Pattaya nightclub raided, 39 patrons busted for drug use

Pattaya police raid Club Panda on Walking Street about 3.30am on Sunday. (Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong)
On Sunday, Pattaya officers raid Club Panda on Walking Street at around 3:30 am. ( Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong )

Early on Sunday night, police searched a bar on Pattaya’s Walking Street to check whether it was operating outside of its permitted hours and discovered traces of substance abuse among its patrons.

A group of 100 officers and operational officials stormed into&nbsp, Club Panda at 3.30am and found more than 300 Thai and international customers within, some dance to songs. Beer was still being consumed after the 2 a.m. final day. The majority of international clients were Taiwanese. &nbsp,

The assault came after a Chinese customer was attacked and severely injured by the club’s security guards on December 27. The wounded man is still in clinics. &nbsp,

The team was instructed to turn on the lights and switch off the music. The customers were separated by identity, their verification documents checked, and they had urine tested. Thirty-nine individuals, twenty of them girls, were found positive for drugs and taken to Muang Pattaya police station.

The team director was ordered to remain open and sell alcoholic beverages after time. Officials claim that there were no illegal drugs and various items found inside the team.

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Thai schools to determine student hairstyles after regulation change

High school students show a petition they forwarded to the Administrative Court in 2020 seeking to scrap the regulation that authorises schools to set their own rules regarding students’ hairstyles, which has been criticised as a violation of students’ rights. (File photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)
In a petition that was forwarded to the Administrative Court in 2020 by high school students, asking for the court to overturn the law that allows schools to establish their own standards for student hairstyles, which has been deemed a violation of students ‘ rights. ( File photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya )

According to government official Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the Thailand’s Ministry of Education has withdrawn the rule governing student wigs in public schools.

Each college perhaps then establish its own hairstyle guidelines as necessary.

According to Mr. Siripong, the judgement was disclosed in the  Royal Gazette last year, and colleges across the country received written confirmation of it on Saturday.

Before setting clear hair instructions, the letters stressed the importance of gathering input from all parties, including professors, students, and parents, as well as obtaining authorization from the school board or college management committee.

He stated that the ministry’s decision to revoke the 2020 pupil hairstyle regulations was made on January 16, 2013.

” So, ear-length wigs or three-sided shaved wigs will no longer be considered normal student hairstyles”.

There are no more any restrictions on the size or hairstyle of individuals. According to him, school decisions should be made regarding wigs and dress codes.

According to Mr. Siripong, schools are urged to give opportunities for students to discuss the best solutions in a productive way.

He claimed that Permpoon Chidchob, the minister of education, is focusing on student rights and is offering assistance and advice on undergraduate security through the Semapithak Centre, where officials work to change student behavior through a variety of strategies.

He claimed that the center has no restrictions on their freedom, but that the policies are meant to encourage correct behavior, allowing students to be free within a framework that prevents harm to themselves or has a cultural impact.

The government thinks that all schools have rules that foster peaceful coexistence.

Despite differing views, policies may provide students with opportunities, maintain value and minimize bullying, Mr Siripong said.

” Discipline is important, but it must go hand in hand with mortal right”, he said.

Siripong: Find the best solution

Siripong: Find the best solution

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WHO certifies Thai facility for HIV medication

Director hails native achievement

A GPO facility in Pathum Thani (file photo)
Pathum Thani’s GPO facility ( file photo )

The Government Pharmaceutical Organization’s ( GPO ) facility in Pathum Thani has been certified by the World Health Organization ( WHO PQ ) to produce the antiretroviral drug Efavirenz.

According to GPO producer Mingkwan Suphanpong, the facility’s certification, which is the first in Thailand and the Asean location to have received WHO PQ documentation, means that all of the Efavirenz capsules produced by the GPO remain on the WHO Prequalified List.

After the GPO submitted an application in 2016, the WHO approved GPO’s demand to place the medication on its record.

When a person has been diagnosed with HIV, they are prescribed efavirenz, which is frequently combined with tenofovir/emtricitabine in adults, children, and children.

