Thailand goes back on decriminalized marijuana
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
New Cannabis Regulations In Thailand: What Australian Tourists Must Know
Thailand has changed its policy on the use of cannabis. Under the new law, cannabis can only be used for medicinal purposes. Australian tourists have been advised to be careful when visiting Thailand. The exact date for the change in policy is yet to be announced. The decision to change the policy has caused a rift in the Thai government. The Pheu Thai Party is opposed to the new policy, and has called for a change in the law. The move has led to a rift between the government and the Pheonix Party, which is in charge of the PM’s office. The new law comes just three years after Thailand decriminalized cannabis for medical use. It was hoped the move would boost the country’s economy. However, it has been shown to have the opposite effect, leading to an increase in drug use in the country. The government is now trying to find a way to balance this with the need to protect the health of the public. It has issued a new warning to tourists about the new rules.
Australian tourists traveling into Thailand will have to be especially cautious after a green light was issued by Thailand’s government to alter laws on cannabis. These laws had been implemented just three years after cannabis was itself decriminalized, a move that had drawn tourists with cannabis as an interest. Thailand’s health minister, Somsak Thepsutin, signed a new order on Tuesday introducing strict controls on cannabis use, a reversal of policy on the country’s part on cannabis. Australian visitors are being urged to use extensive caution with these new controls, particularly those involving recreational use.
Changes in Cannabis Law in Thailand
Thailand has officially tightened its cannabis laws, placing clear limitations on who can use the substance and under what circumstances. In a groundbreaking move, Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis in 2022. However, the recent changes announced by Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin signify a major shift in the country’s approach to the drug. Under the new order, cannabis will only be permitted for medicinal purposes, and users will be required to have a prescription. Moreover, cannabis must contain less than 0.2 percent of THC by weight.
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While cannabis was initially decriminalized to allow for its medical use and as part of an effort to bolster the tourism sector, concerns regarding rising addiction rates and the effects of widespread recreational use have prompted the government to roll back its policies. This new law is a reflection of the government’s attempt to strike a balance between cannabis regulation and public health concerns. Despite the official announcement, the exact date for the implementation of these changes remains unclear, and the penalties for violating the new rules are yet to be disclosed.
Impact on Australian Tourists
Australian tourists, in particular, have been advised to exercise extreme caution when visiting Thailand. The government’s official travel advisory website, Smartraveller, has recommended that Australians familiarize themselves with the new cannabis laws before traveling. The advisory stresses that cannabis should only be used for medicinal purposes, with users needing a prescription. Furthermore, those possessing cannabis that exceeds the legal limit of 0.2 percent THC could face severe consequences, although the exact penalties remain unspecified.
Tourists who previously visited Thailand for cannabis-related tourism should be especially careful. The widespread presence of cannabis dispensaries and shops that flourished after decriminalization now faces scrutiny. Australians who might have visited these establishments are urged to reconsider their use of cannabis while in Thailand, as the substance is now subject to strict medical regulations. Visitors should be aware that even in areas where cannabis use has been freely promoted, the new law mandates tighter controls on its sale and consumption.
The History of Cannabis Legalization in Thailand
The story of cannabis legalization in Thailand is one of rapid change. In 2022, the Thai government took a groundbreaking step by becoming the first Asian nation to decriminalize cannabis, primarily for medical use. This policy aimed to improve healthcare, as cannabis has shown promise as a treatment for certain conditions like chronic pain and anxiety. Furthermore, it was hoped that the legalization would boost the Thai economy by attracting cannabis tourism and promoting local businesses.
However, the shift towards a more lenient policy soon led to unintended consequences. Reports surfaced of increasing addiction rates, and many individuals began using cannabis recreationally, often in public spaces. This shift triggered concerns among lawmakers about the broader social and health impacts of widespread cannabis use. Consequently, the Thai government began considering stricter regulations to curb these effects, leading to the recent announcement by Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin.
Political Backdrop and Resistance to Change
The government’s decision to scale back the decriminalization of cannabis is not without controversy. The ruling Pheu Thai Party, which holds power in the Thai government, has faced resistance from its former coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party. The Bhumjaithai Party had long been a vocal supporter of cannabis decriminalization, and this decision to reverse the policy has caused a rift within the coalition.
The disagreement between the two parties came to a head last week when the Bhumjaithai Party severed ties with the Pheu Thai Party. This break was catalyzed by the leak of a phone conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, which reportedly led to a deterioration in the relationship between the two political factions. Despite the political upheaval, the shift in cannabis policy reflects a growing concern about public health and safety in Thailand.
