Latest news with #Somsak
Bangkok Post
5 days ago
- Health
- Bangkok Post
NHSO gives approval for hiring of 18,000 carers
The National Health Security Office (NHSO) board has approved the hiring of 18,000 carers to assist over 100,000 dependent patients nationwide under a programme financed by the economic stimulus fund. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, speaking as chairman of the NHSO board, announced that the board meeting on July 7 had acknowledged the cabinet's resolution supporting a healthcare services programme for dependent individuals as part of the government's 2025 economic stimulus policy. The board also approved in principle the payment of public health services for dependent individuals. Mr Somsak explained that employing caregivers is a key measure to support the elderly population with dependency needs, which continues to grow. The initiative aims to reduce the burden on families and the state while also creating local employment and generating community income. The programme has been endorsed by the government's economic stimulus policy committee and included in the national economic recovery strategy. Following cabinet approval on June 24, 2025, the economic stimulus package--totalling 157 billion baht--allocated 1.115 billion baht to the NHSO for community-based economic development. The NHSO then developed a framework for managing payments for health services for dependent individuals, specifically for caregiver employment. This funding is separate from the Long-Term Care (LTC) budget under the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme and will follow the Interior Ministry's 2019 regulations regarding community care volunteers and related expense claims. "From the budget, we expect to hire approximately 18,000 caregivers to serve 106,806 dependent individuals nationwide. "The NHSO has already prepared the caregiver employment budget for the following fiscal year. A national-level plan for caregiver hiring is also being drafted and will soon be presented to the cabinet. The ratio of caregivers to dependents will be determined by local administrative organisations based on the number of dependents in each area," Mr Somsak stated.
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Cannabis curbs 'won't lead to monopoly'
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has rejected claims that the reclassification of cannabis as a controlled herb would benefit large businesses, saying the absence of control will result in a monopoly that would harm the sector. "[The current situation] does not benefit anyone. If left uncontrolled, large businesses will ultimately find a way to dominate," he said. When asked if the government will ultimately reclassify cannabis as an illicit drug, Mr Somsak stressed the need for a "moderate approach", saying the government won't have to resort to such a measure if the right controls are in place. His remarks came as Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future, a cannabis advocacy network, staged a rally in front of the Ministry of Public Health to protest the reclassification of cannabis and its potential relisting as a Category 5 narcotic. The network's secretary-general, Prasitchai Nunual, estimated 300-500 people took part in the protest, most of whom were business owners who set up cannabis dispensaries after it was legalised three years ago. Mr Prasitchai said the network was concerned by Mr Somsak's recent statements, which hinted at the recriminalisation of cannabis, as well as the prolonged deadlock over the Cannabis Act, which has given the Public Health Ministry undue powers to set policies on the matter through ministerial announcements. Mr Prasitchai called on the government not to reverse course, warning that reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic would lead to a resurgence of the black market. He also called on the government to urgently pass the relevant controls, saying enforcement is key to preventing the abuse of cannabis. He said while cannabis growers are required to meet Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) outlined in the Controlled Herbs Announcement (Cannabis) BE 2568, many were able to obtain the certificate for 500,000 baht, without having to prove that they have actually met the requirements. He said that effective cannabis control should focus on quality testing rather than GACP standards that impose impractical restrictions on growers, such as enclosed growing facilities equipped with CCTV cameras. Thanakrit Jitareerat, assistant to the Public Health Minister, received a petition from the group on Mr Somsak's behalf. He said that there are no immediate plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. He emphasised the need to take into account wider public opinion on the matter and urged against politicising the issue.
