Thailand to shift cannabis shops into medical clinics

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1 April 2026, 15:34

Thailand to shift cannabis shops into medical clinics

BANGKOK — 1 April 2026, Thailand’s public health minister said the government will press ahead with its medical cannabis policy, including plans to convert about 11,000 licensed cannabis shops into regulated medical clinics.

Speaking at the Ministry of Public Health, Public Health Minister Pattana Prompat said the move forms part of broader efforts to tighten oversight of cannabis use, from cultivation and extraction to distribution, while focusing on medical applications.

The announcement followed a senior ministry meeting reviewing key policies, including Thailand’s push to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which requires improvements in healthcare standards, service quality and system management.

Pattana said new regulations are being developed in three main areas: clarifying regulatory authority, transitioning cannabis retailers into healthcare facilities, and ensuring cannabis is used primarily for medical purposes. Existing operators will be given a transition period of about three years to comply.

Currently, around 11,000 cannabis shops are registered nationwide, with 30–40% of licences expiring each year. Under the new framework, businesses will be required to operate as licensed medical facilities with qualified healthcare personnel on site.

The ministry also plans to introduce a database and visible storefront markers to allow the public to verify licensing status.

Pattana highlighted the economic potential of medical cannabis, particularly in extraction and processing, which could support domestic use and future exports under strict regulatory standards.

Separately, the ministry is promoting the use of traditional Thai herbal medicine within the healthcare system, backed by a budget of more than 2 billion baht from the National Health Security Office. About half of the funds have already been disbursed in the first half of the fiscal year, with full utilisation targeted by year’s end.

Officials are also reviewing healthcare infrastructure standards to better withstand natural disasters, drawing on lessons from recent floods and landslides. Measures include relocating critical systems such as oxygen supply points and electrical equipment to safer areas.

The meeting further addressed challenges in managing health insurance for migrant workers and foreign nationals, particularly those outside formal employment systems, as well as ongoing health concerns linked to PM2.5 air pollution in northern Thailand.

Axe-wielding neighbour leaves woman living in fear

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Khaosod English

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1 April 2026, 15:08

Axe-wielding neighbour leaves woman living in fear

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN — 1 April 2026, a 46-year-old woman has appealed to authorities for urgent help after enduring years of harassment and threats from a neighbour she says is heavily drug-affected, raising fears for her safety.

Orapin, known as “Pin”, living in a municipal area of Khlong Wan in Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan district, said the incidents have persisted for several years, leaving her in constant fear.

The neighbour, identified as Yodchai, 46, lives opposite her home and is accused of repeated aggressive behaviour, often at night. He has allegedly kicked her gate, shouted abuse, shone a torch into the house and fired stones from a slingshot at the property. On some occasions, he reportedly carried a metal pipe and even an axe while approaching the house.

The latest incident occurred at 22:04 on 29 March 2026, when he allegedly kicked the gate with such force that it shook violently and partially came off its track, narrowly avoiding damage to a parked car.

Orapin said she is often alone at home during the day while her sisters are at work. Her husband works in Phuket and returns only once a month, while her two sons study outside the area, heightening her sense of vulnerability, particularly when she must open the gate for customers.

She also alleged that before installing the gate, the neighbour had engaged in voyeuristic behaviour and committed indecent acts in front of women in the neighbourhood. Residents, many of them elderly in the small seven-house community, are aware of his behaviour but are too afraid to intervene.

Orapin said she has reported the incidents to police multiple times over the past four to five years and was advised to collect evidence, leading her to install CCTV cameras. While officers have occasionally detained or warned the man, she said the measures have failed to stop the harassment.

Authorities said the suspect has a long history of substance abuse. He has also reportedly assaulted family members, in incidents that required police intervention.

Orapin urged relevant agencies to step in, detain the suspect and ensure he receives proper treatment, warning that without intervention the situation could escalate into serious violence and further endanger the community.

Serial burglar held over raids on foreign homes

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Khaosod English

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1 April 2026, 13:44

Serial burglar held over raids on foreign homes

CHIANG MAI — 1 April 2026, Police in northern Thailand have arrested a 39-year-old man accused of a string of night-time burglaries targeting homes of foreign residents, with losses estimated at more than 50,000 baht.

The suspect, identified as Sitthi (surname withheld), from Inthakhin subdistrict in Mae Taeng district, was detained by officers from Phu Phing Ratchaniwet Police Station.

Police said items seized included about 50,000 baht in cash, foreign banknotes, a mobile phone, clothing allegedly worn during the offences and a motorcycle believed to have been used in the crimes.

He faces charges of night-time theft using a vehicle to facilitate the offence or evade arrest, a serious offence under Thai law.

Investigators said the suspect would scout potential targets during the day by riding a motorcycle, focusing mainly on houses or rental rooms occupied by foreigners. He would then return at night to break in and steal valuables.

Police said further investigation indicated the suspect had carried out similar offences across multiple areas before being tracked down and arrested by the Phu Phing Ratchaniwet investigative team.

