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- Thailand to Require Medical Certificates for Cannabis Use Within 40 Days
File photo for reference only. AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit
Thailand's Public Health Minister has announced a major regulation change requiring cannabis users to present medical certificates, aiming to curb recreational use. Minister Somsak Thepsutin revealed plans for the new rules, hoping to establish order after cannabis was decriminalised nearly three years ago.
This move reflects ongoing efforts to regulate cannabis use amid the rapid rise in recreational consumption.
Minister Somsak's proposition marks a shift towards stricter cannabis control, emphasising verified medical use prescribed by licensed professionals.
He stated, "We will improve regulations on cannabis use," reinforcing the need for medical certification, applicable to both locals and foreigners. The Health Ministry aims to unveil this updated regulation within 40 days, bringing medical-focused groundwork to a previously unchecked cannabis market.
Cannabis decriminalisation initially emerged as a policy driven by the Bhumjaithai Party, recognising its potential economic benefits. Yet, a surge in recreational use and cannabis-related businesses has prompted significant regulation review.
Dr Somlerk Jeungsmarn, Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, echoed the sentiment, suggesting potential dosage limits and penalties for non-medical use, including possible imprisonment.
Despite earlier legislative delays, the new bill spearheaded by Pheu Thai aims to regulate cannabis industries more tightly, focusing on health and medical purposes. Proposed changes will demand licenses for cannabis cultivation, sales, and other related businesses, addressing past regulatory gaps.
The draft, recently publicised under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration, proposes licensing mandates, albeit without an outright ban on recreational use due to political pressure from Bhumjaithai.
The upcoming legislation suggests an increasingly regulated environment, with the Ministry of Public Health poised to enforce enhanced controls.
While the precise implications of these changes remain to be seen, the drive towards medical certification underscores a significant pivot in Thailand’s cannabis policy, seeking to streamline usage strictly for health-orientated applications.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-22
21 May 21 20251361364 - Cabinet Approves Measures to Shield Youths from E-Cigarettes
File photo for reference only
The Thai Cabinet has approved a comprehensive set of measures aimed at protecting youths from the dangers of e-cigarettes. On Tuesday, the government, guided by proposals from the National Health Commission, gave the green light to five key strategies designed to curb vaping among young people.
Deputy government spokeswoman Sasikarn Watthanachan announced the Cabinet's endorsement of resolutions from the National Health Assembly, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding young generations from the potential harms of e-cigarettes.
The approved measures include:
- Educational Initiatives: Schools will be transformed into e-cigarette-free zones and will incorporate lessons on the negative impacts of vaping into their curricula. Educational institutions will also organise activities aimed at boosting student awareness of these dangers.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives will be launched to enhance knowledge about the risks associated with e-cigarettes among both youths and the general public. These will include the development of engaging public relations media and other strategies to reinforce the anti-vaping message.
These measures are part of a broader effort to create a comprehensive strategy involving education, community engagement, law enforcement, and policy reinforcement aimed at protecting Thailand’s youth from the allure of vaping. Through these initiatives, the government aims to educate and inform, helping to prevent the rise of vaping among young people and to maintain public health standards.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-05-21
21 May 21 20251361343 - Engine Crisis Puts Thai Submarine Project in Peril Once Again
Reference picture courtesy of Defense Security Ais
Thailand's ambitious submarine project has hit another snag, casting further doubt on its future. The plan to install German MTU 396 engines in China's Yuan-class submarine has floundered, as Thailand's Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, found his efforts to secure the engines thwarted by EU restrictions.
These restrictions prevent the export of military equipment to China, given Germany's obligations within the EU and NATO.
Previously, the Thai Navy opted for a substitute Chinese engine and accepted compensation following the delays caused by the pandemic and engine procurement challenges.
The submarine deal was originally inked in 2017, costing Thailand a hefty 13.9 billion baht. However, progress has barely moved beyond 64% completion, even with China pocketing payments totalling 7.7 billion baht.
Despite ongoing negotiations, a viable solution for the German engine issue remains elusive, leading to indefinite project delays. As the end-of-2023 contract deadline looms, estimates hint at postponements extending as far as fiscal year 2027.
With construction setbacks exacerbated by the need for a 1,270-day contract extension, Thailand's naval ambitions are treading water.
Meanwhile, the Thai Navy shifts focus towards two new frigates, eyeing a five-year, 35-billion-baht budget. Opposition MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn argues for deriving domestic economic benefits from these frigates, advocating for the use of local resources and the establishment of an offset policy to spur economic growth.