In addition to being used in combination with another antiviral medications as part of an expanded post-exposure treatment regimen, efavirenz is also used to lower the risk of HIV infections in people who are at a high risk.

Dr. Mingkwan said the accreditation reflects GPO’s commitment to quality and safety, making sure Thais have access to drugs that are as effective as those in the classic. The drug also can get registered in other countries, enhancing trade prospects.

According to Dr. Mingkwan, qualification comes after a second inspection conducted in the WHO PQ on August 12 to 16 last year to check compliance with WHO requirements.

The evaluation covered manufacturing process, creation support systems, experiment, and excellent management among others. It is valid for three years.

Dr Mingkwan said GPO’s research, development, and production of Efavirenz serve as a key example of its success in producing generic drugs, especially important drugs, which are essential for the medical system.

Generic medications, she said, have lower charges and lower access to more cost-effective solutions than traditional drugs, and they have also gained GPO worldwide recognition.

The GPO may continue to develop and research generic medications so that patients can immediately benefit from cheap alternatives once their initial drug patents expire, she said.

The recent success of the GPO also supports the likelihood for HIV patients to lead normal lives as non-HIV persons.

According to WHO’s scheme on the part of HIV viral suppression, those who live with HIV who have an invisible viral load can no longer be transmitted to others by using any WHO-prequalified combination of treatments and testing platforms.

Mingkwan: Relates to value, safety

Mingkwan: Relates to value, safety

Jarunee Siriphan, director of the Foundation for Action on Inclusion Rights ( Fair ) and founder of the People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination ( MovED ) said undetectable means untransmittable.

She cited the public health initiative Unknown Equals Untransmittable ( U=U), which uses advances in public health science to ensure a healthy life for those living with HIV ( PLHIV ).

” U=U is a crucial resource for PLHIV to free themselves from being tarnished and sinful,” says U=U.

They are encouraged to pursue their dream and live their lives to their full probable that, apart from being good, they won’t transmit the virus, she continued.

Ms. Jarunee argued that the U=U model is crucial for PLHIV, particularly when it comes to work because they are permitted to define themselves as healthy and uninfected.

The Public Health Ministry had come in, validate the U=U view, and incorporate the idea in the open market, some of which have rejected PLHIVs based on their body position, she continued.

She warned employers against using this tactic to demand that PLHIV candidates provide evidence of their disease destruction during hiring, as doing so would endanger people’s rights.

” Irrespective of suppression level, businesses have little right to exclude them from work. She continued,” The condition may serve as a role model for every company and everyone in society in tackling prejudice against PLHIVs.”

Jarunee: Hails U=U strategy

Jarunee: Hails U=U strategy

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Cars linked to online gambling

Some of the impounded cars (photo: CCIB)
Some of the impounded cars ( photo: CCIB )

121 cars seized by police from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB ) on Saturday were those that were suspected of being connected to a significant online gambling community that had been shut down two years ago.

The officials searched a home and a car dealership in Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret area, where they discovered more than 120 vehicles, including a Lamborghini owned by a suspect who had been detained earlier during an online gaming assault, with warrants from the Nonthaburi municipal judge.

Another group, also armed with an arrest permit, searched a apartment in Bangkok and arrested Jirayus Charoenpong, 32, for allegedly cooperation in money fraud.

The searches were conducted as part of an expanded research into the 2023-banned Macau888 online gambling site, according to the CCIB.

The Customs Department and the Anti Money Laundering Office would examine the 121 confiscated vehicles in parallel, according to the statement.

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Thai police confiscate cars linked to online gambling

Some of the impounded cars (photo: CCIB)
Some of the impounded cars ( photo: CCIB )

On Saturday, police from Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB ) seize 121 cars suspected of being connected to a significant online gaming community that was shut down two years ago.

The officials searched a home and a car dealership in Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret area, where they discovered more than 120 cars, including a Lamborghini owned by a suspect who was detained earlier during an online gaming assault, with warrants from the Nonthaburi municipal court.

