Thailand's Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, has announced that only cannabis buds will be reclassified as Category 5 narcotics, leaving the rest of the marijuana plant legal. This decision aims to clarify the nation's cannabis regulations following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's pledge to recriminalise marijuana.
In this new directive, parts of the cannabis plant such as leaves, branches, roots, stems, and seeds remain unaffected by the ban. The focus is solely on the buds, which contain psychoactive compounds used for recreational purposes. This announcement provides relief to many in the cannabis industry who feared a broader crackdown.
In 2022, the Public Health Ministry, with approval from the Narcotics Control Board, removed marijuana and hemp from Thailand's Category 5 narcotics list. However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's campaign to reinstate restrictions on marijuana has led to widespread uncertainty.
Somsak's clarification reassures businesses that only the buds are targeted. "The directive will specify regulations on planting, possessing, importing, exporting, and utilising the parts of the marijuana plant that remain legal," he stated.
The minister also confirmed that hemp would not be relisted as a drug. He emphasised that cannabis-related activities would require permissions, primarily for medical, research, and other legitimate purposes.
He assured that the new system of permissions will not impose excessive burdens and will clearly define the qualifications for individuals or businesses to engage in cannabis-related activities, ensuring transparency and ease of compliance.
Somsak promised a phased approach to implementing these new regulations, including a clear timeline for enforcement. This will give businesses ample time to adjust to the new legal landscape, aiming to mitigate any disruption to the burgeoning cannabis sector.
With these measures, Thailand seeks to balance public health concerns while offering some stability to the cannabis industry, aligning with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's vision.
TOP: File photo: A person sits outside a cannabis shop in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
A surprising feature of Thai coups is their popularity with some members of the public. (Photo Wikipedia)
The Thai government aims to rewrite the military-inspired charter to prevent coup makers from being regarded as sovereign or legitimate rulers. Moreover, a new law is expected to give the prime minister the authority to sack generals suspected of plotting to overthrow the legitimate authorities. Pheu Thai deputy leader Chusak Sirinil said the plan was to prevent wannabe coup leaders from appearing legitimate in the eyes of the public.
This isn't the first time. In 2013 there was a similar bill before a parliamentary subcommittee which promptly collapsed amid political bickering. During the May 2023 general election, Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat advocated that army generals should be restricted from entering politics and that compulsory military conscription should end. These notions were promptly placed in the bin and the Move Forward party consigned to the back benches.
In a 2024 NIDA poll, most respondents did not believe Thai coups are a thing of the past. Ken Connor in his book on military interventions wrote that there is a strong coup culture in Thailand, even an addiction. Putsches have occurred on average every seven years in the last century. Many members of the public actually expect the army to intervene once the political situation boils over into violence on Bangkok streets: that is precisely what happened in the most recent coup of May 2014. Life quickly returned to normal, the trains and buses ran on time and opposition to the army quickly faded away.
Neither the Thai press nor the courts opposed that coup, nor indeed any of its predecessors. Politicians tend to maneuver for position. In 2014 a Cabinet minister of the Yingluck-led civilian administration (when the coup occurred) actually ended up as the justice minister in the new military government. Even if a future coup maker tore up the constitution, which authority would challenge him? The technical agency would be the constitutional court which does not to date have a convincing record in opposing the generals.
It is also possible to argue that a coup is not really a coup. In 2021, the army in Myanmar displaced the civilian government but the generals claimed they were within the law as chronic voting fraud had made the country ungovernable and its parliament illegitimate. In May 2014 the Thai army introduced martial law under a 1914 act, stressing that the reason was solely public security and nothing to do with a coup. Two days later Government House was under military occupation and supreme power vested in the army leader. Army spokesmen claimed it was the public will.
Thailand does not presently appear to have the mechanisms to enforce a constitutional or legislative answer. The stark reality is that only failed coups are illegal. Successful ones by definition bestow the levers of power on a new regime inevitably claiming to be acting in the national interest. As Barbara Tuchman noted, "To put on the garment of legitimacy is the first aim of every coup." The big question is whether it will work again in Thailand.
Det har vært mange som har lurt på om og eventuelt hvordan SAS vil fly til Thailand kommende vinter. Nå har SAS offentliggjort sitt vinterprogram, og de melder om flere avganger enn forrige vinter.
SAS starter opp igjen ruten til Bangkok i slutten av oktober. Da har selskapet byttet allianse fra Star Alliance til SkyTeam, og mange har lurt på hvor mange avganger i uken SAS kommer til å ha. For mens Star Alliance hadde 20 daglige avganger fra Europa til Bangkok, har SkyTeam bare 2.
Mens SAS fløy tre ganger i uken mellom København og Bangkok forrige vinter, starter de denne vinteren opp med fire ukentlige avganger. Dette øker til fem i desember og fra slutten av januar til starten av mars vil de øke til daglige avganger. Ruten skal flys med flytypen Airbus A350-900 som byr på tre ulike kabinklasser ombord. SASBusiness, SAS Plus og SASGo.
Ulike avgangstider annenhver dag
Mens det tidligere har vært nattflyvninger begge veier, har SAS til vinteren når de starter med daglige avganger ulike flytider hver annen dag. Rutetidene vil da se slik ut:
København – Bangkok:
Avgang kl 14:15tirsdager, torsdager, lørdager og søndager. Ankomst 07:30 neste dag
Avgang kl 23:55mandager, onsdager og fredager. Ankomst 17:10 neste dag
Bangkok – København
Avgang kl 09:45mandager, onsdager, fredager og søndager. Ankomst 16:50 samme dag.
Avgang kl 23:50tirsdager, torsdager, lørdager. Ankomst 06:55 neste dag
The sky was overcast and looked stormy in Nakhon Ratchasima on Tuesday. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)
The annual wet season is officially here, with heavy rain reported over at least 60% of the upper regions of the country.
The Meteorological Department on Tuesday announced the end of the summer season on May 20 and commencement of the rainy season.
In upper Thailand, heavy rain has been reported over at least 60% of the region for three consecutive days, the department said.
Trade winds blowing over Thailand at around 1,500 metres in height had changed direction. Southwest winds would continuously carry moisture over the land from the Andaman Sea.
At about 10,000 metres height, the winds had changed direction to blow from the east.
With these conditions, the rainy season had started in Thailand, the department said.
The rainy season in upper Thailand was expected to end in mid-October, while heavy rain in the South, particularly on the east coast, would continue to pound the region until mid-January.
The department's immediate forecast is for heavy rain in areas in the North, Northeast, Central Plains and East and on the south coast, from May 21-24.
Residents are warned to prepare for heavy to very heavy rain, runoff and possible flash flooding during this period.
Dessvärre blockerad artikel men…." 30.000 flere passagerer efter SAS-entré til Bangkok
SAS tilbyder fra januar 2025 daglige flyvninger mellem København og Bangkok. Rutetrafikken til Thailand er blevet øget med op imod 30.000 passagerer siden SAS' tilbagekomst på ruten.
Den 30. oktober sidste år vendte SAS tilbage til Bangkok-ruten fra København efter 10 års fravær. I første omgang med tre ugentlige afgange i vintertrafikprogrammet, men det er tilsyneladende gået så godt, at SAS opjusterer kapaciteten i den..."
On May 19th, 2024, Thailand's first survey center, NIDA Poll, publicly revealed a survey between May 14th to 15th from 1,310 individuals on a proposal to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic illegal drug.
The data was collected from 1,310 individuals aged over 15 in a wide range of careers and incomes across Thailand, according to NIDA. The survey was made by a multi-stage sampling method on phone interviews. It was reported that the confidence value was at 97% in the results being accurate by the surveyors.
According to a survey on public opinions regarding considering cannabis as a narcotic, 53.74% of respondents agreed but said it also has medical and economic benefits, 33.59% agreed and said cannabis has no benefits, 11.60% disagreed, and 1.07% were unsure.
Regarding public opinions on the government's cannabis policy, 74.58% of respondents indicated that it should be for medical and therapeutic purposes only, 19.39% indicated that the government should not implement any policy to support cannabis or cannabis products, 10.53% believed it should support legal cannabis products with 7.40% for boosting general public income, 3.21% for supporting recreational purposes, and 0.99% were unsure or did not answer.
On the issue of reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic, 60.38% of respondents strongly agreed, 15.27% somewhat agreed, 14.50% strongly disagreed, 8.93% somewhat disagreed, and 0.92% were unsure or did not answer.
