Barkar Nash (Page 1,030)

A majority of Thai people are harbour doubts about the ability of Move Forward and seven other parties to form a new government even though they command a majority of MPs – 313 – in the House of Representatives, according to an opinion survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.

The poll was conducted online on May 24-26 on 1,352 people nationwide to compile their opinions on the ongoing attempt by the Move Forward, Pheu Thai, Prachachat, Thai Sang Thai, Seri Ruam Thai, Fair, Palang Sangkhom Mai and Peu Thai Rumphalang parties to form a coalition government with 313 MPs combined, more than half of the 500-member House of Representatives.

Asked whether they were had doubts that the new government could be formed, 67.83% of the respondents said “yes”, citing many factors, including disagreements among them. They said the process was being marred by political games and uncertainty over how MPs and senators would vote when a joint sitting of Parliament was called to endorse the nomination of a new prime minister.

On the other side, 32.17% said they were not worried. They believed the eight parties, with Move Forward  as the core, would be able to reach a settlement in a democratic process, with all showing respect to one another.

Asked whether they were confident the process of forming a new government would be smooth, 58.33% said they were not sure, while 41.67% said they were.

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The Meteorological Department is warning of heavy rain in most regions of the country this week.

From Sunday to Tuesday the department expects heavy rain in the lower North, the Northeast, the Central Plain, the East and the South. Flash floods and runoff are possible in low-lying and steep areas.

The department attributed the incoming precipitation to the strong southwest monsoon and a low-pressure trough stretching from lower Vietnam via Thailand to Myanmar.

It advised small boats in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea to remain ashore until Tuesday.

From Wednesday to Saturday the strong southwest monsoon would continue to cover the Andaman Sea, the southern mainland and the Gulf of Thailand. Consequently, there would be heavy rain in some areas of the Central Plain, the East and the South, the Meteorological Department predicted.

On Sunday morning, the department said, Typhoon Mawar was 695 kilometres east of Luzon in the Philippines and was moving westwards. The department expected the typhoon would head towards Taiwan and would not affect Thailand.

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AYUTTHAYA: A tour boat caught fire at a boat pier in Muang district in the small hours on Sunday. There were no casualties.

The moored vessel was made out of teak wood and was a modified cargo barge.

The incident was reported to police at about 1am at a boat pier near Wat Phanan Choeng in tambon Khlong Suan Phlu.

Fire trucks and a rescue unit rushed to the spot.

The boat was engulfed in flames when they arrived. The rope used to tie the boat to the pier had been destroyed by the flames, causing the boat to drift into the middle of the Chao Phraya river.

The burning boat was towed to the river bank where the fire was subsequently put out.

An investigation was underway to establish the cause of the blaze. The damage was being assessed.

Nobody was hurt as the boat was not being used but moored at the pier.

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AYUTTHAYA: A tour boat, which was modified from a cargo barge made of teak wood, caught fire while being moored at a boat pier in Muang district in the small hours on Sunday. There were no casualties.

The incident was reported to police at about 1am at a boat pier near Wat Phanan Choeng in tambon Khlong Suan Phlu. Fire trucks and a rescuer unite were rushed to the spot.

The boat was engulfed in flames when they arrived. The rope which was used to tie the boat to the pier was burned by the fire and cut off, causing the boat to drift into the middle of the Chao Phraya river.

The burning boat was towed to the river bank where the fire was subsequently put out.

An investigation was underway to establish what caused the fire. The damage was being assessed.

Nobody was hurt as the boat was not being used but moored at the pier.

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Most people believe information operations had been waged by political parties during the lead-up to the May 14 election, both to smear rivals and to win popularity, according to a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

The poll was carried out on May 18-22 by telephone interviews with 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and incomes throughout the country to compile their opinions on information, both true and false, they received them during the election and disseminated on social media.

Asked whether they believed information operations had been waged by political parties on social media to attack or smear rivals, a majority or 56.49% said “yes” – 31.22% moderately and 25.27% highly. On the other side, 23.59% said “no”, definitely, and 19.31% said “no” but in a lesser degree. The rest, 0.61%, had no answer or were not interested.

Asked whether they believed political parties had waged information operations on social media to win popularity, a majority or 57.48% said “yes” – 30.08% moderately and 27.40% highly. On the other side, 22.06% said “no” definitely and 19.54% said “no” but in a lesser degree. The rest, 0.92%, had no answer or were not interested.

Asked whether they believed other countries had interfered in the election, a majority or 78.77% said “no” –  56.56% definitely and 22.21% in a lesser degree. On the other side, 8.17% said “yes”, highly, and 11.76% moderately. The rest, 1.30%, had no answer or were not interested.

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Most people believe political parties issued misinformation during the lead-up to the May 14 election, both to smear rivals and to win popularity, according to a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

Asked whether they believed the parties used social media to attack or smear rivals, a majority or 56.49% said “yes” – 31.22% to a moderate degree and 25.27% a lot. On the other side, 23.59% said “definitely not”, while 19.31% said “yes, but only to a small degree”. The rest, 0.61%, had no answer or were not interested.

