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UPDATE: Thai Minister of Public Health Unveils New Cannabis and Hemp Bill, Prioritizing Medical Use While Addressing Recreational Concerns By Kittisak Phalaharn National—On February 6th, 2024, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health, publicly stated that the new Cannabis and Hemp bill is ready to be presented at the Thai cabinet meeting next week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319261-cannabis-hemp-bill-goes-to-thai-cabinet-next-week/?do=findComment&comment=18678023

Thai Minister of Public Health Unveils New Cannabis and Hemp Bill, Prioritizing Medical Use While Addressing Recreational Concerns By Kittisak Phalaharn National—On February 6th, 2024, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health, publicly stated that the new Cannabis and Hemp bill is ready to be presented at the Thai cabinet meeting next week. The new Cannabis and Hemp bill was previously discussed among activists on content that needed clarity from the Thai government. Dr. Cholnan publicly revealed the content of the new bill and said that it was amended to be in line with the main objective of the current government’s policy statement to Parliament, only allowing marijuana to be used for medical and health purposes. The content revealed that if marijuana was used in other unrelated ways such as recreational and entertainment purposes, it was considered misuse and could lead to legal penalties and fines, remarked Dr. Cholnan. One proposed fine for recreational use is 60,000 Baht, notes TPN Media. As for the definition of what law enforcement and officials would consider recreational use, Dr. Cholnan said that if people are using marijuana for “fun and enjoyment” that would be considered recreational. Meanwhile, cannabis shops promoting the use of marijuana are not illegal as long as they operate under government permission to use it for medical and health purposes only. However, the word “for health” was very vague and beverages that contained cannabis sold in convenience stores would need to provide proof of whether they were used for health reasons or not, said Dr. Cholnan. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 8 February 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319352-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-8-february-2024/

The Thai government and rebels in southern Thailand have agreed in principle on a roadmap to try to end a decades-long Muslim insurgency following 2 days of talks in Kuala Lumpur. this is the first time both sides have agreed to a peace plan that looks set to be signed as soon as technical details are finalized. The director general of the Department of Older Persons has filed a complaint with the Cyber Investigation Bureau following a leak of personal data from its website. Last month an American cybersecurity company revealed that personal information of Thai citizens found on the dark web was leaked from several public sector platforms. It’s believed the data had been used to defraud victims. A group called Ecological Alert and Recover- Thailand or (Earth) have called on the government to ban Per-and Poly-fluorinated Substances, used in the textile industry. They say the chemicals are banned in many countries and campaigns against their use have been launched in others. Adding six jackets from various stores were tested and all had been treated with these chemicals. They called on the government to ban hazardous chemicals to protect people and the environment. Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to hold further discussions on the joint potential of oil and gas resources beneath a 26 thousand sq kilometer area in the gulf of Thailand claimed by both countries. Both countries appear likely to jointly explore and exploit the area, discussions were also held on bilateral trade, border development and tourism. Around the region. Australia will introduce laws giving workers the right to ignore unreasonable calls and messages from their bosses outside of work hours, those that do could face penalties or fines. The "right to disconnect" is part of changes to industrial relations laws proposed by the federal government which it says would protect workers' rights and help restore work-life balance. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 34C Bangkok: Sunny 34C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy 33C Phuket and the south: Sunny 32C Hua Hin: Sunny 33C AQI YELLOW to orange, MODERATE to HIGH Green clear, yellow light, 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 2024-02-08 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Calls for Traffic Light Installation at 'Wat Chai Intersection' Amid Weekly Accidents An accident involving a sedan colliding with a fully loaded pickup truck occurred at the T-junction near Wat Klong Mongkol, Moo 1, Chakabok Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319351-calls-for-traffic-light-installation-at-wat-chai-intersection-amid-weekly-accidents/