Concerning compensation for cannabis farmers or businesses if cannabis is reclassified as an illegal narcotic, 46.95% of respondents believed the government should not compensate anyone, 35.03% thought the government should compensate both cannabis farmers and businesses, 10.08% said only farmers should be compensated, 2.06% said only cannabis businesses should be compensated, and 5.88% were unsure or did not answer.
Lastly, regarding their experiences with cannabis, 68.93% of respondents reported having no experience with cannabis, and 31.07% had some experience. Among those with cannabis experience (407 respondents), 52.58% had used it in food or drinks, 34.64% had smoked or consumed it, 22.36% had used it for medical purposes, 15.97% had grown cannabis, and 0.98% had experience with commercial cannabis product processing and trading.
Pro-cannabis groups have already been protesting the proposal and delivering legal threats and formal letters to the Thai government, protesting the proposal that would basically recriminalize cannabis in Thailand except for medical use with strict government regulations, ending the ability for people to grow small amounts at home and potentially causing people to face the possibility of high fines and extensive jail sentences for even small amounts of marijuana.
The ongoing debate over what to do about cannabis in Thailand, with both sides of the debate having polar opposite views, has gone on for two years since cannabis was decriminalized but opposition fought finalizing laws to regulate the industry, leaving it in a legal grey area to this date.
Bangkok-A recent gala evening in Bangkok was dedicated to children who have difficult childhoods. Queen Silvia of Sweden, who founded "The World Childhood Foundation" decades ago, has helped raise over 60 million dollars worldwide. In Bangkok, the event was organized in collaboration with the Thai organization "Safeguardkids," which also contributes significant funds nationally.
Over four million baht were donated during the evening, attended by only 70 guests including Dr. Darin Phanthusak, a prominent figure in this organization, is well-known in Pattaya and co-owns establishments such as Tiffany's Theatre, Woodland Hotel, La Ferme, and La Baguette.
Despite the festive atmosphere and Queen Silvia dancing to ABBA's hit "Dancing Queen" (a song composed for her wedding), the evening's serious purpose remained at the forefront for all attendees.
Queen Silvia's Childhood Foundation currently supports more than 115 programs across 17 countries, including Belarus, Brazil, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Nepal, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United States. The foundation actively raises awareness about children's rights and combats child exploitation worldwide. Its offices are located in São Paulo (Brazil), New York City (USA), and Munich/Berlin (Germany), with headquarters in Stockholm (Sweden).
The new Eastern Economic Corridor visa breaks new ground by stipulating a specific zone.
Newly added to the range of longstay visas comes the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) option for foreign investors in three eastern provinces which include Chonburi. The EEC visa, which allows multiple entries, offers automatic work permit procedures for targeted industries, and a discounted rate of 17 percent income tax for specialists, executives, professionals and (if necessary) dependants.
The EEC visa duration is actually linked to the life of the holder's work permit and is considered an investor type. There is obviously overlap with LTR which, however, is not linked to certain provinces and is much broader covering wealthy retirees, digital nomads with contracts and world travellers as well as executives. The benefits are similar – reduced income tax, avoidance of 90 days reporting and airport perks – but the EEC visa is specifically linked geographically to investment in high-tech industries and sunrise initiatives such as robotics, petrochemical, healthcare, tourism and biotechnology.
In recent years, Thailand has diversified its longstay visa regulations to encourage the overseas wealthy to make a base here. These include the Elite visa introduced in 2003, which has had a controversial history, the O/X 10 year visa for retirees from 2016 (not popular because of its bureaucracy) and the Long Term Residence started last year. The new EEC visa also illustrates the growing involvement of government agencies such as the Board of Investment, in addition to the immigration bureau, in the granting of longstay visas.
European Union trade and cooperation pact with Thailand to be finalised this year. It will include visa-free access for Thai passport holders. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin plans to visit France and Italy next week as the kingdom cements closer ties with the bloc.
The government is confident that a new trade and cooperation framework will be unveiled this year with the European Union. Among the provisions will be visa-free access to the Schengen zone for Thai passport holders. It will also include a free trade agreement, which will boost Thailand's efforts to attract inward investment. The news comes ahead of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's visit to France and Italy this week.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee announced that Thailand hoped to finalise a free trade pact with the European Union this year.
