters/Chalinee Thirasupa and published by CNA Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-02 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe