Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, February 7th, to the 13th with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Thailand’s Royal Gazette announces updated list of the Narcotic Acts, removing parts of cannabis and hemp from narcotic drugs
The new list of Category 5 drugs in the Narcotic Act that removes parts of cannabis and hemp has been published in the Royal Gazette, meaning that ‘non-extracted’ cannabis and hemp are no longer illegal drugs. However, recreational use of both plants is still illegal and the use and the growth of the plants must be under the Public Health Ministry’s approval, mostly for medical purposes. The announcement would be officially effective around June 8th.
https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/10/thailands-royal-gazette-announces-updated-list-of-narcotic-act-removing-parts-of-cannabis-and-hemp-from-narcotic-drugs/
2. European Union approves “Thailand Digital Health Pass” for Thai travelers to visit more than 60 countries/territories registered in the EU
The approval of the program allows Thai travelers to use their certificate recorded on the “Thailand Digital Health Pass” under the Mor Prompt program and show their health and vaccination records regarding Covid-19 before traveling to 64 countries/territories under the EU Digital COVID Certificate System or the EU DCC. The system, which was believed to have been approved in late January, would provide basic personal information and Covid-19 history records to facilitate Thai people when traveling to the areas under the EU DCC.
https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/10/european-union-approves-thailand-digital-health-pass-for-thai-travelers-to-visit-more-than-60-countries-territories-registered-in-the-eu/
3. Interpol ‘Red Notice’ being issued for two alleged foreign shooters who killed another foreigner at Phuket villa, Royal Thai Police report
The ongoing investigation continues throughout the week for two suspects who were wanted for allegedly killing an Indian-Canadian national in Phuket. Currently, the two have been identified (see link below) with names and nationalities. Although their current exact whereabouts are unclear, Thai police had coordinated with Interpol to consider issuing a red notice to inform all 195 member countries to help with more information regarding the wanted men to capture for legal proceedings in Thailand.
https://thepattayanews.com/2022/02/13/interpol-red-notice-being-issued-for-two-alleged-foreign-shooters-who-killed-another-foreigner-at-phuket-villa-royal-thai-police-report/
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
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