In a Facebook post on Sunday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said it has dispatched officials to check out footpaths in the metropolitan area to ensure the law is being followed. “BMA’s law-enforcement officers have been authorised to fine violators on the spot. If the fine cannot be paid, then the violator will be prosecuted under the law,” the announcement said. Such flouting of the law can be reported to the BMA via http://www.bangkok.go.th/reward or by scanning the QR code below. Informers will be rewarded half of the fine once the case has been settled.

Only two weeks after decriminalising cannabis, Thailand is experiencing a green rush. While a cannabis press does not exist here, media has been covering the topic since the pre-dawn of legalisation. BBC Thai has covered cannabis legalisation since its early days. Growing public interest in cannabis will increase demand for reporters who have a nose for green news. How can we find out the truth and place trust in it when the public health minister and the campaigner for cannabis are the same people?

Bangkok governor to assess designated rally grounds after 1 monthPolitical activists from the We Volunteer group prepare to walk to Lan Khon Muang in front of the City Hall office in Phra Nakhon district on Friday to mark the 90th anniversary of the Siamese Revolution on 24 June 1932. (Photo: Pornprom Sattrabhaya)City Hall will review the use of seven locations in Bangkok for public demonstrations after one month, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Sunday, although there had been no problems so far. The governor said he was encouraged by the peaceful rally and atmosphere at Lan Khon Muang on Friday and hoped the opening of seven sites for activities would put an end to conflicts as people have venues to express their opinions. Lan Khon Muang in front of the office of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration near the Giant Swing was the first to be used for the purpose. Mr Chadchart said he hoped issues other than politics would be addressed at the designated demonstration grounds to show that people could co-exist with different opinions.

Sermon hall burned down in temple fireThe main Buddha image in the sermon hall at Wat Buaboon Prachasamakkhi in Muang district of Buri Ram province escaped damage from a fire that burnt down the building on Sunday. (Photo: Supachai Piraksa)BURI RAM: The sermon hall at a temple in Muang district of this lower northeastern province was burned down by a fire that broke out in the small hours on Sunday. Phra Maha Paiboon Wipuro, the abbot of Wat Buaboon Prachasamakkhi at Ban Khok Phet in tambon Nong Tat, said the fire started at about 2am inside the new sermon hall, for which construction was nearly complete. Phra Maha Paiboon said he was very sad since the sermon hall, which had been under construction since 2017 and was nearly finished, was built entirely with donations from local people. He thought the fire was probably started by burning candles and joss sticks left in front of the main Buddha image.

She added that the association also has guidelines for restaurants on how to soften the impact of rising costs for ingredients and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). "Appropriate guidelines to assist small restaurant operators will be considered to enable all parties to coexist," she said, without elaborating.

The Ukraine war could lead to breakthroughs in nuclear power and natural gas, with Washington's helpWorkers in a training simulator at the nuclear power complex in Cernavoda, Romania. The Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant in Cernavoda. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which shares a nearly 640-kilometre border with Romania, has strengthened Romania's push for energy independence. Mr Ghita said nuclear power could help Romania achieve a variety of goals, from reducing carbon emissions to "countering Russian aggression in the region" on energy matters. "We will supply energy security for the neighbourhood," Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Romania's energy minister, said in an interview after lawmakers passed legislation designed to encourage investment in gas production.

Japan embassy latest to issue dope travel alertThe Royal Thai Embassy in Japan has advised Thais not to enter the country in possession of cannabis or related products. "The Thai Embassy in Tokyo would like to warn Thai people not to bring in cannabis, hemp or products containing these plants into Japan. Violators may face punishment under Japanese law," it said in a message posted on its Facebook page on Friday. It also warned people to beware of receiving illegal items for delivery in Japan. On June 21, the Thai Embassy in Indonesia also posted a warning on its Facebook page that Thai tourists should not bring cannabis or its extracts with them.

Also, many commuters are finding it more difficult to get a public bus as private operators have reduced the frequency of their services due to the high costs. Nakhon Ratchasima railway station has seen an increase of over 30 per cent in passenger numbers, according to the station master, Ampon Rattaniya. He said that he has noticed an obvious increase in the number of school students commuting by train now. All train trips suspended during the Covid-19 outbreak have been resumed, so there are now sufficient services for the high demand during rush hours in the morning and the evening, according to the station master.