Asked whether they believed political parties had posted misinformation on social media to win popularity, a majority or 57.48% said “yes” –  30.08% to a moderate extent and 27.40% a lot. On the other side, 22.06% said “definitely not” and 19.54% said “yes, but only to a small degree”. The rest, 0.92%, had no answer or were not interested.

Asked whether they believed other countries had interfered in the election, a majority or 78.77% said “no” –  56.56% “not at all” and 22.21% “to a small degree”. On the other side, 8.17% said “yes, a lot” and 11.76% somewhat. The rest, 1.30%, had no answer or were not interested.

The poll was carried out on May 18-22 by telephone interviews with 1,310 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education, occupations and incomes throughout the country to compile their opinions on the information, both true and false, issued by the parties and disseminated on social media.

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The United Thai Nation (UTN) Party could join the coalition alliance if Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha remains in the group, said UTN secretary-general Akanat Promphan on Saturday.

However, Mr Akanat said the party will not join the coalition which the Move Forward Party (MFP) is trying to put together if Gen Prayut is excluded. Some have called for Gen Prayut to be left out of any such arrangement.

Nor would UTN agree to any attempt to change Section 112, the so-called lese majeste law, which is one of the coalition’s key policy planks. “The UTN’s newly-elected MPs can perform their duties regardless and the party needs to make sure the coalition has the same direction in politics,” he said.

“As for Gen Prayut, we nominated him as our prime ministerial candidate. Despite being defeated, he can still be the party’s strategy team chairman.” Asked what will happen if MFP and Pheu Thai fail to cobble together a government, he said the UTN has not thought that far ahead. “We’re focusing on the present.”

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The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by eight prospective parties on forming a coalition government could be bad news for advocates of the current freer cannabis policy.

Under the 23-point agreement, the Move Forward Party-led bloc has agreed to reinstate the plant as a narcotic drug under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Health and pass new laws supporting just certain beneficial uses while regulating all other use, cultivation, import and export of the plant.

The move marks a reversal of the cannabis policy which has become divisive and politicised due to the absence of an umbrella law to govern its use despite the introduction of regulations to prevent abuse, particularly by children.

With the sale of cannabis products spreading and a new industry flourishing in recent months, the prospective government will find it tough revoking the policy without stirring the pot among cannabis enthusiasts.

Cannabis use is ‘too liberal’

The proposed relisting of cannabis will allow authorities to work fully to control the abuse of cannabis, according to Pol Maj Gen Supisal Pakdinaruenart, a former list-MP for the MFP.

He said the absence of a specific law governing cannabis use has caused loopholes which prompted the Public Health Ministry to put cannabis on the list of controlled herbs under the Thai Traditional Medicine Protection and Promotion Act.

But many claim the move is insufficient to address concerns following the mushrooming of cannabis shops and the sight of people selling and smoking weed on the street, he said.

A cannabis cafe near a well-known all-girls school in the Silom area caused uproar and there is nothing authorities can do because there is no law controlling the location of such establishments.

“Cannabis buds are illegal while other parts can be used. But its use is way too liberal. Shops are popping up everywhere. This is against the objective, so many people want to recriminalise the plant,” said Pol Maj Gen Supisal, who is member of the House panel amending the narcotics laws.

He said people are not opposed to medical use of cannabis and it is better to issue clear-cut regulations supporting its beneficial uses rather than legalising the plant.

In his view, cannabis shops should not be allowed to open freely. Cannabis use must be supervised by doctors and cannabis-based products should face tighter regulations.

Asked about criticism that the cannabis policy is being politicised, he said: “Of course, we campaigned on it. It’s a political issue that we must push ahead and get it done. That’s the reason it’s there in the MoU.”

Relisting urged

Dr Adisak Plitapolkarnpim, director of Mahidol University’s National Institute for Child and Family Development (NICFD), said pediatricians support only medicinal uses to relieve pain, not recreational use.

However, decriminalisation has resulted in the widespread availability of cannabis-infused products and cannabis shops, and the regulations to control cannabis use are ambiguous, he said.

“It is against the law to sell cannabis products to pregnant women. Why don’t they entirely ban the use of cannabis in restaurants? Unlike cannabis use in the food industry which is regulated by the FDA, it’s hard to control cannabis use in food shops,” he said.

Asked about the economic impacts on entrepreneurs in the cannabis sector, Dr Adisak said he believes cannabis-related businesses are flexible and can adapt if cannabis is reclassified as a narcotic drug.

Sakulrat Thongtongkham, a 52-year-old office worker and mother of two, said reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic drug is a better option.

“When it was illegal, we didn’t see it being used like this. Now cannabis shops are all over the place…near schools, temples and communities. How can parents guard their kids when it can be accessed so easily?” she said.

She slammed parties that had advocated legalisation of cannabis without putting proper controls in place first, saying law enforcement is lax and state agencies are in the dark as to which regulations can be used to take action against vendors.

