Thai medics call for immediate end to recreational use of cannabis

13 Sept 10:48 Key points summarised by AI

Hundreds of Thai doctors demand an immediate end to recreational cannabis use, warning it threatens public health and individual well-being.
They assert that the June 9th decriminalization, lacking control policies, has led to widespread recreational use, particularly among youth, contrary to its intended medicinal purpose.
Medics cite scientific evidence of cannabis's negative impact on young brains and support civil society calls to suspend decriminalization and draft a comprehensive national policy.
The problem arises because cannabis was decriminalized as a flagship policy while crucial regulatory amendments to the Narcotics Act remain pending in parliament.
In response, the Public Health Ministry temporarily declared cannabis a controlled herb on June 16th, restricting its use by minors, breastfeeding women, and in public spaces.

Thailand secures US$200m World Bank loan for clean energy and low carbon cities

Today 09:24 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand secured a US$200 million loan from the World Bank to significantly invest in clean energy and low-carbon urban development initiatives.
The program aims to drive clean energy funding and low-carbon growth, ensuring a just transition for small and medium-sized enterprises, workers, farmers, and local communities.
Channelled through the Export-Import Bank of Thailand, the loan will fund energy efficiency upgrades in public buildings and industrial areas, including rooftop solar installations and electrical system modernizations, reducing initial capital burdens via Energy Service Companies (ESCOs).