Reports suggest economic burdens might limit the budget allocation to just one frigate in the coming fiscal year. Yet, experts assert that building two frigates simultaneously would enhance cost efficiency and facilitate invaluable technology transfers.
Frigates play a crucial role in safeguarding Thailand's maritime interests, and with one frigate soon set for decommissioning, time is of the essence.
Wiroj insists on a phased budget approach to alleviate potential fiscal strain, allowing incremental financial injections over multiple years. This prudent strategy ensures the frigate acquisition aligns with Thailand's financial capabilities without compromising long-term economic and tactical advantages.
The Thai industrial sector backs the frigate project, eager to contribute at least 30% in local content to the ships' construction. By harnessing domestic industry expertise, Thailand aspires to strengthen its defence capabilities while fostering technological innovation and economic development within its borders.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-21
20 May 20 20251361267 - Anutin's Mission: All Thai Kids Back in Classrooms
File photo courtesy Thai PBS World
In a groundbreaking move, the Ministry of Interior has set a national mission to eliminate educational inequality by ensuring that all Thai children attend school. Led by Anutin Charnvirakul, the ministry has partnered with the Ministry of Education and various agencies, spearheading a countrywide campaign to return dropout children to classrooms.
The thrust of this initiative is rooted in the "Thailand Zero Dropout" policy announced in May 2024, aiming to bring every child back into the educational fold.
An essential element of this ambitious plan is the establishment of dedicated provincial committees. These are orchestrated by the Ministry of Interior, which has rallied all provincial governors to form provincial teams.
Collaborating intensely with provincial education offices, these teams are essential in tackling the issue directly at the grassroots level. Local administrative organisations, including municipalities and tambons, have been mandated to lead this initiative by setting up specific committees focused on preventing children from slipping through the educational system.
Spokesman Manat Suwannarin emphasised, “The goal is clear: no child should be ‘missing’ from the state’s educational care.” The concerted effort includes using a four-step process – prevention, intervention, referral, and monitoring – to identify and reintegrate out-of-school children. Each step represents a critical component of the strategy, ensuring children receive the education they are entitled to.
Supervised by the national committee on zero dropouts, the campaign saw a directive sent to the Equitable Education Fund, calling for active participation from local governments. This intervention has already yielded positive results, with the number of out-of-school children reducing from 1.02 million in 2023 to 880,000 last year. However, officials assert that there is much work still to be done to meet the ambitious targets fully.
In a nod to success stories, Suwannarin highlighted the strides made by provincial governors in provinces like Surin and Buri Ram. These provinces have showcased how effective local leadership and collaboration across government, civil society, and private sectors can be. They have developed educational networks and adapted learning approaches to cater to students' diverse needs, helping build a more inclusive education system.
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin, overseeing the Ministry of Education, has been closely monitoring the campaign. Anutin praised the provinces for their proactive leadership and emphasised the importance of these efforts in achieving the ministry's goal of zero dropouts.
The Ministry of Interior remains committed to collaborating with local governments to achieve the Zero Dropout goal. By doing so, Thailand aims to foster a more equitable, inclusive education for all children, reinforcing the state's dedication to leaving no child behind in educational pursuits.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-21
20 May 20 20251361264 - Ex-Air Hostess Charlotte Lee Arrested for £1.5m Cannabis in Sri Lanka
Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail
Charlotte May Lee, a 21-year-old former British air hostess from Coulsdon, South London, finds herself at the centre of a drug smuggling scandal after being apprehended at Colombo Airport, Sri Lanka. Lee was intercepted by customs officials carrying 46 kilogrammes of high-grade Kush cannabis, with an estimated street value of £1.5 million, in her luggage after a flight from Bangkok.
This sizeable haul, which officials have labelled as the largest Kush bust in the airport's history, was allegedly destined for affluent local consumers. Sri Lankan customs officers, alongside Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officials, are now delving deep into the origins and logistics of the consignment, suggesting organised crime involvement.
Charlotte, once a TUI cabin crew member and now a lash technician, had been celebrating her 21st birthday in Thailand in April with her sister from Australia. Following a brief return to the UK, Lee hinted at new job prospects abroad before posting beachside photos and travel snippets, culminating in her arrest at Colombo.
Her social media, rife with images of sunlit beaches and lively gatherings, painted the picture of a young woman enjoying her independence and travel, making the recent developments surrounding her arrest all the more startling for her peers and family. Friends describe her as a hardworking and joyful individual, expressing disbelief at her involvement in such a serious crime.