“I bet more than 90% is for recreational use. If it is for medical purposes, these shops must have doctors to prescribe it,” she said, adding that more measures such as zoning must be put in place to keep cannabis out of children’s reach for as long as this legal vacuum continues.

The public interest

Supachai Jaisamut, a member of the Bhumjaithai Party that successfully pushed for cannabis delisting and campaigned on the issue in the 2019 polls, said he was confident the bill pending House scrutiny will address such concerns.

The national committee on narcotic drugs will set guidelines for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s psychoactive ingredient. On criticism the current policy triggered an influx of illegally imported cannabis from abroad, he said the Customs Department must step up its efforts.

He said the value of cannabis-based products is estimated to be 40-50 billion baht, so it is best for all parties concerned to push for enactment of a law that allows cultivation for medical purposes and economic benefits.

Mr Supachai urged the MFP-led alliance and MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat to stop politicising the issue and put the people’s interest before anything, as he warned of possible protests from advocates of the current policy.

“The best way forward is to get the bill passed. If there are flaws, address them. Make it complete. People will soon start questioning why the MFP wants to break up a monopoly there while leaving untouched alcohol which has no benefits. It looks like hypocrisy to them,” he said.

Alcohol yes but cannabis, no?

Daycha Siripatra, founder of the Khaokwan Foundation, who has been a vocal supporter of medical marijuana, said there is no reason to support relisting of cannabis as a drug.

Citing research by the Ministry of Public Health, he said medical cannabis was effective in treating cancer, Parkinson’s disease and migraines in 80% of the people who used it as a treatment. Another study in the US also found a reduction in drinking and substance abuse in states where cannabis cultivation is allowed.

“What diseases can alcohol cure? But there is evidence medical cannabis can treat several diseases,” he said, referring to the MFP’s progressive liquor policy.

Mr Daycha suggested that a national referendum should be held on the cannabis policy.

He also criticised Mr Pita for going back on his word about cannabis, saying the MFP leader had joined his campaign to declassify the plant when he was an election candidate in 2019 and praised the benefits of the plant.

“Now you’re bidding for prime ministership and you’re saying cannabis is harmful and must be put back. How can this come from the same person? We won’t allow it because this is about people’s health.

“And I think you’d better control alcohol. If you’re concerned, enact a law to control it like we do tobacco and smoking,” he said.

An owner of a cannabis shop in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area said any reversal of the policy would spell disaster for his business and more than 2,000 others across the country.

Zoning of cannabis shops should be introduced to address concerns, he said, adding some shops do not understand the regulations but said they are trying to comply as best as they can.

“It’ll be another disaster after the Covid-19 pandemic if there is a policy change,” he said.

A new tourism segment

Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Business Association, said more than 40 cannabis-related operators are based in the area with initial investments of at least one million baht per business.

The economic value of cannabis-related businesses is estimated at 30 million baht per month, while the value of other businesses are 600 million baht per month, he said.

He said the current policy has drawn foreign visitors to Thailand who want to sample it for recreational use and seek it as an alternative treatment for illnesses. Entrepreneurs and investors see the potential of a new tourism sector, he said.

However, Mr Sanga said business operators are adopting a wait-and-see attitude after the MFP-led alliance announced a policy change which they believe would affect the country’s image and credibility.

He disagreed with relisting cannabis and urged the new government and lawmakers to move towards better regulation instead.

“The next part is to issue a law for better control, not for declaring it as illegal,” he said.

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A journalist was arrested for allegedly using her connection with a senior police officer to demand 14 million baht from a Chinese suspect in exchange for having charges dropped.

The arrest was unveiled on Saturday by national deputy police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, who said the woman, identified as Guo Rui, or Gegee, exploited her working relationship with police to demand bribes.

He said he knew the journalist from work and that she was employed by the police as a coordinator due to her fluency in the Chinese language and overseas connections.

Pol Gen Surachate said police started an investigation after learning about her intentions and sought an arrest warrant after gathering evidence.

Guo, who was also chair of the Thai Jiaranai Group, a media company that owns Thailand Headlines, was arrested on Friday at her condominium.

Pol Gen Surachate said the suspect told Navaporn Phakiatsakul, a key suspect in a crime syndicate probe, that she could have charges against her dropped for an initial offer of 33 million baht.

Ms Navaporn instead paid Guo 14 million baht, he said.

Ms Navaporn was arrested in early April following a crackdown.

Inquiries showed she had a long history of fraudulent behaviour, human trafficking, surrogacy and document forgery.

Pol Gen Surachate vowed to take legal action against anyone using his name to demand bribes. Those found guilty of demanding bribes face a maximum fine of 100,000 baht or a jail sentence of up to five years.

A police source said Guo denied the charge and that she was temporarily released on a 3.5-million-baht bail.

The source said Guo worked as an interpreter for Pol Gen Surachate in a gun theft case in Nonthaburi.

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