Embassy: Don't bring cannabis to JapanThai tourists are warned not to bring carry cannabis, hemp, or products with cannabis or hemp as ingredients into Japan. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)The Thai embassy in Japan has warned Thais not to carry cannabis, hemp and cannabis or hemp-based products into Japan or face punishment. The embassy on Friday posted a warning on its Facebook page: "The Thai embassy in Tokyo would like to warn Thai people not to bring in cannabis, hemp or products containing with these plants into Japan. It also warned people to beware of receiving illegal items for delivery in Japan. Those under the age of 20 will not be allowed to own and use the plants, both of which are in the cannabis family, unless they have permission from doctors.

Government, protesters no closer on Day 12 of fuel price revoltMost of the protesters, some 10,000, are concentrated in QuitoQUITO - Ecuador's government and Indigenous protesters accused each other of intransigence Friday as thousands gathered for a 12th day of a fuel price revolt that has claimed six lives and injured dozens. After the most violent day of the campaign so far -- with police firing tear gas to disperse thousands storming Congress -- the government accused protesters of shunning a peaceful outcome. Until now, the only thing they have demonstrated is that they want violence," minister of government Francisco Jimenez told broadcaster FM Mundo. Protesters are demanding a cut in already subsidized fuel prices, which have risen sharply in recent months, as well as jobs, food price controls, and more public spending on healthcare and education. "There is a lot of poverty, the increase in the price of fuel has increased all the prices, and we, the poorest, are the ones who suffer the most."

The NHSO is urging the following groups to get their free influenza jabs at participating hospitals nationwide until August 31:• Women who are more than four months into their pregnancy (they are eligible for a flu jab all year)• Children aged between six months and two years. • People with chronic conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, kidney failure, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and diabetes. • Those aged 65 and above. • Those with Thalassemia or weakened immune system (including those with HIV). • Those weighing more than 100 kilos or with a body mass index of more than 35.

(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The government has declared the whole nation a green (Covid-19 surveillance) zone, allowing the full-scale resumption of business and other activities, as pre-arrival registration will end next month. Dated on Thursday, the announcement lifted Covid-related restrictions on business and activities according to green zone regulations immediately. Arrivals are advised to follow disease control measures and conduct antigen tests by themselves. Unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated arrivals will present negative results of their RT-PCR or professional antigen tests conducted within 72 hours before travel. They were asked to conduct antigen tests by themselves during their stay.

HP Embraces the Future of Hybrid WorkThe hybrid work and learn model enables users to create, consume, and collaborate with more freedom and agility. To that end, HP announced a series of PCs and printers aimed at empowering workers to thrive in a hybrid world. Pricing and Availability• The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G9 is now available via HP Online store for 44,990 baht• HP ProBook x360 435 G9 is now available via HP Online store for 35,990 baht• HP Spectre x360 14 is now available via HP Online store for 51,990 baht• HP OMEN 16 is now available via HP Online Store and other retailers for a starting price of 45,990 baht. • Victus by HP 15 is now available via HP Online Store and other retailers for a starting price of 28,990 baht. • HP LaserJet MFP M236dw Printer is now available on HP online store and retails, starting at 4,190 baht, with a 3-year warranty and onsite service.

Ngern Tid Lor welcomes Thammasat University students and teachers to explore successful organisational culture creationNgern Tid Lor Public Company Limited, or TIDLOR, led by Piyasak Ukritnukun, Managing Director, welcomed 30 professional academics and students from Thammasat Business School’s Advanced Institute of Mentorship (TBS-AIM) programme operated by the Faculty of Commerce & Accountancy, to join TIDLOR Culture WOW event exploring business implementation based on strong organisational culture. Ngern Tid Lor Data Analytics expertise has enabled its digital transformation and stimulated strategies to drive the organisation forward sustainably. Held at Ngern TId Lor PLC headquarters, Aree Hill Building, the event shared organisational culture knowledge and experience with outsiders to show how the framework can be applied to build culture in different kinds of organisation. For more information, please contact call centre 088-088-0880 for 24 hours or visit http://www.tidlor.com or Facebook Fan page : ngerntidlor

Exporters urged to adopt regional focusShipment containers for export are seen at Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri province. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)Thai exporters are advised to shift their focus to regional markets such as Asean, China, the Middle East and India instead of the world market in the second half this year. Mr Chaichan urged Thai exporters to speed up maximising the privileges offered by free trade agreements and deep trade partnerships (known as mini-free trade agreements) to increase trade. In the remaining months of this year and in coming years, he said Thai producers also need to focus on bio-, circular and green products, which is a new global trend. The council projected Thai exports could maintain growth of 3-5% in the second quarter, then 5% in both the third and fourth quarters.