One friend shared their shock, noting: “Charlotte was a grafter. None of us saw this coming.” This sentiment echoes another close acquaintance who remembered spotting a woman with an English accent, resembling Lee, amidst footage of the arrest.
The UK’s Foreign Office has been quick to provide consular support, stepping in to liaise with Sri Lankan authorities and keeping in close contact with Charlotte's family. Her detention comes shortly after Bella May Culley, an 18-year-old from County Durham, faced arrest in Georgia under similar circumstances, suggesting a pattern of young Britons entangled in drug trafficking plots tied to Southeast Asia.
Charlotte Lee remains in custody as investigators seek to uncover the scope of this operation and determine her role. Her unexpected situation serves as a poignant reminder of the severe consequences associated with drug offences abroad, where laws are often far stricter than in the UK.
This unsettling development has left family, friends, and the broader community anxiously awaiting further information as the investigation continues. The stark reality now facing Charlotte is a far cry from the recent glamour of her travels and career aspirations, placing her future in uncertain waters.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-20
20 May 20 20251361205 - Warning Issued: Even Indirect Defamation Remains Illegal Under Thai Law
Picture courtesy of Human Rights Facebook
Social media uproar! Lawyer James advises that using defamatory language, even without naming an individual, can still constitute defamation under the law.
On 21 May, 'Lawyer James' or Nitithorn Kaewto took to his personal Facebook page, "Lawyer James LK," to caution users. He highlighted a legal case where the term "prostitute" was deemed defamatory, explaining it referred to a woman engaged in the sex trade.
He further elaborated that even without specifying details, such as who someone trades sex with, using such a term can be enough to categorise it as defamatory.
By highlighting such instances, Lawyer James aims to raise awareness about the legal boundaries of speech on social media platforms, urging users to consider the impact of their words before posting.
Lawyer James's insights serve as a timely reminder of the importance of responsible online communication, where casual or careless remarks might lead to serious legal repercussions.
Thanks to: Lawyer James LK
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Daily News 2025-05-21
21 May 21 20251361286 - Mass Investigation Launched Into Suspected Foreign-Dominated Businesses
File photo courtesy of Wikipedia
The Thai government has launched an extensive probe into over 46,000 foreign-controlled firms, stirring the nation's business landscape.
Led by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, authorities are cracking down on what they term 'nominee-owned companies' and dodgy imports, aiming to shield local industries and promote fair play.
Thailand's Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang highlighted that these long-standing issues lingered due to outdated legal frameworks.
The investigation reveals an alarming trend where foreign entities are allegedly bypassing the Foreign Business Act by using Thai nominees. Many such firms, especially in the lucrative sectors of tourism, e-commerce, and real estate, are accused of trafficking in products below standard.
In over nine months, the Commerce Ministry reported more than 39,000 cases linked to flimsy imports or firms employing Thai proxies, causing losses estimated at around 2 billion Baht.
Consequently, authorities have purged approximately 10,000 goods from digital marketplaces. Moreover, a committee spearheaded by Minister Pichai identified 857 nominee-run companies causing the treasury to bleed approximately 15 billion Baht.
To curb these practices, a proposal is on the table for stricter penalties under the Foreign Business Act. Suggestions include heavier punishments for violators, potentially leading to the confiscation of assets. The planned amendments are geared towards offering a robust legal deterrent against exploiting legal loopholes.
This development underscores the Thai government's commitment to clean up business practices, maintaining a fair economic environment. With the banking on stricter laws and vigilant enforcement, authorities aim to restore confidence in the market's transparency and integrity.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-05-22
21 May 21 20251361373 - Foreign Earnings Taxed Under New Thai Rules - But With Exceptions
File photo for reference only
The Revenue Department of Thailand is gearing up to draft new legislation aimed at revising how foreign income remitted to the country is taxed. Deputy Director-General Panuwat Luengwilai stated that Thais who earn income abroad and bring it into Thailand must declare it in their personal income tax filing, irrespective of the tax year in which it was earned. The tax rates are designed to be progressive, ranging from 5% to 35%.
These evolved regulations regarding the taxation of foreign income remitted to Thailand came into effect on 1 January 2024, following amendments by the previous government. However, for foreign income earned before this date but remitted after, older rules continue to apply, meaning if a Thai national earned international income before 2024 and brought it back after that year, it's exempt from taxation.
Mr. Panuwat revealed that a royal decree is in the works to further refine these criteria to align with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira's policy.