An accident involving a sedan colliding with a fully loaded pickup truck occurred at the T-junction near Wat Klong Mongkol, Moo 1, Chakabok Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. The collision resulted in immediate injuries to three individuals. Closed-circuit cameras revealed that the sedan driver, speeding without caution. Local residents urge authorities to install traffic lights to enhance road safety, reported Daily News. Picture: Daily News Picture: Daily News On February 7th, Pol. Lt. Somphorn Janphung, from Ban Khai Police Station, investigated the scene. The accident involved a white Isuzu MU-X sedan (license plate: ขก-5153 Rayong) crashing into a Toyota Hiace pickup truck (license plate: 3ฒฎ-9250 Bangkok) transporting goods. The crash caused significant damage at the T-junction near Wat Klong Mongkol. Among the injured were Ms. Nongchan Jan-on, 41, from Prachinburi, the pickup truck driver, and Mr. George, 71, a German national, the sedan driver, accompanied by his wife. All were promptly transported to Bangkok Rayong Hospital. Picture: Daily News Local inquiries suggest that the accident hotspot, known as the "Heart Intersection," lacks adequate warning signals, leading to frequent collisions. Residents emphasize the urgent need for traffic authorities to address the issue by installing traffic lights, given the high volume of traffic passing through the area, coupled with recurrent accidents. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Customs Seizes Heroin Concealed in Postal Package Bound for Australia Picture: Siam Rath On February 7, 2567, Mr. Phanthong Loikulnan, Customs Consultant for Development and Tax Management Spokesperson, revealed the Customs Department's crackdown on drug smuggling. This is in line with the government's policy to address drug issues continuously, aiming for the well-being of citizens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319349-customs-seizes-heroin-concealed-in-postal-package-bound-for-australia/

Customs Seizes Heroin Concealed in Postal Package Bound for Australia On February 7, 2567, Mr. Phanthong Loikulnan, Customs Consultant for Development and Tax Management Spokesperson, revealed the Customs Department's crackdown on drug smuggling. This is in line with the government's policy to address drug issues continuously, aiming for the well-being of citizens. Mr. Teerachai Attanawanit, Director-General of Customs, intensified investigations and crackdowns. Through data analysis, authorities found a trend in altering smuggling methods, transitioning from bulk shipments to smaller parcels via postal services to evade detection, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Customs, alongside the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF), comprising various enforcement agencies, heightened vigilance. They intercepted a suspicious express package on February 6, 2567, labeled as "OVALTINE," destined for Australia. Picture: Siam Rath Upon inspection, officials found discrepancies, leading to the discovery of 4 bottles of heroin hidden inside supplement bottles. The total weight amounted to 2,850 grams, with an estimated value of 8,550,000 Baht. Picture: Siam Rath This case violates multiple sections of the Customs Act 2560 and the Narcotics Act 2564. Customs coordinated with anti-drug agencies to track and expand operations. Statistics from October 2566 to February 2567 show a total of 55 drug-related apprehensions, valued at approximately 309,565,580 Baht. Top Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Warn Of Some Sneaky TikTok Scams by TNR Staff TikTok icon. Image by Amrothman from Pixabay THE CENTRAL Investigation Bureau (CIB) police warned the public to beware of scammers who trick people on TikTok with many unsuspecting users having lost money, TV Channel 7 said today (Feb. 7). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319347-police-warn-of-some-sneaky-tiktok-scams/

THE CENTRAL Investigation Bureau (CIB) police warned the public to beware of scammers who trick people on TikTok with many unsuspecting users having lost money, TV Channel 7 said today (Feb. 7). In a message posted on CIB webpage the following scams were mentioned: – Fraudsters will contact TikTok users to make promotional video clips and in the beginning the victim will be paid. After that they will persuade the victim to increasingly invest money before pocketing it all and disappearing; – Video clips are posted offering jobs with good pay but if the victim contacts them their details are either sent to a call centre gang or they are offered an overseas job for which payment is required to process documents but in the end the jobseeker loses the money without getting the job; by TNR Staff TOP: TikTok icon. Image by Amrothman from Pixabay Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Elephant Tramples Owner to Death NAKHON SAWAN, (TNA) – A mother elephant trampled the owner to death by the roadside in Nakhon Sawan province. Initial speculation suggests that the owner may have attempted to separate the mother and her calf, resulting in the mother elephant becoming agitated and harming the owner. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319345-elephant-tramples-owner-to-death/

