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☆ Why Thailand's having second thoughts about decriminalizing cannabis
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Little more than a year after cannabis decriminalization, following an election that saw a more conservative coalition government come into power, there are signs Thailand’s laws on cannabis could be rewritten once again. Most cannabis dispensaries like his he says, have been responsible and diligent from the start in checking buyers’ IDs and educating customers about cannabis rules. “Thousands of cafes, stores, and other cannabis businesses have sprouted and hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent by tourists in a short amount of time,” Zaytsev said. The debate comes just as the quality of domestically produced cannabis in the country was improving, she added. “The quality of Thai cannabis has gotten better and better.

Persons: “, ” Iemvijan, –, Nitikrist Attakrist, ” Attakrist, Chiang Mai, Srettha Thavisin, ” Thavisin, Iemvijan, Cannabis, ”, Wisawa Mcintyre, Anutin Charnvirakul, Athit Perawongmetha, hasn’t, Ley Singdam, Ley, ” Ley, Kitty Chopaka, Chopaka, Michael Zaytsev, LIM, ” Zaytsev, Gloria Lai, ” Lai, ” “, Thavisin, Manan Vatsyayana Organizations: CNN, Thai, Bloomberg, Thailand’s Public, Thai Health, Staff, Reuters Observers, ” Farmers, Thais, International Drug Policy Consortium, Bhumjaithai Party, Getty Locations: Thai, Bangkok, Thailand, Southeast Asia, San, Thonglor, Phuket, ‘, ”, Athit, New York, Asia, Singapore, Indonesia, AFP

[1/5] A Chinese tourist is welcomed by Thai traditional puppets during a welcome ceremony of the first batch of Chinese tourists under a five-month visa-free entry scheme at Bangkok's International Airport, Thailand, September 25, 2023. The visa waiver programme runs from Sept. 25 until February next year. The government expects 2.88 million Chinese visitors during that 5-month period, slightly higher than the 2.34 million Chinese who have visited this year. "More Chinese tourists come to Thailand for holiday, because it is indeed very convenient," he said. Chinese tourists say they are drawn to Thailand for its beaches and food.

Persons: Athit, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, Gu, ”, Ye Weihe, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Miral Fahmy, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Bangkok's International, REUTERS, Rights, Thomson Locations: Thai, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Bangkok, Shanghai, Srettha, Tourism, Suvarnabhumi, China, Pattaya

☆ Foodpanda confirms layoffs, says it's in talks to sell part of Asia food delivery business
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Sheila Chiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A courier for Foodpanda, a meal-delivery service operated by Delivery Hero AG, checks his smartphone while sitting on a motorcycle at the company's operations center in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, March 16, 2018. Bangkok's famed love affair with food is spilling over to meal-delivery apps, a fledgling sector that Foodpanda projects will surge in 2018 as competition intensifies. Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesSingapore-headquartered food delivery service Foodpanda on Friday confirmed to CNBC that it is conducting its latest round of layoffs as the need to be "more agile remains critical." "Our company priority right now is to become leaner, more efficient and even more agile. This is Foodpanda's third round of layoffs since job cuts in February and September last year amid macroeconomic headwinds, according to media reports.

Persons: Bangkok's, Brent Lewin, Jakob Sebastian Angele Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty Images Singapore, CNBC Locations: Bangkok, Thailand

LGBTQ+ people from China, frequently scorned and ostracized at home, are coming to Thailand in droves, drawn by the freedom to be themselves. Thailand doesn't keep figures on LGBTQ+ tourists. But through mid-August, it has counted 2.2 million Chinese tourists out of an overall 16 million. But LGBTQ+ people in China face other pressures to conform that can make the free expression of their identities difficult. Another draw for tourists, inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community, is Thailand’s loose enforcement of prostitution laws and renowned nightclub shows.