The suspect has been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

Cabinet backs UNESCO bid for ‘Nang Yai’ revival as global cultural diplomacy push

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Khaosod English

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1 April 2026, 13:30

BANGKOK — The Cabinet has approved a proposal to nominate “The Revival of Nang Yai by Nang Yai Communities in Thailand” for inscription with the UNESCO under the category of “Good Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage,” marking Thailand’s first submission in this category.

Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset said on 26 March 2026 that the Cabinet also authorised the Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, in their capacity as secretary to the national cultural heritage committee, to sign and submit the nomination dossier by 31 March 2026, in line with the deadline.

20260327103901 6994 — Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset

Sabida said the move represents a key step in advancing Thailand’s cultural diplomacy by promoting the value of community-led heritage preservation on the global stage.

“Nang Yai is not merely a performing art, but a living heritage that reflects the strength of communities in preserving, revitalising and passing on traditions from generation to generation,” she said.

The nomination builds on local success and aims to elevate it to policy and international recognition. It highlights the work of three communities: Wat Khanon in Ratchaburi, Wat Ban Don in Rayong, and Wat Sawang Arom in Sing Buri, which have played central roles in reviving Nang Yai both domestically and internationally.

Nang Yai is a traditional Thai shadow play featuring large, intricately carved leather puppets that are performed against a backlit screen. The performances combine storytelling, music and dance, and have been passed down through generations as a vibrant form of community-based cultural heritage.

Sabida noted that the Wat Khanon community previously received an award from the Asia/Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) in June 2007 for its outstanding efforts in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, demonstrating the strong potential of Thai communities in cultural conservation.

She said the nomination is fully prepared in terms of documentation, content and community participation. Missing the 31 March deadline would delay the submission by one year and could cost Thailand an opportunity to strengthen its cultural presence on the international stage.

“This is a crucial moment for Thailand to affirm its cultural role globally and create pride among the Thai people,” she said.

The minister added that the push to list Nang Yai is not only about preserving cultural heritage, but also about using culture as a creative force to foster mutual understanding and connect people worldwide in a sustainable way.

Suspected bomb in Phayao found to be harmless hoax

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Khaosod English

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1 April 2026, 12:12

Suspected bomb in Phayao found to be harmless hoax

PHAYAO — 01 April 2026, A suspected explosive device found outside a rental house in northern Thailand prompted a bomb disposal response before being confirmed as a harmless hoax, officials said.

Police from Phayao’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit were alerted via the 191 emergency radio centre that a suspicious object resembling a bomb had been discovered outside a rented property in Ban Rong Ha Pa Cham Cha, Moo 14, Ban Tom subdistrict, Mueang Phayao district.

Authorities cordoned off the area and barred access to ensure public safety amid alarm among nearby residents.

After a detailed examination, the object was identified as an improvised but fake explosive device, containing no detonator or explosive materials. Officials believe it may have been planted to cause panic or for unknown motives.

The device was safely removed for further inspection, and authorities later confirmed the area was secure. Residents were advised not to touch or move suspicious objects and to immediately notify officials if such items are found.

Police said an investigation is under way to identify who placed the object and determine their intent, with legal action to follow.

Tour boat crew filmed dumping rubbish off Phuket coast

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Khaosod English

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1 April 2026, 12:05

Tour boat crew filmed dumping rubbish off Phuket coast

PHUKET — 01 April 2026, Authorities are being urged to investigate after images circulated online appeared to show a tour boat crew dumping rubbish into the sea near the mouth of Tha Chin canal in Phuket province.

The incident included four images showing two men aboard a vessel in Rassada subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district, throwing black garbage bags overboard. The bags reportedly burst upon hitting the water, scattering waste across the surrounding area.

The post claimed such incidents were not isolated, alleging similar dumping behaviour has been observed multiple times in the same location.

The images drew widespread criticism on social media, with many users expressing anger over the environmental damage and calling on authorities to take legal action against those responsible.

There were also calls for stricter enforcement and tighter regulation of tour boats and operators to prevent marine pollution, which could harm the environment and damage Phuket’s tourism image.

Thailand warns April Fools’ posts risk jail and fines

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Khaosod English

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1 April 2026, 10:35

Thailand warns April Fools’ posts risk jail and fines

BANGKOK — 1 April 2026, Thai government warned the public to exercise caution on April Fools’ Day, saying false or misleading posts that cause harm or public panic could lead to criminal charges, including imprisonment and fines.

Ayrin Phanrit, deputy government spokesperson, said 1 April is widely observed as April Fools’ Day, when people often share jokes or hoaxes for amusement. While such activities can help build relationships and relieve stress, she said they can also negatively affect others or trigger public alarm, particularly when false information is posted on social media and rapidly shared.

The government, through the Royal Thai Police, urged people to avoid creating or spreading false claims, even as jokes, if they could damage others or cause panic.

Under Thai law, offences may include:

Defamation by publication under Section 328 of the Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to 200,000 baht for content that harms a person’s reputation or exposes them to hatred or contempt.
Importing or disseminating false information into a computer system in a way that affects national security, public safety, the economy, or critical infrastructure, or causes public panic, under the Computer Crime Act (2007) and its amendments, Section 14 (1), (2) and (15). This carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht.

