FDA launching 'plant ganja' app, website
FDA launching 'plant ganja' app, websiteThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is launching a phone app and a website for people to register if they want to cultivate cannabis and hemp plants, which are being removed from the category 5 narcotics list, its deputy secretary-general Withid Sariddeechaikool said. FDA website introduces its Plook Ganja app. Dr Withid said the FDA is launching the application "ปลูกกัญ" (Plook Ganja, or plant ganja) and website http://plookganja.fda.moph.go.th where people can register. The app "ปลูกกัญ" would be for both IOS and Android systems. Registration of cannabis and hemp cultivation would enable authorities to know how much is being grown, and where.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 01, 2022 23:38 UTC
Govt to meet revenue collection target this year and next: Arkhom
Govt to meet revenue collection target this year and next: ArkhomLawmakers attend a meeting of the House of Representatives in Bangkok on Tuesday. (Photo: Government House)The government is expected to meet its revenue collection targets for the 2022 and 2023 fiscal years, helped by increased exports and a recovery in tourism, Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said on Wednesday. The country has lifted most Covid-19 curbs, allowing nightlife to resume from Wednesday, to revive the crucial tourism sector. The government proposed spending of 3.185 trillion baht and targets revenue of 2.49 trillion baht for the next fiscal year starting in October to aid economic recovery. Mr Arkhom said there would be more tourism revenue following a reopening to foreign visitors while higher imports would also help increase tax revenue.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 01, 2022 21:50 UTC
DITP seeks export boost of edible insects to US amid rising market buzz
Phusit said the insects, such as crickets, black soldier flies, mealworm, grasshoppers, ants, silkworms and cicadas, are commonly used to produce alternative proteins. These proteins are mostly used in the food and beverage industry, followed by the animal feed sector, he said, adding that there are various types of edible insect products, such as powders, protein bars, snacks, pastries, confectionery, processed insects and beverages. Phusit also expected higher demand for edible powder products in line with fitness trends.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
June 01, 2022 08:37 UTC
FDA launches app for marijuana, hemp growers
“From June 9, all parts of marijuana and hemp will not be considered a narcotics substance as long as they have tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] of less than 0.2 per cent of weight,” said FDA deputy secretary-general Dr Withit Saritdeechaikul. “People can therefore grow these plants at home without any restrictions or having to seek permission from the FDA. “Once you register and detail the number of plants and the purpose for growing them, you will receive an electronic notification from the FDA and can then proceed with growing the plants,” Withit explained. He said the purpose of registration is for the FDA to record the number of marijuana and hemp plants being grown countrywide, which will be valuable statistics for businesses that wish to manufacturer products with ingredients from these plants. This also corresponds with the government’s policy of removing them from the narcotics list: to make marijuana and hemp new "economic plants".
Source:The Nation Bangkok
June 01, 2022 07:50 UTC
Diesel feeder trains link to more lines
Diesel feeder trains link to more linesThe Red Line of the State Railway of Thailand (Photo: Arnun Chonmahatrakool)The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will start operating diesel rail services on the Southern Line from Wednesday to serve as a feeder service for the Red Line suburban railway system and the MRT's Blue Line. Since the launch of the Red Line, the number of commuters has gradually climbed, Ekarat Sriarayanphong, director of the SRT's Public Relations Centre director, said on Tuesday. Diesel train services on the Southern Line deploy 20 trains a day, running between Thon Buri, Taling Chan and Nakhon Pathom stations covering 50 kilometres. The SRT is offering a 50% discount for interchanges with its Red Line at Taling Chan Junction Station. The timetable for regular trains on the Nam Tok-Thon Buri section and suburban trains on the Thon Buri-Ratchaburi-Thon Buri and Suphan Buri-Bangkok sections has also been adjusted to connect with diesel rail services on the Nakhon Pathom-Taling Chan-Thon Buri section.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 01, 2022 07:38 UTC
Nightspots to reopen today
Nightspots to reopen todayPubs and bars in Soi Nana, a popular nightlife destination in Bangkok are expected to revive after Covid restrictions ease from Wednesday. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)From Wednesday, entertainment venues such as pubs, bars and nightclubs will reopen in 31 provinces, including Bangkok, with their hours of operation and the serving of alcoholic beverages extended until midnight. The latest relaxation of public health measures takes effect as the Covid-19 situation has steadily improved. On Tuesday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued guidelines for nightspots in the capital in response to the reopening. In Phuket, provincial health chief Koosak Kookiatkul said the province is ready to reopen entertainment venues on the island.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 01, 2022 03:10 UTC
Police issue guidance on controversial new data law
(Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has issued a set of recommendations on the use of personal photos, videos and other files without violating the new Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), which will come into effect on Wednesday. Under the new law, people can post pictures and video clips of themselves with others for personal purposes online, without the intention of commercial gain or causing damage, he said. Pol Col Siriwat said the RTP had issued the clarification about the new law in a bid to help people understand the details. In addition, the installation of interior CCTV cameras does not require a warning sign if they are for security purposes, Pol Col Siriwat said. In principle, the PDPA law is meant to protect the personal data of organisations against being used for commercial gain or malicious intent, Pol Gen Damrongsak said.
