Shares of Thai consumer firms jump on cannabis plans
By Chayut Setboonsarng

FILE PHOTO: A woman looks at cannabis plants during the "360 Cannabis & Hemp for the People" expo in Buriram province, Thailand, March 6, 2021. Picture taken March 6, 2021. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

BANGKOK, March 17 (Reuters) - Share prices of Thai cosmetics and food firms jumped on Wednesday after announcements about the research and manufacture of cannabis-based products, as consumer goods companies rush to be first movers in a new market segment.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210058-shares-of-thai-consumer-firms-jump-on-cannabis-plans/

Thai cenbank warns against baht-denominated stablecoin

FILE PHOTO: Thailand's central bank is seen at the Bank of Thailand in Bangkok, Thailand April 26, 2016. REUTERS/Jorge Silva/File Photo

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's central bank on Wednesday warned against use of a new baht-denominated stablecoin, THT, which it said could expose users to cyber theft and money laundering, with no legal protection.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210136-thai-cenbank-warns-against-baht-denominated-stablecoin/

 

UPDATE:

Thai sniffer dogs can detect COVID-19 in sweat, project shows
By Juarawee Kittisilpa

A dog is seen during its training to detect the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Songkhla, Thailand March 3, 2021. Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production/Handout via REUTERS

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai sniffer dogs trained to detect COVID-19 in human sweat proved nearly 95% accurate during training and could be used to identify coronavirus infections at busy transport hubs within seconds, the head of a pilot project said.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1209841-trained-sniffer-dogs-to-be-sent-to-airport-to-detect-asymptomatic-covid-19-cases/?do=findComment&comment=16326203

 

Phuket moves to help vulnerable families, children
By The Phuket News

Minister of Social Development and Human Security Juti Krairiksh stands with leading representatives of the project in Phuket at the ‘Early Childhood Promotion’ event at Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town last Saturday (Mar 13). Photo: PR Phuket

PHUKET: A total of 320 families with young children in Phuket and nearby provinces considered to be ‘vulnerable’ during the current economic crisis have received direct assistance from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security under a project that has also assigned funds to support 30 shelters for homeless people in provinces along the Andaman coast.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210140-phuket-moves-to-help-vulnerable-families-children/

 

Charter amendment bill set aside as Thai lawmakers debate if it even exists 

Wednesday’s parliamentary session was marked by long and heated arguments over whether the charter-amendment bill should go to a final reading or be dropped altogether.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210141-charter-amendment-bill-set-aside-as-thai-lawmakers-debate-if-it-even-exists /

 

UPDATE:

Charter amendment bill voted down

The bill seeking to amend the current Constitution which was promulgated while the military junta was in power in 2017 was voted down late Wednesday night after more than 10 hours of heated debate.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210141-charter-amendment-bill-set-aside-as-thai-lawmakers-debate-if-it-even-exists /?do=findComment&comment=16326221

 

Thai tourism officials welcome Miss Grand International 2020 contestants
TAT Newsroom

Contestants of the 8th Miss Grand International pageant have completed the mandatory quarantine enriched by the Amazing Thailand Happy Quarantine activities

 

Bangkok, 17 March, 2021 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to welcome the organisers and all 63 contestants of the Miss Grand International 2020 beauty contest, following their completion of the 14-day mandatory quarantine in Thailand.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210144-thai-tourism-officials-welcome-miss-grand-international-2020-contestants/

 

City Hall starts mass inoculations related to Bang Khae markets

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has started the vaccination of vendors who are close to those already infected in the six markets in Bang Khae district of Bangkok, family members of or those in close contact with the infected, as well as people in communities close to the markets, in a frantic attempt to contain the spread of the disease.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210146-city-hall-starts-mass-inoculations-related-to-bang-khae-markets/

 

UNESCO World Heritage Centre has acknowledged the plight of Bangkloi Karen villagers

The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has responded to the Bangkloi indigenous Karen people’s petition, for the centre to delay its consideration of Thailand’s application for Kaeng Krachan national park to be registered as a World Heritage Site, until the land dispute between the villagers and the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is resolved.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210150-unesco-world-heritage-centre-has-acknowledged-the-plight-of-bangkloi-karen-villagers/

 

Thailand to launch 5G pilot to create country’s first smart city
By Miguel Cordon

