Thai court asked to suspend cannabis decriminalisation edict

14 Sept 01:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thai opposition parties and the Forensic Physician Association (FPAT) have petitioned the Administrative Court to issue an injunction, aiming to halt the decriminalization of cannabis and hemp.
Critics argue the Public Health Ministry's edict, which removed cannabis from the Category 5 drug list, was issued without proper consideration, leading to widespread non-medical and recreational use.
The decriminalization, a flagship policy of the Bhumjaithai Party, faces increasing backlash, with even former supporters like the Democrat Party changing their stance due to concerns over recreational use.
Despite amendments to the Cannabis Bill, the opposition plans to reject it in its second and final readings, asserting that the core issue of widespread non-medical use remains unaddressed.

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).