Source:Bangkok Post
June 01, 2022 03:06 UTC
EU leaders ban most Russian oil, as Moscow advances in Donbas
EU leaders ban most Russian oil, as Moscow advances in DonbasAn eldery woman walks away from a burning house garage after shelling in the city of Lysytsansk at the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas on Monday, the 96th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (AFP photo)European Union leaders agreed late Monday to ban more than two-thirds of Russian oil imports, tightening economic screws on the country even as Moscow's forces made gains in the eastern Donbas region of war-ravaged Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered his "sincere condolences" to Leclerc-Imhoff's colleagues and family in his nightly speech Monday. A building was destroyed by a strike in the city of Lysytsansk at the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas on Monday, the 96th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "There, in the Donbas, the maximum combat power of the Russian army is now gathered," he said.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 31, 2022 17:34 UTC
Pubs, bars allowed to reopen as Thailand moves towards ‘endemic’ Covid
From Wednesday, entertainment venues in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chonburi and 27 other Blue and Green zone provinces will be permitted to serve alcohol until midnight. However, venue operators must request permission from the provincial communicable disease committee and self-assess via the Thai Stop Covid 2 Plus platform before reopening. Customers may be asked to show proof of vaccination, while people at risk of infection have been advised to avoid entertainment venues.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 31, 2022 11:47 UTC
Eased travel measures to officially kick off tomorrow
From June 1, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers can produce a negative rapid antigen or RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Those failing to do so will be put in quarantine until a test result is released. Also, Thai travellers will no longer be required to register for Thailand Pass tomorrow, though registration is still required for foreigners, who must also provide proof of US$10,000 Covid-19 insurance.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 31, 2022 09:24 UTC
Mobile operators prepped for PDPA
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission has instructed all telecom operators to strictly comply with the Personal Data Protection Act which is scheduled to come into force on Wednesday. Major mobile operators have affirmed they are fully prepared for customer data protection and cybersecurity standards in line with the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), which is scheduled to come into force on Wednesday. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), meanwhile, has instructed all telecom operators to strictly comply with the PDPA. AIS has ramped up efforts to boost customer understanding about the law so they are aware of their rights in terms of personal data protection, he said. The firm collects, stores and manages users' personal data in compliance with the PDPA while its policy details the opportunities that clients can monitor and manage their personal data.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 31, 2022 06:18 UTC
NPO bill's opponents confront police barricade
NPO bill's opponents confront police barricadeProtesters, left, and police, right, face off across rolls of razor wire in the middle of Chamai Maruchet bridge on Monday. The protesters are demanding the government shelve the NPO bill. About 10.30am their leaders began speaking by turn, saying the government-sponsored bill was against the constitution and principles of human rights. The protest leaders announced at 12.10pm they would step up the protest to another level. The NPO bill is currently being put for public opinion by the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, after the cabinet approved it in principle in January.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 31, 2022 05:31 UTC
'No foreign doctors,' insist medical chiefs
'No foreign doctors,' insist medical chiefsThe Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) on Monday refuted claims by some private sector hospitals that they have foreign doctors on staff to assist with patient care and perform surgical procedures. Dr Ittaporn Kanacharoen, the MCT's secretary-general, yesterday clarified the issue after some privately run hospitals advertised that they have foreign doctors available to see patients. Under current laws, foreign doctors are only allowed to work in state programmes due to concerns regarding issues of liability, he said. "The medical council reviews all applications for foreign doctors every month. He said Thai doctors who graduate from overseas are required to have a medical licence to practice like those who graduate locally, while foreign doctors who practice without a Thai licence and a permit from the medical council will face legal action.
Source:Bangkok Post
May 31, 2022 01:42 UTC
Remembering the legend Ray Liotta
Published byThe Bangkok PostRemembering the legend Ray Liottapublished : 31 May 2022 at 04:00 newspaper section: [Life](http://search.bangkokpost.com/search/result_advanced?category=news&xNewsSection=Life) Last Thursday, Hollywood and the world were mourning the sudden loss of Ray Liotta, the prolific actor in hit films like Goodfellas and Field Of Dreams. So far, it’s been reported that Liotta died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic where he was shooting a new film. “Ray was working on a project in the Dominican Republic called Dangerous Waters when he passed. He passed in his sleep. He is survi…Read More
Source:Bangkok Post
May 31, 2022 00:05 UTC
Diesel to cost 33 baht/litre from Tuesday
As of Sunday, the Oil Fuel Fund is in a deficit of 81 billion baht, of which 45.9 billion baht deficit is in the oil subsidy and 35.4 billion baht in the LPG subsidy. The fund’s liquidity stands at 9.7 billion baht, 3.2 billion baht of which is in the fund’s bank account and 6.5 billion baht deposited with the Finance Ministry.
Source:The Nation Bangkok
May 30, 2022 10:50 UTC