Persons: Xinyu Wen, Wen, “, ”, ” “, hasn't, Apichai Chatchalermkit, Owen Zhu, Jade Yang, Yang, Adisak Wongwaikankha, Eros Li, Li Organizations: Thailand Tourism Authority, The Nation Locations: BANGKOK, Thailand, Bangkok's, Thai, China, Bangkok, “, Beijing, Malaysia, Asia, asia

In top consumer China, premiums climbed to as high as $55 an ounce over global spot prices this week, traders said, from $20-$38 last week. The policy-measures to support the economy are expected boost physical gold demand, said Peter Fung, head of dealing at Wing Fung Precious Metals. Official data on Thursday also showed that the People's Bank of China increased its gold holdings to 69.62 million fine troy ounces at end-August. Local gold prices were trading around 59,200 rupees per 10 grams on Friday, up nearly 2% in three weeks. In Japan, where domestic gold rates were trading at record levels this week, dealers charged $0.5 premiums.

Persons: Peter Fung, Bernard Sin, Harshad Ajmera, JJ, Anushree Mukherjee, Swati Verma, Rajendra Jadhav, Maju Samuel Organizations: Chinatown, Metals, People's Bank of China, U.S ., MKS, JJ Gold, Traders, Rajendra, Thomson Locations: China, Japan, India, Greater China, Kolkata, Local, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Bengaluru, Mumbai

☆ Exclusive: Line Man Wongnai targets listing as early as 2025 -exec
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Sam Nussey | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The logo of Thailand Stock exchange is pictured at an exhibition hall in Bangkok, Thailand, May 12, 2016. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsTOKYO, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Thai food delivery startup Line Man Wongnai has begun appointing advisors to prepare for an initial public offering and is targeting a listing as soon as 2025, according to a senior executive at the Southeast Asian unicorn. Line Man Wongnai competes with Singapore-based Grab (GRAB.O), Foodpanda, and the food delivery business of Siam Commercial Bank. It was formed in 2020 from a merger of Line Man, the Thai food delivery business of Line, and restaurant aggregator Wongnai. "We are in a position to really help digitalise Thailand," said Chung, a former Goldman Sachs banker from South Korea who previously worked for Line, adding that the food delivery business is gaining market share.

Persons: Athit, Wongnai, Young Chung, Chung, Goldman Sachs, Sam Nussey, Yantoultra Ngui, Stephen Coates Organizations: Thailand Stock, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters, Siam Commercial Bank, Siam Cement, FoodStory, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, United States, Asia, Singapore, Siam, South Korea

☆ Health of Thailand's billionaire ex-PM Thaksin still a concern, doctor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBANGKOK, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Thailand's billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra was still being treated in hospital on Friday and his condition remained a concern, a senior doctor said, three days after his historic return from self-exile. The Pheu Thai Party that Thaksin founded will lead the next government. Rumours have swirled that his return could be part of a secret agreement with his rivals, which he denies. Tul has asked for physicians from outside of the hospital to examine Thaksin also. "All the rooms at the police hospital have this view," said Soponrat, the doctor at the hospital.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Athit, Thaksin, Srettha Thavisin, Tul Sittisomwong, Tul, Chayut Setboonsarng, Martin Petty Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Thai Party, Thaksin, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, Rights BANGKOK, Dubai, Britain

☆ Thailand's jailed former Prime Minister Thaksin hospitalized after return from exile
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (C), son Panthongtae (L) and daughter Pinthongta (R) greet supporters after his return to Thailand at the private jet terminal at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was moved to hospital overnight, officials said on Wednesday, over concern about his heart and high blood pressure on his first night in jail following his historic return from self-exile. Thaksin made his homecoming on Tuesday and was escorted to jail in dramatic scenes that stole the spotlight from political ally Srettha Thavisin, who was elected prime minister in a parliamentary vote later in the day. The Pheu Thai Party's Srettha was confirmed as prime minister having received royal endorsement, a parliament official said on Wednesday. Police said Thaksin was hospitalized because the prison was unable to guarantee he would get the right care.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Panthongtae, Pinthongta, Thaksin, Pheu, Srettha Thavisin, Srettha, General Prachuab Wongsuk Organizations: Thai, Don Mueang, Reuters, Corrections Department, Wednesday . Police, National Police Locations: Thailand, Don, Bangkok

