Thailand Video News | PM Thavisin seeks to re-criminalise cannabis, Kuwait Airways flight descends into chaos, redirects to Bangkok
In this Thailand video news, Alex and Jay delve into the stories from across Thailand. Beginning with Prime Minister Thavisin’s pursuit to re-criminalise cannabis sends ripples through the nation’s legal landscape. Meanwhile, chaos ensues aboard a Kuwait Airways flight, leading to an unexpected redirection to Bangkok. In the realm of entertainment, Thai comedian Udom’s Netflix special ignites controversy, sparking discussions nationwide. Amidst these headlines, the poignant return of a Chinese woman, survivor of her husband’s attempted murder, to Thailand resonates with gratitude towards her rescuers. Additionally, concerns escalate over the Thai ministry’s proposed sale of decade-old rice, stirring debate on agricultural policies and consumer safety. Thailand’s news scene continues to captivate with its diverse array of developments and dilemmas.
Mid-Air Melee Forces Kuwait Airways Flight Back to Bangkok
A Kuwait Airways flight bound for Kuwait from Thailand devolved into chaos when a violent altercation involving a group of Kuwaiti women broke out, leading to the assault of the plane’s security officer. With safety compromised, the pilot made the critical decision to reroute back to Bangkok International Airport. Following the emergency landing, Kuwait’s Public Prosecution detained those involved, charging them with violent conduct and verbally assaulting the aircraft protection officer. The investigation continues as two individuals face further scrutiny at the General Department of Criminal Evidence.
Health Concerns Loom Over Thai Ministry’s Plan to Auction Decade-Old Rice
The Thai Commerce Ministry’s plan to sell rice stored for over a decade under the Yingluck Shinawatra administration has raised concerns about potential aflatoxin and chemical contamination. Despite Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s attempt to bolster consumer confidence by eating rice from a batch stored in Surin province, watchdogs like the OCPB and FDA are urged to investigate. Critics, including Wirangrong Dabbaransi of the Network of Universities for Reform, warn that fumigation and washing cannot eliminate all contaminants, posing significant health risks. Assoc Prof Pantipa Pongpiachan also argues that the rice should be diverted to alcohol production due to its unsuitability for human consumption, citing insect presence and fungal contamination as evidence of improper storage.
Thailand’s Health Minister Proposes Stricter Amphetamine Possession Laws
Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, announced plans to tighten amphetamine possession laws, proposing to lower the threshold from five to a smaller number of tablets to classify possession as a crime. His goal is to align the regulations with the National Narcotics Act, which defines “small amounts” more clearly for personal use. While those with less than five tablets currently qualify for rehabilitation instead of prosecution, Somsak emphasised balancing the law with practical enforcement to avoid prison overcrowding. He also outlined intentions to cooperate with drug suppression agencies and prevent patients from evading state rehabilitation. Regarding cannabis, Somsak stressed the need for public input before deciding whether to re-list the plant as a narcotic.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Seeks to Recriminalise Cannabis Two Years After Legalisation
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand aims to reverse cannabis legalisation, urging the Health Ministry to reclassify the drug as a narcotic and restrict its use strictly for medical purposes. Concerns over the unregulated cannabis market, leading to increased crime and access to minors, prompted this policy shift. He demanded stricter enforcement against illegal drug activities, requesting visible progress within 90 days. Despite previous promises that cannabis would only be used medicinally after its 2022 decriminalisation, the unregulated market thrived, leading to public backlash. While advocates argue that rolling back legalisation would harm Thailand’s economy and burgeoning cannabis retail industry, all major political parties agree on limiting cannabis to medical use.
Thai Comedian Udom’s Netflix Special Ignites Debate Over Self-Sufficiency
In his recent Netflix special, Super Soft Power, Thai comedian Udom Taepanich, popularly known as Note, sparked a debate with candid commentary on self-sufficiency and the difference between the realities of rural life and its portrayal by celebrities. Udom humorously shared his personal struggles with self-sufficiency, revealing a preference for modern comforts over rural living. His remarks prompted criticism from retired police lieutenant general Rewat Klinkesorn, who initially deemed Udom’s comments disrespectful but later acknowledged that no laws were violated and Udom’s intent might have been misunderstood. Rewat emphasised that while comedians have creative freedom, making light of the culturally significant concept of self-sufficiency should be approached carefully. Ultimately, he acknowledged the entertaining nature of Udom’s comedy and suggested that he may have overreacted to the special.
Wang Nuannuan, a Chinese woman who was pushed off a 34-meter-high cliff in Thailand by her husband while pregnant in 2019, returned to the scene of the tragedy to express her gratitude to those who aided in her rescue. Despite sustaining 17 broken bones and losing her unborn child, she survived and eventually regained the ability to walk after extensive rehabilitation. The “thanksgiving trip” was prompted by the death of a close friend’s mother, which led Wang to revisit Pha Taem National Park and thank the tourism workers and police officers who helped her. Her videos documenting the emotional journey have garnered significant support and admiration on social media. Her husband, Yu Xiaodong, who attempted to kill her to inherit her fortune and pay off gambling debts, was sentenced to over 33 years in prison. Wang has since filed for divorce.