Ban Chang 5G City press conference / Source: EECO

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EECO), a special economic zone of three provinces in eastern Thailand, has partnered with state-owned National Telecommunications (NT) to launch the country’s first 5G pilot.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210153-thailand-to-launch-5g-pilot-to-create-country’s-first-smart-city/

 

Critically Endangered Hornbill gets a protection boost in Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand, 17th March 2021 – Thailand has given the highest level of protection under the country’s law to the Critically Endangered Helmeted Hornbill Rhinoplax vigil; a species heavily targeted by poachers and traffickers for its ivory-like casque.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210154-critically-endangered-hornbill-gets-a-protection-boost-in-thailand/

 

Facing 'crisis of century', EU threatens ban on COVID vaccine exports to UK
By Sabine Siebold, Philip Blenkinsop and Gabriela Baczynska

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a press conference following a college meeting to introduce draft legislation on a common EU COVID-19 vaccination certificate at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium March 17, 2021. John Thys /Pool via REUTERS

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union threatened on Wednesday to ban exports of COVID-19 vaccines to Britain to safeguard scarce doses for its own citizens facing a third wave of the pandemic that would jeopardise plans to restart travel this summer.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210156-facing-crisis-of-century-eu-threatens-ban-on-covid-vaccine-exports-to-uk/

 

UK faces significant reduction in COVID-19 vaccine supply

A sign is seen outside a vaccination centre at Westminster Abbey, amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in London, Britain, March 10, 2021. REUTERS/John Sibley/Files

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain will see a significant reduction in the amount of COVID-19 vaccines available from March 29 due to a cut in manufacturing supply, it said on Wednesday, in a setback to one of the fastest rollouts in the world.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210157-uk-faces-significant-reduction-in-covid-19-vaccine-supply/

Bolstered by allies, Biden officials take blunt message to first China talks
By Michael Martina, Yew Lun Tian and Humeyra Pamuk

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about the implementation of the American Rescue Plan in the State Dining Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., March 15, 2021. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) - The United States will take an uncompromising stance in talks with China on Thursday in Alaska, officials have said, in the first face-to-face meetings between senior officials from the two rivals since U.S. President Joe Biden took office.v

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210163-bolstered-by-allies-biden-officials-take-blunt-message-to-first-china-talks/

 

Palm oil fronds raking in revenue despite low Palm oil prices – Thai PBS World Tonight [17th March 2021]

video screenshot

Palm oil has been an important economic crop in Thailand since the 1930s. Most plantations are located in the south of the country. So, when demand began to decrease, and market prices gradually fell, the main income for many farmers was hit hard.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210200-palm-oil-fronds-raking-in-revenue-despite-low-palm-oil-prices/

 

Health minister expects first batch of Thai-made AstraZeneca vaccine in June – Thai PBS World Tonight [17th March 2021]

video screenshot

The Ministry of Public Health is expected to receive the first batch of Thai-made AstraZeneca vaccine from Siam Bioscience about 3 months after an AstraZeneca representative inspected the Thai pharmaceutical factory, Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210204-health-minister-expects-first-batch-of-thai-made-astrazeneca-vaccine-in-june/

 

Thai PM orders independent panel to resolve Ban Bangkloi land conflict – Thai PBS World Tonight [17th March 2021]

video screenshot

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has set up an independent committee to resolve the long-standing land conflict, between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and a group of indigenous Karen villagers of Ban Bangkloi in the Kaeng Krachan national park in Phetchaburi province.v

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210206-thai-pm-orders-independent-panel-to-resolve-ban-bangkloi-land-conflict/

 

He's back!: Big Joke returns to the police as strategy advisor on RTP reform

Picture: Naew Na

The most controversial and recognizable policeman in Thailand is back at the RTP.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210209-hes-back-big-joke-returns-to-the-police-as-strategy-advisor-on-rtp-reform/

 

AstraZeneca Approves Thailand’s Vaccine Factory
By Paphamon Arayasukawat

BANGKOK (NNT) - AstraZeneca has approved safety standards at Thailand’s vaccine factory and will send the first batch of raw materials for vaccine production in June.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210213-astrazeneca-approves-thailand’s-vaccine-factory/

 