☆ Thailand's jailed ex-PM Thaksin hospitalised after return from exile
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Panarat Thepgumpanat | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, pays his respects to a portrait of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. The latest condition of 74-year-old Thaksin, the billionaire founder of the populist juggernaut Pheu Thai, was not clear on Wednesday and his representatives did not immediately respond to a request from Reuters for comment. The Pheu Thai Party's Srettha was confirmed as prime minister having received royal endorsement, a parliament official said on Wednesday. Police said Thaksin was hospitalised because the prison was unable to guarantee he would get the right care. Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied that.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthida, Athit, Thaksin, Srettha, Pheu, Srettha Thavisin, General Prachuab Wongsuk, Ayuth Sintoppant, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu, Martin Petty, Michael Perry, Robert Birsel Organizations: Thai, REUTERS, Reuters, Corrections Department, Wednesday . Police, National Police, Supreme, Thomson Locations: Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand, BANGKOK

☆ Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin may not be in jail for as long as expected, professor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFormer Thai Prime Minister Thaksin may not be in jail for as long as expected, professor saysPunchada Sirivunnabood, associate professor at Bangkok's Mahidol University, discusses the return of former prime minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been jailed after years in exile.

Persons: Thaksin, Punchada Sirivunnabood, Thaksin Shinawatra Organizations: Former Thai, Bangkok's Mahidol University Locations: Thailand

☆ Srettha Thavisin elected Thailand's new prime minister after months of political deadlock
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Ruxandra Iordache | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Pheu Thai Party's Srettha Thavisin will become Thailand's prime minister after clinching parliamentary support in a Tuesday vote. Srettha, a real estate mogul who entered the Thai political landscape mere months ago under the Pheu Thai's mantle, required 375 votes to become premier and set up Bangkok's next government. He won 482, his party said in a Google-translated Facebook post on Tuesday. Thailand has been administered by a caretaker government since March, with its parliament in deadlock. Pheu Thai initially supported the party, but progressed with its own bid for power after Move Forward's failure to gain support.

Persons: Pita Limjaroenrat, Prayuth Chan, Pheu Organizations: National Economic, Social Development, Assembly Locations: Thailand

BANGKOK, Aug 22 (Reuters) - When Thailand's deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra went into self-imposed exile in 2008 facing a raft of corruption charges following his ouster in a military coup, he issued a hand-written note. Thaksin has been Thailand's most prominent politician for decades, retaining outsized influence despite the years away. "It closes a crucial chapter in Thailand's politics," Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, said of Thaksin's return. A shrewd operator who rarely minces his words, an increasingly wealthy Thaksin entered politics in the mid-1990s, initially serving as foreign minister and then deputy prime minister. But the brash Thaksin, who called himself Thailand's first "CEO prime minister", faced royalist accusations that he was undermining the revered monarchy, which he denied.

Persons: Thailand's, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Thaksin's, Yingluck Shinawatra, Critics, watchdogs, Chalinee, Chiang Mai, Love Thais, Devjyot Ghoshal, Chayut Setboonsarng, Panu, Robert Birsel Organizations: Thaksin, Chulalongkorn University, Thai, REUTERS, Rights, Shin Corporation, Thai Rak Thai, Singapore's Temasek, Premier League, Manchester City, Thomson Locations: BANGKOK, Bangkok, Thailand, Chiang, United States, Thai, Britain

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra looks on as he speaks to Reuters during an interview in Singapore February 23, 2016. Also scheduled for Tuesday is another parliamentary vote for prime minister, to be nominated by the Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai Party. Some analysts said Thaksin's return suggests Pheu Thai has reached a deal with political parties on forming a government after gaining support from military-backed parties. Pheu Thai, set to nominate real estate tycoon Srettha Thavisin, needs the support of more than half the bicameral legislature, including the military-appointed Senate. The party on Thursday gained support from a rival military-backed party after a lawmaker from another military-backed party said they would support Pheu Thai in overcoming the impasse.