NAKHON SAWAN, (TNA) – A mother elephant trampled the owner to death by the roadside in Nakhon Sawan province. Initial speculation suggests that the owner may have attempted to separate the mother and her calf, resulting in the mother elephant becoming agitated and harming the owner. A shocking incident occurred the mother elephant from Surin province led by its owners to beg along a road apparently became agitated, charging ahead and trampling the female mahout, resulting in her death in a pool of blood. Upon receiving the report, local police officers from Kao Liew Police Station were promptly dispatched to investigate the scene, along with emergency medical personnel and rescue teams. The lifeless body of the woman, identified as Ms. Janthira Chuenlam, aged 35, was lying on the ground. Meanwhile, the mother elephant and her calf were found tethered to a tree by the roadside. According to eyewitness Mr. Nattaphak Piluek, 18, who provided video footage before and after the incident, recounted that the deceased, along with her husband and approximately six others, were accompanying the elephants for selling elephant food within the village. Initially, everything appeared normal, but as they offered money to the elephants, the situation suddenly turned violent. The elephant charged, trampling the victim who was standing nearby, resulting in her death. Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Illegal Foreign Tour Guide Arrested in Phuket Old Town By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – An illegal foreign tour guide was arrested in the Phuket Old Town. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319343-illegal-foreign-tour-guide-arrested-in-phuket-old-town/

Phuket – An illegal foreign tour guide was arrested in the Phuket Old Town. The Phuket Tourist Police told the Phuket Express that on Tuesday (February 6th) they inspected a shop in Phuket Old Town after they were notified from concerned citizens about illegal tour guides. They arrested a suspect identified as Mr. Chang Ting, 31, in Soi Rommanee. The Phuket Express noted that the Phuket Tourist Police did not disclose his nationality but only said he is not Thai. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Teenagers Terrorize Chonburi Neighborhood with Explosives By Aim Tanakorn Chonburi —Residents of Huay Yai in Chonburi are living in fear as a series of disturbing incidents involving unruly teenagers is gripping their community. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319342-teenagers-terrorize-chonburi-neighborhood-with-explosives/

Chonburi —Residents of Huay Yai in Chonburi are living in fear as a series of disturbing incidents involving unruly teenagers is gripping their community. Over three consecutive nights, from February 3rd to 5th, 2024, a group of approximately 20 youths, believed to be only 13 to 16 years old, terrorized residents of Huay Yai with explosives and firecrackers. Captured on CCTV, the teenagers, riding more than 10 motorcycles, hurled nearly 10 homemade explosive devices and firecrackers at the home of their rivals in Soi Thetsaban 1. The loud explosions caused distress and disrupted the peace of the neighborhood. Investigations into the CCTV footage revealed a pattern of escalating aggression. On February 4th at around 00:50 AM, over five loud explosions rocked the area. The following night, between 11 PM and 1 AM on February 5th to 6th, the terror continued with 5-6 explosive devices thrown at a local residence. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mayor Debunks Online Claims of Wastewater Released into Sea, Confirms Seawater is Safe By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: ข่าวคนชล Pattaya —Pattaya City officials, led by Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, recently visited Wong Amat Beach this week to address online allegations of wastewater being released into the sea. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319341-mayor-debunks-online-claims-of-wastewater-released-into-sea-confirms-seawater-is-safe/

