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The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Thai Cabinet allows overstayed Cambodian workers to remain for six more months
BANGKOK: The Cabinet on Tuesday (July 22) approved a decision to allow around 47,000 Cambodian workers in seven border provinces, who have overstayed their permits due to the Thai-Cambodian border tensions, to continue working in Thailand for an additional six months. Extension for Cambodian workers in border provinces Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub announced that the Cabinet had approved the Labour Ministry's proposal to extend the stay of Cambodian workers with border passes in the seven border provinces by six months, retroactively starting from June 7. The Labour Ministry explained to the Cabinet that reduced operating hours at Thai-Cambodian border crossings, following the border skirmish near Chong Bok, affected 47,348 Cambodian workers as of the end of June. These workers, who entered Thailand on border passes, have overstayed their permitted duration. Impact of border skirmish on Cambodian workers The Labour Ministry further informed the Cabinet that some of these workers would see their work permits expire by the end of September. As a result, the Cabinet agreed to extend their stay under an executive decree on foreign worker management. The six-month extension period will be counted from June 7, marking the start of the Thai army's enforcement of stricter border crossing measures that limited operational hours at the border crossings, causing inconvenience for Cambodian workers seeking to return home and extend their stay. Exemption from overstay fines The Cabinet also decided to waive fines for Cambodian workers who have overstayed their permitted stay during the six-month period starting from June 7. Application for work permits and health insurance Cambodian workers can apply for a work permit either in person at employment offices or through the Labour Ministry's online service. The application fee is 100 baht, with an additional 225 baht fee for the work permit. The Cabinet also mandated that Cambodian workers who are not part of the social security scheme must apply for health insurance with the Public Health Ministry before their work permit can be approved or extended. Health insurance will be granted in three-month periods. - The Nation/ANN
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Thailand cracks down on illegal cannabis products
File photo for illustration purposes BANGKOK (July 14): The Thai government is intensifying measures to control the illegal sale of cannabis-infused processed products to protect public health, particularly that of children and young people. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan said the Thai government has tasked the Public Health Ministry, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provincial public health offices, to implement strict inspections and enforcement operations to clamp down on these illegal products. 'Public health officials have been authorised to arrest and fine business operators involved in including cannabis into food, snacks, or beverages that contain cannabis extracts exceeding legal limits. 'Where violations are found, cases must be referred to the police for legal proceedings,' she said in a statement published on the Royal Thai Government's website on Monday. Sasikan said the Ministry has already issued suspension orders for the licences of operators who breached the law, while offences such as adding cannabis to food without permission or failing to provide proper labelling carry penalties of up to 30,000 baht (US$920) in fines, up to three years' imprisonment, or both. The Thai government also reiterated its warning to the public, especially parents and teenagers, about the dangers of consuming 'cannabis gummies', which contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC, a psychoactive substance with addictive properties, can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and enter the brain, causing relaxation, euphoria, stress relief, and elevated mood. Consumption in large quantities – especially by children or first-time users – can cause a rapid heartbeat, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle weakness, hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, paranoia, rapid breathing, and high blood pressure. On July 6, local Thai media reported that a two-year-old girl was hospitalised after she accidentally consumed 10 cannabis-infused gummy bears. – Bernama cannabis health illegal products Thailand
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Thailand Cracks Down On Illegal Cannabis Products
By Kenny Teng BANGKOK, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Thai government is intensifying measures to control the illegal sale of cannabis-infused processed products to protect public health, particularly that of children and young people. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikan Watthanachan said the Thai government has tasked the Public Health Ministry, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provincial public health offices, to implement strict inspections and enforcement operations to clamp down on these illegal products. 'Public health officials have been authorised to arrest and fine business operators involved in including cannabis into food, snacks, or beverages that contain cannabis extracts exceeding legal limits. 'Where violations are found, cases must be referred to the police for legal proceedings,' she said in a statement published on the Royal Thai Government's website on Monday. Sasikan said the Ministry has already issued suspension orders for the licences of operators who breached the law, while offences such as adding cannabis to food without permission or failing to provide proper labelling carry penalties of up to 30,000 baht (US$920) in fines, up to three years' imprisonment, or both. The Thai government also reiterated its warning to the public, especially parents and teenagers, about the dangers of consuming 'cannabis gummies', which contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC, a psychoactive substance with addictive properties, can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and enter the brain, causing relaxation, euphoria, stress relief, and elevated mood. Consumption in large quantities – especially by children or first-time users – can cause a rapid heartbeat, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle weakness, hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, paranoia, rapid breathing, and high blood pressure.
Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
Thai authorities vow crackdown on cannabis-infused products after toddler hospitalised
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The incident has prompted a renewed push to clear unregulated products from the market. BANGKOK - Thailand's Public Health Ministry has launched an urgent nationwide crackdown on cannabis-infused foods, beverages and snacks, following the hospitalisation of a two-year-old girl who consumed a cannabis-laced gummy. The incident has prompted a renewed push to clear unregulated products from the market and tighten controls on unlicensed vendors. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin expressed grave concern over the incident involving the two-year, six-month-old child. He highlighted that the easy access to cannabis by young people and its health implications have been a persistent worry for authorities. Upon learning of the recent incident, Mr Somsak immediately instructed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Provincial Public Health Offices (PPHOs) across the country to conduct continuous raids until all such products are eradicated. 'Today, all parties must cooperate and help provide information to eliminate these things,' Mr Somsak stated. 'What I have always been concerned about is the uninformed access to cannabis by children and youth,' he added. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World 25% on Japan and Malaysia, 40% on Laos: Trump's tariff letters to Asia add pressure for deals by Aug 1 Business Asia markets edge up as Trump signals still open to tariff talks World Netanyahu says he nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize Singapore MRT train services resume on 5-station stretch of North-South Line after track fault Multimedia 'I suspect he's cheating': She finds proof when spouses stray Opinion Singapore at 60: Home truly is an idea that never stands still Singapore Fastest charger to be added to Singapore's EV charging network by Q4 in 2025 Singapore Singapore's second mufti Sheikh Syed Isa Semait dies at age 87 He cited data from the Chulalongkorn University's Department of Psychiatry in the Faculty of Medicine, which surveyed the impact and solutions for drug abuse from experts. 'Based on data collected specifically in 2022, cannabis smoking among Thai children and youth aged 18 to 19 years increased tenfold, from 1-2 per cent in 2020 to 9.7 per cent. Therefore, we must push forward to ensure cannabis is genuinely used only for medical purposes, to reduce its impact on children, youth, and society,' said Mr Somsak. Ministry officials possess comprehensive powers to act against cannabis-laced products, whether in food, sweets, drinks, or other forms, particularly if they contain cannabis extracts exceeding legal limits. Authorities can immediately seize items, impose fines, and refer cases to the police for further legal action. The penalties for unauthorised cannabis-infused food products, or those lacking proper labelling, are severe. Fines can range up to 30,000 baht (S$1,180), with potential imprisonment of up to three years, or both. Should investigations reveal that products were manufactured or imported without permission, or if THC levels are dangerously high, they will be classified as 'impure food', carrying penalties of up to two years' imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
HIV rate surge spurs ministry to act
A rise in HIV infections among youths has prompted the Public Health Ministry to act with a plan afoot for condom distribution and education in schools. The ministry has acknowledged an alarming rise in HIV infections among Thai youths. Deputy Public Health Minister Chaichana Dechdecho announced plans to sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with educational institutions to distribute condoms and provide sexual health education to help curb the trend and prevent further infections. The issue was raised during a Senate session in parliament yesterday, presided over by Deputy Senate Speaker Gen Kriengkrai Srirak. Senator Parinya Wongcheodkwan questioned the rising HIV infection rate in Thailand and the ministry's long-term strategy, budget allocation, and spending on both prevention campaigns and treatment for people living with HIV, including the costs related to foreign nationals receiving care. In response, Mr Chaichana confirmed that although the overall HIV infection rate is declining, there has been a noticeable increase among youths. To address this, the ministry is preparing to collaborate with schools and universities through MoUs. The initiative will involve distributing condoms and offering education on safe sexual practices to prevent HIV transmission. "We aim to keep new infections below 1,000 cases annually and limit HIV-related deaths to under 4,000 per year. "The reported figure of 8,000 new cases we see includes cumulative data. We expect the number of new infections in the latter half of the year to stay under 3,000," Mr Chaichana stated. He added that the ministry will increase access to HIV testing and form partnerships with private sector companies in high-risk areas. Provinces with rising HIV cases include Bangkok, Chon Buri, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Ratchasima -- all of which experience significant tourist activity, he added. Regarding the budget, Mr Chaichana explained that Thailand allocates approximately 8.4 billion baht annually for HIV prevention and treatment. Of this, 7.7 billion baht comes from domestic funding, while 788 million baht is supported by international contributions. The funding includes 6.2 billion baht for antiretroviral drugs and 1.2 billion baht for prevention efforts. Out of the 500,000 people currently receiving treatment, over 5,700 are foreign nationals. The average annual treatment cost is 12,000 baht.