Travel Advisory and Safety Tips for Australians
As Thailand moves forward with these changes, Australian tourists are strongly advised to monitor the situation closely. Smartraveller, the Australian government’s official travel advice website, has emphasized the importance of staying informed about local laws. In addition to cannabis use, Australians traveling to Thailand should exercise general caution and be aware of cultural differences regarding drug-related offenses.
Visitors should consider consulting with a healthcare provider if they have any questions about the medical use of cannabis in Thailand. Those who intend to use cannabis for therapeutic purposes will need to ensure that they have obtained the necessary prescriptions in advance. Furthermore, it is recommended that Australians avoid purchasing cannabis from unlicensed sources or recreational dispensaries to avoid potential legal issues.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Australia’s tourists can draw a lesson from Thailand’s strengthened cannabis laws of recent times. Cannabis use’s previously free-wheeling policy is now getting brought into line, with cannabis users now having to abide by stringent medicinal rules. While Thai authorities go around regulating cannabis, it will do tourists a lot of good if they inform themselves and stay on their toes. By checking on new travel alerts and country laws, Australian tourists can enjoy a safe and enjoyable holiday trip to Thailand without getting entangled with laws.
References: Smartraveller (Australian Government’s Travel Advisory), Thai Ministry of Public Health, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT), Bhumjaithai Party Official Website
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Thailand goes back on decriminalized marijuana
Thailand has reimposed restrictions on the sale of marijuana. The move follows the legalization of marijuana in the country in 2012. The government has cited high rates of dependence and the risk of children using the drug. The Health Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new policy. The country legalized marijuana for medical use in 2012, but not for recreational use, making it illegal to sell it to the general public in Thailand until this week. It is the only country in the region to have done so.
The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, charged with enforcing the measure, offered guidance Friday that shops selling marijuana would have to become medical dispensaries and face other restrictions, the AP reported.
The Thai government had signaled in February that marijuana would be illegal by the end of the year. Efforts to implement the change were accelerated after a pro-cannabis party left Thailand’s governing parliamentary coalition on June 18, giving the ruling Pheu Thai Party a freer hand — albeit with a much reduced majority — to pursue the full recriminalization of weed.
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Thailand legalized medical cannabis in December 2018 and recreational cannabis in September 2022 under a previous government, becoming the first country to do so in Southeast Asia, a region known for its harsh drug penalties. Following legalization, Thai entrepreneurs established some 18,000 cannabis shops across the country.
Soon after decriminalizing marijuana, the country was awash in newly legalized and gray area businesses, from glitzy dispensaries to farm tours.
Yet the brief but burgeoning era of decriminalization was marred by divided public opinion and criticism that cannabis shops faced few regulations and little oversight in practice.
In defending the new policy direction, the Thai government has cited high rates of dependence and concerns over the risk of children using the drug. (The legal age to buy marijuana was 20.) “Many shops opened to sell cannabis both for recreational and medical purposes, allowing easy access for children and general people, which contradicts the government’s purpose to crack down on drugs,” Thai government spokesman Jirayu Houngsab said in a statement, the AP reported.
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While several countries have legalized or decriminalized marijuana in recent years, Thailand appears to be the only one to have reversed course so drastically.
Thailand’s Health Ministry did not respond immediately to a request for comment on the new policies.
1 killed and 11 wounded in intense Israeli strikes on south Lebanon
Israel carried out intense airstrikes on mountains overlooking a southern city in Lebanon. Israeli military said it targeted underground assets of the Hezbollah militant group. Shortly afterward, an apartment building in the nearby city of Nabatieh was struck, killing one woman. Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes on southern Lebanon since the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November. The Israeli army said the building was hit by a Hezbollah rocket that had been stored at another location that was targeted and “launched, and exploded as a result”
The state-run National News Agency reported that the woman killed lived in Germany and had come back to Lebanon less than a month earlier to visit family. It wasn’t immediately clear if she was a German citizen. The woman’s apartment was hit by an Israeli drone strike, according to the report.
The Israeli army, in a statement posted on X, denied targeting a civilian building. The statement said the building was hit by a Hezbollah rocket that had been stored at another location that was targeted by an airstrike and “launched, and exploded as a result.” It blamed Hezbollah for storing weapons near residential areas.
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Since the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in November, Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes on southern Lebanon. Friday’s strikes were more intense than usual.
“We are steadfast no matter how much you bomb us with your fighter jets and drones,” Hassan Ghandour, a Shiite cleric from Nabatieh, told The Associated Press at the scene of the building.
Lebanon’s president and prime minister condemned the Israeli strikes on south Lebanon, saying they violated the ceasefire deal.
The airstrikes on the mountains overlooking Nabatieh came in two waves, and bunker busters were used, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported. NNA said that four people were slightly wounded in the airstrikes outside the city.