Pattaya —Pattaya City officials, led by Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, recently visited Wong Amat Beach this week to address online allegations of wastewater being released into the sea. The inspection followed a video circulating online that alleged murky water was being released into Pattaya Bay by some seaside establishments. Led by Mr. Poramase, the team comprised representatives from the Pattaya City Council, Tourist Police, City Police, and the City Engineering Department. According to Mr. Poramase, he confirmed that the water observed in the video was actually overflowing rainwater, not wastewater. He explained that heavy rainfall on January 30th had caused rainwater to exceed the capacity of the drainage system in Soi Naklua 16, leading to the temporary overflow which then flowed into the sea as seen in the footage. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: ข่าวคนชล Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thailand to Celebrate 21 Days of Songkran in April? Really? By Adam Judd Over the past few days announcements have come out that appear to have driven sheer terror in some Thai expats, with the Thai Government saying this year’s Songkran will be the biggest one ever. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319267-three-weeks-of-songkran-celebrations-begin-april-1st/?do=findComment&comment=18677668

Thailand to Celebrate 21 Days of Songkran in April? Really? By Adam Judd Over the past few days announcements have come out that appear to have driven sheer terror in some Thai expats, with the Thai Government saying this year’s Songkran will be the biggest one ever. This announcement, which we covered here, has to do with UNESCO officially recognising the event as a cultural world heritage and Thailand hoping to further attract the event to tourists on a global scale. Specifically, the statement that the event would be celebrated from April 1st to the 21st across Thailand caused a lot of panic and a lot of confusion. This was mostly because many feared this meant 21 days of water throwing. For those not familiar, Songkran is the Thai New Year, also known as the water festival, and Thailand’s biggest holiday. It’s well known for many different cultural and religious activities and provides Thais with the longest holiday break of the year. For many Thais, especially those working in Bangkok, this is the one time of year they return home to see their families in their home provinces. Of course, it is also known, especially in tourist zones, for wild water fights, concerts, and parties….even though Thai officials continue to downplay this part. Mostly, anyways. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tourist Police and Agencies Ramp Up Preparations at Grand Palace for Incoming Tourists By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—At 10:00 AM, on February 7th, 2024, Thai tourist police and relevant agencies performed an inspection at the Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, in preparation to facilitate incoming tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319340-tourist-police-and-agencies-ramp-up-preparations-at-grand-palace-for-incoming-tourists/

Bangkok—At 10:00 AM, on February 7th, 2024, Thai tourist police and relevant agencies performed an inspection at the Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, in preparation to facilitate incoming tourists. The police joined forces with the private sector and a representative from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to prepare for incoming tourists at the Sanam Luang and Grand Palace areas following the Thai government’s Chinese New Year policy by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Yesterday, February 7th, the Thai police enacted pick-up and drop-off points, and information signboards in multiple languages for tourists at Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace respectively, according to Thai national media. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Govt Wants People to Reduce Incense Burning for Chinese New Year to Stop Air Pollution By Kittisak Phalaharn On February 7th, 2024, Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, gave a statement for the Chinese New Year Celebration from February 8th to the 10, emphasizing monitoring the lighting of incense, candles, firecrackers, and burning of paper money. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319339-govt-wants-people-to-reduce-incense-burning-for-chinese-new-year-to-stop-air-pollution/

On February 7th, 2024, Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, gave a statement for the Chinese New Year Celebration from February 8th to the 10, emphasizing monitoring the lighting of incense, candles, firecrackers, and burning of paper money. The Deputy Government Spokesperson publicly stated that the Thai government was concerned about the health problems from PM 2.5 smoke on a concerning level. To reduce small dust particles in the atmosphere and protect the environment, the Thai government asked to reduce the use of incense and to use electric incense instead. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-08 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Polish Man Arrested after Allegedly Stealing Over 10,000 Baht of Food and Drinks From a Supermarket in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Rawai – A Polish man was arrested after he was caught allegedly stealing food and drinks costing 13,376 Baht at a supermarket in Rawai, Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319338-polish-man-arrested-after-allegedly-stealing-over-10000-baht-of-food-and-drinks/