Author: Wadi
Regulatory Shift Sparks Concern Reclassification Threatens Livelihoods Thailand’s cannabis industry is reeling as the Ministry of Public Health moves to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic within 45 days, restricting its use to medical prescriptions. Small-scale growers and dispensary owners, already battered by falling prices and foreign competition, fear closures and financial ruin. The policy shift has ignited widespread anxiety among farmers like Somkiat Nitiketkosol, who tend to small operations in Nakhon Ratchasima. Costly Certification Challenges Small Farmers Struggle New regulations mandate upgrading from Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to the more rigorous Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) certification, costing hundreds…
ISOC’s Commitment to Border Security Support for Frontline Efforts The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) has vowed to strengthen frontline operations amid the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border standoff, leveraging its extensive networks and resources. Major General Thanathip Sawangsaeng, a senior ISOC official, announced this pledge following a strategic meeting in Chonburi with the Royal Thai Navy’s Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defence Command. The agency’s focus is on supporting military efforts to maintain peace along the tense border. Leveraging Local Networks Volunteers Enhance Operations ISOC is mobilizing its vast network of local civilians and volunteers to aid border security operations. Thanathip emphasized the critical…
Enhanced Airport Protocols Early Arrival Advised Phuket International Airport has urged passengers to arrive at least two hours early starting June 27, 2025, due to heightened security measures following the discovery of an explosive device. The device, hidden in an abandoned motorcycle, was safely neutralized on Wednesday night. Authorities are enforcing strict compliance with new protocols to ensure traveler safety in this bustling tourist hub. Bomb Disposal Operations Multiple Devices Neutralized Bomb experts successfully defused the motorcycle device, along with two others found at Patong Beach and Promthep Cape. The swift response prevented potential disruptions, with no reported injuries or…
Violent Abduction in Jomtien Gunpoint Assault Shocks Tourist Hub A 26-year-old Russian journalist, David Blank, was abducted from his hotel room in Pattaya’s Jomtien Soi 14 on June 26, 2025, by four fellow Russians. The assailants, wielding guns, blindfolded him with a black bag, assaulted him, and restrained him with handcuffs. The brazen attack in Chon Buri’s popular tourist destination has raised concerns about safety in the vibrant coastal city. Dramatic Escape to Safety Seeking Help at Nearby Café Despite being handcuffed, Blank managed to escape after hours of captivity when left unattended by his captors. He sought refuge at…
Fragile Coalition Under Pressure Paetongtarn’s Precarious Leadership Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces a deepening political crisis triggered by a leaked phone call with Cambodia’s former leader, Hun Sen, over a border dispute. The scandal has destabilized her Pheu Thai-led government, with the Bhumjaithai Party’s exit reducing her coalition to a slim 261-234 parliamentary majority. As public criticism and protests mount, her leadership hangs in the balance, with Thailand’s political future hinging on parliamentary dynamics. No-Confidence Motion Looms Bhumjaithai’s Strategic Shift The Bhumjaithai Party, now in opposition after leaving the coalition, has initiated a no-confidence motion set for when parliament reconvenes…
Monitoring Currency Fluctuations Ensuring Baht Stability Thailand’s central bank is prepared to intervene if the baht’s movements become excessive and disconnected from economic fundamentals, according to Deputy Governor Piti Disyatat. Speaking late Thursday, he emphasized the Bank of Thailand’s (BoT) vigilance in tracking the currency’s 5% surge in 2025. The bank aims to curb volatility driven by speculative sentiment or portfolio shifts, ensuring stability for Thailand’s export-driven economy. Responding to Business Concerns Balancing Exports and Tourism The baht’s recent rally has sparked calls from Thai businesses and ministers to weaken the currency to support exports and tourism, key pillars of…
Rejecting Royal Petition Call to Avoid Politicization Wirangrong Dabbaransi, leader of the Network of Universities for Reform, has publicly opposed a royal petition seeking King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s intervention in Thailand’s political crisis tied to the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. In a passionate statement, she warned that involving the monarchy risks dragging it into partisan conflicts, undermining its constitutional neutrality. The petition, backed by 55 academics and set for submission on Friday, has sparked heated debate. Constitutional Processes Emphasized Legal Channels Should Prevail Wirangrong stressed that disputes, including those involving Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, should be resolved through legal mechanisms like the…
Affordable Travel Initiative Flat Fare Launch Confirmed Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has reaffirmed its commitment to launching a 20-baht flat fare across all eight Bangkok electric train lines starting September 30, 2025. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that preparations are on track, with public registration opening in August via the “Tang Rat” mobile app. This policy aims to make public transport more accessible, easing financial burdens for commuters in the capital and nearby areas. Streamlined Registration Process Tang Rat App Enrollment Commuters must register through the “Tang Rat” app, available on iOS and Android, to access the 20-baht fare cap.…
Smugglers Flee Border Patrol 460,000 Speed Pills Abandoned In a late-night operation in Chiang Mai’s Mae Ai district, security forces seized approximately 460,000 speed pills left behind by fleeing smugglers. The incident occurred Thursday night in Pa Lai village, where a patrol spotted three motorcycles on a known smuggling route. The riders, upon noticing the authorities, escaped down narrow paths, leaving behind a significant drug stash in a remote border area. Pursuit Leads to Discovery Motorcycles and Sacks Found The chase led officers from the Pha Muang task force to Ban Kawila, where two abandoned motorcycles were found with two…
Hun Sen’s Claims Against Thailand Gratitude and Betrayal Accusations Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has intensified tensions with Thailand, asserting that the Thai leadership owes him gratitude for past support to the Shinawatra family. Speaking at a local government meeting, he accused Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of betraying trust by plotting against allies like Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul. Hun Sen warned of revealing sensitive discussions, including remarks that could be seen as disrespectful to Thailand’s monarchy, escalating the diplomatic dispute. Thaksin’s Alleged Deception Questioning Health Claims Hun Sen claimed that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra faked an illness…