Persons: Thaksin Shinawatra, Edgar Su, Thaksin, Thaksin's, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Surachate Hakparn, Thanaporn Sriyakul, Srettha Thavisin, Orathai Sriring, William Mallard Organizations: Thai, Reuters, REUTERS, BANGKOK, Thaksin, Thai Party, Political Science Association of Kasetsart University, Thomson Locations: Singapore, Thailand, Muang, Pheu

☆ The PR manager for Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok on the downsides of the job, why backpackers are the bane of his existence, and how 'The White Lotus' changed his workday
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Kai Xiang Teo | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

He loved "The White Lotus" despite its exaggerated versions of industry extremes. And for those wondering: There's still no word on whether those rumors about the next season of "The White Lotus" are true. Dan is also the regional director of public relations for the Four Seasons hotels and resorts for Asia-Pacific. I have to ask: How has the show "The White Lotus" changed your job? Two of our properties have been featured on "The White Lotus."

Persons: Dan Schacter —, Dan, Bangkok . Dan, Ken Seet, wouldn't, Taylor Mahon, Michael, we've, Dan Schacter, Sakuragawa —, I'm, Jennifer Coolidge — Organizations: Service, Bangkok, Rak, Social, Bangkok isn't, Creative, Michelin, Google, HBO Locations: Wall, Silicon, Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok ., Asia, Bhutan, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Japan, Hawaii, Taormina

☆ Thai king's sons wind up surprise first visit home in 27 years
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Vacharaeson Vivacharawongse, 42, arrived in Thailand last week and visited a child care centre and took part in religious ceremonies at a Bangkok temple. Their visits come at a fraught time for the royal family, with the monarch's eldest daughter in a coma since December. Vacharaesorn and Chakriwat are the second and third of four sons of King Vajiralongkorn's second wife, Sujarinee Vivacharawongse, a former actress whom the then-crown prince divorced in 1996. Vacharaesorn's younger sister was later re-embraced by the royal family and given the royal title Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. Reporting by Juarawee Kittisilpa, Napat Wesshasartar and Chayut Setboonsarng; Editing by Nick MacfieOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Chakriwat, Maha Vajiralongkorn's, Read, Maha Vajiralongkorn, Vacharaeson Vivacharawongse, Vacharaeson, Vacharaesorn, King Vajiralongkorn's, Sujarinee, Sirivannavari Nariratana, Juarawee Kittisilpa, Napat, Nick Macfie Organizations: Thomson Locations: United States, Thailand, BANGKOK, Thai, Bangkok

☆ Thailand's young and old are divided in their views on the country's monarchy, professor says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailThailand's young and old are divided in their views on the country's monarchy, professor saysPunchada Sirivunnabood, an associate professor at Bangkok's Mahidol University, says the younger generation, who "receive a lot of information from social media," has a different understanding of Thailand's royal family.

Persons: Punchada Sirivunnabood Organizations: Bangkok's Mahidol University

The military has for decades invoked its duty to defend the monarchy to justify intervention in politics, and used the lese majeste law to stifle dissent, critics say. Much depends on whether Move Forward's main ally, second-place winner Pheu Thai, sticks with it or seeks other coalition partners if Pita's bid looks doomed. King Vajiralongkorn, 70, who has no role in choosing a government, has remained silent on the lese majeste issue since the election. In the last election in 2019, no party would have dared suggest amending the lese majeste law. Pheu Thai, which has 141 seats to Move Forward's 151, could nominate its prime ministerial candidate with the eight-party alliance intact.

Persons: Maha Vajiralongkorn, Suthida, Pita Limjaroenrat, Pita, Seri Suwanpanon, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Prayuth Chan, Pheu, King Vajiralongkorn, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Thaksin Shinawatra, Titipol Phakdeewanich, Amarat Chokepamitkul, Panu, Kay Johnson, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Reuters, Royal News, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, Senate, Ubon Ratchathani University, Royal Household Bureau, Thomson Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai, Handout, BANGKOK, Pheu

"Move Forward chooses an uncompromising mode of change while Pheu Thai choose a compromising mode of change," Prajak said. Pheu Thai has been far more measured in its messaging on the monarchy - and that could leave it with more options. "Pheu Thai is holding its cards close to its chest," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University. "I think Pheu Thai will stick with Move Forward," he said, adding abandoning its ally would make Pheu Thai look as if it was betraying the will of the people. "I still think that a conservative coalition ... with Senate backing is far more likely to emerge than a pro-democracy led coalition," Abuza said.