Another group, also armed with an arrest permit, searched a apartment in Bangkok and arrested Jirayus Charoenpong, 32, for allegedly cooperation in money fraud.

The searches were conducted as part of an expanded research into the 2023-banned Macau888 online gambling site, according to the CCIB.

The Customs Department and the Anti Money Laundering Office would simultaneously examine the 121 confiscated trucks, according to the statement.

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Schools to determine student hairstyles after regulation change

High school students show a petition they forwarded to the Administrative Court in 2020 seeking to scrap the regulation that authorises schools to set their own rules regarding students’ hairstyles, which has been criticised as a violation of students’ rights. (File photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)
High school students file a petition to the Administrative Court in 2020 to have the regulation that authorizes schools to establish their own rules for student hairstyles removed, which has been deemed a violation of students ‘ rights. ( File photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya )

According to government official Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the rules governing student hairstyles in public schools has been removed.

Each school perhaps then establish its own hairstyle guidelines as necessary.

According to Mr. Siripong, the withdrawal was made public last year in the  Royal Gazette, and universities across the country have received written confirmation of the selection.

The letters put forth the need to get the opinions of others, including teachers, students, and parents, and to obtain authorization from the school board or college management committee before establishing clear hair guidelines.

He said,” The ministry reiterates that the ministry’s revocation of the 2020 student hairstyle regulation was formally carried out on January 16, last year.”

” So, ear-length wigs or three-sided shaved wigs will no longer be considered normal student hairstyles”.

There are no more any restrictions on how long or curly a student’s locks should be. According to him, school decisions should be made regarding haircuts and dress code.

According to Mr. Siripong, schools are urged to provide opportunities for students to discuss the best solutions in a productive manner.

He claimed that Permpoon Chidchob, the minister of education, is focusing on student rights and is offering assistance and advice on undergraduate happiness through the Semapithak Centre, where officials work to change student behavior through a variety of strategies.

He claimed that the center has no restrictions on their freedom, but that the policies are meant to encourage correct behavior, allowing students to be free within a framework that prevents harm to themselves or has a cultural impact.

The ministry thinks that all schools must follow guidelines to ensure peaceful coexistence.

Despite differing views, policies may provide students with opportunities, maintain value and lower bullying, Mr Siripong said.

” Discipline is important, but it must go hand in hand with human right”, he said.

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New M81 motorway popular with drivers

The M81 motorway (photo: Department of Highways)
The M81 motorway ( photo: Department of Highways )

According to the Department of Highways, the new M81 road has gained popularity among drivers during the New Year‘s Day free trial and has been helpful in reducing traveling time and easing traffic on the southern- and west-bound highways.

During the trial, which ran from Dec 26 until Jan 2, the 96km road stretching between Bang Yai region in Nonthaburi and Tha Muang region in Kanchanaburi, served a full of 276, 316 cars on the Bang Yai-Nakhon Pathom area, and 219, 181 cars on the Nakhon Pathom-Kanchanaburi area, said Apirat Chaiwongnoi, director-general of the department.

Given what is stated above, the road significantly reduced traffic on the Phetkasem Road section, which is also known as Highway No. 4, in Nakhon Pathom’s Nakhon Chaisi area and 43 % on the portion of Highway No. 323 in Tha Muang city of Kanchanaburi, Mr Apirat said.

Overall, he claimed, the M81 road eased traffic on the major roads connecting Bangkok and the surrounding provinces, particularly Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi, and saved a lot of time while traveling.

According to him, these regions serve as the gate to regions that are renowned as important tourist destinations like Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The test demonstrated the M81’s ability to handle large traffic and comfortable traffic on important highways like Phetkasem Road, the main street leading to the South, he said.

Due to its standard opening, expected later this year, the M81 motorway’s 51km northern Nakhon Pathom-Kanchanaburi section does available for free trials on weekends, starting next Friday, until further notice, he said.

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DoH hails success of M81 motorway trial

The M81 motorway (photo: Department of Highways)
The M81 motorway ( photo: Department of Highways )

According to the Department of Highways ( DoH), the new M81 motorway has gained popularity among drivers during the New Year’s Free Trial and has been helpful in reducing travel time and easing traffic on the south- and west-bound highways.