Songkran 2021: Poll reveals overwhelming support for banning water fights

Picture: Naew Na

A snap Nida Poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday nationwide asked the Thai people their opinions and what they would do if the government and CCSA authorities allow water fights at this year's Songkran festival next month.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210216-songkran-2021-poll-reveals-overwhelming-support-for-banning-water-fights/

Cabinet Approves Budget to Create Quarantine Facilities for Migrant Workers
By Paphamon Arayasukawat

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has approved a budget of Bt438.08 million to create 14 organizational quarantine (OQ) border facilities for migrant workers.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210218-cabinet-approves-budget-to-create-quarantine-facilities-for-migrant-workers/

Chonburi to Songkhla (and Prachuap) ferry comes a step closer to reality - safety checks done

Picture: Daily News

Plans for a car, truck and passenger ferry between Sattahip in Chonburi and Songkhla in the far south of Thailand are a step closer to reality.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210223-chonburi-to-songkhla-and-prachuap-ferry-comes-a-step-closer-to-reality-safety-checks-done/

 

Woman dies after head run over by van
By Eakkapop Thongtub

The dashcam footage showed Ms Dueanpen veering lightly into the left side of the van before falling from the motorbike. Image: Eakkapop Thongtub

PHUKET: A 49-year-old woman from Phang Nga died after she fell from her motorbike and her head was run over by a van at a busy intersection on the outskirts of Phuket Town yesterday evening (Mar 17).

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210229-woman-dies-after-head-run-over-by-van/

 

Meaningful vacations with family and friends to define Thai domestic travel in 2021: Airbnb

 

• Thais are seeking quick domestic getaways and nature retreats after the pandemic

• Affordability, personal touches and health and safety are top considerations when selecting travel destinations and accommodation

 

Amanpreet Bajaj

 

Thais want to reconnect with family and friends, enjoy short getaways, and seek affordable and safe travel in places close to nature this 2021, according to Airbnb’s Meaningful Travel Trends Survey 2021 with global data analytics firm YouGov. The survey aims to explore the travel preferences and behaviors of Thais this 2021 amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.*

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210233-meaningful-vacations-with-family-and-friends-to-define-thai-domestic-travel-in-2021-airbnb/

 

Immigration bust more loan sharks - Chinese investors behind 39% interest on short term cash

Picture: Daily News

Thailand's Immigration Bureau chief Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang gave details of a latest bust of an online loan sharking operation. 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210236-immigration-bust-more-loan-sharks-chinese-investors-behind-39-interest-on-short-term-cash/

 

Patong wastewater a factor in rise of red sea urchins, says expert
By The Phuket News

An aerial photograph shows the algae bloom at Patong Beach on Monday (Mar 15). Image: Dr Kongkiat Kittiwatanawong

PHUKET: Phuket marine life expert Kongkiat Kittiwatanawong has identified wastewater released into the sea as among the key contributing factors leading to red sea urchins being washed ashore at Patong Beach.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210237-patong-wastewater-a-factor-in-rise-of-red-sea-urchins-says-expert/

Seventy seven foreigners test positive for Covid at Immigration detention centre

 

Picture Sanook

 

Thailand's immigration chief Lt-Gen Sompong Chingduang admitted yesterday that 77 foreign migrants - mostly illegals from Myanmar - had tested positive in detention facilities in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210239-seventy-seven-foreigners-test-positive-for-covid-at-immigration-detention-centre/

2nd day of vaccinations in Bangkok’s Bang Khae district focuses on vendors and workers

Bangkok’s Health department is on the 2nd day of the inoculation program in Bang Khae district, focusing on vendors and workers in the Wonder market.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210240-2nd-day-of-vaccinations-in-bangkok’s-bang-khae-district-focuses-on-vendors-and-workers/

 

Cultural Songkran Style Planned for Khaosan Road

BANGKOK, March 18 (TNA) - Operators on Khaosan Road planned cultural activities for the Songkran festival mid next month and a tunnel of sprayed disinfectant will be among highlights there.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210243-cultural-songkran-style-planned-for-khaosan-road/

 

Thai man, 70, shoots son-in-law dead after he had sex with his own wife

Picture; Sanook

Sanook reported on a case of premeditated murder in Ubon Ratchathani in the north east of Thailand.

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1210247-thai-man-70-shoots-son-in-law-dead-after-he-had-sex-with-his-own-wife/