Move Forward's main coalition partner would be the Pheu Thai party, backed by the billionaire Shinawatra family that was - until now - the main challenger of the conservative, military-backed royalist establishment that has held power for the last decade. Pheu Thai, which won the last five general elections but got pushed out of power each time, secured 141 seats, according to the latest projections, only 10 fewer than Move Forward. "There are many obstacles that Move Forward and Pheu Thai have to overcome." Full-time politics came in 2019, when Pita entered parliament with 80 other members of the Future Forward Party. To become prime minister, Pita must also navigate the upper house.

[1/2] Move Forward Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjaroenrat, looks up at the crowd during the general election in Bangkok, Thailand, May 14, 2023. Move Forward has shaken the political landscape, long dominated by military-backed parties or the opposition Pheu Thai party driven by the billionaire Shinawatra family. Move Forward's charismatic prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat was jubilant. A chunk of Move Forward's support has come from young voters, including 3.3 million eligible to vote for the first time. "I feel like my vote has improved the country," she said, dressed in orange, Move Forward's colour, at party headquarters.

This time, Pheu Thai is polling strongly along with the progressive, youth-oriented, Move Forward party. 'LOOKING FOR A DEAL'But bringing her father home may ultimately be the deciding factor for Pheu Thai, and that would force it into a deal with the establishment. "Post election, Pheu Thai will be biding its time and looking for a deal. That's why I think the likelihood of Pheu Thai going with Move Forward is very slim." He said he could envision a deal that allowed Thaksin to return in exchange for minimal jail time and a promise not to run for office.

Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn was initially arrested last week for the alleged murder of Siriporn Kanwong, Deputy National Police Commissioner Gen. Surachate Hakparn told CNN. Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn appeared in Bangkok's criminal court after her arrest Tuesday, where she was taken into police custody. Daily News/ReutersPolice are also investigating Sararat’s partner Witoon Rangsiwuthaporn, a senior police official who held the rank of Lt. Earlier this week, Witoon was fired from his job as a local deputy police chief. He is also facing charges of fraud and embezzlement related to the alleged murders, Surachate confirmed.

☆ Young Thais who questioned monarchy look to win seats in parliament
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Panu Wongcha-Um | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

They are bringing the issue of the role of monarchy in society into the open. Changing - though not abolishing - those laws is part of the platform of Lookkate's progressive Move Forward party, which is campaigning on reducing the severity of punishments for royal insult and how it is applied. Kanokrat said the protests had put issues such as LGBT rights and the ending of the military conscription on the agenda. They had energised the progressive left while at the same time triggering the rise of a right-wing royalist party, Thai Pakdee, which is campaigning on toughening up the lese majeste law, he said. "We have a real progressive left that connects with street politics and a far-right party that rises as a response."

☆ New year revelry returns to Thai streets as tourism rebounds
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Devjyot Ghoshal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] People play with water as they celebrate during the Songkran holiday which marks the Thai New Year in Bangkok, Thailand, April 13. Festivities for Songkran, a much-loved Thai festival sometimes described as the world's largest water fight, had been muted or barred for the past few years due mainly to COVID-19 restrictions. ABut as travellers now return to Thailand, the key tourism sector is helping revive Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. Thailand beat its target of 6 million tourist arrivals in the first quarter, recording 6.15 million visitors between January and late March, according to government data. At least 30 million tourists are expected to visit Thailand this year and spend 1.5 trillion baht ($43.74 billion), according to projections by the Tourism Council, an industry body.

[1/5] A woman works inside a cannabis shop, at Khaosan Road, one of the favourite tourist spots in Bangkok, Thailand, March 29, 2023. Thousands of cannabis shops and businesses have sprung up, especially in Bangkok and tourist spots, since Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to decriminalise the drug. A deluge of marijuana smuggled in from abroad has swamped Thailand, driving down wholesale prices and hurting growers, the industry members said. He did not comment on the scale of smuggled cannabis in the market or its impact on farmers. "A lot of cannabis that's coming in from the U.S. is going to dispensaries in Bangkok or Phuket or Pattaya," she said.

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