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
07-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Curbs 'won't lead to monopoly'
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has rejected claims that the reclassification of cannabis as a controlled herb would benefit large businesses, saying the absence of control will result in a monopoly that would harm the sector. "[The current situation] does not benefit anyone. If left uncontrolled, large businesses will ultimately find a way to dominate," he said. When asked if the government will ultimately reclassify cannabis as an illicit drug, Mr Somsak stressed the need for a "moderate approach", saying the government won't have to resort to such a measure if the right controls are in place. His remarks came as Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future, a cannabis advocacy network, staged a rally in front of the Ministry of Public Health to protest the reclassification of cannabis and its potential relisting as a Category 5 narcotic. The network's secretary-general, Prasitchai Nunual, estimated 300-500 people took part in the protest, most of whom were business owners who set up cannabis dispensaries after it was legalised three years ago. Mr Prasitchai said the network was concerned by Mr Somsak's recent statements, which hinted at the recriminalisation of cannabis, as well as the prolonged deadlock over the Cannabis Act, which has given the Public Health Ministry undue powers to set policies on the matter through ministerial announcements. Mr Prasitchai called on the government not to reverse course, warning that reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic would lead to a resurgence of the black market. He also called on the government to urgently pass the relevant controls, saying enforcement is key to preventing the abuse of cannabis. He said while cannabis growers are required to meet Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) outlined in the Controlled Herbs Announcement (Cannabis) BE 2568, many were able to obtain the certificate for 500,000 baht, without having to prove that they have actually met the requirements. He said that effective cannabis control should focus on quality testing rather than GACP standards that impose impractical restrictions on growers, such as enclosed growing facilities equipped with CCTV cameras. Thanakrit Jitareerat, assistant to the Public Health Minister, received a petition from the group on Mr Somsak's behalf. He said that there are no immediate plans to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic. He emphasised the need to take into account wider public opinion on the matter and urged against politicising the issue.
Bangkok Post
06-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Locals bear the brunt of Thailand's economic woes
Heat and heavy traffic in Bangkok have forced commuters to rely on motorcycle taxis as a means of transport, as they are fast and cheap. This is how Somsak Benjawan, a 48-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, has made his living over the years. But despite the popularity of motorcycle taxis, Mr Somsak is having a hard time earning money like previous times. "Before Covid-19, I could make more than 500 baht everyday, even a thousand on a good day. Now? Maybe a few hundred on a good day," he said as he wiped sweat from his brow at a waiting spot near a BTS station. "The gas price goes up, the food price goes up, but the fare stays the same. If it goes up then people would rather walk," he said. He also faces more competition from online motorcycle taxis and other modes of transportation in the city. "Now there are Grab drivers and trains while we're stuck with this. I just want cheaper gas and a way to retire someday." The voices of low-income workers whose lives rely on daily wages like that of Mr Somsak paints a picture of a country currently faced with challenges both from outside and within. Global trade and geopolitical tensions will harshly affect Thailand's exports, and thus employment and supply chains, this year, said a tripartite group made up of the Thai Bankers Association, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Chamber of Commerce in their economic prediction for the latter half of 2025 issued this month. They predicted the economy will grow by less than 2% this year after being hit by US tariffs. Lower Chinese tourist arrivals will also slow down the entire tourism industry this year. Political instability can also affect the 2026 fiscal budget, said the report. ANXIETY EVERYWHERE These uncertainties do not escape the attention of ordinary Thais, regardless of their profession or income. Street food vendor Suwanna Mekprasert, 56, feels her situation has grown more vulnerable. Thailand's border conflict with Cambodia has been on her mind. "I hope we don't have to deal with all those things," she said. She already has a lot of problems to deal with. "Pork is too expensive now. Sometimes I use a lesser amount of meat, but customers notice," she says with a nervous laugh. "I don't want to cheat them, but I have bills and my grandson's tuition to pay." In one of Bangkok's older markets, 38-year-old clothes vendor Mr A, whose full name has been withheld, said: "Tourism helps a little, but local people don't shop much. Everyone's saving money." Competition from online stores and increasing stall rental fees are eating into what little profit he makes, he said. The country's leadership doesn't give him much hope either. "It seems like [Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra] won't end up too differently from other politicians with the same last name," Mr A said, referring to the political turmoil the premier faces. Across town in a modest office building, 29-year-old office worker Thida Suwannasri types endlessly at her desk, already worried about next month's rent. "My salary has barely gone up in two years. But rent, food and everything else have," she says. "It's exhausting just trying to survive." She said she barely felt like a young professional trying to build a stable life. Inside a small electronics repair shop, 51-year-old Chatchai Boonrawd scrolls through messages as he waits for walk-in customers. "Sales are slow. Everyone's trying to fix old phones instead of buying new ones," he said. His dream of launching a small online store was shelved due to high shipping fees and steep digital platform cuts. "Support small businesses. Not just big malls and chains. Not to mention big people with big names. That's how you build the country," he said. Economic opportunities and social mobility are no longer a thing in Thailand, Mr Chatchai said. "I am half a hundred years old and the only thing I see so far is rich people getting much richer while poor people are dying to scrape by," he added.