Talks with the 27-member bloc commenced in September in Brussels. Afterwards, the second leg of the talks was held in Bangkok in January 2024. The final stage of talks is due to take place within the European Union in June.
Minister Jakkapong was formerly deputy minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the end of April cabinet reshuffle.
Thailand-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation pact to include a provision for Thai nationals to enjoy visa-free access to the EU Schengen zone
In addition to the trade aspect, the minister talked of Thailand ratifying a Thailand-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement this year. Part of this pact will be the green light for Thai passport holders to access the Schengen zone without a visa.
The Schengen zone includes 26 European Union countries and Iceland. In particular, it excludes Ireland which has a Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom.
'The FTA will not only stimulate economic growth in both regions but also benefit their businesses and supply chain,' Minister Jakkapong explained. He was attending an event organised by the European Union in Thailand to mark Europe Day on May 9th.
'To allow more convenient people-to-people connectivity, Thailand hopes for support from the EU to allow Thai nationals to enter the Schengen zone without the visa requirement.'
Thailand needs European Union access to compete for investment with Vietnam. Lack of access to the key market has impeded the kingdom's efforts since 2020
In addition, a free trade pact and easier access to the European Union market will help Thailand attract inward investment. Since the 2020 pact between the European Union and Vietnam, Thailand has been at a disadvantage against its key competitor for inward investment.
The news came at the event last Wednesday, in Bangkok at the Conrad Hotel.
Mr David Daly, the European Union ambassador to Thailand, addressed a business and diplomatic gathering. In short, it was to celebrate Europe Day. At length, he explained the background to the occasion.
It was to celebrate 74 years since the Schuman Declaration. This was issued by the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Robert Schuman, on May 9th, 1950.
In short, it was an agreement among the founders of the European Coal and Steel Community. The members of the 6 nation alliance agreed to work together and pool resources in relation to coal and steel production.
The founding countries were France, West Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Afterwards, the European Economic Community emerged and expanded from this alliance in 1957.
In turn, this entity grew and changed its name to become the 27-member European Union bloc today.
Bilateral trade between European Union and Thailand worth €1 billion a week or ฿39.7 billion
On Wednesday, Mr Daly revealed that bilateral trade between Thailand and the European Union now amounted to €1 billion a week or ฿39.7 billion. He is confident that a new free trade pact will certainly boost this figure.
At the same time, the European Union bloc is also, at this time, Thailand's third-largest source of inbound investment. In short, the 27-member bloc has created over 160,000 jobs in Thailand.
In addition, it is the kingdom's second most important tourism market after China.
The European Union ambassador especially praised Thailand's diplomatic efforts to bring peace to Myanmar. He also praised the kingdom's ongoing campaign to prevent illegal fishing and stamp out labour abuses within the industry.
Prime Minister set to visit Europe on a 6-day trip
The news comes ahead of a 6-day visit to Europe this week from May 15thto 21st by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The focus of the PM's visit will be France and Italy.
On a previous trip in March, Mr Srettha developed a strong rapport with French President Emmanuel Macron. On this trip, the French leader will convene the Thailand-France Business Forum.
The Thai leader will promote the government's 'Ignite Thailand 2025' initiative in both countries.
Later in May, Mr Srettha will again visit Japan to meet key business leaders and participate in the Nikkei Forum.
That visit will be from May 22nd to 24th. This is a speaking forum which will be held this year in Tokyo. The theme will be 'Asian leadership in an uncertain world'.
The Prime Minister is expected to meet many key business leaders and industrialists.
'It is a good opportunity to encourage further investment in Thailand,' Mr. Srettha explained to his followers on the social media site X.
Thailand's recent decision to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has sparked widespread outrage, threatening to ignite street protests and cause a flurry of lawsuits brought by an industry built on the promise of decriminalisation.
Two years ago, Thailand decriminalised cannabis, classing it as a 'controlled herb' and leaving its recreational use unrestricted. The move spurred the creation of almost 8000 dispensaries dotting every corner of the country. Yet, these shop owners now face the spectre of complete re-criminalisation with Thavisin's order to redraw cannabis as a 'category five' narcotic.
This change would redefine the mere act of "production, sale, import, export, or possession" of cannabis as a criminal offence under Thai drug law. Medical use would remain legal.
