Thailand Video News: Thailand Flip-Flops on Cannabis Laws Again

[Video News]

 

The transcription below covers various news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, featured in the Good Morning Thailand program hosted by Alex and Jay. The stories range from another twist in Thailand's cannabis laws to an oil tanker that fled a collision site being detained in Malaysia.

 

Thailand Flip-Flops on Cannabis Laws Again:
Thailand's cannabis laws face another twist as Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pushes for legislation to legalize marijuana for medical use, contradicting recent re-criminalization proposals. Initially decriminalized in June 2022, marijuana saw a surge in recreational use. Anutin’s party now supports regulation strictly for health and economic benefits. New regulations may take effect from January 2025, banning unlicensed possession and sale of high-THC cannabis parts.

 

Chinese Man Dies After Falling Off Baht Bus in Pattaya:
A Chinese man, Chi Fai Lam, died after falling from a baht bus in Pattaya. The driver, Thongchai Thonglueng, denied awareness of the incident despite witnesses shouting for him to stop. Security footage showed Thongchai speeding away after the man fell. Locals condemned Thongchai's behaviour, and he was later questioned by police. The investigation continues.

 

Police Misinterpret Stroke as Drunk Leading to Man’s Death:
Krit, a Thai man, died from a stroke after police mistakenly accused him of drunk driving, delaying his treatment. Despite showing stroke symptoms and his girlfriend Manao's warnings, police detained Krit for nearly two hours without medical assistance. He was eventually taken to the hospital, but it was too late. Manao and the non-profit organization Saimai Survive blame police negligence and seek accountability.

 

Teen Attacked by Neighbor After Unfriending on Facebook:
A 14-year-old girl in Thailand was assaulted by a neighbour after unfriending them on Facebook. The neighbour, previously aggressive over kratom juice sales, attacked the girl at her home. The family sought help from activist Kan Chom Phalang and reported the incident to Bang Phli Police Station. Legal actions are underway, with police promising full cooperation.

 

Syphilis Cases Triple Among Thai Teens, Fivefold Increase in Pregnant Women:
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) in Thailand reported a sharp rise in syphilis cases, tripling among teenagers and increasing fivefold among pregnant women. DDC spokesperson Weerawat Manosutthi emphasized the risk of contracting HIV and the importance of using condoms, regular blood tests, and early prenatal care to prevent transmission.

 

Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain Amid Monsoon and Storm Warnings:
The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain over the next ten days due to a strong monsoon and an approaching tropical storm. Rainfall will persist in monsoon-affected areas like Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Chanthaburi, and Trat, with an increase expected from July 28 to August 1. Residents should stay updated with TMD forecasts and exercise caution.

 

14 Indians Duped into Becoming Cybercriminals in Cambodia Rescued:
Fourteen Indians were rescued from cybercrime operations in Cambodia, facilitated by leads from the Indian embassy. The embassy has aided in the rescue and repatriation of over 650 Indian citizens trapped in job scams. The recent victims are being cared for by an NGO in coordination with Cambodia's Ministry of Social Affairs. The embassy continues to work closely with Cambodian authorities to expedite their return to India.

 

Oil Tanker That Fled Collision Site Detained in Malaysia:
The supertanker Ceres I, which fled the scene of a collision with the Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile, was detained by Malaysian authorities. The Sao Tome and Principe-flagged Ceres I turned off its tracking system after the accident and was found in Malaysian waters. The collision resulted in minor oil spill traces. Investigations are ongoing, and all crew members are safe.

 

[Thingamabob]

The use of cannabis has been decriminalised, and will remain decriminalised. Where's the flip flop referred to in the headline ?