The Israeli military said in a statement that its fighter jets struck a site used by Hezbollah to manage its fire and defense array in the area and is part of a significant underground project that was completely taken out of use.
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The Israeli army said that it identified rehabilitation attempts by Hezbollah beforehand and struck infrastructure sites in the area.
There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.
Hezbollah suffered significant losses on the battlefield during the war, which left more than 4,000 people dead in Lebanon and caused destruction amounting to $11 billion. In Israel, 127 people died, including 80 soldiers.
As part of the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah was pushed away from areas bordering Israel in south Lebanon and isn’t allowed to have an armed presence south of the Litani River.
Friday’s airstrikes were north of the river.
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Togo rocked by protests over reforms that could extend President Gnassingbé’s rule
Protesters and security forces clash for a second straight day in Togo’s capital Lomé. Videos emerged showing apparent abuses by security forces. Police fired tear gas and reportedly used batons to beat protesters. Civil society groups and social media influencers had called for protests on June 26, 27 and 28, after the government’s clampdown on protests early this month..
Some videos showed what seem to be security units entering homes and assaulting residents with whips and clubs, while groups of men in plain clothes, believed to be auxiliary forces or self-defense units, patrolled parts of the capital with weapons in hand.
“We strongly condemn the violence with which unarmed protesters have been met,” Professor David Dosseh, spokesman for a coalition of a dozen civil society groups, told The Associated Press.
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Internet access across the West African nation has been restricted, with social media platforms functioning intermittently.
Civil society groups and social media influencers had called for protests on June 26, 27 and 28, after the government’s clampdown on protests early this month.
Faure Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005 after the death of his father, was sworn in in May as President of the Council of Ministers . The powerful role has no official term limits and he is eligible to be re-elected by Parliament indefinitely.
Gnassingbe’s former job as national president, a position that is now mostly ceremonial, was given to politician Jean-Lucien Kwassi Savi de Tove after the announcement.
Opposition politicians have denounced the move as a “constitutional coup.”
Demonstrations are rare in Togo because they have been banned in the country since 2022 following a deadly attack at Lome’s main market.
Brazil strikes deal with Musk’s Starlink to curb criminal use in the Amazon rainforest
Starlink’s lightweight, high-speed internet system has rapidly spread across the Amazon. But the service has also been adopted by criminal organizations. Starlink will begin requiring identification and proof of residence from all new users in Brazil. The company will also provide Brazilian authorities with user registration and geolocation data for internet units located in areas under investigation. If a terminal is confirmed to be used for illegal activity, Starlink has committed to blocking the service. The deal is for two years and can be renewed.. Illegal gold mining has contaminated hundreds of miles of Amazon rivers with mercury and disrupted the traditional lives of several Indigenous tribes.
It’s the first agreement of its kind aimed at curbing such use following years of pressure from Brazilian authorities.
Starlink, a division of Musk’s SpaceX, will begin requiring identification and proof of residence from all new users in Brazil’s Amazon region starting in January. The company will also provide Brazilian authorities with user registration and geolocation data for internet units located in areas under investigation.
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If a terminal is confirmed to be used for illegal activity, Starlink has committed to blocking the service. The deal is for two years and can be renewed.
Illegal gold mining has contaminated hundreds of miles of Amazon rivers with mercury and disrupted the traditional lives of several Indigenous tribes, including the Yanomami. Starlink, which first arrived in the region in 2022, has enabled criminal groups to manage mining operations in remote areas, where logistics are complex and equipment and fuel must be transported by small plane or boat.
“The use of satellite internet has transformed the logistics of illegal mining. This new reality demands a proportional legal response. With the agreement, connectivity in remote areas also becomes a tool for environmental responsibility and respect for sovereignty,” federal prosecutor André Porreca said in a statement.
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Illegal gold miners and loggers have always had some form of communication, mainly via radio, to evade law enforcement. Starlink, with its fast and mobile internet, has significantly enhanced that capability, Hugo Loss, operations coordinator for Brazil’s environmental agency, told The Associated Press in a phone interview.
“They’ve been able to transmit in real time the locations of enforcement teams, allowing them to anticipate our arrival, which seriously compromises the safety of our personnel and undermines the effectiveness of operations,” Loss said. “Cutting the signal in mining areas, especially on Indigenous lands and in protected areas, is essential because internet access in these locations serves only criminal purposes.”
Jair Schmitt, head of environmental protection for the agency, said what’s also needed is tighter regulation on the sale and use of such equipment.
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The AP emailed James Gleeson, SpaceX’s vice president of communications, with questions about the deal, but didn’t immediately receive a response.
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