During the trial, which ran from Dec 26 until Jan 2, the 96km road stretching between Bang Yai region in Nonthaburi and Tha Muang region in Kanchanaburi, served a full of 276, 316 cars on the Bang Yai-Nakhon Pathom area, and 219, 181 cars on the Nakhon Pathom-Kanchanaburi area, said Apirat Chaiwongnoi, director-general of the DoH.

Given what is described above, the road significantly reduced prospects on Phetkasem Road, which is also known as Highway No. 4, in Nakhon Pathom’s Nakhon Chaisi area and 43 % on the portion of Highway No. 323 in Tha Muang city of Kanchanaburi, Mr Apirat said.

Overall, he claimed, the M81 highway eased visitors on Bangkok’s main roads leading to the South and West, especially Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi, and saved a lot of time while traveling.

According to him, these regions serve as the gate to counties that are renowned as important tourist destinations like Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The test demonstrated the M81’s ability to handle large traffic and comfortable traffic on important highways like Phetkasem Road, the main street leading to the South, he said.

Due to its standard opening, expected later this year, the M81 motorway’s 51km northern Nakhon Pathom-Kanchanaburi section does available for free trials on weekends, starting next Friday, until further notice, he said.

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WHO backs facility for  Efavirenz

Director hails native achievement

A GPO facility in Pathum Thani (file photo)
Pathum Thani GPO facility ( file photo )

The government pharmaceutical organization’s ( GPO ) facility in Pathum Thani has been certified by the WHO Prequalification Programme ( WHO PQ ) to produce the antiretroviral drug Efavirenz.

According to GPO producer Mingkwan Suphanpong, the facility’s certification, which is the first in Thailand and the Asean location to have received WHO PQ documentation, means that all of the Efavirenz capsules produced by the GPO remain on the WHO Prequalified List.

After the GPO submitted an application in 2016, the WHO approved GPO’s demand to place the medication on its record.

When a person is diagnosed with the disease, they are prescribed efavirenz, and it is frequently combined with tenofovir/emtricitabine in adults, adolescents, and kids.

In addition to being used in combination with another antiviral medications as part of an expanded post-exposure treatment regimen, efavirenz is also used to lower the risk of HIV infections in people who are at a high risk.

Dr. Mingkwan said the documentation reflects GPO’s commitment to quality and safety, making sure Thais have access to medicines that are as powerful as the original. The drug also can get registered in other countries, enhancing trade prospects.

According to Dr. Mingkwan, qualification comes after a second inspection conducted in the WHO PQ on August 12 to 16 last year to check compliance with WHO requirements.

The assessment covered manufacturing process, creation support systems, experiment, and excellent management among others. It is valid for three years.

Dr Mingkwan said GPO’s research, development, and production of Efavirenz serve as a key example of its success in producing generic drugs, especially crucial drugs, which are essential for the medical system.

Generic drugs have also gained GPO foreign credibility because they give Thais access to potent treatments similar to those found in their own homes for less money, she said.

She said that the GPO needs to keep working on developing basic medications so that patients can get access to affordable alternatives when their original substance patents expire.

The recent success of the GPO also supports the likelihood for HIV patients to lead normal lives as non-HIV persons.

According to WHO’s scheme on the part of HIV viral suppression, those who live with HIV and use any WHO-prequalified combination of treatments and testing platforms pose no risk of HIV being passed onto others.

Mingkwan: Relates to value, safety

Mingkwan: Relates to value, safety

Jarunee Siriphan, director of the Foundation for Action on Inclusion Rights ( Fair ) and founder of the People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination ( MovED ) said undetectable means untransmittable.

She cited the public health initiative Unknown Equals Untransmittable ( U=U), which uses advances in public health science to ensure a healthy life for those living with HIV ( PLHIV ).

” U=U is a crucial tool to enable PLHIV to release themselves from being tarnished and sinful,” says U=U.

They are encouraged to pursue their dream and live their lives to their full probable that, apart from being good, they won’t transmit the virus, she continued.