The new policy encourages Thai nationals to repatriate foreign income for domestic investment. Under these new rules, foreign income earned and remitted within the same or following year will not incur tax. For instance, income from 2025 brought into Thailand in either 2025 or 2026 would not be taxed. Beyond this timeframe, usual tax rules will apply.
The initiative aims to expedite the repatriation of foreign income, thereby potentially boosting domestic investment. The department acknowledges that the current taxation structure has somewhat deterred Thais from bringing foreign-earned capital back home.
An anonymous source from the Finance Ministry clarified that Thailand employs a residency-based tax principle, taxing income of individuals who reside in Thailand for 180 days or more within a given tax year.
This approach follows OECD guidelines and has been consistently applied by the department.
The core intent of the amended tax rules is to support government policy by making it easier for Thai investors abroad to inject their foreign-earned funds into the local economy, fostering growth and investment.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-05-19
19 May 19 20251361086 - Thailand Ranks Among World's Safest Countries for Solo Female Travelers
Picture courtesy of Vietjet Air
Thailand has clinched the eighth spot among the world’s top 10 safest places for solo female travellers in 2025, as per a report published by the New York Post.
This accolade bolsters Thailand's status as a prime destination where women can feel secure while exploring individually. With its warm hospitality and extensive tourism industry, Thailand has become synonymous with safety and welcome for women traipsing through its diverse landscapes.
Popular travel guides Adventurous Kate and Be My Travel Muse are singing Thailand’s praises, particularly highlighting the nation’s robust tourism infrastructure and the genuine friendliness of its people.
The country stands out as an unparalleled haven for women desiring new adventures within a supportive and secure environment.
Notably, Be My Travel Muse also singles out Thailand as the premier spot in Asia for female solo travellers, applauding its variety of attractions and ease of transport that simplify independent exploration.
Thai tourism authorities herald these recognitions as validation of their relentless efforts to boost visitor safety while crafting enriching travel experiences.
With a reputation steeped in warm welcomes and a well-honed tourism sector, it's little wonder that Thailand continues to charm wanderers from across the globe.
As safety concerns lessen, more women are encouraged to set out alone and see the wonders Thailand offers in sheer comfort and security.
The heightened global acknowledgement of Thailand as a beacon of safety is poised to fortify its ambition to rise as a leading travel locale.
This fuels international assurance in the Thai tourism landscape, further propelling the “Amazing Thailand” brand mantra to new heights.
With its eye on the prize, Thailand is reshaping landscapes and minds by promoting a destination where women can discover their intrepid spirit in safety and style.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from THai Government PR Department 2025-05-22
21 May 21 20251361361 - Thailand Plans 10-Year Tourist Visa and 99-Year Land Lease to Boost Economy
Picture courtesy of ET Travel world
Thailand is gearing up to inject a fresh lease of life into its faltering economy with bold policy proposals. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced intentions to introduce a 10-year tourist visa, allowing foreigners extended stays and work opportunities in the Land of Smiles.
This plan coincides with proposals to offer 99-year lease rights on government land, poised to attract international interest and spur various economic sectors.
In the "Thailand’s Capital Market Forum 2025", Pichai outlined these ambitious measures as part of a broader strategy to counteract global economic issues, especially those triggered by US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs.
Scheduled for further discussion at the economic stimulus policy committee, chaired by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, these proposals aim to clarify responsible agencies and financial allocations necessary for implementation.
Tourism stands at the forefront of this economic revitalisation push. The proposed 10-year visa scheme intends to facilitate longer stays for foreigners, potentially transforming Thailand into a preferred hub for work and lifestyle.
Coupled with 99-year land leases under the "land use rights" framework, Thailand hopes to tap into the burgeoning demand for long-term international residency and business initiatives.
This isn't all; the Thai government is also focusing on long-term infrastructure and technological advancements. These include enhancing the digital economy, establishing Thailand as a regional data centre, boosting the electric vehicle industry, and expanding dual-track railway systems.
Moving towards a logistic powerhouse, the nation also plans the development of land bridges and essential water channels to drive agricultural productivity.
Pichai highlighted the fluctuating Thai stock market, which has dipped from 1,700 to 1,200 points over two years. He urged stability, noting the government's reluctance to introduce further capital market stimulus amidst existing, effective measures.
These strategic plans signify Thailand’s approach to tackling external economic pressures while revitalising internal growth, potentially reshaping the country's global economic position.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-05-19
19 May 19 20251361007