Thailand's burgeoning cannabis market, promoted as a boost for agricultural growth and wellness tourism, stands aghast. Advocacy group, 'Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future', has called for a protest in Bangkok on May 16 whilst dispensary owners pledge legal action. Rattapon Sanrak, owner of Highland Cafe, sternly noted: "We're all doing everything by the book but then suddenly the book is going to change."
The pubic U-turn reflects the ruling Pheu Thai Party's aggressive anti-drug stance. Recently, Thavisin set law enforcement and local authorities a 90-day deadline to crack down on drugs in 25 identified 'red zones'. Political rival Bhumjaithai Party have challenged this strategy, espousing a regulatory approach over further criminalisation.
The seesaw of cannabis policy, from decriminalisation to the looming threat of re-criminalisation, seems set to harm Thailand's nascent cannabis industry struggling under legal uncertainties.
The potential penalties for possession of cannabis post-reclassification are severe, with possible imprisonment of up to 15 years and fines reaching 1.5 million baht ($40,600). Industry insiders fear the move will damage foreign investor confidence, cripple the industry, and plunge cannabis distribution back into the shadowy reaches of Thailand's underworld.
They are urging health authorities to use science and facts to compare the effects of cannabis to those of alcohol and tobacco, and base their drug classification decisions on such comparisons.
Rattapon of Highland Cafe warns: "Instead of regulating the industry properly, you're choosing to close it up and make it worse by pushing it underground." With over a million households registered to plant cannabis, the stakes are high and consequences could be game-changing.
Thailand is set to implement stringent new compliance regulations for customers opening bank accounts, in response to a sharp rise in the misuse of these accounts for illicit or fraudulent activities. From November last year through the present, Thai authorities have closed over 300,000 "mule" accounts.
These regulations, as promulgated by the Bank of Thailand, the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the anti-online scam centre AOC 1441, are poised to take effect by June 1st, as confirmed by Prasert Jantararuangtong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society. All banks will now be required to strictly adhere to a Customer Due Diligence (CDD) approach.
Local experts from the Thai authorities estimate that accounts exploited for offences could tally up to one million. Growing compliance in the digital banking sector has been encouraged due to the sustained efforts of financial institutions and related government initiatives.
The digital banking market in Thailand is projected to grow by 8.69% between 2024 and 2028, as per Statista research. This growth trajectory is likely to be aligned with a surge in compliance-related efforts, aimed at meeting regulatory mandates and safeguarding against financial crimes.
The Thai banking sector, a historical pillar of the nation's economy, has been undergoing a significant transformation. McKinsey's findings suggest a potential regain of regional clout, with a shift towards digital banking that necessitates a robust compliance framework to ensure transactional integrity.
In closing, Thailand's digital banking sector's compliance industry is witnessing dynamic changes driven by regulatory strides, technology, and a commitment to enhancing the digital banking experience. As the sector evolves, compliance will form a foundational anchor, ensuring a secure, sustainable digital banking revolution, tuned with international best practices.
These changes offer both opportunities and challenges to compliance professionals, who shall remain at the forefront of shielding the financial ecosystem from emerging risks.
Babies and young children are often at the greatest risk of heat-related mortality
BANGKOK, 8 May 2024 –Rain has finally brought relief to Thailand, but the country is still recovering from the record-breaking heatwave that gripped Southeast Asia throughout April and early May. Three dozen districts across Thailand's 77 provinces saw record temperatures in April, with 26 provinces suffering from heat soaring over 40 degrees Celsius.
Extreme temperatures pose critical challenges to children in Thailand and elsewhere, limiting outdoor activities, increasing their reliance on cooling methods and disrupting education. Simultaneously, changing weather conditions including unexpected storms can cause damage to homes and infrastructure and prevent many children from accessing basic services.
Heatwaves – whichare made more likely by climate change – present a serious health threat to children, who struggle more than adults to regulate their body temperature. Greater exposure to heatwaves raises the risk of various health issues such as chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Babies and young children are at greatest risk of heat-related mortality.
UNICEF's recent reports underscore the gravity of the situation, revealing that millions of children worldwide are already grappling with the effects of rising temperatures, a number projected to soar in the coming decades.
