Thailand Roundup: Increased tiger population, cannabis re-criminalisation, illegal Chinese ad
Illegal Chinese billboard ad
A Chinese-language billboard advertising passport sales at the Huai Khwang intersection in Bangkok has sparked a major investigation by state authorities. On July 23, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thiti Saengsawang and Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthiphon Ittisarnronnachai ordered the interrogation of Ms. Na Su, a Chinese national, who was found to have commissioned the sign. Ms. Na Su revealed that she had received the order from a company in Hong Kong. They discussed costs, which included a 150,000 baht monthly rental fee and 60,000 baht for making the sign. She received a coordination fee of $500 (about 17,000 baht) per sign, reports Khaosod English.
No Thai berry picker in Finland
Despite Finland issuing 900 permits to Thai berry pickers, none have entered the country for the harvest season due to a lack of exit permits from Thai authorities. According to Schengen News, Birgitta Partanen of the Arctic Aroman Association and Jarmo Tiukkanen, a Finnish government advisor, confirmed that Thai authorities have not issued the necessary exit permits for the pickers to travel to Finland.
Increased tiger population
Thailand's Western Forest Complex has seen a doubling of the tiger population and increased prey animals due to long-term conservation efforts. Camera-trapping data revealed the tiger recovery, attributed to efforts to control poaching and restore habitats. The population growth of tigers and their prey serves as a model for tiger recovery in other parts of Thailand. As reported by Good Good Good News, conservation efforts have included strengthened ranger patrols and antipoaching measures. Successful tiger recovery also depends on protecting connectivity between forests. The success of Thailand's conservation efforts is significant for the future of tiger populations in the region.
NIA unveils 'Groom - Grant - Growth - Global'
The National Innovation Agency (NIA) has unveiled the 'Groom - Grant - Growth - Global' strategy to drive Thailand towards becoming an innovative nation. The agency aims to strengthen innovation, promote the export of Thai products, and enhance organizational operations using digital technologies. NIA has worked with partners to support innovation-based entrepreneurs and developed financial mechanisms to meet the needs of innovation entrepreneurs. The agency also focuses on promoting international market expansion and digital transformation to support innovation entrepreneurs, reports Taiwan News.
Re-criminalising cannabis
Thailand has decided not to re-criminalize cannabis and will instead regulate its use for medicinal purposes, aiming to tap into a $1bn industry. The government's U-turn on its previous policy comes after the decriminalization of marijuana led to widespread recreational use. The move indicates better coordination between government parties on the complex cannabis issue, and a draft legislation to regulate the industry is now being discussed. As reported by the Independent, the proposed re-criminalisation of cannabis has been set in motion, but the deputy prime minister, a member of the Narcotics Control Board, has vowed to vote against the plan.
