Thailand Video News: Thailand to Reclassify Cannabis as Narcotic from 2025

[Video News]

 

 

The transcription below provides the news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia Countries covered in the Good Morning Thailand program, hosted by Alex. The stories range from reclassifying cannabis in Thailand to Japan and Philippines to finalising the defence agreement.

 

Thailand to Reclassify Cannabis as Narcotic from 2025: Thailand's Ministry of Public Health plans to reclassify cannabis and hemp as illegal narcotics starting January 1, 2025, focusing on products with THC content above 0.2%. Activists, led by Prasitchai Nunual and M.L. Rungkun Kitiyakorn, plan to protest on July 8, arguing the reclassification favours specific capitalists. Protests will begin on July 7 with a march to the Government House the following day.

 

Fire in Bangkok’s Chinatown Injures 30 and Damages Hotel: A fire in Bangkok's Chinatown, Yaowarat, injured around 30 people and damaged the New Empire Hotel. The fire affected a 3,200-square-metre area and was controlled by firefighters within two hours. Most injuries were due to smoke inhalation, and approximately 280 people were displaced.

 

Teen Brawl in Bangna Leaves Two Dead and Several Injured: A late-night brawl in Bangna resulted in the deaths of two teenagers and several injuries. The fight involved former schoolmates with ongoing animosities. Seven teenagers were arrested, and police are investigating the incident further.

 

Road Rage Incident in Chiang Mai Sparks Online Debate: A road rage incident in Chiang Mai involving a woman using her phone for navigation and an aggressive driver has sparked online debate. The driver tailgated, overtook, and forcibly took the woman's keys. The incident, recorded and shared online, is under police investigation.

 

Thai Man Arrested for Extorting French Woman with Explicit Images: A Thai man was arrested in Pattaya for extorting a French woman with explicit images from 2017. After their breakup, he demanded 900 euros, threatening to release the content online. The victim reported him, leading to his arrest by the Thai Technology Crime Suppression Division.

 

Tourists Rescued After Speedboat Sinks Off Surat Thani Coast: A speedboat carrying tourists sank off Surat Thani due to large waves. Five people were rescued by nearby fishing boats and marine police. The incident occurred at 12:20 am, and all rescued individuals were safely returned to Laem Thuat Pier.

 

China’s Massive Loans Plunge Laos into Debt Crisis: China's extensive loans have pushed Laos into a severe debt crisis, with over half of its $10.5 billion external debt owed to China. Critics label this as "debt trap diplomacy," alleging China uses loans to control strategic assets. Laos's economic woes are worsened by rising global costs and a depreciating currency.

 

Japan and Philippines to Finalize Defense Agreement Amid Maritime Tensions: Japan and the Philippines will finalize a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) at a "two plus two" meeting in Manila. The RAA, allowing troop deployments and joint training, comes amid escalating maritime tensions with China. This agreement aims to strengthen security cooperation and deter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.