In Thailand, the situation is particularly alarming, with a significant majority of children experiencing the harsh realities of frequent heatwaves. Over 75 percent of children—approximately 10.3 million—were affected by high heat factors in 2020 alone, the report said. Without intervention, it's forecast that every Thai child under 18 will face more frequent and prolonged heatwaves by 2050.
Another climate-related report conducted by the Thailand Development Research Institute and UNICEF released last year pointed out that children in Thailand are at a high risk of climate change including high temperatures, flood and drought. Children living in Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Rachasima, Sri Saket, Nakhon Srithammarat and Narathiwat are at highest risk.
Experts in Thailand also pointed out that severe climate change will lead to declining agriculture yields with farmers and their families among the most vulnerable victims from climate crisis.
Despite these alarming statistics, the voices of these children have often gone unheard. Children are missing out on climate discussion and action. They are being recognized as vulnerable groups rather than active citizen or agents of change.
"Heatwaves have become significant challenges lately. With temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several weeks, being in the sun has become nearly impossible. This situation is particularly challenging for young children, as they are unable to engage in outdoor activities," said Kwanjira Jaikla, 18, a member of the UNICEF Young People Advisory Board from Roi Et Province. "While I acknowledge the current efforts being made to tackle this issue, I hope to see more urgent actions in addressing climate change impacts on children.I also hope that adults include children and young people in climate actions, given their role in our daily lives."
Just 2.4 per cent of major global climate funds are allocated towards initiatives that address children's needs, according to a 2023 study — Falling short: addressing the climate finance gapfor children conducted by members of the Children's Environmental Rights Initiative (CERI) coalition; Plan International, Save the Children, and UNICEF.
This neglect not only perpetuates their vulnerability but also silences their voices in critical climate discussions.
"As we confront the reality of a boiling world, it is imperative that governments, communities, and individuals alike work together to ensure the world we all live in is a livable one," said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. "By prioritizing investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and climate-smart basic services, promoting sustainable practices, and amplifying the voices of children in decision-making processes, we can create a future where they can thrive in safety and security."
The challenges posed by heatwaves are just one facet of the broader climate crisis facing our planet, said Kim. "As we navigate this uncertain terrain, let us not forget our responsibility to safeguard the well-being of future generations. We must work towards a sustainable future for every child, ensuring that they inherit a world that is resilient to the challenges of a changing climate."Kim said.
The preceding is a press release published with full permission and authorization by the organization(s) listed in the PR material and TPN media. The statements, thoughts, and opinions of the organization involved in the press release are entirely their own and may not necessarily represent those of TPN media and its staff.
Thai government to reclassify cannabis as narcotic
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In a reversal of the previous administration's policy to decriminalise cannabis and hemp, the Pheu Thai-led government has decided to reclassify cannabis as a Category 5 narcotic, with the exception of medical and health uses.
Public Health ministry was instructed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to amend its ministerial regulations to include cannabis on the list of Category 5 narcotics, to be completed for enforcement within this year.
There is an exception for the controlled use of cannabis for medical and health purposes, but not for recreational use.
This reversal of policy is a slap in the face for the Bhumjaithai party, one of the government's coalition partners, which promoted decriminalisation of cannabis and hemp as its flagship policy during the Prayut administration, leading to widespread cultivation of cannabis and the emergence of many cannabis retail outlets.
The prime minister held a meeting today with agencies involved in illegal narcotic suppression and control, including the Public Health, Justice and Interior ministries, as well as national security agencies.
Another key issue raised by the prime minister is the law concerning methamphetamine, or "yaa baa". He said that the current law does not specify the number of pills that can be considered possession for personal consumption or for trafficking, making it difficult for law enforcement to know whether to treat a suspect as a drug user or a drug dealer.
To clear up the confusion, the prime minister said that the law must be rewritten to make clear that possessing one meth pill will be considered for personal consumption and two or more pills will be regarded as possession for trafficking purposes.
Despite escalating efforts to crack down on illegal narcotics and the government's decision to add the problem to the national agenda, the prime minister said that more illegal narcotics, meth pills in particular, continue to be smuggled into the country and remain readily available.
Srettha said that one issue behind the failure to stem the inflow and widespread availability of meth pills is that authorities are still unable to crack down on major dealers, as he urged authorities concerned to intensify their efforts to close down the "big fish" and to seize their assets.
