Thailand to Tighten Cannabis Laws

[Video News]

 

The transcription below features top news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, ranging from Thailand’s move to tighten cannabis laws to a joint power grid upgrade by Malaysia and Thailand.

 

Thailand to Tighten Cannabis Laws
Thailand will soon require all cannabis users—locals and tourists—to present a medical certificate. The new law, taking effect in 40 days, aims to curb recreational use, with penalties including jail time and tighter business regulations.

 

Yingluck Ordered to Pay 10 Billion Baht
Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court has ordered ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra to pay 10 billion baht over losses from her government’s rice-pledging scheme. The ruling revives political debate over her controversial tenure.

 

Pattaya Prostitution Crackdown
Pattaya Police arrested over 50 people in a major beachfront crackdown on prostitution. The operation aims to protect the city’s tourist-friendly image amid rising crime linked to the sex trade.

 

Tourist Sparks Outrage in Krabi
A foreign tourist in Krabi was charged after insulting park rangers and violating national park rules. Caught on video, the man fled from angry locals after flipping them off and ignoring protected area closures.

 

Illegal Gay Brothel Busted in Khon Kaen
Police raided a spa in Khon Kaen operating as an illegal gay brothel. Five foreign sex workers and a Thai manager were arrested. Authorities say the venue openly advertised sexual services online.

 

‘Mattress Man’ Goes Viral in Sisaket
A Thai man riding a motorbike while lying on a mattress has taken the internet by storm. The viral stunt raised road safety concerns, but netizens couldn’t get enough of his relaxed riding style.

 

Press Groups Demand Cambodia Free Journalist
Calls are growing for Cambodia to release journalist Ouk Mao, detained without a warrant while reporting on illegal logging. Advocates say his arrest signals an escalating crackdown on environmental reporters.

 

Indonesia Faces Criticism Over Military Appointment
Indonesia faces backlash after naming a convicted general to a key finance role. Human rights groups say the move undermines democracy and civilian rule, sparking concern ahead of the official appointment.

 

Malaysia & Thailand to Upgrade Power Grid
Malaysia and Thailand will modernize their cross-border power grid to meet rising energy demands and support renewables. The move supports ASEAN’s push for regional energy cooperation.

 

Japan’s Agriculture Minister Resigns Over Rice Gaffe
Japan’s Agriculture Minister Taku Etō has stepped down after saying he never buys rice—amid soaring prices. His replacement, Shinjirō Koizumi, now faces a ministry in crisis as public discontent grows.