Ayrin added that amid tensions in the Middle East affecting the global energy situation, the government is urging the public to share only accurate and useful information to maintain confidence.

She advised people to verify information before sharing it and said those affected by fake news, or who encounter misleading content causing confusion, can file complaints at local police stations or report tips via the 191 emergency hotline or the Royal Thai Police hotline 1599, available 24 hours a day.

Wild elephant herd of 30 enters Nakhon Nayok village

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Khaosod English

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1 April 2026, 10:09

Wild elephant herd of 30 enters Nakhon Nayok village

NAKHON NAYOK — 31 March 2026, A herd of more than 30 wild elephants from Khao Yai National Park strayed into a village in Sarika subdistrict, alarming local residents, officials said.

The herd, comprising adult elephants and calves, descended from forested areas within Khao Yai National Park, which borders Sarika in Mueang Nakhon Nayok district. The animals entered from behind Khwan Nakhon village, Moo 1.

Following reports from villagers, a joint team including local elephant response units, national park officials, disaster prevention officers and Sarika subdistrict fire services was deployed to the area.

Authorities worked to drive the elephants away from residential zones, successfully guiding the herd back into forest areas adjacent to Wang Takhrai at around 23:30 the same night.

No injuries or damage were immediately reported, but the incident heightened concerns among residents living near the park boundary.

Thai troops fire warning shots after stray bullets from Myanmar hit Mae Sot

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Khaosod English

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31 March 2026, 19:26

TAK — Thai authorities fired warning shots after bullets from clashes across the border in Myanmar landed in Mae Sot district, injuring a Myanmar worker and alarming local residents.

Maj. Gen. Maitree Chupreecha, commander of the Naresuan Task Force, said the incident occurred at around 16:10 on 31 March. Fighting broke out between Myanmar military forces and an armed opposition group near Nila Pan village on the Myanmar side of the border.

During the exchange, stray bullets crossed into Thai territory, hitting Huai Mahawong village in Mahawan subdistrict. Locals reported hearing gunfire, and at least one Myanmar migrant worker was injured in the incident.

Following the border spillover, Maj. Gen. Maitree reported the situation to Lt. Gen. Worathep Boonya, commander of the Third Army Area, and received approval to fire four warning smoke rounds. The rounds were fired immediately to alert and warn both sides.

The Naresuan Task Force stressed that its troops continue to follow the Rules of Engagement (ROE) strictly and are closely monitoring the situation along the border.

Authorities urged local residents to remain vigilant but confirmed that the situation on the Thai side remains under control.

Japan deploys its first long-range missiles

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Associated Press

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31 March 2026, 18:55

Japan Missile Deployment — The Type-12 land-to-ship missile launcher is shown at the Camp Kengun in the Kumamoto prefecture, western Japan, on March 17, 2026. (Kyodo News via AP)

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s first long-range missile was deployed at a southwestern army camp, officials said Tuesday, as the country pushes to bolster its offensive capabilities.

The upgraded Type-12 land-to-ship missiles, developed and produced by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, became operational at Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture.

“As Japan faces the most severe and complex security environment in the postwar era … it is an extremely important capability to strengthen Japan’s deterrence and responsiveness,” Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters. “It demonstrates Japan’s firm determination and capability to defend itself.”

The upgraded Type-12 missile has a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), a significant extension from the 200-kilometer (125-mile) range of the original that would allow it to reach mainland China.

The deployment of the long-range missile gives Japan a “standoff” capability, meaning it can strike enemy missile bases from afar, marking a break from the self-defense-only policy the country long followed under its pacifist constitution.

Residents opposing the deployment near the residential area staged protests outside the Kengun camp, saying it would escalate tension and increases risks the area could be targeted by potential enemies.

Japan rolls out more weapons systems to protect southwestern islands

Also Tuesday, a hypersonic glide vehicle, a new weapons system designed for island defense, was deployed to Camp Fuji in the Shizuoka prefecture, west of Tokyo. Additional deployment of the upgraded Type-12 missiles and HGVs at other locations in Japan, including Hokkaido in the north and Miyazaki in the south, are planned by March 2028.

Japan also plans to deploy U.S.-made, 1,600-kilometer (990-mile)-range Tomahawk cruise missiles on Japanese destroyer JS Chokai later this year, and eventually on seven other destroyers.

Takaichi boosts defense spending to counter China

Japan considers China its main regional security threat and has fortified the country’s southwestern islands near the East China Sea in recent years.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ‘s Cabinet in December approved a record defense budget plan exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for the fiscal year beginning April and aims to fortify its strike-back capability and coastal defense with cruise missiles and unmanned arsenals.

Japan last June spotted two Chinese aircraft carriers almost simultaneously operating near Japanese remote islands in the Pacific for the first time, sparking Tokyo’s concern about Beijing’s military activity stretching far beyond its borders.

The defense minster last week announced the establishment of a new office dedicated to studying China’s Pacific activity.

Tensions have escalated further since Takaichi’s statement in November that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response.

Japan rolls out more weapons systems to protect southwestern islands

Takaichi boosts defense spending to counter China

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