Thailand

The government has confirmed the ban on paraquat and chlorpyrifos starting June 1, 2020. Farmers who possess them are advised to return them within 90 days or no later than August 29, 2020. The ban is a result of a thorough study and approvals from several related agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Industry, National Hazardous …

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon’s (The Rolex General) scandal over luxury watches that ended in an anti-corruption investigation is once again come to the forefront of the news. Thailand’s anti-graft body has been criticized for subverting the system of checks and balances of politicians and high-ranking officials. Its explanation about Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon’s borrowed luxury watches has …

The Mayor of Pattaya City has announced it will reopen its beaches and Koh Lan Island from Monday as Covid-19 lockdowns in Thailand begin to ease.  Beach goers in the resort city will also be able to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. Pattaya beach operators must also enforce distancing measures by keeping lounge chairs at least one meter apart. Furthermore …

Thailand’s Education Ministry has said schools in Thailand are allowed to reopen July 1st but are obliged to follow strict health measures. Guidelines approved by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). Schools wanting to open before July 1 will be examined on a case-by-case basis. Above all whether they can adhere to sanitary and health guidelines set by the …

A teacher was arrested on Friday for the alleged sexual abuse of his 13-year-old niece, who lived with him and his wife. The 52-year-old man was taken into custody at his house in Muang district, after the provincial court approved an arrest warrant on Thursday. His name and the school’s are withheld to protect the child. Pol Lt Col Jeerut …

Thailand’s Department of Agriculture has given Thai farmers a 90-days to return hazardous chemicals for destruction as they are now illegal. Furthermore manufacturers or importers of hazardous chemicals banned under Thai law have 270 days to destroy their stock. The announcement was made in line with the Ministry of Industry’s decision on May 15 to place paraquat and chlorpyrifos on the list …

The chief of Thai AirAsia (TAA) says it may merge with another low-cost carrier (LCC) to clamp down on pricing wars once flights eventually resume. Thai AirAsia chief Mr. Tassapon has admited to conversations with other airlines. He said if Thailand does not resume tourism activities by July, Thai AirAsia would begin laying off employees. Above all downsizing the company …

The Governor of Songkhla in Southern Thailand has ordered the closure of the Padang Besar border checkpoint due to new Covid-19 Fears. The border closure comes after six of nine new covid-19 patients returned via this checkpoint. Governor Charuwat Kliengklao signed the order, saying the checkpoint will be closed from today for sterilization. The order did not say how long the checkpoint …

Thailand’s Energy Policy and Planning Office is preparing to roll out the final stage of its development plan as natural gas depletes in the Gulf.  Vying to steer the industry towards value-added products as natural gas in the Gulf of Thailand nears depletion. Eppo hired the Petroleum Institute of Thailand (PTIT) to conduct a feasibility study for the plan. A …

Police in Northeastern Thailand have seized more than 600,000 methamphetamine pills from an alleged drug runner making deliveries. A man seen tossing a plastic bag from his car was later stopped and searched. More  more than 600,000 methamphetamine pills were found in more bags inside the vehicle. Mr. Somphan Sri-ubon, 43, was detained after police stopped his car at an …