Ms. Jarunee argued that PLHIV benefits from the U=U method because they are permitted to define themselves as healthy and uninfected, especially in terms of employment.

The Public Health Ministry had come in, validate the U=U view, and incorporate the idea in the open market, some of which have rejected PLHIVs based on their body position, she continued.

She argued that employers shouldn’t take advantage of this tactic by demanding that candidates who have PLHIV disease demonstrate evidence of their disease reduction during hiring, as doing so would endanger people.

” Irregardless of destruction level, businesses have little right to exclude them from work. She continued,” The condition may serve as a role model for every company and everyone in community in tackling prejudice against PLHIVs.”

Jarunee: Hails U=U battle

Jarunee: Hails U=U battle

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Full plastic import ban faces hurdles

On January 1, a new regulation became effective, but more needs to be done.

A man places a bag of empty plastic water bottles on a pile in Nonthaburi. (File photo)
In Nonthaburi, a person places a bag full of empty plastic water containers on a pile. ( File photo )

A laws banning the transfer of foam pieces into Thailand became a major breakthrough in the long-term effort of civil society to stop Thailand from becoming a dumping ground for international plastic waste.

However, this does not indicate a clear success, nor is it a happy ending just however.

To stop improper plastic waste supplies into the region, an ongoing process of tracking and the effective enforcement of the law is necessary.

The Anti-Plastic Scrap Citizen Network’s producer, Penchom Sae-Tang, who played a significant role in the campaign against plastic waste exports, thanked them for their time and effort to turn advocacy into action.

The show’s work began in 2021 with a complaint to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, urging the government to impose a moratorium on plastic waste goods.

32, 000 people signed an online complaint for Change, and 108 civil society organizations gave their support to the action. which aided in the advancement of the activity.

After the government approved the transfer of plastic waste in 2018 to allegedly support the plastic recycling market, Ms. Penchom claimed Thailand has become a world place for cheap spend dumping.

Between 2018 and 2021, the Department of Customs imported more than 1.1 million tons of plastic waste.

This flow, she said, disrupted the nearby waste management pattern and harmed small-scale spend collectors, who protested against the policy due to significant business losses.

Additionally, Ms. Penchom claimed that inadequate law enforcement had led to the entry of poisoned and illegal waste, which sparked numerous public complaints and contaminated waste in neighborhoods near plastic recycling facilities.

The import restrictions on all cheap scrap products should be seen as a victory for civil society in preventing the entry of hazardous waste into Thailand, she said.

” Yet, our work is far from over.

The key to ensuring the law is enforced for the benefit of all is diligent surveillance and co-operation with government.

Ms. Penchom claimed that the system would keep an eye on the condition.

She added that the Ministry of Industry must use caution when allowing imports of cheap scrap in unusual circumstances, making sure that the quantities are completely proportionate to the recycling plant’s capacity to prevent excessive waste.

” This is just the start of a fresh chapter.

” Law enforcement may play a key role in safeguarding the atmosphere for everyone”, she stressed.

Pollution from plastic waste recycling facilities has had a significant impact on local communities ‘ lives and the welfare of those who live close to fields or rivers and ditches, according to Ms. Penchom.

The Ministry of Commerce announced a total ban on plastic waste goods in December next year, which will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

But, the news included a clause allowing the Department of Industrial Works to impose import restrictions on home plastic waste.

In 2023, the state permitted the lawful transfer of 372, 994 kilograms of plastic pieces, limited to 14 designated business areas.

This amount was reduced by half in 2024 as a result of public support and the president’s preparations for a complete ban.

Penchom: Proud to the community

Penchom: Proud to the community

The authorities should enact a ban on all types of plastic waste, according to Phicha Rakrod, the project leader of Greenpeace Thailand, to ensure that the country is free of intergovernmental spend shipments.

She also urged the government to take advantage of this opportunity to establish Thailand as a regional leader in the fight against and regulation of intergovernmental spare.

Phicha: Govt may broaden the ban

Phicha: Govt may broaden the ban

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